Apple : Mac threats outpace Windows for the first time |
- Mac threats outpace Windows for the first time
- Where to watch Studio Ghibli films from anywhere: stream on Netflix and beyond
- Samsung Galaxy S20 price and deals: here's where you can get it in the US
- Best indie games on PC and consoles 2020: the greatest hidden gems
- Best webcams 2020: the top webcams for your PC
- Best gaming mouse 2020: the best gaming mice we've tested
- Windows 10X is coming for Apple's Touchbar with the Wonder Bar
- iPadOS release date, features and compatibility details
- Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes
- macOS Catalina is here: everything you need to know about macOS 10.15
- Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S20 Plus vs Galaxy S20 Ultra: what's the difference?
- The best Presidents' Day sales 2020: deals from Best Buy, Walmart and more
- The best gaming monitor 2020: the 10 best gaming screens of the year
- Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10: comparing Samsung’s new and old flagships
- FBI warns that hackers are targeting software supply chain providers
- Samsung Galaxy S20 deals are now available - this is where to pre-order
- How to watch Love Island online: stream the winter series from UK or abroad
- Samsung launches Galaxy Buds Plus to finally take on Apple's AirPods Pro
- Nvidia Pascal is being resurrected to beat Intel Ice Lake integrated graphics
- This SIM-free Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is now £400 cheaper as Galaxy S20 launches
| Mac threats outpace Windows for the first time Posted: 11 Feb 2020 02:29 PM PST Malwarebytes has released its annual “State of Malware” report revealing that for the first time ever, Mac threats are growing faster than their Windows counterparts. Last year the cybersecurity firm detected an average of 11 threats per mac endpoint which is nearly double the average of 5.8 threats per endpoint on Windows. Additionally, overall mac threats increased by more than 400 percent year-over-year. Malwarebytes also observed that cybercriminals are continuing to focus on business targets with a diversification of threat types and attack strategies in 2019. Throughout last year, global business threats rose by 13 percent to reach almost 9.6m detections.
Growing threatsMalwarebytes' report also shed light on how trojan-turned-botnets Emotet and TrickBot both made a return last year to target organizations alongside new ransomware families including Ryuk, Sodinokibi and Phobos. Additionally, a new wave of hack tools and registry key disablers made their way into the firm's top detections. Consumer detections of HackTools were up by 42 percent and Malwarebytes believe this is a threat to watch closely in 2020 alongside MimiKatz which also targets businesses. Adware remained problematic for consumers and businesses on Windows, Mac and Android devices as it proved extremely difficult to uninstall while deploying aggressive techniques to serve up advertisements, hijack browsers and redirect web traffic. CEO of Malwarebytes, Marcin Klecynski provided further insight on the findings of the firm's latest report in a press release, saying: “A rise in pre-installed malware, adware and multi-vector attacks signals that threat actors are becoming more creative and increasingly persistent with their campaigns. It is imperative that, as an industry, we continue to raise the bar in defending against these sophisticated attacks, actively protecting both users and businesses by flagging and blocking all programs that may violate their privacy, infect their devices, or even turn the infrastructure they depend on against them.”
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Where to watch Studio Ghibli films from anywhere: stream on Netflix and beyond Posted: 11 Feb 2020 02:22 PM PST Been wondering where to watch Studio Ghibli's weird and wonderful back catalogue? After years, in the wilderness, HBO Max and Netflix have recently agreed deals allowing them to stream the company’s entire ouevre. This collection of critically-lauded, record-breaking hits from the Japanese animation powerhouse haven’t been available to stream or download digitally…until now! Netflix will have exclusive streaming rights for all territories except Canada, Japan and the US. Meanwhile, when the new service goes live in May, HBO Max will be the home for Studio Ghibli content for the North American market. With these services providing easy access to 20 feature films, lesser known fare like Pom Poko and a TV movie called Ocean Waves, it should grant them a competitive edge over rival platforms Disney Plus and Apple TV. Co-founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli has left an indelible impression on the cinematic landscape. Their highly imaginative, morally complex and humanistic films have endeared themselves to audiences and critics alike across the globe. Princess Mononoke won Japan’s Best Picture award in 1997, and was the first animated film to do so. Four years later, Spirited Away received the Best Animated Feature at the Oscars while also knocking Titanic from the top spot of Japan’s highest-ever grossing film. So, are you ready to soar with porcine pilot Porco Rosso or join Totoro and his forest-dwelling friends? Then we’ll break down for you where to watch Studio Ghibli content based on your location, and let you enjoy some of the finest anime cinema has to offer. Where to watch Studio Ghibli films online in the US
Where to watch Studio Ghibli films in the rest of the worldWhere to watch Studio Ghibli films from outside your countryIf you find yourself away from home – on a sabbatical abroad or temporarily relocated for work or on vacation, perhaps – you don’t have to skip your audio-visual visits to the wonderful world of Ghibli. Utilizing a VPN will allow you to watch these anime masterpieces no matter where you are. This basic bit of software alters your IP address, giving you access to regional content that you’d usually be watching on your Totoro bedspread at home. What dates will Studio Ghibli films hit Netflix?Listed below – with breathless excitement – are the dates that each Studio Ghibli feature becomes available on Netflix:
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy S20 price and deals: here's where you can get it in the US Posted: 11 Feb 2020 02:01 PM PST The new Samsung Galaxy S20 has launched today at the Samsung Unpacked event, and it will be available from all the major carriers in the US. You'll be able to get your hands on all three devices March 6, beating out the UK, where shoppers will have to wait a week until March 13 for the phone to launch. If you want to ensure you can get it at launch, you'll want to take advantage of the pre-order window, which begins February 21. The most affordable model will be the Galaxy S20, which retails for $999 with 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. Jumping up to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus with the same storage and memory, you'll pay $1,199. For $1,349, you can increase the S20 Plus storage to 512GB. Of course, you also have the option of more affordably expanding the storage using a microSD card instead. Prices go a lot higher for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. It starts at $1,399 for a 128GB model with 12GB of RAM. But, it can go higher for the 512GB model with a stunning 16GB of RAM, which will go for $1,699. Here's what else we know about Galaxy S20 prices from carriers: Verizon Samsung Galaxy S20 prices and deals:As is typical for Verizon, the carrier has installment plans that cut up the price of the phone over the course of 24 months. Not all the phones are available on the general launch date of March 6 - and it's because of 5G. To be clear, all three phones connect to 5G. But only the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra connect to mmWave, which Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband currently uses. You'll be able to preorder either of those on February 21 and pick them up in Verizon stores or online on March 6. Both those phones are also compatible with sub-6 5G; the standard Samsung Galaxy S20, however, is only compatible with those lower-frequency networks. So once Verizon's just-now-confirmed-at-Unpacked lower-frequency 5G network goes live later in the year, a version of the S20 keyed to the network will be released in Q2 2020. BOGO discounts are also common for Verizon Wireless deals, but it may just offer a reduced price on a second phone rather than a fully free device.
While it doesn't seem like Verizon is offering any special trade-in deals this time, it will give $200 in credit to consumers who preorder an S20 Plus or S20 Ultra. Visible, an carrier that operates on Verizon's network, will also offer the Galaxy S20 for $984 and the Galaxy S20 Plus for $1,176. But, as far as we know, you won't be able to take advantage of the 5G connectivity through Visible. AT&T Samsung Galaxy S20 prices and deals:AT&T is offering the Galaxy S20 with support for its 5G network. The entry-level S20 will support its sub-6GHz 5G network, while the S20 Plus and Ultra will both support the sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks from AT&T. AT&T will offer the phones on 30-month installment plans, which brings the prices of each phone to the following:
If you order a new Galaxy S20 or S20 Plus from AT&T on an installment plan, port a line, trade-in an eligble phone, and get an Unlimited Extra or Unlimited Elite plan, AT&T will reduce the price. The Galaxy S20 would be free with that deal, and the S20 Ultra would cost $200. Sprint Samsung Galaxy S20 prices and deals:We haven't received pricing info from Sprint yet. They carrier will likely offer discounts for new customers and allow for 18-month leases that let you pay for only a portion of the device. Then, if you're ready to upgrade to a new phone in 18 months, you can trade it back in. Alternatively, you can pay off the remaining value of the phone and keep it at the end of the lease. T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S20 prices and deals:T-Mobile also has yet to provide us with any pricing details on the Galaxy S20. We expect 24-month installment plans to be available. We'd also expect some discounts for customers signing up for unlimited data plans as an incentive to get users onto T-Mobile's new 5G network. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Best indie games on PC and consoles 2020: the greatest hidden gems Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:54 PM PST Looking for the best indie games you can play right now? Well, you've come to the right place. Unlike AAA titles, the best indie games give gamers the pure artistic vision of game developers – most ideally experienced on one of the best gaming PCs. In fact, many of them are among the best Steam games you can download in 2020. But, make no mistake: just because the best indie games don’t have the corporate weight behind them doesn’t mean they can’t keep up with the latest AAA hits in scope and ambition. We've found that, often, the opposite is true. The best indie games can easily rival mainstream games in both quality and scope. And, since they don’t have to rely on tired tropes just to sell millions of copies, like their AAA counterparts, they’re essentially artistic masterpieces and offer a more unique experience. We’ve put together a list of all the best indie games on the PC and console market today, from in vogue indies like Return of the Obra Dinn and Outward, to classic titles like Braid and Dwarf Fortress. If you’re looking for the next great indie title, keep reading. And, don’t worry, we’re going to keep this list updated with all the latest and greatest indie hits. COMING SOON: As well as keeping an eye on all of the best indie games you can play right now, we're looking at what's coming soon and likely to be an indie hit. Now we're well into 2020, there are some titles we can't wait to try out. These include Sable from Shedworks, which takes you on a colorful adventure across an alien planet, as well as Carrion from Devolver Digital, described as a "reverse horror" game, which essentially means you play as the big bad. Coming Soon: Ooblets
Image Credit: Glumberland It’s not out yet, with Double Fine promising it’ll be out ‘soonish,’ but Ooblets is already on our radar. Being developed by first-time studio Glumberland, and backed by Double Fine, the game is described as some kind of combo between Pokemon, Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, capturing our attention – and probably yours, too. The game combines an art style oddly reminiscent of post-apocalyptic sensation, Adventure Time, with gameplay that revolves around gathering creatures called ooblets in the town of, uh, Oob. In the game, you’ll be able to train and battle your ooblets against other ooblet trainers. At the same time, you’ll have to balance your ooblet training with the real-world responsibilities of being a farmer. That’s right; drawing influence from the likes of Stardew Valley, you can cultivate, produce and decorate your house with various trimmings as well. You’ll also be able to join an Ooblet Club comprised of friends (NPCs) you’ll meet along the way. If you don’t know what to do just yet, you can just walk around aimlessly to discover new shops and buildings that suit your interest. Better yet, you can open up your own shop to sell produce that you’ve grown yourself on the farm, as well as items that you’ve scavenged throughout the world. And, you can feed the leftover crops to your ooblets to watch them level up and learn new techniques to be used in the turn-based, RPG-style battles. Expected: ‘Soonish’ Untitled Goose Game
Image Credit: House House Who knew an untitled game about a goose could be so fun? A bit of surprise hit, Untitled Goose Game quickly went viral after its brand of avian nuisance-making was unveiled to the world. Set in a dopey village in the English countryside, you play as a goose tasked with terrorizing your human neighbours: stealing their crops, locking them in closets, and honking all the way through. Inspired by the stealth action series Hitman, but with its own charm, Untitled Goose Game became a huge hit in 2019. You'll zip through the game in a handful of hours, but it's very much work the journey. Braid
Image Credit: Number None At first, Jonathan Blow's masterpiece appears to be a simple pastiche of Super Mario Bros, with a middle-aged curmudgeon replacing the titular plumber, but still seeking to rescue a princess. But, the longer you spend in the game, the more that’s revealed to you, progressing from a series of time-bending puzzles to quiet reflective texts. That doesn’t stop it from being the smartest puzzle game since SpaceChem, however. Blow himself has subtly hinted that the ultimate story may revolve around the atomic bomb. Cave Story
Image Credit: Pixel First released as PC freeware by Japanese designer Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya in 2004 after five years of 100% solo development, Cave Story predates this recent indie renaissance by a few years. Because of that, it's often been omitted in indie gaming discussions. However, this classic more than deserves to be on every best-of list, and not only for its loving homage to the classic action platforming games of the Super Nintendo era. It also boasts awesome music and a breathlessly vibrant world, not to mention, the hugely intuitive controls as well as gobs of secrets and weapons that are simply too fun to use. If you've yet to enjoy this one, you need to put it at the top of your list already. Cuphead
Image Credit: StudioMDHR From family-owned and operated Studio MDHR, Cuphead has resonated with millions of people around the world, many of whom normally wouldn’t touch a run-and-gun platformer with a ten-foot pole. While its gameplay was inspired by classic games such as Mega Man and Contra, most gamers will likely compare it to a Fleischer Studios cartoon like Betty Boop. Because Cuphead uses a hand-drawn art style similar to a 1930s animation, it’s been universally praised for its gorgeous visuals. Cuphead is more than just its stunning visuals, however. It’s a series of 19 challenging and engaging bosses, with platforming bits interspersed between them. It already made our list of the best indie games, but then Studio MDHR has announced that the Cuphead: the Delicious Last Course DLC, slated for 2019, will include a new isle to explore, new bosses to conquer and, most importantly, a new character to master. A Plague Tale: Innocence
Image Credit: Focus Home Interactive This dark and moody action-adventure stealth game by Asobo Studio is hauntingly beautiful. Set in the 1340s during the Black Death pandemic in the French countryside, you’re Amicia, a young noble girl whose parents were killed by the Inquisition. You must now traverse battlefields and villages with her brother Hugo to find a cure for his mysterious ailment. Along the way, you must scare away ravenous rats as well as stun (or kill) guards and hostile villagers with your sling and special ammunition supplies. Despite the ghastliness and rawness of the Middle Ages and the Plague, A Plague Tale: Innocence is a complete stunner and a game who almost never want to end. Spelunky
Image Credit: Derek Yu Among the hardcore gamers we know, Spelunky is the go-to drug. Even today, several years after its release, some of them still play it consistently, despite having completed it many times over. That's because this ostensibly rogue-like platformer with a definite end is tough, varied and highly randomized. It also has more dark secrets than a presidential candidate, which means that there are a number of ways to finish it, and its daily challenges are a sure-fire way to public humiliation. The Stanley Parable
Image Credit: Davey Wreden Does humor belong in video games? Well, if the Stanley Parable has its way, it’s a resounding ‘yes’. This game is hilarious without being dumbed down. Players follow (or don’t) a very British narrator who changes the world around you, based on your choices. No choice is punished, and every playthrough will be fresh with new humor and weird goings-on. In fact, being trapped in the closet in The Stanley Parable is more moving and funny than the majority of other games, indie and otherwise. If you missed out on this ironic gem back when it first launched, you’ll be happy to know that the developer announced the Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe edition for 2019, touting fresh content, more endings and a console release. This Ultra Deluxe edition actually sounds pretty tempting, even for us – and we played it a whole lot when it first came out. Owlboy
Image Credit: D-Pad Studio It took more than nine years to make, but Owlboy is certainly worth the wait. Originally designed for PCs and released in late 2016, this clever indie game masterpiece is now available to experience on Mac and Linux as well – and there’s even a Nintendo Switch version! Owlboy revolves around a race of owl-human hybrid characters called, aptly enough, Owls. Of them, you control Otis, an Owl who is censured by his mentor for his inept flying skills. The story sees Otis’ village destroyed by pirates who have conflict with the Owls. As a result, Otis has to work with an assortment of villagers in-game to take out enemies. Of course, before the boss battles arise, you’ll need to manage allies accordingly, as each character comes with their own set of unique skill sets to use in conjunction with one another. If you’ve ever played and enjoyed a Kid Icarus game, this is one’s for you. If not, well… play it anyway. Gone Home
Image Credit: Fullbright Similar to The Stanley Parable, Gone Home falls into the unofficially christened ‘walking simulator’ genre. Where it diverts from the clever and philosophical Stanley Parable, however, is its focus on life’s difficult realities, as opposed to light humor. After coming home to your childhood house following an overseas visit, you play as 21-year-old Kaitlin Greenbriar who is greeted by an empty house. While gameplay is limited to scavenging through notes to find out where your family is, the compelling story is extremely emotional and gripping, as long as you keep an open mind. After all this time, Gone Home still stands out as one of the best indie games out there. Kerbal Space Program
Image Credit: Squad Only SpaceChem has mixed learning with entertainment as successfully as The Kerbal Space Program. The game is simple - design and build a spacecraft to take the cutesy Kerbals to the Mun and beyond. Its intelligent use of real physics, however, means that you'll find yourself following NASA as you’re building multi-stage rockets and space stations as well as exploring the Kerbal's strange universe on EVAs, before bringing your discoveries back for research on the Kerbal planet - that's if you can get off the ground at all. It's a huge, complex, challenging and fun game that manages to be super smart without being preachy. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Image Credit: Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the exact opposite of something like Kerbal Space Program – it’s an action roguelike par excellence. You play as a young boy forced to kill his damned siblings, mother and possibly the Devil, using only tears that he shoots from his eyes, naturally. This indie games is matched only by the equally visceral Nuclear Throne. With dozens of weird items to collect, endless procedurally-generated levels and many secrets, the Binding of Isaac is a very dark take on the exploratory model established by Spelunky. Undertale
Image Credit: GameMaker Studio Don’t let its pixel art graphics put you off – Undertale isn’t a game that would have fit on the Super Nintendo. That’s because, in Undertale, the decisions you make have a huge impact on how the game ends and, more importantly, how it continues in New Game Plus. While playing Undertale, you’ll realize just how much freedom the game gives you. Despite its highly inspired and very intense boss matches, you’ll make it through the entire nine or so hours of Undertale as a total pacifist, if you choose to. Plus, when you go through the game a second time, you’ll bear the weight of the consequences from your previous run. What’s even better is that Undertale is out now on the Nintendo Switch, so you can take this masterpiece of game design wherever you go. Inside
Image Credit: Playdead From developer Playdead, Inside is very much like its predecessor, Limbo, in some ways, only with an added layer of depth that often inspires wonder. This is mostly a result of the unspoken narrative, which revolves around yet another nameless boy. In Inside, the boy is running away from a group of men who – if you fail to stay out of their sights – will try to mercilessly kill you. It isn't quite clear why the boy is running from these men or why you should even care since you don't know who he is, so Inside will leave you begging for answers. The bleak, lifeless setting of Inside is more than worth the price of admission. Its minimalist art style alone is avant-garde enough to feel right at home in a museum. Factor in the fact that this game is both fun to play and dripping with curiosity, and you won’t doubt that Inside is one of the best indie games money can buy. Stardew Valley
Image Credit: Eric Barone Developed single-handedly by Eric Barone, Stardew Valley is a technical feat for that little fact alone. If you’ve ever played a Harvest Moon game, you’re already familiar with its premise – you may just not know it yet. Stardew Valley is an addictive farming simulator, which lets you interact with townees to the point where you can literally marry them. Stardew Valley isn’t just farming, however – it’s a whole bunch of other things at the same time. You can go fishing, you can cook, you can craft stuff. You can even go explore procedurally-generated caves to mine for items and even fight slime-monster-things. You should keep in mind that your health and energy are finite however, so you'll want to keep your character rested and fed to avoid suffering from exhaustion. Pass out, and you’ll lose a considerable amount of money and items you’ve worked hard to attain. Stardew Valley will have you playing for hours on end, for better or worse. (Definitely better.) Night in the Woods
Image Credit: Infinite Fall From Canadian game developer Alec Holowka, creator of the award-winning Aquaria (also featured on this list), and independent artist/animator Scott Benson, Night in the Woods is an unconventional side-scrolling adventure game that revolves around a 20-year-old protagonist named Mae who drops out of college and moves back in with her parents. Featuring a story largely based around dialog choices and mini games that put a spin on mundane tasks, like carrying boxes up the stairs and eating perogies, Night in the Woods is a timeless coming-of-age tale. Not only will you experience middle class America through the eyes of a personified cat, but virtually every interaction in-game will have you laughing aloud. And now that it’s available on the Nintendo Switch, you can now take it wherever you go. Hollow Knight
Image Credit: Team Cherry If you’re a fan of the recent wave of games inspired by Dark Souls, you’ll absolutely love Hollow Knight. You take control of the Hollow Knight, and lead them through the deceptively adorable landscape to take on bosses and other difficult challenges. Much like Dark Souls, it’s not immediately clear what you’re actually supposed to be doing as the narrative is intentionally obtuse. The Dark Souls inspirations don’t end there, either. It also embraces Dark Souls’s ‘tough but fair’ philosophy, and the game is only as hard as you make it. In fact, you can overcome anything as long as you have patience and learn from your mistakes. Hollow Knight takes these lessons from Dark Souls and injects them into a MetroidVania, with all the side-scrolling and upgrades you could possibly want. You can even play it on the Nintendo Switch now. Dead Cells
Image Credit: Motion Twin If you’re looking for a game that’s as unforgiving as it is fun, look no further than Dead Cells. It takes gameplay inspiration from so many places – from roguelikes to MetroidVania. There’s even a hint of Dark Souls in there, creating a unique action game that will test your limits and skills. Each time you play this game, it will feel new. And, while you’ll lose some progress each time you die – and you will die a lot – the game will become even more rewarding as the complex and fluid combat becomes second nature. In the final release of the game, you get access to over 90 weapons, skills and abilities that will let you tailor your gameplay however you want. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged if you fail. Get up and try again, as Dead Cells will only reward you in the end, which is why it has our vote for one of the best indie games in 2019. Deliver Us the Moon
Deliver Us the Moon has gotten a new update ray tracing support. If you often have fantasies about preventing a catastrophic world-ending event from happening, Deliver Us the Moon might be the best indie game for you. Released in late 2018, this apocalyptic sci-fi game will let you play the hero who saves humanity from extinction. In the game, you play a lone astronaut, and you’re sent on a critical rescue mission to the moon and find out what happened to Earth’s Helium 3 mining facility, Reinhold mining facility, there after it went dark. This game by KeokeN Interactive is an adventure game, as opposed to an action one, which means you’re mostly finding clues, navigating your way around abandoned facilities and solving puzzles to figure out what exactly happened. If navigating your way around empty facilities and the whole of the moon all by your lonesome might make you feel autophobic, don’t worry. You’ll have your trusty robot, ASE, beside you as you do so. Best yet, Deliver Us the Moon has gotten a new update ray tracing support. It now boasts ray tracing effects like shadows, translucent reflections and opaque reflections. Dwarf Fortress
Image Credit: Bay 12 Games Dwarf Fortress is its own genre and its own industry. This is a game that has to generate the entire geography, mythology and history of its massive world before you set foot in it. It then tracks every single one of the dwarfs you're managing down to the hairs on their legs, and the particular horrible elephant murder that they’ve witnessed and are now carving on an ornamental chair. Your task is simple: to keep the dwarves alive as they carve out their subterranean kingdom. Though given that insanity, monsters and starvation plague them at every stage, it isn’t easy. Plus, dwarves, always, always mine too deep. Super Meat Boy
Image: Team Meat Boy Run. Jump. Die. Repeat. That’s basically the gameplay loop of Super Meat Boy, a fiendishly addictive 2D platformer that’s also bloody hard, with an emphasis on bloody. Gallons of blood is spilled as the game’s eponymous meaty hero leaps over deadly drops, spinning saws and walking chainsaws in a bid to rescue his girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from the evil Dr Foetus. Obviously. With solid controls, lots of humor and vibrant graphics, Super Meat Boy leapt onto the PS4, Vita, and Nintendo Switch in style. Limbo
Image Credit: Playdead, Double Eleven It might not be Playdead’s most recent game, but Limbo is eternal. Five years after its release, and the game’s haunting storyline still has an effect on us. You play the Boy, a child with glowing eyes who is cast into Limbo to find his sister. Making your way through a bleak and dangerous world full of hostile silhouettes, giant spiders and deadly gravitational fields, you’ll need to think on your feet and perfectly time your movements, if you were to survive. Limbo is much more than a simple platformer: it's an experience, and one that will have you pondering the very essence of life by the time you finish. Deep, profound and absorbing, it's among the best indie games that everybody should take time out to play. Towerfall: Ascension
Image Credit: Matt Makes Games If you're looking for a retro-inspired multiplayer archery combat game (aren't we all?), TowerFall: Ascension is the pick of the lot. Fast, frenetic and teeth-gnashingly hard in hardcore mode, the game's mechanics are simple: fire arrows at your enemies or jump on their heads to stay alive until the round ends. Arrows that don't hit are embedded in walls, making for tense scenarios when you have to traverse the map while dodging enemies to retrieve them. As such, practicing until you achieve Robin Hood-esque levels of accuracy is key. Ascension is best experienced with friends in local multiplayer mode, which is reminiscent of Super Smash Bros' most manic moments. Celeste
Image Credit: Matt Makes Games, Matt Thorson It’s not often that a platformer is able to balance challenging and engaging gameplay with an emotional and thought-provoking narrative. Celeste, however, pulls it off, making it one of our best indie games picks. From the developers of Towerfall, Celeste follows the story of Madeline, a young girl who decides to face her mental health issues by climbing to the top of the mysterious Celeste Mountain. In doing so, she learns more not only about the mountain, but about herself as well throughout the process. An inevitable classic, Celeste integrates the obvious jump, air-dash and climb controls into a brutal series of platforming challenges in upwards of 700 unique screens. If that’s too easy, you’ll unlock B-side chapters along the way, designed for only the most intrepid of hardcore players. You don’t even have to worry about waiting an eternity between each respawn, as Celeste brings you back from the grave in an instant, a welcome departure from the typically extensive load screens. Satisfactory
Image Credit: Coffee Stain Studios Have you ever wanted to land on an alien planet, and build a factory? Yes, it’s an unusual premise, but we promise that it works in Satisfactory. You’ll land on one of three planets of varying difficulty, where you’ll be tasked with building and automating a factory to exploit the world around you. The premise sounds bland, but being able to roam these beautiful worlds in first person while scavenging materials and fighting off hostile wildlife makes it all that more exciting. Plus, is there anything better than sitting back and admiring something you worked hard on? Satisfactory is in early access right now, and exclusive to the Epic Games Store, but if you can get past all that, you’re sure to get hours of wholesome simulation out of it. Nidhogg 2
Image Credit: Messhof Games After the raging success that was the original Nidhogg, it’s a shame to see the superior sequel get thrown under the bus. Nevertheless, despite its controversial art style, Nidhogg 2 packs a refined, stunning look that the first version, a cult-classic, wouldn’t dare compete with, which is one of the reasons why it’s on our best indie games list. In still frames, we can see how this could get misconstrued, but fortunately, it’s the fun and addictive local multiplayer gameplay that makes Nidhogg, well, Nidhogg. And it’s all there in Nidhogg 2. Additionally, every time you respawn, you get one of four unique weapons that only bolster the challenge. The Witness
Image Credit: Jonathan Blow, Thekla Inc. Esteemed indie designer Jon Blow's follow up to Braid may look like a wholly different adventure, being 3D and all. However, the two are more thematically alike than you might think. The Witness, at its core, is another puzzle game that tells an absorbing story through said puzzles. This puzzler takes place in an almost equally impressionist – albeit heavily Myst-inspired – world, but it's story is far more nuanced and mysterious than Blow's earlier work. At almost every corner of this island that you've simply woken up on (or beneath), there is a clue as to how you got onto this island and why you're here. Transistor
Image Credit: Supergiant Games, Confetti Inc. Don’t get us wrong, we liked Bastion. Still, we can’t deny that Transistor was SuperGiant Games’ best work to date – not to mention, one of the best indie games to hit the streets today. Much of that has to do with the combination of action-based and turn-based RPG elements contained within its cyberpunk futurescape. Likewise, in classic SuperGiant fashion, those mechanics are complemented with a stunning art style and a music score so stunning it’ll make you want to buy the soundtrack. Leaving key gameplay beats up to the player, the story isn’t so variable. Transistor’s main character, Red, is a renowned singer in the city of Cloudbank. However, she’s been attacked by a group of vicious robots who call themselves the Process, operated by another group called the Camerata. In her journey, she finds the Transistor, a mysterious sword with the voice of a man. Soon enough, she’ll learn more about him and how he will shake up her world. Oxenfree
Image Credit: Night School Studio It’s weird to think that Oxenfree came out before the first season of Stranger Things, and yet, the two coincidentally have a lot in common. The 80s-inspired heavy synth music composed by scntfc, for one, highlights some truly gripping sci-fi horror revolving around – you guessed it – a group of teenagers stuck on an island. The story involves a handful of uniquely written characters, namely the main character Alex, along with her stoner friend Ren, her newfound stepbrother Jonas, her dead brother Michael’s ex-girlfriend Clarissa and her best friend Nona, with whom Ren happens to be in love with. The plot is explained through branching speech dialogues, kind of like Life is Strange or modern-day Telltale games, and it offers five different endings depending on your choices. Firewatch
Image Credit: Campo Santo Exploring a surreal wilderness seems to be the trend these days – and not just in real life. Developer Campo Santo's debut, Firewatch, only serves to keep it going in gaming. Set in the wilderness of 1989 Wyoming, you're playing Henry, a fire lookout that's all alone in the woods after exploring something strange in the distance. That is, except for your partner on the other line of a walkie-talkie: Delilah. She's your only point of contact as you explore the wilderness. Will you make it back alive? Will the decisions you make help or harm the relationship with your only lifeline to the outside world, your boss? But don't worry about those questions just yet – as with any adventure in the Great Outdoors, take some time to appreciate those forestscapes first! Rust
Image Credit: Facepunch Studios Rust is one of the more successful indie titles – not to mention, one of the best indie games – of recent times. By the end of 2015, it had sold more than 3 million copies. That’s not too shabby considering it wasn’t even finished — the game has been on Steam's Early Access scheme since being released in December 2013. It seems people can't get enough of the Day Z-inspired survival sim. It sees you use your wits and bearings to survive its harsh open world, with nothing but a rock… at least, in the beginning. After gathering the resources you need to build a house and weapons to fend off attackers (other online players, in other words), Rust progressively becomes more intense as you defend your growing base — or attempt to breach others'. Overcooked 2
Image Credit: Ghost Town Games Fans of the original Overcooked will not be disappointed by its second installment in the chaotic couch co-op series from British indie game developer Team17. This time around, your mission is to defeat the 'Un-Bread' (zombie baked goods) that have taken over the Onion Kingdom, by battling through brand new recipes including sushi, pizza and burgers in increasingly chaotic kitchens with up to three other people. To add to the frenetic fun, you must deal with obstacles including random fires, collapsing floors and interfering passers by, all while getting your orders out to the pass in time. Things get complicated incredibly quickly. Relationships, friendships and family bonds will be tested as you work together to complete your recipes on time. Overcooked 2 is a fun and challenging couch co-op game that will make you truly understand the meaning of "too many cooks spoil the broth” and is well-deserving of its spot in our best indie games list. SCUM
Image Credit: Gamepires The natural progression of survival games, SCUM takes what predecessors like Rust and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds both succeeded at, only better by iterating in impressive ways. It offers a unique twist, combining the frenetic gameplay of battle royale games with the slow, thoughtful tactical of a survival sim. SCUM, unlike other similar games, is very heavy on the simulation side of things, however. You shouldn’t expect to run in guns blazing, as you’re going to get tired quickly (just as you would if you tried running outside in person with a ton of stuff in your backpack). But, if heavy statistic systems is something your into, this might be one of the best indie games for you. It’s like spreadsheets with a physics engine. Just don’t go in expecting a polished experience, not for now. However, developer Croteam promises to add more features over time, and as they’re backed by Devolver, you can trust that the game is going to shape up into something great. Return of the Obra Dinn
Image Credit: Lucas Pope Every so often, there’s a game that perfectly balances aesthetic, gameplay and narrative – where everything feels like it just fits like puzzle pieces. The best indie games always excel at this, and Return of the Obra Dinn is the epitome of that. A mystery taking place on a derelict ship, your mission is to figure out how the crew of this lost ship died, disappeared or worse. The entire game has this old-school visual styling that, combining it with the simple controls and gameplay technique that make it feel like a nostalgic sort of adventure. Right from the settings menu, you’ll get to choose what kind of monitor you’d like to emulate – we picked an old school Macintosh option – that should give you an idea of the type of retro revivalism on offer here. Critical thinking, exploration and a ton of reading is essential in Return of the Obra Dinn. If that all sounds appealing to you, and you’re happy with retro aesthetics, you will love this game. In fact, it’s one of the best indie games in a season marked with AAA decadence. Parkitect
Image Credit: Texel Raptor If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent hundreds of hours playing Roller Coaster Tycoon during your childhood. These days, while there have been plenty of amusement park simulators over the last few years, they’ve never quite hit that spot. That is, until Parkitect. Parkitect might just be the closest we have to those early aughts park simulators currently, and we’re absolutely in love. From the cartoonish art style to the realistic simulation and Steam Workshop integration, Parkitect is one of the best indie games 2019 has to offer. Flower
Image Credit: Annapurina Interactive For years, thatgamecompany has been behind some of the best indie games on the market, but most of them had been exclusive to PlayStation. One such game was Flower. Serving as a kind of a precursor to the beloved Journey, Flower puts you in command of a flower petal, surfing through the wind. You’ll activate different colors of flower beds to affect the environment, which will also get you different colored petals, until you have an entire trail of color surfing the wind. It’s an incredibly relaxing and creative experience, which also gives you an insight on the industrial world we all find ourselves living in. Trust us, give it a shot as it’s one of the best – not to mention, most legendary – indie games ever. Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas, Joe Osborne, Kane Fulton and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Best webcams 2020: the top webcams for your PC Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:49 PM PST If you have a desktop PC set up and require one of the best webcams to use for work, for connecting with friends and family, and for broadcasting your gaming, you’ve come to the right place. We scoured the peripherals market for the best of the best webcams on offer, and put together a list for you. After all, while the laptops or all-in-one PCs already come equipped with fairly good cameras, the desktop users out there still require a great webcam. In fact, it’s still a quintessential add-on to the desktop PC rig, which is why there’s a lot of amazing webcams to choose from on the market. With our help, you’ll end up with one of the best webcams to turn your desktop into a live streaming or video-conferencing monster. It’s just a matter for picking the best one that meets your needs. Do you need one primarily for video conferencing with colleagues? Are you looking for a webcam for Twitch or YouTube? Or do you need an affordable option that you’ll only be using for chatting with friends and family? This buying guide will help you find the best webcams for you, as we’ve gathered a variety of options for you to check out. Whether you want something with 4K resolution, can swivel around 360 degrees, or comes equipped with a quality mic, you’ll find something to fit your needs. Best webcams at a glance
Logitech StreamCam has many tools to offer for your content creation needs. Our top pick for the best webcams is more than just a webcam. The Logitech StreamCam won’t just have your back when you’re video conferencing, video chatting with families and friends, and live streaming your games. This feature-rich 1080p webcam has many tools to offer for your content creation needs as well, including auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design so you can take photos and videos in 9:16 format. You can even mount it on a tripod, and it uses USB Type-C for fast and more efficient video transfer speeds.
Razer Kiyo focuses on what matters most to game streamers and YouTube vloggers. (Image Credit: Razer) The Razer Kiyo might look weird, a testament to Razer’s unique designs, but it’s still one of the best webcams out there for streaming – which is unbelievably popular in this day and age. With the Razer Kiyo, Razer has stripped away a lot of the bells and whistles that more premium webcams offer, focusing instead on what matters most to game streamers and YouTube vloggers – good image quality and lighting through a “Light Ring”. You don’t need to spend a ton of time configuring the stream – just plug in the Razer Kiyo and get to work.
The Logitech C922 Pro Stream features the same classy design as its predecessor, but with something interesting for gamers. First on our list of the best webcams is Logitech's newest one, the Logitech G922 Pro Stream. It features the same classy design as its predecessor, the C920, but it’s especially interesting for gamers this time around. The C922 still boasts excellent 1080p video quality, great for hosting video calls, and its automatic low-light correction makes it a fantastic cam for streaming with the lights off. It also supports background removal, making it ideal for budding YouTubers. Should you buy the Logitech G922 Pro Stream?
The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is one of the best webcams out there. (Image Credit: Microsoft) The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is one of the best webcams out there. Aimed at pro users with large displays, it features a familiar configuration of 1080p recording and 720p live video calling. It rotates 360 degrees, and can be mounted on a tripod with autofocus. The wideband mic delivers crystal clear audio, and Microsoft’s TrueColor system will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit, making it a great choice for business conferencing and presentations.
Mevo allows you to capture footage live, no matter where you are in the world. (Image Credit: Mevo) If you’re an aspiring journalist, or even if you’re just trying to capture footage in the wild, Mevo might be one of the best webcams for you. Either the Mevo or Mevo Plus will allow you to capture footage live, no matter where you are in the world – as long as you can connect to a mobile network. Plus, because Mevo is small and inconspicuous, it won’t distract your subject during an interview.
Microsoft LifeCam Studio is made for business conferencing and presentations. (Image Credit: Microsoft) It isn’t the most attractive webcam, but the LifeCam Studio isn’t really designed to be attractive. Instead, it’s made for business conferencing and presentations, with its 1080p recording, 720p live video calling and wideband mic to deliver crystal clear sound. This is a serious peripheral – one that requires a powerful PC for max settings – but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking bells and whistles. For instance, it comes with 360-degree rotating capabilities and Microsoft’s TrueColor system, which will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit. Read the full review: Microsoft LifeCam Studio
Logitech Brio has brought high fidelity to the world of the best webcams. (Image Credit: Logitech) Have you ever looked at a webcam in disgust because it just can’t hold up to your smartphone? Well, the Logitech Brio might be the webcam you’ve been looking for. With a 4K UHD resolution and HDR, the Logitech Brio has brought high fidelity to the world of the best webcams. If that wasn’t enough, it also boasts Windows Hello functionality and an easy to use stand, which will let you position it to capture your best side.
The Creative Labs Senz3D has more features than you can imagine. (Image Credit: Creative) Creative may not be the first company that comes to mind when you’re in the market for the best webcams, but with the Creative Labs Senz3D, that’s clearly changed. This space-age webcam has more features than you can imagine, and the high-tech 3D scanner and facial tracking tech promises to lead to some intriguing things in both AR functionality and even gaming. It isn’t exactly cheap, but you’re getting all the bells and whistles with this offering from Creative.
Logitech C930e is Logitech's most advanced HD webcam yet. (Image Credit: Logitech) The C930e claims to be Logitech's most advanced HD webcam yet, so it isn’t surprising that it's also one of Logitech’s most expensive offerings. However, unlike traditional webcams, which rely on the PC for all the heavy lifting, this unit does the video encoding itself, which should in turn result in better video quality. The wide, 90-degree field of view means it’s well-suited to business video conferencing and presentations. And of course, it’s Skype-certified for PC and Mac.
The AUSDOM 1080P HD Webcam boasts resolutions of up to 1080p HD while supporting 12MP stills. (Image Credit: Ausdom) If you’re looking for a full HD webcam without that hefty price tag, this may be one of the best webcams for you. Boasting resolutions of up to 1080p HD while supporting 12MP stills, a noise-cancelling microphone and low-light compensation, this camera is feature-rich. There’s no autofocus, and you don’t get a big bundle of software, but that bargain price more than makes up for any shortcomings, which is why it’s earned a place on our best webcams list. Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Best gaming mouse 2020: the best gaming mice we've tested Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:41 PM PST Having the best gaming mouse is an important part of any quality gaming rig. It may be an afterthought for some but it really shouldn’t be. If you want to get the best out of your rig, which hopefully starts with one of the best gaming PCs, you must consider every peripheral. That includes your mouse. You’ll want one designed especially for gaming that will help your performance instead of hindering it. The best gaming mouse is critical regardless of whether you’re a casual gamer or trying to go toe-to-toe in the latest esports. There are a few different things that might make a mouse the best one for you. It’s not just down to the most expensive ones as there are quality mice at every price point. Durability and performance must be taken into consideration if you want to get the most out of your gaming experience. You’ll want to move at lightning speeds without having to go easy on your mouse. To help you look for the best gaming mouse, we’ve rounded up our selection of picks for you to choose from. They’re all tried and tested here at TechRadar so you know that they’re good. And make sure to also invest in the best gaming mouse pad to pair with your mouse. Also, take a look at our price comparison tool for help finding the best deal on your favorite mouse. Best gaming mice 2020 at a glance:
The features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710. When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players) and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech. Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 710
The HyperX Pulsefire Surge boasts extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting. If you catch yourself rolling your eyes at some of the gaming mice out there in 2019 that sport ridiculous, over-the-top designs, then you should take a look at the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB. Boasting extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting – not to mention, an impressive 16,000 DPI sensor – you’re scoring the best gaming mouse for an outstanding price. Plus, it’ll fit right into any office, at least once you turn down the lighting effects to show off its more accessible design. Read the full review: HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB
The Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. There are a couple reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here. Read the full review: Razer Viper
The Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life and doesn’t at all suck, for less than $50. The ergonomics unfortunately favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about. Read the full review: Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless
The SteelSeries Sensei Ten delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options. Its onboard profile customization and nice matte finish are just two of the things you’ll love about the SteelSeries Sensei Ten. Most importantly, this ambidextrous mouse boasts a top-of-the-line sensor, making it one of the best gaming mice we’ve tested in 2019. It delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options, as well as butter-smooth performance. SteelSeries tops it all off with Tilt Tracking, which essentially keeps tracking consistent and precise even when you’re lifting your mouse and putting it back down at tilted angles. Read the full review: SteelSeries Sensei Ten
Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. With up to 450 hours in Bluetooth mode, the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed is one of the longest lasting wireless mouse on the market. But, it’s got more going for it than just longevity. It also boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. It’s key feature, however, is the HyperSpeed Wireless, which reduces the time it takes to send data between your mouse and PC so it’s 25% faster than any other wireless gaming technology. Read the full review: Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed
The Corsair IronClaw RGB is an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users. Most of the best gaming mice on the market are either too small or too light, or even a bit of both, leaving gamers with big hands with few options. To make matters worse, some of the big mice out there come loaded with gratuitous buttons and weird shapes that make them more like asylum-seekers from an alien robot planet. The Corsair Ironclaw is just the opposite. It’s an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users, with a design that won’t make you want to squirrel it away in your desk drawer every time company comes around. It’s quite tough as well, so it can handle quite a bit of heavy use, making it the best gaming mouse for you. Read the full review: Corsair Ironclaw RGB
The Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you're looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. A solid gaming mouse at a decent price point, the Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you’re looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. It allows you to effortlessly hop from game to game with minimal fuss, and has 11 programmable buttons, a tactile scroll wheel with a tension dial and up to five different sensitivity levels. On top of that, it has the Razer Speedflex Cable, which boasts incredible flexibility and produces minimal drag. And, for comfort, it’s well-suited for a palm grip, as well as claw and fingertip styles. Read the full review: Razer Basilisk V2
Keep things simple with the Roccat Kain 202 AIMO. The Kain 202 AIMO from Roccat is the perfect mouse for the gamer who likes to keep it simple. No wires, no weight adjustment, no-nonsense. The 202 is easy to set up, works like a charm and comes with a solid battery life, ensuring that you won’t need to be plugging it in too often. Overall sensitivity and physical feedback is good, with particular mention going to the rugged scroll wheel, which feels great to roll and click. It’s not the most portable of mice, but its anti-wear coating ensures that this mouse should remain looking fine for the duration of its life. Read the full review: Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
Don't knock the Razer Deathadder V2's simple design. The Razer Deathadder V2 may be a simple mouse with a simple design, but don’t let that fool you. This is one of the best gaming mice out there, touting a response time of 0.2ms, 650IPS tracking speed, 8 programmable buttons and Razer Speedflex Cable. It’s pretty lightweight as well, making it possible to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. And don’t knock that simple design, either, as it only makes this mouse look right at home in the office as much as it does in your gaming setup. Best yet, it boasts a 70M click durability, which means it’ll last you for a long, long time. Read the full review: Razer Deathadder V2
How to choose the best gaming mouseWhile you’ll definitely find the best gaming mouse of your gaming dreams, doing so might take some time and effort. That’s expected; there’s a ton of complicated technical jargon that goes into the best gaming mice – terms like polling rates and DPI ratings that a regular buyer may not be familiar with. For the record, you’ll want a higher number of both, even though these two terms mean very different things. For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, when you come across the term DPI, that is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available, but you still want accuracy and precision, then opt for the best gaming mouse with a higher DPI rating that can toggle to a lower DPI, in case you get a bigger desk. Meanwhile, a high polling rate means you’re getting faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, and it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second. Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to keep in mind are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting. Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Windows 10X is coming for Apple's Touchbar with the Wonder Bar Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:37 PM PST At CES 2020, foldable computers were the name of the game, but there's one thing tying them all together: Windows 10X, and we just got a glimpse at a cool feature. Now, when we went hands-on with the Dell Concept Duet, Dell had a little magnetic keyboard that the rep attached to the screen, making it function like a real laptop. However, now that the Windows 10X emulator has been released by Microsoft, the folks at Liliputing discovered the Wonder Bar.
This will essentially sense when a keyboard is attached to one of the screens, and a unique UI will pop up, allowing you to interact with your content. Imagine the Touchbar on the MacBook Pro, but turned up to 11. Not only will there be plenty of Windows 10 apps that will offload some of the UI functionality to this Wonder Bar, but it will actually be large enough to offer a virtual trackpad, as well as video playback. In this way, it kind of reminds us of the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo with its half-screen above the keyboard. We here at TechRadar haven't quite had the chance to play with the emulator build of Windows 10X yet, but we can only imagine the possibilities that the Wonder Bar will enable. The secondary display on the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo was a cool concept, after all, and when support for this kind of thing is baked into Windows, there should be a wide range of software developers that will embrace it. The Surface Neo and Duo are still a ways off, but the more we hear about what Windows 10X will be able to do, the more excited we are to get our hands on it. If you can't wait for the release, you can download the emulator now - you'll just have to join the Windows Insider Program to do it.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| iPadOS release date, features and compatibility details Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:30 PM PST iPadOS 13.2, the operating system made specifically for Apple’s iPad tablets, is officially here. This is excellent news for iPad users, who are now getting fantastic new tricks as well as fresh and improved features on their devices, starting with Apple’s new gaming subscription service, Apple Arcade. This new tablet-friendly operating system is a big step for Apple. That’s because the company hasn’t committed to splitting the iPad’s software from the iOS before, which means that, until now, the tablet has been using the iOS since it first came out. It’s worth noting that to indicate parallel releases and that some features are coming to iPhones at the same time, the iPadOS has been numbered identically to iOS versions. Basically, iPadOS 13.2 brings in a number of critical improvements to the iPad UI that deliver a better tablet experience, including better use of screen real estate, new gesture controls and mouse support. Let’s take a look at everything the new iPadOS can do, so you can take full advantage of all its features. iPadOS release dateSeptember 24 was the download date for iPadOS and that was revealed alongside the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, as well as the Apple Watch 5 and a new entry-level iPad. Apple followed up with iPadOS 13.1 swiftly thereafter, released a few other interim versions and, in late October, pushed iPadOS 13.2. Most of these updates were bug fixes and optimizations, as Apple's changelog revealed - not just residual issues from the new forked build, but similar problems to those haunting iOS 13. iPadOS 13.2 also introduced support for the just-announced AirPods Pro, as well as support for HomeKit video and routers. Which iPads work with iPadOS?There's a long list of iPads that are able to download the update, but you'll be missing out if you have the original iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3 or something older. The following iPads can get an update to iPadOS now:
It's likely the new iPad Pro, which we're expecting to see unveiled in mid-October 2019, will come with the operating system pre-installed. New iPadOS home screen
Today View alongside a tighter grid of apps on the new iPadOS home screen. Image credit: Apple The first big change over you'll notice in iPadOS is on the new home screen. The grid of app icons is tighter, allowing you to fit more on the screen and reducing the amount of dead space on the display. With a tighter grid of apps, there's now an option to show Today View alongside them, for a more useful overview screen. It can be added to the Home screen for quick access to widgets with a simple swipe from the left side of the screen, and you can switch out the widgets pinned here to display the ones most relevant to you. Sidecar is a big new changeIf you're wondering what the biggest feature of iPadOS might be, Sidecar is a real contender. It natively bakes in wired (or wireless) support for using your iPad as a Mac second screen, bringing with it a whole host of functionality. This mode effectively turns any iPad into a portable monitor, one with a powerful internal battery, allowing apps and multiple windows to be dragged onto its screen and interacted with using a mouse, keyboard or Apple Pencil. In the beta, you couldn't mess around with the resolution but that may have changed now the final software is here. We'll be sure to check that when we have it running on our tablet. iPadOS has a new way to multitask
Slide Over in iPadOS in action, with a side view of Messages over Safari. Image credit: Apple Multitasking also gets an upgrade on iPadOS is a few ways. First up, you'll be able to use Split View to see two app windows at a time for the same app, or two different apps. iPadOS uses a drag-and-drop interface here, making switching between apps and windows easy. Slide Over lets you quickly pull up an app in a side window, over the top of another app – allowing you to quickly check things such as emails, messages or reminders without having to exit the current app you're using. Dragging up from the bottom of the screen will allow you to move between apps in the Slide Over panel. Apple has also brought the Mac's Exposé feature to iPadOS, allowing you to get an overview of all your open apps – making it easy to jump between them, and close down any you no longer need running in the background. iPadOS gets USB drive and SD card support
USB drive and SD card support arrives in iPadOS. Image credit: Apple External storage fans rejoice! iPadOS allows you to plug a USB drive or SD card reader into your iPad, and the Files app will be able to read the plugin and allow you to easily manage data between the iPad's internal storage and the external drive. Files gets a Column View to better take advantage of the iPad's wide screen, and the iCloud Drive allows folder sharing, and will show content from a USB drive or SD card if they're plugged in. There's good news for photographers too, as support is being built into iPadOS to allow you to plug your camera into your iPad and import images directly into editing apps such as Lightroom. iPadOS performance boostYour current iPad could get a performance boost when iPadOS arrives, with Apple claiming that its tablet-specific operating system is quicker than iOS 12. It says Face ID unlocks are up to 30% faster, while apps launch up to twice as fast as on iOS 12 – and apps themselves should be smaller in download size (by up to 50%), taking up less of that precious storage space. Desktop-quality websites and browsing on iPadOSThe Safari web browser is also improved with iPadOS, because it's no longer purely tied to iOS and a mobile ecosystem. That's right: you're no longer just viewing mobile sites, as iPadOS views websites in a modified desktop view that's a bit cleaner and optimized for touch. It doesn't just work with Apple's websites either – the likes of Google Docs and Wordpress web apps will also work better with Safari on iPadOS. Apple's browser will also get a download manager, 30 new keyboard shortcuts, and improved tab management when iPadOS lands later this year. New iPadOS gesturesOne of the bigger features across the whole of iPadOS are the new gestures. The ones we've seen are pretty simple: three-finger pinch to cut, three-finger splay to paste, three-finger swipe to undo. Easy. In some apps, you'll also be able to two-finger-pinch the keyboard to shrink it to iOS mobile size and move it around. Plunk it next to the side of the screen and boom: you can type on it with one thumb. Add to that the new gestures for the home screen and multi-tasking, and there may be a learning curve required to get used to all the new interactions which come with iPadOS. Markup and much more on iPadOSMarkup also gets an update, and you'll be able to mark up entire web pages, documents and emails. A simple swipe up from the corner with your Apple Pencil launches markup and brings up the newly-redesigned tool palette, which can be dragged around and repositioned anywhere on the screen. And speaking of the Pencil, Apple has reduced the latency of its input from 20ms to 9ms, which means you'll get a more natural, pen-like experience when using it. Plenty of new features that are coming to iOS 13 are also headed to iPadOS, like Dark Mode, custom fonts, the new Photos organized by machine learning, and the SwiftKey-like slide-and-type QuickPath keyboard feature. Mouse support for iPadOSiPadOS does support connecting a mouse to your iPad, though it's not something you'll find front-and-center on the official iPadOS features list. Developer Steve Troughton-Smith initially tweeted out instructions he'd discovered to connect a mouse through new Accessibility settings, and Tom's Guide successfully activated a mouse on an iPad. While it doesn't seem to be the smoothest thing, we're excited for a serious leap in the iPad family's productivity potential and accessibility. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:28 PM PST Using one of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020 has to offer might just be the answer, if you’re having connectivity blues or need to cover a sizable space. This is because unlike traditional wireless routers with typically single receivers, mesh Wi-Fi routers are usually made of several nodes. These nodes can be placed strategically around your space to ensure a strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal throughout your home or office. In other words, the best mesh Wi-Fi routers deliver a solid and unified Wi-Fi network, which is extremely vital especially if you’re covering a large area. In addition, they’re typically easy to setup so won’t need professional help to set them up. We gathered the best mesh Wi-Fi routers we could find in 2020. If you’re ready to jump on the mesh Wi-Fi router bandwagon, this list is for you. Take a look at our picks, spend less time looking and more time connecting.
Best mesh Wi-Fi routers at a glance
The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch. What’s better than the best mesh router? Well, a mesh router with a smart speaker, that’s what. Especially if you’re a smart home fiend, you will appreciate the pure genius of this upgrade in Google’s Wifi line. The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch, taking Google Wifi’s incredible yet simple design and performance then merges it with the convenience of a smart speaker so you’ve got a two-in-one device in an even sleeker and more attractive package. And, if you’re tired of the color white, this one also comes in Mist and Sand colors. As far as the best mesh Wi-Fi routers go, the original Google Wifi is still the one to beat. This one just gives it that extra oomph. Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi
With Google WiFi, Google has taken dominion over the mesh WiFi world. (Image credit: Google) The Google Wifi tops, possibly, the best wireless mesh routers we’ve ever used, and we’re not saying that casually. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say that it may be the best wireless mesh router, at least to date. Not only does it have the power to push fast Wi-Fi throughout your house – an even more impressive feat considering its diminutive size, but it’s also fairly cheap and not that hard to set up. Setting up is so simple that all you have to do to configure Google Wifi is to download an app to your smartphone, scan some QR codes and just place the nodes where you want around your house. With Google WiFi, the company has taken dominion over the mesh WiFi world. Read the full review: Google Wifi
The Netgear Orbi boast more than enough Ethernet ports. (Image credit: Netgear) If you have deep pockets, then check out the Netgear Orbi, which may be one of the best wireless mesh routers money can buy this year. Instead of something like the Google WiFi, which uses three identical nodes to create the network, you’ll get one main router and several satellite nodes to plug into power outlets around your home. In addition, the Orbi touts more than enough Ethernet ports, making it an exceptional option for anyone with a number of devices that need a hardwired connection. This mesh router is the best choice for consumers who use their network mostly for gaming, particularly across multiple devices. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi
The Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi routers. If you’re ready to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon, the Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi routers. It’s not by any means a casual purchase, with its steep price tag, but if you’re looking to upgrade to a faster and more reliable router to cover a massive space – like your countryside mansion, perhaps, or your crowded smart home – then this one’s absolutely worth the money. Plus, it’s easy and straightforward to setup, making it great for people who don’t have too much experience with Wi-Fi networks. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6
The dual-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 provides good performance at a competitive price. The dual-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 provides good performance at a competitive price, and will be a good option for most small and medium-size homes that need to improve their Wi-Fi coverage. It’s easy to set-up and use for newcomers, although Netgear’s reliance on Disney’s subscription-based Circle service for parental controls is disappointing, and there are rival routers and mesh systems that provide better parental controls for free. The lack of Ethernet ports for wired connections and more advanced features in the Orbi app might deter experienced users as well.
The TP-Link Deco M5 is an affordable way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home. (Image credit: TP-Link) If you’re looking for a way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home without having to spend a lot of dough, then look into the TP-Link Deco M5. It’s not as speedy as some of the other best mesh Wi-Fi routers on this list, but if you’re not too concerned about getting the maximum theoretical throughput, which you probably won’t be able to take full advantage of anyway, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Setup, similar to the other devices here, is a breeze, even if you’re not tech-savvy. The TP-Link Deco M5 is among the best wireless mesh routers for those who don’t want to get too technical. Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M5
You'll find a lot to love in the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD. (Image credit: Ubiquiti) If you love Apple’s design philosophy, enjoy having attractive gadgets set up around your home and have more than enough extra money sitting around, then the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD is the perfect mesh router for you. You’ll find a lot to love with this device, especially if you live in a large house and can take advantage of the full power that this mesh Wi-Fi setup provides, as it’s capable of a very large amount of throughput. You might find that the value diminishes quite a bit when you live in a smaller space however, since there are more affordable alternatives on hand for small to medium homes. The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD may be pricey, but you’re paying for a piece of tech that both exudes style and a ton of substance. That’s more than enough to justify the price tag, making this a great addition to the best wireless mesh routers list. Read the full review: Ubiquiti Amplifi HD
There's something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop delivers. (Image credit: Linksys) While it’s expensive and not quite as powerful as the other Wi-Fi mesh routers on this list, there’s something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop offers. It might come with a heftier price than the competition, but the Velop will appeal to people who need to create a Wi-Fi network and want to avoid setting it up. More tech-savvy users will most likely look elsewhere – why spend money when you can do the work yourself for free? However, for most users, the Linksys Velop is among the best wireless mesh routers because of the convenience it offers from the start. It’s also completely modular, so you only have to pick up as many nodes as you actually need – one node will cover up to 2,000 square feet. Read the full review: Linksys Velop
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| macOS Catalina is here: everything you need to know about macOS 10.15 Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:26 PM PST The wait for the macOS Catalina is over. Apple’s latest macOS is officially here, and available for anyone to download on their Mac. Launched at Apple’s WWDC 2019 conference in San Jose, California, earlier in the year, the macOS Catalina brings in fresh new features and quite a few nifty capabilities. That includes being able to utilize newer generation iPads as a secondary screen and allowing iOS 13 and iPadOS developers to easily port their work over to the macOS environment through "Project Catalyst." In addition, a few oldies are also going away. For one, the almost two-decade-old iTunes is retiring to make room for new apps like Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV. It’s worth taking a closer look at the changes macOS Catalina brings as well as everything it has to offer, from its features to just how easy it is to download and install. Let’s run through all things macOS Catalina to make sure that it’s what you want on your mac. And, if you're having issues, check out our macOS Catalina problems: how to fix the most common issues guide for help. Cut to the chase
The macos 10.15 features Sidecar so you can use your iPad as a secondary screen. macOS Catalina release dateApple held its iPhone 11 event on September 10, but the show came and went without so much of a mention of macOS 10.15. Still, Apple's macOS 10.15 Catalina page was updated with an "October 2019" release window. Apple didn't share any more specifics about the release, so when it launched it caught us all by surprise. Fortunately, this does mean you can now download macOS Catalina, so long as you have a compatible Mac. You might want to wait until the next update comes out, just to ensure that any serious bugs are squashed. You see, updating your operating system is definitely a large undertaking, and you could possibly break something, losing a lot of valuable data. So, if you don't absolutely need the new software, waiting may be your best bet. We'll update this hub as soon as we know a new update is on its way, but if you want to live on the edge, go ahead and hit that download button. We'll show you how. macOS Catalina compatibilityIf you want to get your paws on the latest macOS update, you'll have to make sure your Mac can really support it. Fortunately, if you already have macOS Mojave installed, you're probably in the clear. Unless, of course, you circumnavigated Apple's restrictions.
Goodbye, iTunes – hello, Apple Music, Podcasts Books and TVIt's official, iTunes is no more. From its ashes, however, rises a unique collection of magnificent apps for macOS: Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts and Apple Books – and they will be polished versions of those already found on iOS. Apple Music gives macOS Catalina users access to their entire music libraries regardless of whether the tracks have been downloaded or are being streamed. This also holds music that's been ripped from CDs, incorporated into the same libraries. Apple TV, on the other hand, is home for the app's channels and offers more than 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows that you can browse to buy or rent. And, content will be available in 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio wherever it’s offered. Apple TV+ can also be accessed courtesy of this app now that the service has rolled out. At the same time, Apple Podcasts brings the service's more than 700,000 podcasts, as well as new episode updates, to the Mac in a totally fresh interface. This rendition of the app also offers better search functions that can pull up episodes by hosts, guests or even discussion topics. Finally, Apple Books is the portal to all the audiobooks you would want to purchase, download and listen to. Similar to the other new apps, it also features a familiar interface for anyone who is used to iTunes. Concerned about all your existing music and playlists, as well as iTunes gift cards and credit? Don’t worry. All your music and playlists will be transferred over to the Apple Music app in macOS Catalina. Plus, any iTunes gift cards or unspent iTunes credits are still valid to be used in these new apps. In macOS 10.15 Catalina, the iTunes Store, which is accessible through the Sidebar in the Apple Music app, is still available to buy new music. And of course, you can also subscribe to the Apple Music streaming service using the app – if you do, you can hide the iTunes Store for a cleaner, more minimalist interface.
You'll sync your devices via Finder in macOS Catalina. With iTunes making its exit, syncing devices in macOS Catalina is now taken care of courtesy the Finder app. It can back up and sync those devices. According to Apple, it will be easier to drag and drop files for quick transfers as well.
Apple Sidecar at work in macOS Catalina. Sidecar turns your iPad into another displayThis is perhaps the most thrilling update that macOS 10.15 Catalina offers: the ability to extend your Mac's display to a nearby iPad, whether wired or wirelessly. A good amount of MacBook users are already own an iPad, so this essentially means that a significant number of mobile workers just received a secondary display for free. Possibly even more notable for designers is that this connected iPad can also be used as a drawing tablet with specific supported apps. Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Illustrator and iWork are the first apps listed that support this capability. The Sidecar feature is supported by those models that can also run the new iPadOS, specifically the iPad Pro (all models), iPad (6th generation or later), iPad Mini (3rd generation or later), and the iPad Air (3rd generation). Apple says that the following Mac apps will support Sidecar's Apple Pencil input and other enhanced features:
Screen Time for macOS has a special "One more minute" feature. Screen Time comes to macOSOne of Apple's most meaningful changes to iOS 12 was Screen Time, an app that tracks your iPhone or iPad usage time and offers insights into the trends. This time around, this feature will not only come to macOS with Catalina, but also offer a new “One more minute” feature, giving you more time to save your work or finish up a game. This information will also be synced across your other Apple devices, so that you have a complete profile of how often you look at your collective screens, as well as get tips on what to do with that information. Additionally, it will also include parental controls on time spent using a Mac, as well as with whom kids are able to interact with on those devices.
Twitter's return to macOS was made possible by Project Catalyst. Project CatalystThanks to Apple's new Project Catalyst initiative, macOS 10.15 Catalina will soon be populated with a slew of iOS and iPadOS apps. There are a number of them available at launch, but the real potential of this initiative is that it opens up the floodgates for all kinds of apps to come over to the Mac. For developers, it all seems to start with simply checking off a box within the Xcode app in macOS 10.15 Catalina. A series of new features and protocols then become available to the app in the development phase, from which the developer can choose to add to their apps – presumably with additional yet lighter coding. It looks to make the process smoother and even quicker, with even the likes of Twitter using the tool to more effortlessly bring its native app back to macOS from iOS. Other fun improvementsSafari browser now has a new startup page that uses Siri Suggestions to surface commonly visited websites, bookmarks, iCloud tabs and more. Mail now lets users block messages from senders, mute message threads from issuing push notifications and send unsubscribe requests from within the app to mailing list providers. Lastly, Reminders gets an overhaul in the visual interface so that it will allow users to more easily create, keep track and organize their reminders.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S20 Plus vs Galaxy S20 Ultra: what's the difference? Posted: 11 Feb 2020 01:00 PM PST After months of rumor and speculation the Samsung Galaxy S20 range is here, and it contains not one phone or even two, but three. While these three handsets are all unarguably high-end, and every bit as expensive as you’d expect a Samsung flagship to be, they also have a number of differences, with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra arguably reaching a new level of ‘premium’ (in every sense of the word), above what we’ve seen from previous mainstream Samsung phones. Below you’ll find a full comparison of the three, based on their specs, design and pricing. So read on for a clearer idea of how they differ. Then, if you haven’t already, check out our hands-on reviews of each, for a deeper dive into them that goes beyond the specs and into how good they seem in reality.
Price and availabilityThe Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra are all hitting stores on March 6 in the US, with pre-orders opening on February 21. In the UK meanwhile they go on sale on March 13, and we don’t currently know the release date for Australia, but we’d expect it will be sometime in early to mid-March. The Galaxy S20 will cost you $999 in the US, while in the UK the Galaxy S20 5G is £899 and the S20 4G is £799. In the US the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus price is $1,199 for the 128GB+12GB version, and $1,349 for the 512GB+12GB model, and in the UK it's £999 for the 128GB phone. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 128GB+12GB is $1,399 / £1,199, and the 512GB+16GB version is $1,699 / £1,399. DesignLike most Samsung flagships, and indeed most high-end phones from all companies, the Galaxy S20 range have aluminum frames and glass backs. They also come in the same selection of colors, with Cloud Pink, Cloud Blue, Cosmic Gray, and Cosmic Black offered for each. And they’re all IP68 certified, so they can safely be submerged. The main way in which they differ is in the dimensions and weight. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is of course the smallest and lightest at 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm and 163g, then there’s the Galaxy S20 Plus at 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm and 186g, and the largest is the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which is 166.9 x 76 x 8.8mm and 220g. DisplayAs you might expect, the three phones all have different screen sizes, with the Samsung Galaxy S20 coming in at 6.2 inches, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus at 6.7 inches, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra being a massive 6.9 inches. However, size aside their displays are quite similar. They all have an Infinity-O AMOLED display with an aspect ratio of 20:9 and a resolution of 1440 x 3200. Of course, as they’re different sizes that means they also have different pixel densities. The Galaxy S20 has 563 pixels per inch, the Galaxy S20 Plus has 525, and the Galaxy S20 Ultra has 511. Technically that means the biggest, most expensive phone in the range has the least sharp screen, but the differences are so negligible they’re likely to be imperceptible. All three phones unsurprisingly support HDR10+, but more excitingly they also have a 120Hz refresh rate, for smoother interactions and animations. That’s double the 60Hz refresh rate on the Samsung Galaxy S10 range. The three phones also all have an in-screen fingerprint scanner. Specs and batteryAll three phones come with a Snapdragon 865 chipset in the US, which is the highest end Snapdragon chip available, and isn’t yet found in any other phones. The UK chipset meanwhile is the Exynos 990, which is Samsung’s in-house rival to the 865, so it’s also very powerful. The three phones also all have at least 12GB of RAM, but a version of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is additionally available with 16GB, which coupled with the Snapdragon 865 should see it comfortably race ahead of other Android handsets. Storage in all three models comes in at 128GB, but the Galaxy S20 Ultra and S20 Plus also have a 512GB variety, and all three phones additionally have a microSD card slot. They all run Android 10, and all support 5G, though the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra supports the widest range of 5G bands. So overall there’s not a huge difference in the core specs, but the top-end version of the S20 Ultra gets a boost with its extra RAM and storage – though that’s likely to be overkill for most people. There’s more difference when it comes to the battery, with the Samsung Galaxy S20 packing a 4,000mAh one, the Galaxy S20 Plus a 4,500mAh one, and the Galaxy S20 Ultra a 5,000mAh one. All three phones support 25W fast charging and come with the requisite charger, but the Ultra can get up to 45W if you purchase a powerful enough charger for it. CameraThe Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus have similar camera configurations, with the S20 Ultra being the odd one out. First, the similar ones – the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus both have a 12MP f/1.8 main camera, a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto one, and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide one. However, the Galaxy S20 Plus additionally has a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra meanwhile has a 108MP f/1.8 main camera, a 48MP f/3.5 telephoto one, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide one, and a ToF camera. All three phones have optical image stabilization on their main and telephoto lenses, along with a similar selection of shooting modes, and support for 8K video at 24fps, but the Galaxy S20 Ultra is capable of more in some areas. Most notably, it supports 10x optical and 100x digital zoom, while the other two handsets offer just 3x optical and 30x digital zoom. As for the front-facing cameras, you get a 10MP f/2.2 one on both the Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 40MP f/2.2 one. TakeawayOn paper these three phones all sound like they should live up to the S20 name – being feature-packed, powerful flagships fit for 2020, but with its different camera setup, massive screen, and optional extra RAM, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra stands out not just as the best of the three but as markedly different to the other two. The Galaxy S20 Plus meanwhile looks like just a bigger, slightly better take on the standard Samsung Galaxy S20. Whether the additions to the Ultra will make it worth its high cost remains to be seen – we’ll let you know once we’ve put it through a full review, but if you want the best of Samsung that’s surely it, while the other two models look to be decent successors to the Galaxy S10 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| The best Presidents' Day sales 2020: deals from Best Buy, Walmart and more Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:49 PM PST Presidents' Day 2020 is less than a week away, and sales are already popping up from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and more. You can find incredible deals on everything from appliances, mattresses, and furniture to TVs, laptops, and smart home devices. To help you find all the top offers, we've rounded up the best Presidents' Day sales and deals that are currently going on. We've also hand-picked standout bargains that include categories such as electronics, appliances, and home items. We'll also tell you everything else you need to know about the Presidents' Day sale event such as the date, what sales have already started, and what deals you can expect. The best Presidents' Day sales:
Our best Presidents' Day sale picks:When is Presidents' Day?Presidents' Day always falls on the third Monday in February. It was initially held on George Washington's birthday (February 22) but was moved in 1971 to accommodate the long holiday weekend. This year Presidents' Day is on Monday, February 17. When do Presidents' Day sales start?Presidents' Day sales have already started from most mattress sites and for some online retailers like Best Buy, Walmart and Overstock. Most retailers will start their sales this week and will last through Presidents' Day, so you have the whole weekend to shop for incredible deals. The best things to buy at Presidents' Day salesPresidents' Day sales typically consist of discounts on appliances, home items, electronics, and clothing. Retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot offer price cuts on large appliances from brands like Samsung and LG, while Amazon and Walmart offer sitewide discounts on tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, and more. Mattresses are also a popular sale category with sitewide discounts from retailers like Overstock, Temper-Pedic, and Nectar. Shop more TV offers with the best cheap TV deals and sales that are happening now. You can also shop more appliance deals with the cheapest robot vacuum sales and the best Instant Pot deals. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| The best gaming monitor 2020: the 10 best gaming screens of the year Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:25 PM PST The best gaming monitor is tantamount to a fully immersive experience when diving into the best PC games. Whether you’re sneaking around in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey or battling with friends in Overwatch, a mediocre monitor just won’t do. You need something that can look great and can keep up with the fastest games out there. Since there are so many options to pick from, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. And unfortunately, there’s not one metric to rule them all. Different gamers have different needs after all, whether that means having 4k resolution, tons of screen real estate, or a speedy refresh rate. After all, anyone wanting to see every detail in the latest AAA game will be looking at different spec’s than someone trying to compete in E-sports. So once you’ve made sure you have the best graphics cards and processors, you’ll want to get the best gaming monitor to fit your needs. Since there are so many options, we decided to put together a list of the best gaming monitors you can get right now. Regardless of what your needs are, there’s something that will fit them. Each display has been put through their paces by us here at TechRadar so you can be assured of their quality. Best gaming monitors at a glance
The Samsung CRG9 is the best gaming monitor if you've got the extra cash laying around. It may be very expensive and requires a killer gaming PC setup to run, but the Samsung CRG9 is completely worth it and the best gaming monitor if you’ve got the extra cash laying around. This bigger-than-average 49-incher boasts bezels thinner than most gaming monitors and a picture by picture mode feature that lets you use two different inputs, simulating a dual monitor setup in a single monitor. And, that’s without mentioning that the Samsung CRG9 produces an out-of-this-world image right out of the box. Read the full review: Samsung CRG9
The Alienware AW3418DW delivers a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can. The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that deliver a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also offering up a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, ridiculously fast 4ms response times and a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, this ultrawide monitor gives you the best of both worlds. All these features don’t come cheap though, so budget-minded gamers might want to look elsewhere or start saving up. Still, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best gaming monitors 2019 has to offer. Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW
The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 carries over the original's best features. The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we ever got our hands on, so when we heard that a follow-up was coming – one that comes with a higher refresh rate and better contrast – it was hard not to get excited. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition carries over the original’s best features but ramps them up to 11, making it a stunning display on which to experience ultra-wide gaming. It’s expensive, yeah, but if you have the hardware to back it up, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not investing. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition
The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced gaming monitor to add to your arsenal. The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced – not to mention, best – gaming monitor to add to your arsenal... as long as you’re ready to pay for it. This display features a gorgeous 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, as well as G-Sync and a lightning-quick 144Hz refresh rate. These specs add up to one of the most impressive gaming monitors that’s ever existed – and when you see it in action, it will blow you away. The only thing that holds this gaming monitor back from true greatness is its ridiculous price tag. But, then again, if you have this kind of cash lying around, you should be able to afford a PC powerful enough to drive it. Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
Originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming. While originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming, making it one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today. This is mostly thanks to its rock-solid focus on graphic design so it’s able to offer incredibly wide viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your game in comfort. And, unlike most 4K monitors on the market, you won’t have to mess around with the settings to get the best picture, since every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. This is definitely one of the best gaming monitors out there, even though it wasn’t actually designed for gaming. Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U
The MSI Optix MPG341CQR's super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. While all of its extra frills make the MSI Optix MPG341CQR an even more appealing selection for potential buyers, it does an outstanding job of standing out on its own. The use of VA rather than IPS panel technology, for one, is a welcome advantage, offering punchier colors and better contrast. Plus, its super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. The best part might be that this display is also reasonably priced, making it one of the best gaming monitors to consider in 2019. Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR
The BenQ Zowie XL2540 forgoes flashy lighting effects for a blazing 240Hz refresh rate. Don’t be turned off by its limitations. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 still absolutely deserves its place right up there on the best gaming monitors list. It forgoes flashy lighting effects for a blazing 240Hz refresh rate and rapid 1ms response time. This monitor is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, and if you have a setup that’s able of keeping up with this refresh rate, then this gaming display will blow you away. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things simple by supplying you with a ton of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and even a pair of adjustable light screens. This is one of the best gaming monitors to consider if you’re a pro or hardcore gamer. Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540
The AOC Agon AG322QC4 has a lot of aces up its sleeves. A bit of HDR is always a welcome addition, even if it’s not true HDR. And yet, the AOC Agon AG322QC4 has more aces up its sleeves. That includes a 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync 2 and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, ranking this among the best gaming monitors of 2019. And it offers users beautiful, super smooth visuals, all while looking good doing so. It’s not exactly a steal, but the Agon AG322QC4 is still reasonably priced for gamers who aren’t shopping in the bargain basement. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG322QC4
The MSI Optix MAG271CR proves that the best gaming monitors in 2019 are all about the high refresh rates. When you’re playing competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you’ll need speed above all else in order to stay on top of the leader boards. That’s where displays like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With a 1080p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of latency, you’re equipped with incredibly fast, super smooth gameplay, as long as you have the hardware to drive it. After all, 60Hz panels are so 2014 – the best gaming monitors in 2020 are all about the high refresh rates. Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR
The Razer Raptor may be a bit expensive, but it boasts that sweet spot for gaming. Razer’s first entry into the monitor market is a solid one. The Razer Raptor 27 might just be what you’re looking for if you want a gaming monitor that boasts superb gaming performance and will fit in a mid-sized setup or if you are already invested in Razer hardware with Chroma lighting. This may be a bit expensive, but it boasts that sweet spot for gaming with the 1440p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it among the best gaming monitors in 2020. Plus, with its slick yet smart design, it will fit just as well in the office as it does in your gaming den. Read the full review: Razer Raptor How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2020If in the market for the best gaming monitor 2020 has to offer, know that there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing which display should grace your desk. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to help guarantee that you’re getting the best gaming monitor that’s most ideal for you. It also means you won’t have to pay extra for additional features that you might not actually care about. Screen size: When looking for the best gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also have to make sure that you have the space to keep a large monitor. And, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the price as well. Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor helps determine the width and height of the display. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3 that might feel pretty out of date in 2020. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wider view of your games, which is why many ultra-wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2020. Resolution: One other critical factor to consider when searching for the best gaming monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K). Refresh rate: When you’re mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more vital. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading to a considerably smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is still the most common in 2020, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more prominent – not to mention, more and more necessary. Response time: The best gaming monitors offers low response times, which means you’re getting fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we’ll get to this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s vital to keep this number as low as you can in order to avoid latency. Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are often more affordable, have the lowest response times but usually don’t come with great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels are between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world. Viewing Angle: While most people play games right in front of their gaming monitor, this isn’t always be the case, particularly when there is an audience. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below. G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably noticed that many of the best gaming monitors in 2020 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so it requires an Nvidia GPU. And, the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. FreeSync, on the other hand, was made by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are usually more economical. Check out our HDR Explained video below. Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article Image Credit: TechRadar
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10: comparing Samsung’s new and old flagships Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:18 PM PST Samsung just launched its newest range of top-end smartphones, the Galaxy S20 series, and the three phones (the base device is joined by the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra) are packed full of high-end features and specs. The Samsung Galaxy S10 range from the year before topped our list of the year’s best handsets though, so Samsung had to put out some pretty amazing S20 phones to top its 2019 offerings. So how does the base Samsung Galaxy S20 compare to the Galaxy S10 from the year before? We’ve put them head-to-head to find out.
Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10 price and release dateYou can pick up the Samsung Galaxy S20 for $999, with prices elsewhere still to be confirmed at the time of writing. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S10 cost $899 / £799 / AU$1,349 for its 128GB model and $1,149 / £999 / AU$1,699 for the 512GB model, and over the first year of its life it saw prices drop by around 25%, with a roughly 30% drop during sales periods. It’s worth pointing out that while the Samsung Galaxy S20 is the lowest end device of its series, the S10 actually sat in the middle, so there are naturally going to be some differences between the phones as a result. Both phones were unveiled in mid-February of their respective years, as Samsung has an annual launch schedule with most of its devices. The S10 is of course available now, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 will hit stores on March 6 in the US and March 13 in the UK. Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10 design and display
The Samsung Galaxy S20 The Samsung Galaxy S20’s screen is slightly bigger than the S10’s, at 6.2 inches to 6.1 inches respectively, but that’s not a huge difference when you consider that the Galaxy S20 Ultra has a whopping 6.9-inch display. You can start to see the difference between the screens when you look at the quality of each. The Galaxy S10 has a QHD+ display with a 3040 x 1440 resolution, but the Galaxy S20’s display is WQHD+ and has a 3200 x 1440 resolution. However, because the S20 is slightly larger the pixel density is almost identical, coming in at 563 pixels per inch on the Galaxy S20, and 550 on the Galaxy S10. One big difference between the two phones is in refresh rate, as while the Samsung Galaxy S10 has a ‘standard’ 60Hz screen, the Galaxy S20 doubles that to 120Hz. This means the screen updates twice as fast, making motion look smoother whether you’re scrolling through TechRadar.com, watching a movie or playing games. The touch input rate is also double on the Galaxy S20, at 240Hz rather than 120Hz, which means when you press the screen the Galaxy S20 picks it up faster. This is mainly useful for gaming. In terms of body size, the two phones aren’t too different, with the Samsung Galaxy S20 measuring 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm and the Galaxy S10 taking up 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm. They’re only 6g different in terms of weight too, at 163g and 157g respectively.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 The Samsung Galaxy S20 and S10 don’t look hugely different either, at least on the front, with curved displays on the front broken by punch-hole cameras (albeit in different places in the screen). There are more differences on the back, as while the Samsung Galaxy S10 has a horizontal camera block, the Galaxy S20 has its snappers housed in a bland-looking rectangle in the top-left corner. Both phones have glass screens and backs with an aluminum frame, and there are a range of color versions to pick up. They’re also both IP68 certified for water and dust resistance. Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10 cameras
The Samsung Galaxy S20's camera You’re getting three rear cameras on both the Samsung Galaxy S20 and S10, and the lenses are similar in function: main, telephoto for zoomed-in shots, and ultra-wide-angle for an increased field-of-view. We’ve put a table below detailing the resolutions of these cameras.
As you can see, the Samsung Galaxy S20’s telephoto lens is a stand-out with a 64MP sensor, and this supports a 3x optical and 30x digital zoom to take long-reaching distance shots, compared to the S10’s 2x optical zoom. There are also a range of camera features present in the Samsung Galaxy S20, like Live Focus and Live Focus Video, which let you alter the background of a photo or video (such as turning it black-and-white, or increasing the background blur), along with various scene optimization modes, slow-motion shooting, and more. The Samsung Galaxy S10 has its share of camera modes too though, and it’s worth pointing out that the few Galaxy S20 camera modes that aren’t in the S10 may find their way there in the near future. When we tested the Galaxy S20 series we were fans of the Single Take mode, which lets you take pictures with all the lenses at once to try and get the best snap possible of your subject. It’s possible that this mode will find its way to the S10 too, though. If you’re a fan of recording video, it’s worth knowing that the Samsung Galaxy S20 can record 8K video, a jump up from the 4K of the Galaxy S10. The cameras on the front of the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S10 are both 10MP, so their photographic capabilities will likely be largely similar.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has three rear lenses, just like the S20 Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10 battery lifeIn the Samsung Galaxy S20 you’ll find a 4,000mAh battery, which is a big step over the 3,400mAh power pack in the Galaxy S10. As a result, and also because the newer phone isn’t much bigger in terms of screen space, the S20 will probably last a bit longer before it needs powering up. The charging speed is faster on the Galaxy S20 too, with 25W fast charging, up on the 15W of the Galaxy S10. Since other companies have revealed charging tech that powers up at 100W, neither of these speeds are breathtaking, but faster is still better. There’s also wireless charging and Wireless Power Share (using the phone as a wireless charger for other devices) in both handsets, which will be useful for certain users. Samsung Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S10 featuresThe Samsung Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9, although if you buy that phone now you can easily upgrade it to Android 10, which the Samsung Galaxy S20 launched with. These phones both have Samsung’s One UI laid over the top, which has a faintly pastel aesthetic and makes icons big and rounded. The chipset powering the Galaxy S10 is either the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 (depending on where in the world you are), while the Galaxy S20 has either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990. Both pairs of chipsets were the top-end processors when the phones came out, and while the latter two will naturally offer more processing power, all of them should be more than sufficient for most uses. Unlike the Galaxy S10, the Samsung Galaxy S20 is also a 5G phone – in most regions. In some places you can buy a 4G-only version of the phone, but this device is less future-proofed. One difference between the devices that some people might really care about is in the RAM department. The Samsung Galaxy S20 has 12GB of RAM, but the older Galaxy S10 launched with only 8GB, so if you need the maximum memory for your handset, the newer phone is the one for you. There’s no real difference in storage though, with both phones coming with 128GB - though there is also a 256GB version of the S10. For more storage on the S20 you either need to use a microSD card or move up to the S20 Plus or Ultra models. TakewayIt seems the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S10 are mainly spec increases for the newer device, like the upgraded chipset, battery and RAM. Sure, there are a few big steps up, particularly in the telephoto lens with its 64MP sensor, and the 120Hz screen, so some people might find these valid reasons to upgrade, but others might not deem them enough to justify a higher cost. If you want a new phone that will last you as long as possible though, the Samsung Galaxy S20 with its 5G and premium chipset should see you through a good few years.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| FBI warns that hackers are targeting software supply chain providers Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:14 PM PST The FBI has warned US private sector companies about an ongoing hacking campaign targeting supply chain software providers in a recent security alert. According to the FBI, hackers are currently attempting to infect organizations with a remote access trojan (RAT) known as the Kwampirs malware. In a private industry notification sent to businesses last week, the law enforcement agency warned that software supply chain companies are being targeted as a way to reach their partners and customers, saying: "Software supply chain companies are believed to be targeted in order to gain access to the victim's strategic partners and/or customers, including entities supporting Industrial Control Systems (ICS) for global energy generation, transmission, and distribution."
In addition to being used to attack supply chain software providers, the FBI also said that this same malware has also been deployed to attack companies in the healthcare, energy and financial sectors. Kwampirs malwareWhile the security alert sent out by the FBI did not identify any of the supply chain software providers that are currently being targeted, the agency did share IOCs (indicators of compromise) along with YARA rules to help organizations scan their internal networks for any signs of the Kwampirs RAT. The Kwampirs malware was first detailed by the cybersecurity firm Symantec back in 2018 and at that time, the firm said a group called Orangeworm had used the malware to target supply chain companies that produced software for the healthcare sector. The FBI's alert warns that attacks which employ Kwampirs have now evolved to target companies in the ICS (Industrial Control Systems) sector. The agency also claims that new evidence from analyzing the malware's code suggests that it contains “numerous similarities” with the data-wiping Shamoon malware which was developed by APT33. The FBI recommends that organizations scan their networks for any signs of the Kwampirs malware and that they report any infections they find.
Via ZDNet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy S20 deals are now available - this is where to pre-order Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:10 PM PST We're going to take a wild assumption and say you watched the press conference, or have at least caught up on the details of the Samsung Galaxy S20. In which case, you already know all the massive tech Samsung has crammed in here and now, you just want to know where you can buy it! All three new devices - the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra - are now into the pre-order stage. While there are a number of different promotions from retailers, the key one is that you will get a free pair of Galaxy Buds+ with any pre-order deal on the Plus and Ultra devices. However, with prices competing with Apple's latest, Samsung Galaxy S20 deals are by no means cheap. With this in mind, it is worth comparing a few of the different retailers offering the devices to find the best promotions and prices. No matter which of the three devices you go for, Samsung has seriously stepped up its tech. With 120Hz screen refresh rates, vastly improved battery and processing power and what is currently looking like the best phone camera to date, the S20 range is gunning for the number one spot. Below you'll find a full list of retailers and some advice for which handset will best fit your needs. Just keep in mind that any pre-order won't be sent out until March 10.
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra deals:If you want to pre-order any of these three new Samsung handsets, then you can do so from any of these retailers: Samsung phone contracts: - Carphone Warehouse - Amazon Are any retailers offering special promotions?As we mentioned above, all pre-order deals for the two larger devices will land you a free pair of Galaxy Buds+. These are Samsung's brand new iteration of the popular earbuds and are a pretty valuable freebie! However, don't be lured in by this as it is a retailer wide offer, with any pre-order deal on the Plus and Ultra having it. Another retailer wide offer is that Samsung will offer trade-in discounts from your old device, getting you a chunk off the price of the S20 when you give up your old phone. In terms of individual promotions, Carphone Warehouse and Mobiles.co.uk are both offering a '5G for the price of 4G promotion' offering the 5G version of the S20 at...you guessed it, the same price as the 4G version. Another brand offering a specific promotion is iD Mobile which has a discount code to save £30 on the S20 family. Simply input the code ID2999 when buying a S20 from the iD Mobile site. Which of the Samsung Galaxy S20 series should you buy?There's three devices at three different price points, so which one should you buy? For most people, the Samsung Galaxy S20 will be the obvious choice. It has the lowest price tag while not lagging far behind in specs. The camera isn't quite as powerful as the Plus or Ultra, lacking Depth Vision and the battery/processor combo won't match what's available from the higher price tags. However, for most these are easy features to give up for the price. What's less easy to give up is the free headphones. You will only get the free pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds+ with Plus and Ultra deals. For anyone with cash to splash, the Ultra will provide what is currently looking like the best phone around. Read more:
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| How to watch Love Island online: stream the winter series from UK or abroad Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:00 PM PST Winter may not be our type but this hit TV series certainly is, with some shocking re-couplings and plenty of villa drama, it's safe to say Love Island is certainly living up to its name. If you're ready to go all factor 50 on this show, make sure you keep reading as we tell you how you can watch Winter Love Island online from anywhere in the world. Well, it's certainly been a dramatic couple of days, Paige and Finn are officially boyfriend and girlfriend and Callum and Molly are still cracking on in front of Shaugnha. Not to mention, we had to say goodbye to not one but two couples! Don't worry if you haven't caught up yet - we won't spoil anything. However it's not all bad news, the islanders were treated to a performance by the one and only Sean Paul! The only thing we can confidently say is that the islanders never know what's coming, but at least they can enjoy all of the action from the very luxurious villa in South Africa - reportedly worth 5.3 million. Ready to watch the next episode or still have a few episodes to catch up? Keep scrolling and we'll tell you how to watch Winter Love Island online whether you're in the UK or mismatched a holiday.
How to watch Winter Love Island online for free in the UK:If you're going to be in the UK the whole time the show is on then watching it couldn't be easier. Simple gather your friends and families around the TV at 9pm every day (apart from Saturday's) and tune in to ITV2. But if you would rather watch Love Island online you can easily catch it via the ITV website or watch it on your mobile devices via the ITV Hub app which you can download here for Android and here for your iPhone or iPad. The other way to watch ITV online is to go via TVPlayer.com - we actually prefer this option as the stream tends to be better quality and more robust. It's also a faster site, more responsive and quicker to get up and running with. It's still free and legal, too. How to watch Winter Love Island online from outside the country:If you’re from the UK and have planned a holiday while the show is on we won't be jealous that you're in the sun whilst we face the cold and rain - we'll just tell you how you can still get your fix and avoid any annoying geo-blocking. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address to one in the UK which will allow you to stream the event using your ITV account. Keep reading and we’ll show you how. Who are the Winter Love Island 2020 islanders?
Who has been dumped from the villa?
Who will be hosting Winter Love Island?Even though Caroline Flack has been the familiar face for the past five years for this popular show, she has stepped down this year as she was charged for assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton. Laura Whitmore will be replacing Caroline as the host of this hit TV series. For those of you who haven't heard of her before, Whitmore is an Irish broadcaster and actress. Fans can rest assured that this will be the only big change occurring, you can still expect to see comedian Iain Stirling cracking jokes and voicing over the series. Who were the winners of Love Island 2019?Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea, and although they have now parted ways - it's safe to say they were everyone's favourite couple for a while. Amber entered the villa on day one and although she had a bit of a tough time, she definitely rose above as she was crowned the winner - and Greg entered the villa on day 43. What do the winners of Winter Love Island UK get?Apart from finding their soul mates of course, they also get a whopping £50,000 which they can choose to split with their partner or keep to themselves. And of course, they get to be crowned as that year's winners inevitably going down into the Love Island hall of fame. How long is Winter Love Island on for?Although ITV have kept it fairly quiet, we can expect for this season to run the usual time as the other seasons so you should be getting six to eight weeks of drama, bombshells and plenty of gossip!
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Samsung launches Galaxy Buds Plus to finally take on Apple's AirPods Pro Posted: 11 Feb 2020 11:52 AM PST Samsung has revealed its latest true wireless earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, at its Unpacked 2020 event in San Francisco. With an upgraded battery life, extra inbuilt microphones for improved call audio, and more powerful drivers, the successors to the popular Samsung Galaxy Buds could prove a new rival for the Apple AirPods.
The new Samsung Galaxy Buds will cost $149.99, and will be available to buy online from February 14, and in-store from March 6. This works out at around £115 / AU$220, but bear in mind these prices could change when official pricing is confirmed in the UK and Australia. If you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones before they're released, you get the buds for free, but after that you'll be paying for them. That makes them a little cheaper than Apple’s AirPods, and significantly cheaper than the Sony WF-1000XM3, our current top true wireless earbuds for 2020. No noise cancellationInterestingly, the new earbuds won’t block out environmental sound, bucking the recent trend for noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds, as seen in the AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM3. While they look pretty similar to the original Samsung Galaxy Buds, they do offer an upgrade compared to the previous model, not least in their superior battery life. The earbuds themselves contain 11 hours of charge, while the charging case provides an additional 11 hours, bringing the total battery life to 22 hours. Even though that’s an improvement upon their predecessors, the total battery life isn’t huge.
11 hours may be a decent battery life for the earbuds themselves – but the charging case doesn’t provide much additional juice. For comparison, the Apple AirPods contain 5 hours in the buds themselves, with an additional 20 provided by the charging case, for 25 hours in total. Like the originals, you’ll be able to charge the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus wirelessly, while support for Bluetooth 5.0 means that these buds should have no problem pairing with, and staying connected to, your smartphone. Better sound?Samsung says that the new earbuds contain two speakers each, compared to the previous model, which only had one speaker per bud. This speaker array comprises one woofer and one tweeter, and should provide a bassier sound than the original Galaxy Buds; saying that, Samsung’s previous buds were already pretty bassy to begin with, so hopefully the new Galaxy Buds Plus can balance this with strong mid and treble frequencies. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| Nvidia Pascal is being resurrected to beat Intel Ice Lake integrated graphics Posted: 11 Feb 2020 11:28 AM PST We had already suspected that Nvidia was going to be releasing new Pascal GPUs when they showed up in a driver update, but now we've seen a much more substantial leak - they might be coming soon. Now, while these laptop chips have been made official by Nvidia, we still have no idea what they'll be capable of. Luckily, over at NotebookCheck some leaked benchmarks have given us a clearer picture of what to expect.
The benchmarks show the GeForce MX350 performing at a level close to the old GTX 960M. Both the MX330 and MX350 show a slight performance edge over the earlier MX250. But, both fall well short of the GTX 1050, and even further below the GTX 1650. The specs show the GPUs as 16nm chips with 25W power draws. That's higher than the previous generation of MX GPUs, which came in 10W and 25W variants. These new Nvidia MX graphics chips also appear to support up to 8GB of GDDR5, which is a surprisingly high amount when you consider the GTX 1650 doesn't even come with that much and the MX250 only packs in 2GB (though it supports up to 4GB). The MX330 appears to have 384 CUDA cores while the MX350 has 640. Still ahead, but losing ground?This is fairly similar to how we learned about the GeForce MX250, which subsequently launched in a number of laptops. While it's fun to think about all the performance offered by the best graphics cards, many people don't need that level of performance on a day-to-day basis. They can get by on less, and therefore save considerable money. These new MX300-series GPUs could fit that niche yet again. Offering performance above Intel's integrated options without dramatically boosting the price or draining the battery. Nvidia claims the MX350 can offer up to 2.5X the performance of Intel Iris Plus Graphics on an Intel Core i7-1065G7. For the previous generation, Nvidia had claimed the MX250 could offer 3.5X the performance of Intel UHD Graphics 620 on a Core i5-8265U. We saw the MX250 in the HP Envy 13t stomp on the benchmark results of an LG Gram 17 with Intel UHD Graphics 620, though not quite to the tune of 3.5X. Also, when looking at the gaming benchmark of the LG Gram 17, even a 3.5X would have only made games barely playable at 1080p. While we can expect the MX350 to take performance to a higher level, we're actually seeing the gap narrowing between Intel's integrated options and Nvidia's low-end dedicated options. Some might hope for these new GPUs to come in and offer extra cheap laptops with some gaming potential, but it feels more likely they'll offer graphics improvements in professional workloads like photo and video editing. Considering Nvidia may not need to offer low-end GPUs for gaming, this approach makes sense. If a cheap laptop with GeForce Now can challenge a gaming console, it wouldn't need to offer built-in gaming performance with a dedicated graphics processor.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||
| This SIM-free Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is now £400 cheaper as Galaxy S20 launches Posted: 11 Feb 2020 11:07 AM PST Samsung fans around the world will be counting down the hours tonight until the Korean giant's latest launch hits the virtual and physical shelves. But while that is massive and exciting news, we've stumbled across a second reason to be excited. In the lead-up to Samsung Galaxy S20 deals, Very has embraced the new phone euphoria by slashing the price of an older handset. But Very hasn't done a small trim, it's done a full blown buzz cut. Now, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus with 512GB of storage - the biggest storage size available - at a price of just £699. That works out as a £400 price drop from the original RRP and a spend lower than almost all 128GB versions of the phone. If you already know in your heart that the Samsung Galaxy S20 is not for you, this will be an offer to seize quickly before it's pulled away again. And then you can get a cheap SIM only deal to finish off the cheap plan you will soon have.
This 512GB storage Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deal:What is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus like?Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S20 deals are almost here but this remains the best Samsung handset of 2019, the S10 Plus is about as good as phones come right now - it's gone straight to the top of our best smartphone chart. The S10 Plus has a beautiful infinity-O display, in-screen fingerprint scanner, strong battery life and a powerful processor. But obviously with all of these features comes a big price, which is where these affordable offers come into play. Read our review on the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| You are subscribed to email updates from TechRadar - All the latest technology news. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
No comments:
Post a Comment