Apple : Microsoft Surface Duo phone release date, news, features |
- Microsoft Surface Duo phone release date, news, features
- Google's next Wear OS update could go all-in on health features
- Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: will it be worth the upgrade?
- Facebook's Messenger app redesign makes chatting more streamlined
- What does Star Wars: The High Republic tell us about the future of the movies?
- EA Sports is trying to improve responsiveness in FIFA 20
- New games 2020: the biggest games coming to console and PC
- iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals US: get the best prices for March 2020
- The best phones that should have debuted at MWC 2020
- The dual-screen Microsoft Surface Duo could be launching earlier than expected
- Doom Eternal can run at 1000 FPS with the right hardware
- The most expensive Apple Mac Pro could be topped by this 128-core AMD Epyc workstation
- The best cheap Dell laptop deals and prices for March 2020
- The best Samsung Galaxy Watch Active prices and deals for March 2020
- The best cheap SSD deals and prices for March 2020
- The cheapest Samsung Galaxy Buds prices and deals for March 2020
- The best cheap Apple Watch prices and sales in March 2020
| Microsoft Surface Duo phone release date, news, features Posted: 01 Mar 2020 01:09 PM PST The Microsoft Surface Duo is shaping up to be everything we’ve ever wanted from Microsoft’s much-anticipated phone. Even if Microsoft isn’t officially calling it a smartphone. Unveiled at the October 2019 Surface event and recently shown off in an emulator, the Surface Duo certainly sounds like a phone considering its features. Not only can it make calls, but it can also be folded up to a size that fits comfortably in one hand and in your pants pocket. Plus, it runs on Android, per Wired. However, Microsoft referred to it as a “communication device” on stage, so we’ll see if there are any surprises that disqualify it from being considered a proper phone. To be fair, there’s more to the Surface Duo than its phone function. It boasts dual 5.6-inch screens, but when unfolded, it can be used as an 8.3-inch tablet-like device. It can also be bent farther than flat - the full 360 degrees – for a front-to-back viewing mode. In fact, the Surface Duo strongly resembles another new device introduced during the October 2019 event - the Microsoft Surface Neo, a larger dual-screen tablet that runs a version of Windows 10 optimized for the two-display setup. Again, it already sounds like an amazing device. In fact, Brian Sozzi, Editor-at-Large of Yahoo Finance, called it a “darn slick device” after he recently spotted Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella using an early version. Here’s all we know about the smaller smartphone thus far, which we’ll be refining as information comes in over the next 12 months.
Microsoft Surface Duo price and release dateThe Microsoft Surface Duo will hit the streets in time for the 'holiday 2020' season, so likely before December 2020. We don’t know how much it will cost, or which regions it will be released in first. Hint: with two screens, it'll be expensive. More recent rumors have hinted that Microsoft could launch the Surface Duo much earlier than originally planned, perhaps in April or May 2020. For now though, we don't have any solid evidence that Microsoft will indeed deviate from the schedule it first set out. We also don’t know whether it will be sold by carriers on contract. This might be contingent on whether the device is considered a phone at all, and fit in that product category.
Microsoft Surface Duo design, display and featuresThe Microsoft Surface Duo looks exactly like a shrunken version of the Microsoft Surface Neo, a dual-screen tablet also introduced at Microsoft’s October 2019 event. But as a smaller handheld device that allows users to make calls, the Surface Duo is arguably a foldable phone. The Surface Duo has two 5.6-inch screens, but unlike other foldables, its displays are made of Gorilla Glass - just split by a very visible hinge. While that means it isn't quite as seamless an experience as the Huawei Mate X or the just-launched Samsung Galaxy Fold, using tried-and-tested durable glass might keep the Surface Duo from experiencing issues seen by early foldables - for instance, the Galaxy Fold's plastic display is still breaking, even after its refinements. Unfolded, the Duo stretches to 8.3 inches - which is just larger than the iPad Mini 5 with its 7.9-inch display. It can be bent farther than flat - the full 360 degrees, allowing for front-to-back glass. The opposite is true, too, as the Duo can be folded shut, with no exterior screen...the first handheld device in a long time that won't need a cover to protect its screens. The Duo will run Android - presumably whatever comes after Android 10, which introduced support for foldable screens. Microsoft said on stage that the Duo would be compatible with all Android apps, and it’s currently working closely with Google to make Android apps that are suited to the dual screen setup. An emulator has already gone out to developers to simulate the dual screen functionality of The Duo. Thanks to a hands-on look from Neowin, we’ve already gotten a sneak peak at what the UI might look like, some of the Microsoft and Google apps, and how multitasking will work. And since we’re still a long way off from the actual release date, this should be a good sign that there will be plenty of dual-screen apps ready to populate The Duo once it’s released. That sets it apart from the larger Surface Neo, which will run Windows 10X - a forked version optimized for dual-screen activity.
More Microsoft Surface Duo news to comePrior to its reveal on stage, the Surface Duo hadn't even been rumored - Microsoft successfully kept the phone under wraps, which is an incredible feat these days. Still, the company hasn't revealed too much about its new handheld, so we're anticipating more news and rumors to surface (har) before the Duo launches in late 2020. Keep checking back as we hear more about Microsoft's fantastic new device. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Google's next Wear OS update could go all-in on health features Posted: 01 Mar 2020 12:30 PM PST We're still waiting to see exactly how Google's acquisition of Fitbit will affect its future wearables, but it seems increasingly likely that the next version of Wear OS is going to be a lot more focused on your health. Google Fit already does a decent job of activity and stat tracking on Wear OS, but a user survey spotted by Droid Life suggests that lots more is on the way in the next version of the software that Google puts on its smartwatches. The survey, sent out through the Google User Experience Research program, polls participants about what they'd like to see included in future Wear OS upgrades, whenever they might happen to arrive.
Included in the options are SPO2 (oxygenation) tracking, sleep apnea detection, sleep analysis, heartbeat alerts, recovery time monitoring, stress tracking, pairing for medical devices and gym equipment, rep detection and more. Ask and you shall receiveThe survey also mentions water, food and calorie tracking, as well as logging elevation and flights of stairs climbed. If all of these new features get included when the next version of Wear OS rolls around, we could be talking about some serious upgrades. Wear OS doesn't currently track sleep, for example, though you can import this data from other apps. One new feature proposed by the user survey is a smart alarm setting that wakes you up when it best suits your natural circadian rhythms. Of course just because these options are mentioned in a user survey doesn't mean that Google is going to include them in the next version of Wear OS – but it does at least give us a few clues about the areas that might be improved upon. We could well hear more about the future of Wear OS and Google's wearables in general at Google IO 2020, the developer conference which is scheduled to take place between May 12-14 later this year. Via 9to5Google This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: will it be worth the upgrade? Posted: 01 Mar 2020 08:00 AM PST Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X: should you make the upgrade? More details are emerging from Microsoft on the next Xbox, the Xbox Series X, but we shouldn’t count out its predecessor - and the most powerful console on the market today - the Xbox One X. Microsoft’s mid-gen refresh of the Xbox One - and answer to Sony’s PS4 Pro - is the best games console when it comes to sheer computing chops. It’s for console players who want the best of the best in terms of specs, and native 4K and HDR support, but the upcoming Xbox Series X will have something to say about that when it releases this year. So, here's a break down of everything we know about the two consoles so far, including price (or rumored price), specs, and existing or expected games to help you weigh up whether it'll be worth upgrading from the Xbox One X to the Xbox Series X.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X price
Both Sony and Microsoft are being coy on price, and for good reason. The Xbox Series X and PS5 price came out on top in a Twitter poll of the most important factors for those looking to pick up a next-gen console. Neither company intends to repeat the mistakes of the $599 PS3 in 2006, or that of the original $499 Xbox One. Some rumors have suggested the next Xbox will be around $499, but that's just speculation. In other words, we don’t know the price of the next-gen Xbox yet, but head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, has stressed that Microsoft won’t be making the same mistake that crippled their start to the current console generation. Speaking with The Verge, Spencer said “we will not be out of position on power or price,” so expect the RRP to be more competitive this time. In terms of the Xbox One X launch RRP of $499/£449/AU$649, you can do an awful lot better than that nowadays. At time of publication, some of the best Xbox One X deals see you picking up the console for less than $300 with a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the US or the console and every numbered Gears game for £299 in the UK. However, expect the Xbox One X to be reduced even more when the Series X launches later this year. Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X specs
Xbox Series X specs details are hotting up, and they paint an exciting picture for next-gen gaming. Here’s what we know so far:
With a 12-teraflop GPU capable of up to 120 fps, the Series X is twice as powerful as the One X. It’s also got the computing muscle to support ray tracing, the demanding lighting tech only available on cutting-edge graphics cards right now. The Series X’s solid-state drive (SSD) opens up all sorts of possibilities: part of its storage system can be used to boost load times by up to 40 times and Quick Resume allows users to jump between multiple games at once without loading screens. Meanwhile, here are the Xbox One X specs:
The innards of the premium Xbox ensure it’s the most powerful console available today and the best way to play with native 4K and HDR. That said, its 1TB mechanical hard drive holds it back: it’s slow and can hold disappointingly few triple-A titles. For a console aimed at those who accept nothing less than the best of the best, there can only be one winner in this category. Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X games
Beyond Halo Infinite, Hellblade 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, there isn’t much to get excited about in terms of confirmed Xbox Series X games. At the time of publication, they are:
While that may not be much so far, the promise of the Series X’s specs in combination with the excellent value of Xbox Game Pass gives early adopters a ready-made library that benefits from faster load times, better graphics, and higher resolution. Backwards compatibility is confirmed for the Series X, which allows you to play games from previous generations on your new system, but Microsoft has gone a step further with Smart Delivery. Consider this ‘forwards compatibility’ in the sense that when you buy a compatible game, it’s unlocked on all supporting hardware. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 supports Smart Delivery, so owners of the game on Xbox One X will benefit from a free upgrade on Series X. That means if buying a One X has cleaned you out, you can buy the likes of Halo Infinite - which launches on Game Pass day one - safe in the knowledge that it’ll be there for you on Series X when you’ve cobbled together the cash. Until then, there are plenty of Xbox One X games to enjoy in gorgeous 4K, like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Metro Exodus, and Forza Horizon 4. But thanks to backwards compatibility, many current-gen games and older should be available on Series X. Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X verdict
The Xbox Series X is an increasingly enticing prospect. While we don’t know if it’ll be the most powerful console by the end of the year, its graphical grunt combined with the excellent Game Pass subscription service means Xbox fans should be getting seriously excited. For early adopters, the Series X’s lack of exciting launch games is ameliorated by an instant collection of great games thanks to Game Pass and backwards compatibility. And with Smart Delivery, those looking to upgrade from their One X can buy supported games now and upgrade for free to the Series X version once they can afford the new unit. Since the cost of the One X will plummet once the Series X launches, there are few reasons to buy a new version now. Even then the better value prospect is the cheaper, but less powerful, Xbox One S. So, really, it’s less a battle between the Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X: instead, Microsoft seems to be ensuring a harmonious, flexible transition between consoles for those that want the best of the best from an Xbox.
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| Facebook's Messenger app redesign makes chatting more streamlined Posted: 01 Mar 2020 07:30 AM PST If you use Facebook Messenger to keep in touch with family, friends, and random acquaintances you met on vacation six years ago, you'll be seeing an update to the apps for Android and iOS appear over the next few weeks. As reported by TechCrunch, chat bots are getting demoted in the app and the Discover page (showing deals, games and businesses) is going away entirely. The People tab will now focus around the Stories format Facebook pinched from Snapchat. You're going to be able to see which friends are currently active with a single tap from the People page, and the redesigned app strips down the available tabs to just to: People or Chat, which is where all your current conversations are.
In other words, the app is going to concentrate more on sharing stuff with your friends and less on other features like online shopping and playing games inside the app (areas that WeChat in China has flourished in). Bots and businessesAfter being tipped off about the update, TechCrunch got confirmation from Facebook that the update is now live for some users and will be rolling out to everyone else soon. The changes are in fact part of a gradual shift that's been happening for months. Chat bots, businesses and games can still be found in the new interface, but you need to deliberately look for them using the search bar at the top. You can also message businesses directly from their Facebook pages, as usual. The battle to keep users inside one chat app or another continues, but Facebook of course owns another big player in the field in WhatsApp. Apple has its own iMessage, while Google is pushing people towards RCS messaging. With the new changes to Facebook Messenger rolling out now, your chatting experience should be a lot more streamlined and easy to get around, and there's always dark mode available if you need it. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| What does Star Wars: The High Republic tell us about the future of the movies? Posted: 01 Mar 2020 05:00 AM PST It’s a strange, uncertain time for Star Wars. The sequel trilogy is done and dusted. The anthology films, like Rogue One and Solo, appear to be dead and buried and Disney chief Bob Iger has declared that the franchise’s near future lies on the small screen with The Mandalorian and the forthcoming (at some point…) Obi-Wan series. That doesn’t mean there will never be another big screen Star Wars film, of course. Even accounting for the comparatively muted box office for The Rise of Skywalker, this is still a mega-franchise and one that both Disney and Lucasfilm have big plans for, with the next movie due in 2022. What it does need, however, is a change. A refresh. Something to give it a new look and feel, while still retaining elements of the past. A new era, perhaps?
Welcome to The High RepublicHandily, that’s precisely what’s happening – in the books and comics at least. Lucasfilm has revealed the details of its long-teased Project Luminous, a codename for a cross-media publishing initiative that’s now formally titled Star Wars: The High Republic. This book and comic series, launching in August, takes the saga back in time by some 200 years to a period of peace and prosperity in the galaxy. The Republic is at its height (you see what they did there?), the Jedi are in their pomp and the Sith are, uh, in hiding. But an event, imaginatively-named The Great Disaster, will change everything... The series follows various Jedi characters (including a Wookiee!), plus other Star Wars archetypes like smugglers and bounty hunters, as they deal with the threat posed by a deadly new enemy – a group of “Space Vikings” known as the Nihil. “Star Wars: The High Republic features the Jedi as we’ve always wanted to see them,” Lucasfilm publishing creative director Michael Siglain explained in the rollout. “As true guardians of peace and justice. This is a hopeful, optimistic time, when the Jedi and the Galactic Republic are at their height. But of course, into this glorious new era something wicked this way comes.” Star Wars big boss Kathleen Kennedy also got in on the announcement, saying: "We are so excited to be opening up such a rich, fertile era for our authors to explore. We'll get to see the Jedi in their prime." Wars and rumors of wars
Sounds pretty cool, huh? But is this really just a publishing initiative? Rumors have abounded for some time now that the next Star Wars cinematic saga may also take place in the past – and specifically this hitherto unknown era. It all started on January 4th this year, when Jason Ward of MakingStarWars.net, tweeted: “The next Star Wars film saga to be set during the High Republic era!” Now, fans are always coming up with rumors of dubious authenticity (remember when Revenge of the Sith was definitely going to reveal that Obi-Wan was actually Luke’s father?), but both Ward and MakingStarWars have a pretty good track record with this sort of thing. That the Star Wars comics in January suddenly started dropping in references to the High Republic era lent further credibility to it. In hindsight, that was likely teasing the new books and comics, but it does feel like this could be the start of something much larger. James Waugh, Lucasfilm’s VP of Franchise Content and Strategy says in the announcement video, “What if publishing was more of an incubation place?” That's an interestingly specific turn of phrase and leaves one obvious question: incubating what? That said, Lucasfilm were quick to point out that, "This period on the Star Wars timeline will not overlap any of the filmed features or series currently planned for production," which rules out movies set in this period for the time being. What the trailer makes really clear is that Lucasfilm have gone all in on the project. As well as gathering their core group of creatives (Claudia Gray, Charles Soule, Cavan Scott, Daniel José Older and Justina Ireland), they've employed concept artists to fully flesh out this new period of Republic history, including Iain McCaig – the man who came up with the iconic look of Darth Maul. That's a lot of trouble to go to just for some spin-offs. Unclear, the future isThe High Republic initiative will introduce a lot of new Star Wars lore at once, and even if there's no plan for a movie set in this era right now, it lays the groundwork for filmmakers to give it some consideration in future. Star Wars has always benefited from its richly detailed backstory and its sense of history. Doing it this way also gives the fans something new to get excited about. Matt Martin of LucasFilm’s Story Group has since confirmed on Twitter that the project was developed independently from the films, TV shows, games and other parts of the franchise. He did also, however, go out of his way to point out, “That’s not to say the era wouldn’t be available to storytellers in other mediums, but it was developed or [sic] publishing.” The next Star Wars film has a release date of December 16, 2022. That's really not very long! We would expect a formal announcement of whatever the next movie is relatively soon, though a safe bet would be at this year's Star Wars Celebration in August. Of course there are numerous other options currently swirling around about what that might be: Rian Johnson's apparently still alive trilogy, whatever it is that Kevin Feige is working on, and the recently rumored project involving Sleight-director, J.D. Dillard. Where and when those movies are set is still a mystery. Regardless of what happens, exploring a new period of Star Wars lore is certainly an exciting thought. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate, though we wouldn’t be too surprised if a few familiar faces show up. After all, Yoda and Maz Kanata were both alive and kicking 200 years ago. And while the Jedi’s traditional enemies are deep in hiding at this point, one of the phrases written on a whiteboard in the High Republic trailer simply says “Sith Empire”. Intriguing... This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| EA Sports is trying to improve responsiveness in FIFA 20 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 03:46 AM PST EA Sports has announced that it is planning to introduce an in-game button overlay for some FIFA 20 players as part of its efforts to improve the game’s responsiveness. FIFA 20 has received criticism from its community for its unresponsiveness during online matches, with players feeling that there’s a noticeable delay between when they press the button and when their desired action happens on screen. In a recent Pitch Notes article published to the EA site, the developer has described its “live study methodology” whereby, following internal testing, it tests potential changes with a small number of real players in order to garner feedback and real-world data. Live studiesThe upcoming in-game button overlay is part of this and is intended to measure the real-world impact of a “small backend change related to button responsiveness”. According to EA, in the coming weeks a select number of players will see the overlay (pictured below) added to the top right-hand corner of their game, though it notes that the image depicts an in-progress view which is subject to change.
EA explains that this button will allow players to see their inputs in real-time as well as “the impact the connection with the data center has on those inputs.” The hope is that this will help EA analyze matches more efficiently as, it says, it “can get clips of players sharing their experience and raw input.” EA plans to share its findings from the study at some point in the future, though it points out that “like any real-world study”, it can take time to get “actionable results”. That means we don’t know exactly when we’ll find out what the developer’s next steps are but given the short lifecycle of FIFA titles and the fact that, based on previous release patterns, late 2020 is highly likely to herald the release of FIFA 21 we imagine players are hoping to see improvements sooner rather than later. EA stresses in the article that this is just one part of its efforts to tackle connectivity and responsiveness issues in the game and that as progress is made it may roll out more changes using these live studies. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New games 2020: the biggest games coming to console and PC Posted: 01 Mar 2020 03:44 AM PST Looking for the best new games of 2020? Then you've come to the right place. This year is well underway and, while it's pretty quiet right now, there's a heap of fantastic new games on the way. 2020 is a biggie in gaming and will see us making the transition to next-generation consoles and new streaming services. That means that most games that are due to release this year are fair game to be cross-generation titles - even if we don't know it yet. Xbox Series X and the PS5 may not be releasing until the end of 2020, but there are plenty of fantastic games releasing in the run-up. But it can be hard to keep track of which games are releasing when, and for what platform, so we've put together this handy guide to all the games releasing in 2020 - and when we can expect them. January
February
March
April
May
June
September
TBC new games 2020
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| iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals US: get the best prices for March 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 03:04 AM PST The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro is Apple's latest smartphone, and it's available to order from all major carriers and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. To help you wade through all the different plans, we've listed the best iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro prices and deals that are available in the US today. The Apple iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch LCD display, while the iPhone 11 Pro comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED display in either a 5.8-inch or 6.5-inch size. The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro both have updated camera hardware with a Wide and new Ultra-Wide camera on the back of the iPhone 11 and Wide, Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras on the iPhone 11 Pro. The multi-camera system allows you to capture ultra-wide photos and videos, and even "zoom-out" after a photo is taken to see more of the captured image. The front-facing camera on all new models is now an upgraded 12MP TrueDepth camera that can capture wider angle and even slow-motion selfies. iPhone 11 deals from US carriers:iPhone 11 Pro deals from US carriers:iPhone 11 Pro Max deals from US carriers:The iPhone 11 Pro Max, the bigger version of the 11 Pro, is priced at $1,099 from carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. Sprint is offering the Pro Max for $45.84 on a Sprint Flex 18-month lease, and Verizon is offering up to $500 off with select trade-in and Unlimited. AT&T is offering up to $700 off when you switch to AT&T and port-in your number, or up to $500 off without port-in. Learn more about the newest iPhone with our hands on iPhone 11 review, iPhone 11 Pro review, and iPhone 11 Pro Max review. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best phones that should have debuted at MWC 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 03:01 AM PST MWC 2020 would have been the stage that plenty of companies were planning to use to debut their new smartphones, but alas, the conference was canceled due to concerns over the coronavirus. While some countries delayed their launches, others revealed their new handsets anyway online. The show must go on. So what were the best handsets shown off at this week’s shadow-MWC? Even if the show had proceedeted as planned, it would have stood in the shadow of the Samsung Galaxy S20 line; as happens every year, the tech giant debuted its flagship lineup before MWC was scheduled to occur. At Unpacked 2020, the world got its first look at top-tier handsets that will likely have a strong presence throughout the year. But some of the year’s eagerly-anticipated phones were set to be revealed at the show in Barcelona, like the dual display LG V60 ThinQ 5G and the Vivo Apex 2020 concept. Others, like the refined Huawei Mate Xs foldable, were going to make their first appearance outside China. That’s what the first section will cover: the phones we wish we’d seen in person as the most exciting handsets that launched during MWC 2020’s planned run. The second section, on the other hand, are all the phones we didn’t see – and which were delayed for reasons we can only speculate to.
LG V60 ThinQ 5GThe LG V60 ThinQ 5G is the next generation of LG flagships: a big, powerful, modern-looking phone that retains the Dual Screen extra display with connectivity to next-gen networks. Not just mmWave, either. Like other handsets debuting in 2020, the LG V60 can connect to sub-6 frequency networks too, though only in one version of the phone. Hearkening back to the days when each carrier had a different version, in the US, Verizon will get this model while AT&T and others will get a model that won’t be able to link up to mmWave. Otherwise, the V60 is a big phone, with a 6.8-inch OLED 20.5:9 display. The Dual Screen add-on, which is packaged with the phone free of charge (at least for now), adds another identical display, letting you open two apps simultaneously for serious multitasking - or at least just watching your favorite show while you game. The V60 is the culmination of LG’s phone philosophy, and while it’s not quite as cutting edge as other flagships, it’s great for anyone who wants more screen at a lower price than a foldable.
Huawei Mate XsThe Huawei Mate Xs is nearly identical to the Huawei Mate X released last year, a foldable phone that wasn’t widely released beyond China. That’s partially due to a skeptical US that’s kept Huawei devices away from American carriers, though Google has recently appealed the part of the ban that’s kept Google Services off Huawei devices. The biggest change with the Mate Xs is an upgrade to the latest Kirin 990 chipset (the original ran the Kirin 980). Huawei claims they’ve made other quality-of-life refinements, too, like a refined hinge, which has been a worry for foldable phones. The other new addition is 5G connectivity. Given how nascent those next-gen networks are, we’re not sure which of them the Mate Xs would be able to connect to outside China. But we’re still excited - once it hits the market, it’ll be the most powerful foldable in the world.
Vivo Apex 2020Unlike the other phones, the Vivo Apex 2020 is a concept device, showing impressive new technology in a device that won’t be sold to the public at scale. Still, its neat innovations should trickle out to mainstream devices in the coming years. Chief of these new tricks is a zero-port body, which even extends to the buttons - which aren’t physical, but pressure-sensitive parts of the display, which extends over the sides. That also makes it reliant on wireless charging - but Vivo claims its new phone manages 60W, which is big if true. There are other advancements, like an in-display selfie camera, 5x-7.5x optical telephoto lens, and gimbal-like stabilization of the main camera. Given it’s a concept, we weren’t looking to see this as a preview for 2020 handset tech, but witnessing these feats in person would have made us excited for the years of phones to come.
Sony Xperia 1 IISony might have pulled out of MWC 2020, but the company ended up revealing the Sony Xperia 1 II (pronounced Xperia One Mark Two) as the tech giant’s next flagship phone. As expected, it’s an iteration on the Xperia 1, with the same long, narrow frame and 4K 6.5-inch display - but this time, it’ll allow 90Hz refresh rate. Other improvements are similarly de rigueur for a 2020 Android flagship, like a Snapdragon 865 chipset and 5G connectivity. It also has a bigger 4,000mAh battery and faster charging. Sadly, Sony didn’t show us the phone in person - we read all these alleged updates on paper, so we can’t say quite how the Xperia 1 II will differ from its predecessor. Neither do we have a price - and for a release date, only a vague ‘Spring 2020’ (Q2 2020) window.
Honor 9X ProWe were expecting the Honor View 30 phone to get a global debut at MWC 2020, but in lieu of the cancelled conference, the Honor 9X Pro got a surprise global launch instead. It hasn’t been long at all since the Honor 9X came out at the end of 2019, so what’s changed? Some improvement in specs, of course - and the first Honor phone to launch without Google apps. Instead, the Honor 9X Pro will use the alternative app suite and app store that Huawei has cooked up for its phones, the Huawei Mobile Services. Obviously, this is the long-delayed consequence for the US Huawei ban, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it works. The Honor 9X Pro will arrive in several non-UK European countries as well as Egypt, Malaysia, and Saudia Arabia in March 2020 and will retail for €249 (roughly £210, $270, AU$410). Phones that didn’t debut during shadow-MWC 2020
Moto Z5Around MWC, we typically get our first look at a new Motorola flagship. This year, we were expecting a new Z-series phone - perhaps the Moto Z5 - which would have given us a window into Motorola’s phone strategy for 2020. Given the refined G-series budget phones have already been announced For instance, a Z5 would likely be compatible with Moto Mods, but it might also include advancements made in the last year’s Motorola One phones, which were introduced as devices that would debut new features outside of the company’s typical Z-series and G-series launch cycles. The bigger question might be: will the Z5 come with 5G, thus obviating the need for a 5G Moto Mod introduced alongside its predecessor, the Moto Z4? Without a flagship introduced early in the year at MWC, it’s unclear what 5G plans Motorola has for 2020.
Nokia 10We were anticipating that a follow-up to the Nokia 9 Pureview would debut at MWC, but haven’t heard anything since Nokia pulled out of the show. Given how little we knew about the phone beforehand, we can only guess at what the Nokia 10 will bring. ...or the Nokia 9.1, or whichever numerically-loose name Nokia opts for. When the company releases annual iterations on its lineup, it tends to count up by decimal places - just check our best Nokia phones page for evidence. That’s somewhat helpful, as features and price generally escalate with the number. But the Nokia 9 Pureview is such a radical outlier to the other phones with its spider-eye 7-hole/5-lens rear camera suite that we’re eager to see how the phonemaker refines some of the rougher UX edges on its 2019 flagship. Or if it abandons the concept entirely - something we’ll only know when the Nokia 10 resurfaces. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The dual-screen Microsoft Surface Duo could be launching earlier than expected Posted: 01 Mar 2020 02:30 AM PST Microsoft initially promised that the dual-screen Surface Duo mobile device would be launching at the end of 2020, just in time for the holiday season, but there are rumblings that it could now go on sale as early as April or May. Inside sources speaking to Windows Central report that Microsoft wants to bring the launch window forward in order to make the most of the buzz around the device – and to avoid releasing a 4G gadget in a market where 5G has become the norm. Much of the work on the Surface Duo is done, apparently. It runs Android 10, with a few extra customizations, and that software has been in the wild since last August. A few finishing touches are all that's required.
The hardware is pretty much set as well, according to the insiders. Different configurations of the Surface Duo are going to be available, but they'll all be based around the Snapdragon 855 processor, which means no support for 5G connectivity. Four or five GsWhile you'll struggle to get a strong 5G signal in all but a few limited spots around the world at the moment, Microsoft knows that it doesn't look good in terms of futureproofing if its folding Surface Duo device launches without it. Getting the gadget out earlier than planned would mitigate that problem to some extent – by the time that 5G does become widespread, a Surface Duo 2 might be just around the corner, though that probably depends on how the first one does. It's going to be interesting to see how the split-screen interface works on the phone (though Microsoft is definitely not calling it a phone): we've already seen leaks that show how a quick 'peek' at the displays will reveal your notifications. The much bigger Microsoft Surface Neo – running Windows rather than Android – is also due out before the end of the year, but as yet there's no indication that Microsoft is thinking about bringing forward that particular launch. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Doom Eternal can run at 1000 FPS with the right hardware Posted: 01 Mar 2020 02:20 AM PST When it comes to Doom Eternal id Software is going big, with glorious 4K visuals and, apparently, a frame rate that maxes out at 1000 frames-per-second. If you have the right hardware, of course. In a recent video with IGN, id Software’s lead engine programmer, Billy Kahn, explained that big improvements with the id Tech 7 engine have made Doom Eternal’s “bigger explosions” and “vibrant looking particle effects”, as well as this high frame rate, possible. According to Kahn, with Doom Eternal “if you have the hardware right, it could hit 1000 frames per second”. Smooth visualsHe goes on to say that there’s “really no upper limit”, adding “I’ve had some hardware here locally that we built just for testing, where we had scenes running in the 400 frames per second." That’s a big improvement on the 250 frames-per-second Kahn says was reached by the developer's id Tech 6 engine used in the development of Doom 2016. The benefit of this maximisation is that not only does it make Doom Eternal look good now, it means that it’s future-proofed for years to come, allowing players to take the game along with them as they upgrade their hardware. “It will scale with the hardware that you have,” Kahn says, “all the way from very old hardware all the way to the newest that may not even be on the market”. This kind of scalability is great for those playing on PC as it means they should see a performance boost with each upgrade they make. But it bodes well for console users too. id Software has previously said in an interview with Metro that it’d be “logical” for it to look to push into the next generation of consoles, Xbox Series X and PS5. Kahn initially addresses the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro enhancements that have been made possible with id Tech 7 in the video but he also adds that "id Tech 7 will run really nicely on the next-gen platforms", hinting at some “really cool plans” for the future, without wishing to say anything too concrete. Doom Eternal will be released on consoles and PC on March 20, so there’s really not long to wait. In our hands on time with the game we were left thrilled by its “pure energy” and “frenetic action”, marking it as one of our most highly-anticipated games of 2020. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The most expensive Apple Mac Pro could be topped by this 128-core AMD Epyc workstation Posted: 01 Mar 2020 02:14 AM PST A number of smaller workstation vendors are rushing to fill a very lucrative niche; the likes of Coreto, Scan, Velocity Micro and Boston have a tiny window of opportunity before the computer giants (Lenovo, HP and Dell) jump on AMD’s EPYC bandwagon. The EPYC 7702 is currently the best option out there if you're looking for the pinnacle of desktop performance - put it this way, you won’t find anything from Intel that will even come close to what AMD's Rome series CPU has to offer. Rome offers 64 cores and 128 threads, and you can pair two together to get the sort of processing power that was found in supercomputers only a couple of decades ago.
At $51,399, the Apple’s Mac Pro has “only” 28 cores (Intel Xeon W-3275M) and accommodates up to 1.5TB memory, two Radeon Pro Vega II Duo (that’s four GPU and 128GB HBM2 memory) and an 8TB SSD. How does that compare to, say, an a-X2 from Mediaworkstations containing the EPYC 7702? For a start, the a-X2 is a little more expensive at just over $53,000 (roughly £41,500 / AU$81,800). However, you get two 64-core processors, 2TB of memory, a pair of Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000 GPU with 48GB GDDR6 memory, and 8.68TB worth of high speed storage. For peace of mind, a three-year warranty with next business day onsite service is also thrown in. It's true, the casing (adorned by two 200mm front intake fans) is not as alluring as the Mac Pro's aluminium housing, but you get so much more for your money. Note, while Mediaworkstations ships internationally, you may have to pay additional tax depending on your location.
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| The best cheap Dell laptop deals and prices for March 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 02:09 AM PST We probably don't have to tell you that Dell makes some of the best laptops around, but did you know they are also some of the most affordable as well? If you know where to look, there’s a wide variety of Dell laptop deals to be found on the internet, with retailers ranging from Amazon to Walmart to Dell themselves offering low prices. Nevertheless, there are several different varieties of laptop from which to choose when shopping around for a new Dell. The Inspiron line ranges from entry- to mid-grade laptops, while the XPS delivers flagship-level power in attractive chassises. Then there’s Alienware, the Dell company that makes the best gaming laptops – with dedicated graphics cards and beefy processors to boot. With so many options, it can be hard to pin down all the best Dell laptop deals in all of these categories and product lines. To make it easier, we’ve taken care of the leg work for you, recording all of the top Dell laptop deals onto a single page. Read on to find the one that's right for you!
Like any other notebook maker with its leading product, Dell runs deals on its XPS 13 line rather frequently, just not as good or as often as, say, its mid-range Inspiron lineup. Being Dell's most sought-after laptop, though, it makes sense. With up to a 13.3-inch, 3K IPS touchscreen inside an 11-inch aluminum frame, Intel's latest Core i processors as well as Thunderbolt 3 and an SD card slot, the XPS 13 is ready for all kinds of work and play. Below, you'll find the best deals we could find on the XPS 13 in the UK, US and Australia. Just note that most XPS 13 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
The XPS 15 is, frankly, a larger XPS 13. However, that extra space inside the 14-inch frame (fitting a 15.6-inch version of that beautiful screen) allows for Nvidia's GTX 1050 mobile graphics chip. All else equal, this makes the XPS 15 even more suitable for professionals and players alike, though considerably less portable. And, of course, a larger screen asks for a larger price tag. Below are the best deals we could muster on the XPS 15 in the UK, US and Australia. We'll say it again: note that most XPS 15 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too. Read the full review: Dell XPS 15
Dell's best Windows-based answer to the Chromebook legion is the Inspiron 11. A tiny bit of power to inhabit such a tiny price, this laptop is ideal for students of basically all ages, but not for those in computing intense fields (i.e. animation, media editing, etc), and anyone seeking a cheap way to get online. Since this is nearly the least expensive laptop money can buy, deals on these are few and far in between. Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 11 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 11 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.
This is one of Dell’s most entry-level laptops, but it has recently been retooled to make it feel like anything but. With expandable storage and an HD webcam, you’re looking at a fine companion for the college student or a suitable laptop for mom and dad. It won’t do much of any gaming, but its processor should stream movies at 720p just fine. As a family photo repository or a device for keeping in touch with the kids – or heck, writing that thesis – the Inspiron 14 is a consummate Chromebook challenger. Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 14 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 14 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.
For whatever reason, we’ve been told by Dell and other computer makers that people really dig huge laptops with legacy features. Hence, the Inspiron 15 7000 is among Dell’s most popular, so much so that there are always deals available for the device that clings onto what Apple has long forgotten: SD cards and DVDs. Of course, don't go expecting MacBook-like levels of performance here – not even close. But, if you still have a dear DVD collection, this may be the 15-inch laptop for you. Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 15 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 15 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too. Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 15 7000
Perhaps you want a smaller, lighter and more varied experience (like we would). In that case, this version of the Inspiron might be your scene. It's slick, lightweight, and offers several ways to use it – just like the XPS 13 2-in-1 (save for the immensely powerful hardware and beautiful screen). Though, for most folks, what's inside this hybrid laptop is just fine. Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 13 2-in-1 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 13 2-in-1 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too. Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1
For those seeking a gaming laptop without putting a dent in their life savings, the Dell Inspiron 15 Gaming might be your best bet. It's essentially a souped-up version of the standard 15-incher, but with far stronger graphics. Of course, don't go expecting Alienware 15-level performance here. But what this Inspiron offers should be enough for fine 1080p gaming at moderate settings. So, it's no wonder why folks are interested in saving even more on it. Below are the best deals we could muster on the Inspiron 15 Gaming in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Inspiron 15 Gaming deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too. Read the hands-on review: Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming
Dell's Alienware brand of gaming laptops looks better than ever today, though sadly it seems to be pricier than ever as well. For example, the starting Alienware 13 model comes with an HD screen at 1,366 x 768 resolution. Luckily the component options quickly scale up from there, but of course so does the pricing. With an absolutely beautiful OLED display on the table, we'll take whatever deal we can get. Below are the best deals we could muster on the Alienware 13 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Alienware 13 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.
Those seeking the newest Nvidia graphics behind screens fine-tuned for gaming are well-treated by Dell’s Alienware brand. Notoriously pricey, any deal you can get on Alienware hardware is worth considering if you want a gaming laptop not just with powerful components but strong style and support. The Alienware 15 simply expands upon Dell's fresh new design, bringing with it access to Nvidia's mid-tier GTX 1070 mobile graphics for even more power. This model also comes starting with an FHD (1,920 x 1,080) screen – phew! These are the best deals we could find on the Alienware 15 in the UK, US and Australia. Note that most Alienware 15 deals listed are with entry-level specs, so check to make sure whether the version you want has the hardware you want inside, too.
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| The best Samsung Galaxy Watch Active prices and deals for March 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 02:09 AM PST Along with the announcement of the Galaxy S10 phone, Samsung also unveiled its newest Galaxy smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. The latest Samsung wearable is available for purchase now, so we've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy watch prices and deals for from several retailers below.
Samsung Galaxy Watch pricesThe Samsung Galaxy Active Watch currently retails for $199.99/£229. The main reason the Active Watch is cheaper than the original Samsung Galaxy Watch ($329 / £279 for the 42mm model) is that the Active is missing the rotatable bezel, a core feature from the Samsung Galaxy Watch. So navigation of the menus and features is handled by the touchscreen and two side buttons. If you plan on using the Samsung watch just for fitness purposes, then the Galaxy Active is a great alternative at a lower price. You'll find all of the prices from several retailers below. You can also find out more about the Samsung smartwatch with our Samsung Galaxy Watch Active review. If you're interested in Samsung's newest phone you can find the best Samsung Galaxy S10 prices and deals in the US, and we've got you covered for UK deals of the Galaxy S10 too. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best cheap SSD deals and prices for March 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 01:38 AM PST If you're looking for the best cheap SSD deals on Amazon Prime Day, then you've come to the right place. Buying a Solid State Drive is an easy and affordable way to give your PC a noticeable speed boost, and with the best cheap Amazon Prime Day SSD deals, now it the perfect time to buy one. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, so if your PC still uses an old hard drive, swapping it out for a new SSD can breathe new life into your machine. You'll notice Windows 10, apps and games load much faster than before once you install your SSD. It's an easy upgrade as well, with most SSDs slotting into where your old hard drive used to be. SSDs are more expensive than traditional hard drives, and they sometimes don't offer quite as much storage space. However, with the best cheap SSD deals, you no longer have to choose between speed and capacity. The best cheap SSD deals on Amazon Prime Day make buying an SSD not much more expensive than a normal hard drive, and there's some brilliant deals to be had for large capacity SSDs that offer 1TB of storage space or more. Whether you’re looking for an SSD for gaming, for a laptop or for a high-speed PCIe slot, we’ve dug up the best SSD deals for you.
Best M.2 SSD deal
Adata snipes the spot for best M.2 SSD deal, with a PCIe 3.0 x4 drive that offers high performance and storage for a price well below the competition. While many M.2 PCIe SSDs cost a fair bit more than their SATA counterparts, the SX7000 manages to keep its prices in league with SATA SSDs. And, because it’s a PCIe drive, it can take advantage of the incredibly high bandwidth offered by this connection, giving you the most of its advertised 1,800MB/s sequential read and 850MB/s sequential write speeds. Top that off with fast random read and write times and a 5-year warranty to boot, and you’ve got a killer SSD that only gets better when you spot the price tag. Best SATA SSD deal
No list of the best SSDs ever seems to be complete without the Samsung 850 Evo, which consistently ranks among head of the pack. While the 850 Evo is available as an M.2 and mSATA drive, it’s the standard 2.5-inch drive that proves time and time again to be an SSD you can’t go wrong with. The 850 EVO comes in a number of different storage sizes, letting you choose what’s right for your budget. With fast read and write speeds, and reliable 3D NAND backed up by a 5-year warranty, the 850 Evo is a great drive from a respected brand. Though the price can fluctuate a bit, now’s a great time to pick one up – especially after the introduction of the Samsung 860 Evo. Best budget SSD deal
The Crucial MX500 SSD offers incredible value, giving you plenty of storage per dollar. It comes in the standard 2.5-inch drive size, so it should fit in any standard desktop build, and will also fit in plenty of laptops. On top of the MX500’s great value is its great performance. Despite the budget price, the MX500 is built using fast, high-endurance 3D NAND flash storage, and comes with a 5-year warranty to back it up. It’s speeds reading and writing data, both big and small, also keep up with the competition. Best laptop SSD deal
Looking to upgrade your laptop? SanDisk has the answer. The SanDisk Ultra II offers great value and performance per dollar, and with the standard 2.5-inch drive size and only 7mm thickness, it should fit in a wide range of laptops. The SanDisk Ultra II’s speeds keep up with its closest competitors, but at the 500GB sweet spot, it undercuts the price of other drives. This makes it a sweet pick for a laptop upgrade. It comes with a 3-year warranty. Best external SSD deal
Western Digital has an external SSD that’s worth the price. While plenty of other external SSDs warrant serious consideration of building your own external SSD by just buying a normal SSD and a USB enclosure separately, the WD’s My Passport manages to offer a price that’s only slightly higher than an internal SSD of the same size. Plus you won’t find a third-party enclosure smaller than the WD My Passport SSD. Supporting USB-C and USB 3.1 Gen 2, the My Passport external SSD is capable of fast communication with a PC. It’s also small and light, with dimensions of just 1.8 x 3.5 x 0.39 inches and a weight of 1.44 ounces. Of course, with portability comes the question of security, but the My Passport includes 256-bit encryption to keep your data safe from intruders, and it’s drop-tested up to 6.5 feet to keep your data safe from accidents. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The cheapest Samsung Galaxy Buds prices and deals for March 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 01:30 AM PST Right as Samsung released its Samsung Galaxy S10 flagship phone series, the company also launched its AirPods-rivaling true wireless headphones: the Samsung Galaxy Buds. The Samsung Galaxy earbuds are stylish little aural experiences fine-tuned for Android and iOS phones, so we've put together a list of the best prices and sales from several retailers below.
Samsung Galaxy Buds prices and salesThe Samsung Galaxy Buds currently retail for $129 (£139 / AU$249) which is actually cheaper than Samsung's previous truly wireless headphones, the Gear IconX ($149.99 / £157). The only features that the Galaxy Buds lack when compared to the Gear IconX are the ability to load your music to the earbuds, increased water-resistance and audio coaching for exercises. The Samsung earbuds are also cheaper than Apple's Airpods ($159/£159) which makes the Galaxy Buds one of the most affordable high-end wireless earbuds on the market. You'll find all of the prices below from several different retailers so you can find the best deal that's currently available. You can learn more about the Samsung earbuds with our Samsung Galaxy Buds review. You can also shop more of the best cheap wireless headphone deals and sales that are currently going on. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best cheap Apple Watch prices and sales in March 2020 Posted: 01 Mar 2020 01:28 AM PST We've scoured the best Apple Watch prices and sales currently available online. Apple's smartwatch is the most popular of its kind on the market, so finding the best deals can be a difficult task. The most recent watchOS 6 is available for all Apple Watch owners from Series 1 to the brand new Series 5, meaning picking up an older watch doesn't come with the risk of outdated software. If you don't have an iPhone running iOS 13, however, you'll be able to update to watchOS 5.3.3, keeping some of the newer features without relying on the latest iPhone models. Below you'll find all of the best Apple Watch sales we've found, from the Series 1 watch to the latest Apple Watch 5. We also threw in a few places to buy Apple Watch bands a little cheaper than you can pick them up from Apple. Is the Apple Watch price worth it?Apple's hardware often comes with a high price tag, and the Apple Watch doesn't fall far from the tree. That said, if you're looking for a smartwatch to work with your iPhone no other brand comes close to offering the functionality of Apple's own timepiece. While the Apple Watch price is still higher than many other brands, you're paying for integration with a massive number of apps you're already using on your iPhone. Plus, with all the Apple Watch sales happening and the recent software updates to older models, you can easily grab a great deal. Best cheap Apple Watch prices and sales
The GPS Series 5 Apple Watch price is $399 / £399 / AU$649 for the 40mm size and cost $429 / £429 / AU$699 for the larger 44mm size. The GPS-only model is the cheapest new Apple Watch and lacks LTE connectivity. If you're not interested in a cellular plan for your smartwatch, this model would be best for you. On release, many users started reporting a decrease in battery life quality in the Series 5, an issue that didn't seem to improve by switching off the always-on display. This has since been resolved with the release of watchOS 6.1, suggesting that the battery-saving features of the always-on display weren't the issue at fault. The Apple Watch 5 also offers improved safety features with the ability to make international emergency calls in over 150 countries, even without your iPhone nearby. Apple Watch sales on this latest model might be limited, but with Black Friday around the corner, you may be able to find the discount for you.
The GPS and Cellular Series 5 Apple Watch price starts at $499 / £499 / AU$799 for the 40mm model and goes up to $529 / £529 / AU$849 for the 44mm size.
The Apple Watch Nike Series 5 includes GPS technology and has a starting price of $399 / £399 / AU$649 for the 40mm model. If you're interested in GPS and cellular, the 40mm Nike+ Apple Watch price sits at $499 / £499 / AU$799.
The Series 4 Apple Watch price changes across each of the four variations: 40mm and 44mm sizes, and with or without cellular / LTE service. The 2018 model carries a newer, slimmer design than the previous Series 3 Apple Watch, with an increased screen size to boot. That means a generally more pleasing experience, from checking the time to tapping through menus and apps on a larger screen. This design is unchanged in the most recent Series 5 version, so if you're just looking for a bigger, more usable screen than previous models, these Apple Watch sales are for you. That said, the Apple Watch Series 4 doesn't have the always-on Retina display so if you're looking to sneak a peek at the time you'll have to do the full wrist motion which can get a bit awkward. If you're choosing between the Series 4 and Series 3, you should also know that the Series 4 offers a 64-bit dual processor which doubles the speed of the previous model. Compared to the Series 5, the Series 4 has a lot going for it when you take its price tag into consideration. If you opt for the cheaper, slightly older model you're only losing an improved optical heart sensor, the aforementioned always on display, and a compass application.
The regular Apple Watch 3 delivered minimal upgrade from the Series 2. Still, it remains a top-tier device in terms of fitness and longevity, with run and cycle tracking on board and a water-resistant casing for swimming, plus the a heart rate monitor on the underside. And the LTE version comes with cellular connectivity so you can use it independently from your phone. You will be losing some of the design benefits of the 4 and 5 models by opting for this cheaper Apple Watch price. The smaller screen and case size doesn't hold you back, but there's a much nicer option on the market in the latest chassis design. The watch itself is slightly thicker, and runs on an older processor that won't have you blitzing through apps quite as quickly. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch 3 still stands as a strong smartwatch solution, especially if you're looking for something cheaper to use for fitness or music only. It's far more affordable than the later models while still offering the latest software. Essentially, Apple Watch sales will centre around this essential feature set that offers amazing value for money.
The Apple Watch 2 isn't being sold by Apple, but it's still being pushed around by various retailers for those who want an older watch on the cheap. It includes specs and features not available on the cheaper Apple Watch Series 1. This includes GPS tracking, a brighter screen and waterproof specs that allow you to wear it in the pool. The Series 2 Apple Watch price is half that of the later models but so is its feature list. For around $250/£250 you're receiving a stripped-down list of the most essential Apple Watch features, but it's worth remembering that they're still strong features for your money. It would be difficult to find more integration with iPhone applications for that price anywhere else, but you could be spending a little more cash for a lot more features with the newer models.
Your Apple Watch literally isn’t complete without the best deals on Apple Watch bands. They make the geeky smartwatch stylish enough to show off to late adopters.
In fact, you’re going to want multiple cheap Apple Watch straps simply because more elegant bands are far from ideal for the gym. Vice versa, Sport Bands don’t cut it at the fancy dinner table. Everyday in the news, we see new cheap Apple Watch bands trying to become the de facto alternative to the more expensive, official Apple Watch bands, and they’re usually just as good. Trust us, buying a trio of third-party, lookalike Apple Watch bands for the price of one official strap is a relief after paying so much for the smartwatch itself.
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