Monday, January 14, 2019

Apple : Nvidia Turing release date, news and features

Apple : Nvidia Turing release date, news and features

Nvidia Turing release date, news and features

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 02:35 PM PST

The wait for Nvidia’s next-generation Turing graphics cards was excruciating, but finally, the latest and greatest GPU architecture is here. It was a long wait, but the sheer power of Nvidia Turing was definitely worth it.

Now that we finally have Turing-powered Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, RTX 2080, RTX 2070 and RTX 2060 cards in our hands, we know they’re the best graphics cards for the games we’ll be playing for the next few years – as long as you’re willing to pay. Nvidia Turing will be behind some creative work too, thanks to the newly announced Nvidia Titan RTX.

Real time ray tracing is the premiere technology with Nvidia Turing, bringing this holy grail of graphics tech to a mainstream GPU for the first time. This could bring about a revolution in the way the best PC games are rendered – just as soon as we have more than one game that supports it.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? Nvidia’s latest graphics card architecture
  • When is it out? September 20
  • What will it cost? $599 (£569, AU$899) - $10,000 (£7,830, AU$13,751)

Nvidia Turing release date

All of the currently-announced Nvidia Turing GPUs are now out in the wild – the RTX 2080 Ti, 2080 and 2070. Though, the RTX 2080 Ti still has limited availability, and you’ll likely have to pay more than MSRP to get your hands on one for a while.

And, at CES 2019, we didn’t just finally get an RTX 2060 announcement – arriving on January 15 – but we also saw some gaming laptops with Nvidia RTX graphics. The best gaming laptops of CES 2019, like the Alienware Area 51m, were all packing the latest Nvidia Turing graphics, and they’ll start hitting the market in the latter part of January 2019.

Nvidia Turing price

Although, the Nvidia Turing series started with the Quadro RTX GPUs, we're far more interested in the graphics cards available for consumers. If you wanted to check out these enterprise-leaning parts head on here, otherwise read on for the prices of the announced consumer cards below:

  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti: $1,199 (£1,099, AU$1,899) 
  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080: $799 (£749, AU$1,199) 
  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070: $599 (£569, AU$899) 

Overall, the prices for Nvidia's newest graphics cards seem to have risen with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti  taking the place of Nvidia’s past Titan cards. This shift up can sadly be seen across the entire lineup.

It should be noted that the prices on the store are a bit higher than what Nvidia CEO and founder Jensen Huang revealed at the Nvidia Geforce Celebration at Gamescom 2018 – at the time of writing. For instance, the 2080 Ti was initially revealed at $999, but that price isn’t currently reflected in the online store – or anywhere else.

These prices might make you want to spring for the Pascal-based GTX 1080 Ti, and we wouldn’t blame you. However, you should also know that store stocks of these older cards are disappearing quickly.

Nvidia Turing specs

The headline feature of Nvidia Turing is the inclusion of ray-tracing tech that can render more realistic visuals and lighting in real time without having to fall back on programming tricks. These specialized RTX cores essentially calculate how light and sound travel in a 3D environment at a rate of up to 10 GigaRays on the RTX 2080 Ti.  These specialized cores will also supposedly allow Nvidia Turing-based graphics cards to process ray tracing up to 25 times faster than Pascal.

When these RTX Cores aren’t in use for processing ray tracing, they’ll essentially switch off, ceasing to draw any power. 

In addition to these RTX cores, the Turing Architecture will also feature Tensor Cores, like the ones found in Volta. These specialized cores enable artificial intelligence and neural networking so that Turing cards get better at rendering over time – something previously exclusive to supercomputers.  

With the ability to deliver 500 trillion Tensor operations a second, this technology accelerates deep learning training and inferencing. This will allow Nvidia to offer Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which could be a version of super sampling that won’t bring your computer to its knees. 

Even for games that don’t support this new DLSS tech, these AI-fueled cores should deliver traditional anti-aliasing much more efficiently – up to eight times.

As with Volta, Nvidia Turing is adopting GDDR6 memory – up to 11GB in the RTX 2080 Ti, which can clock in at up to 14Gbps, quite the leap over the Pascal-powered Nvidia Titan Xp that clocked in at 11.4Gbps.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is an absolute behemoth of a GPU. With 4,352 CUDA cores, 11GB of GDDR6 VRAM with a 352-bit memory bus and 18 billion transistors, it’s going to be capable of 4K Ultra gaming at high refresh rates for years to come. It’s no wonder it comes with such a high price tag. 

The more mainstream RTX 2080 and RTX 2070 are both still quite impressive, though, and will absolutely destroy the previous generation. The former will feature 2,944 CUDA cores, 8GB of GDDR6 memory and will clocked at 1.5GHz at its base frequency. The 2070, though will be a bit weaker, coming with 2,304 CUDA cores 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM and clocked at 1,410Mhz base.

And, while the RTX 2060 is basically just a cut-down RTX 2070, with the same TU106 GPU, but with 1,920 CUDA cores, 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a boost clock of 1,680 MHz, it’s still a formidable graphics card.

Nvidia Turing Performance 

Now that we’ve been able to test the RTX 2060, 2070, 2080 and 2080 Ti, we have a better picture of how they perform, and the two high-end cards are beasts.

As long as you have the high-end specs to back them up, these new Turing cards are able to perform much faster than their Pascal equivalents, and will be able to push it even further once DLSS or deep learning super sampling is more widespread. And, thanks to the AA improvements in the Tensor cores, we’re seeing about a 20-40% increase in games that don't support DLSS.

In our benchmarks, the GeForce RTX 2080 is outperforming the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti by about 11% and the Nvidia GTX 1080 by a more impressive 32% in Middle Earth: Shadow of War in 4K. This performance difference is even more massive when you look at the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti which not only is 20% faster than the RTX 2080 in the same title, but beats out the last-generation 1080 Ti by a massive 30%, destroying the GTX 1080 with a 45% performance delta. 

Unfortunately, the Nvidia RTX 2070 is less impressive. While it does absolutely wipe the floor with the GTX 1070, it is essentially neck in neck with the GTX 1080 – barely hitting a 10% performance increase at 4K in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. At its price point we were hoping for more, especially after seeing the RTX 2080 and RTX 2080 Ti’s impressive performances.

The RTX 2060 is obviously the weakest of the bunch, but you shouldn’t dismiss it outright. The mid-range Nvidia Turing card far outclasses the GTX 1060, but what’s more surprising is that it surpasses the GTX 1070 Ti – for a lower asking price. We were able to get 90 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p, whereas the 1070 Ti lagged behind at 86 fps. That’s not a huge difference, but the 2060 is $100 cheaper at launch. 

Still, in traditional games, there’s no question that Nvidia Turing marks a total upgrade from Pascal. And, over time as drivers mature and users get ready to start overclocking their Turing cards, the difference is only going to grow. That’s not to mention the inclusion of incoming DLSS and ray tracing in games, which should only increase the Nvidia Turing performance gap.

When it comes to ray tracing, there’s only one title that supports it right now: Battlefield V. And, in that title, the Nvidia Turing cards use a hybrid rendering technique – combining both traditional rasterization and ray tracing in order to produce playable frame rates.

Nvidia utilizes “Bounding Volume Hierarchy,” or BVH to track large portions of the scene being rendered for whether or not a ray is being bounced. The RTX cores will then dig deeper into these large rendering zones until it finds the polygon that’s getting hit by the light ray. 

This method impacts performance far less than tracking each ray live, but it’s still very demanding. In our own testing, you’ll be stuck at 1080p if you’re looking for smooth gameplay with ray tracing turned on. However, with Nvidia’s latest RTX drivers, it’s claiming to increase performance by up to 50% for ray tracing. We’ll be sure to test this and report back, but we have to wait for the new Battlefield V patch to do it. 

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This 50-inch Vizio 4KTV deal is only $298 and today's best discount

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 12:23 PM PST

 We've gone through top retailers such as Amazon and Walmart to find new savings on a variety of products that are worth checking out, now that we're post-CES 2019.

Today's top deals include $20 off the best-selling Google Home mini, a $10 coupon on the top-rated Eufy RoboVac 11+, and the Amazon Echo Input for only $19.99.

The upcoming Super Bowl means you can also find great discounts on TVs right now. We found the Vizio 50-inch 4K TV on sale at Walmart for only $298. That's a fantastic price for 50-inch 4K TV that features smart capabilities that allow you to stream your favorite shows from apps directly on the TV.

Scroll down to see more of today's top deals.

Today's top deals:

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Soulja Boy’s cavalcade of consoles continues with SouljaGame Handheld

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 12:10 PM PST

American rapper, producer and serious game enthusiast Soulja Boy has released another new console this week, one that bears a striking resemblance to Sony's ill-fated PlayStation Portable discontinued in 2014.

The system released by Soulja Boy, the SouljaGame Handheld, is identified on Soulja Boy’s shop as a rebranded version of the Portable MP5 Game Player Console, and has a 4.3-inch LCD screen with a 480x272 resolution (the same specs as the PSP).

Unlike the PSP, however, Soulja Boy is releasing the his handheld for a paltry $99 (around £77, AU$137). Want to feel like you're getting a bargain? Well, the newly launch system is curiously marked down from its regular $200 price.

There’s no word if the SouljaGame will come with any hacked ROMs or emulators like the rapper’s previous consoles (all of which now appear to be pulled from the store), but older versions of the MP5 can be seen on Amazon with 2,000 pre-loaded games including Advance Wars, F-Zero, Contra and Madden NFL 2005. 

If you're hoping to get your hands on the rapper's new console, however, you're out of luck – it's currently sold out on Soulja Watch... not that we condone buying one even if it were in stock.

Via Engadget

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Chromebook storage could soon be opened up like a PC

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 10:56 AM PST

Chromebooks have long had local storage in the form of the Downloads folder of Chrome OS, but very little could be done with this pocket of space on the hard drive. Now, MSPowerUser has discovered that the latest version of Chrome OS contains changes to blow Chromebook storage wide open.

Found in the latest beta version of Chrome OS, 72, a flag is now available within the code – ‘enable-myfiles-volume’ – that allows users to turn the entire My Files folder into a read-write drive, with customizable folders and file names.

According to MSPowerUser, the flag content reads: “Enables use of MyFiles as a read/write volume. This should be only used for testing or for trying to restore the previous Downloads content.”

Will this new approach to the file management in Chrome OS become the default? That’s entirely possible, and would be a sensible move. The increasing complexity of Chrome OS could be served better by addressable storage.

Via LaptopMag

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The best iPhone 7 Plus cases

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 10:20 AM PST

If you picked up the iPhone 7 Plus, you'll certainly want to keep your investment protected. The best thing to safeguard your purchase is keep it wrapped in a case to ensure its metal body stays unscathed and that its screen is safe from shattering.

An unfortunate number of smartphone owners find out the hard way that all it takes is one bad drop for your iPhone 7's screen to splinter into a cracked mess of sharp glass shards. Sure, the phone may still function, but it’s better to just get an iPhone 7 Plus case and avoid those tragedies altogether.

Here are our suggestions to keep your iPhone 7 Plus safe and sound for a long life of service, especially now that it's been updated with iOS 12 and should continue to get updates in the foreseeable future.

Note: we've ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing.

The only thing better than a case is no case, at least until you drop your phone, and this Dockem sleeve aims to combine the best of both worlds, by giving your iPhone 7 Plus a cosy case when you’re not using it, and leaving it naked and free when you are.

The inevitable downside of this is that your phone also has no protection when in use, but if you’re more concerned about your phone’s safety when it’s out of your hands than in them this could be a good option, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks suitably classy too.

The Torras Slim Fit case is perfect for those who want a simple, inexpensive case that won't glitz up their iPhone 8. It won't have the multi-stage protection of an OtterBox, but buying one of these is certainly better than keeping your phone naked, and this is the next closest thing: aside from a 1mm lip around the camera, the Torras Slim Fit is only fractionally larger than the phone itself. 

This is the case for those who want a no-frills case that will fit in pockets and small bags. Get it for $11 (£8, AU$15) on Amazon here.

Wooden cases are arguably among the most stylish around, and definitely among the most unusual. This YFWOOD case mixes things up further though by using three different shades of wood for a distinctive patterned finish.

Like most other wooden cases the edges are still plastic, which slightly spoils the look when viewed from an angle, but viewed from the back this is a stunning case and one that won’t break the bank.

The Spigen Tough Armor [2nd Generation] case offers decent protection for a low price. It has a flexible TPU body that wraps around your phone, plus a polycarbonate plate to cover the backside. The latter includes an integrated kickstand if you enjoy watching media on your iPhone 7.

The case retails for just under $16 (£12, AU$22) on Amazon here.

Where most wallet cases have little slots to slide cards in, ZVE opted for a fully-enclosed zippered pocket to store your stuff. That likely makes it a bit cumbersome for folks who carry their case-covered phones in their pockets, but at least this would keep your ID and other cards safely tucked away and not scattered on the street.

You can pick up the ZVE wallet case for under $16 (£12, AU$22) on Amazon here.

Simple and classy, the Cygnett UrbanShield is the kind of case we can get on with. This year Cygnett has dumped the cut-out for the Apple logo too, and the case looks a lot sleeker as a result.

It's a basic case - a clip-on plastic shell designed to avoid dings to your iPhone's aluminum frame, but it has some sweet finishes tailored to match the classic pink, silver and black colors.

The two silvery versions have a thin plate of brushed aluminum on the back, while the black uses carbon fiber, and the pink a panel of silicone for a soft-touch feel.

We've shied away from featuring too many super-tough iPhone 7 Plus cases, because they tend to add so much girth to the already-large phone's thickness and width. However, the X-Doria Defense Gear is one of the slimmest cases to boast of having 'military-grade' protection.

What this means in practice is that you can drop the phone case'd-up from a height of 6 feet 6 inches and it should survive.

The case is made from a mixture of rubber, hard plastic and anodized aluminum. The special sauce is what X-Doria calls DropShield. Like most advanced materials used in cases, this hardens on impact, a state change that absorbs a lot of energy.

If you want a simple leather case but don't want to be an iSheep and buy Apple's own one, take a look at the Knomo Snap-on case. It looks great and is much cheaper than Apple's, partly because the leather is just an inlay in a fairly standard polycarbonate shell.

It's still real leather, however, and this means the parts that will take the brunt of abuse will be plastic, which don't rip as a leather veneer can after serious mistreatment.

Knomo makes the Snap-on case for iPhone 7 Plus in five different shades, ranging from a pretty eye-popping orange to a much more interior design-inspired "lido" blue-gray.

Torro makes funky-looking leather flip cases that double as stands, and a stand comes in particularly handy with an iPhone 7 Plus, with its big screen just begging to be used for a bit of movie-watching while you're bored on a long plane or train journey.

The case is made of real leather, and there's neat stitching along the sides for a hand-made look. The black version has red stitching, while the tan one uses thread that blends into the leather much more.

Other notable features include a magnet to stop the screen cover flapping about, and a pouch on the front that'll hold a travel or debit card.

If you want your iPhone to look serious and professional, you can't go far wrong with a Cygnett UrbanWallet Flip. It's a simple folio case that uses a real leather 'lid' and a plastic shell into which your iPhone 7 Plus clips.

There's a metallic finish on this part that holds your phone, in a semi-successful attempt to trick your eyes into believing the shell is actually metal. The main draw here is that it's a flip case, though, and a fairly smart-looking one at that.

The tricky part of designing a case is to find ways of sucking up impact damage without effectively wrapping the phone in bubble wrap.

Belkin's Air Protect SheerForce tactic is to use arches in the case's bumper sides, creating little compressible air pockets that absorb force rather than transmitting it to the aluminum sides of the iPhone.

It's a cheap, low-bulk way of protecting the phone. This is a deliberately low-key case, with a transparent or translucent finish. The non-clear ones are tinted to match the various colors of iPhone too. This is a good pick if you want protection without lots of bulk or weird style influences.

The Spec Presidio Grip case doesn't just to try to make dropping your phone no big deal, it wants to stop those drops in the first place. As well as some basic protection, this slimline case makes your iPhone much grippier, using embossed strips of rubber across its back.

If you do drop your iPhone 7 Plus a layer of - don't laugh - Impactium will reduce the force transferred to the phone. This compressible material, which sounds like it was nicked from the Marvel universe, sits underneath a hard polycarbonate exterior.

OtterBox is best known for its ultra-protective cases. But unless you have hulk-like hands, you're not going to want to live with a brute of a case on your iPhone 7 Plus. It'll just be too much of a handful.

The OtterBox Symmetry does its best to find a middle ground. It's a slim-ish case, but one with a chunky lip above the screen and dual rubber and plastic construction, to put more layers between the pavement and your iPhone. It comes in a selection of finishes, including the funky pattern you see here.

One of the classic iPhone cases is Apple's own leather model. On the surface, it seems as simple as they come, a clip-on cover that keeps the phone's aluminum exterior looking good as new without downgrading the look. Leather is as classy as aluminum, right? There are some touches that deserve a mention, though.

First, the finish is real "French" leather rather than a synthetic alternative. This means it'll wear and age naturally rather than starting to peel off six months in.

The case also has its own buttons, sitting on top of those on your iPhone, and has a microfiber lining that hugs your phone. It comes in a whopping seven colors too.

The Portlandia of iPhone cases, the Grovemade Walnut & Leather is all-natural and, as it happens, made in Portland. Its frame is made of walnut wood finished with vegetable oil, its leather rear tanned with vegetable extracts.

It's delightfully artisanal, and pretty delightful all-round actually. As Grovemade says, though, "the wood used in this product may be damaged by drops or other impacts. If a case that may break is not for you, please consider a rubber or plastic case." You've been warned.

Grovemade also makes bumper-style cases, an all-walnut standard case and a flip case.

The Otterbox Stada case for the iPhone 7 Plus does an excellent job combining a high level of protection with a premium design. It uses multiple layers to defend the phone from scrapes and drops, while the folio cover can protect the display from damage.

On the outside, the Strada case is actually made with leather, which gives it a wonderful look and feel. If you're going to cover up all of the iPhone, it may as well be with a case that looks almost as good.

See the Otterbox Stada iPhone 7 Plus case at Amazon here.

If you don't mind covering your iPhone 7 Plus from head to toe in a case, then the Lifeproof Fre is a great option. It covers all sides of the iPhone, even with a display cover. That protects your phone from a lot more than just the occasional ding.

Lifeproof claims the case will offer your iPhone protection in up to 6.6-feet of water for an hour. And, that's on top of dust, dirt, and snow protection. Not many other cases try to raise the bar that high, but it comes with the trade-off that you won't see much of your iPhone's original design.

See the Lifeproof Fre iPhone 7 Plus case at Amazon here.

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NHS trials AI software to beat breast cancer

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:52 AM PST

In an effort to deal with a shortage of radiologists affecting hospitals, several European companies have trained AI to detect signs of breast cancer.

Kheiron Medical recently announced that it will use AI algorithms to try to diagnose breast cancer with a trial on historic scans launching this month at a NHS trust in Leeds. The company's technology will also be tested against tens of thousands of historic scans in the East Midlands.

Google's own AI company, DeepMind has also recently begun a trial with the NHS and the Dutch company ScreenPoint Medical has developed similar technology.

All of these companies are testing their algorithms on tens of thousands of mammograms to determine if they can train them to identify signs of breast cancer with the same competency as a human radiologists.

Training algorithms

Kheiron's algorithm has been trained on half a million scans from hospitals in Hungary and according to the startup, its technology can beat the average performance of a human radiologist when tested against 3,500 scans.

The company's clinical director Hugh Harvey explained its testing process to the Financial Times, saying:

“The first phase is that we are doing large-scale analysis on historic data and when we’re happy that the algorithm is performing optimally . . . we’ll begin to test it on live patients.” 

Hospitals in the UK are facing a severe shortage of radiologists and hopefully one day AI will allow them to read scans without the need for human staff. However, we are still quite a ways away from this becoming the norm though great progress has been made in the field so far.

Via The Financial Times

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The best iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus cases: how to protect your all-glass iPhone

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:45 AM PST

Safeguarding your phone with a case has always been a great idea, but it's more crucial now that manufacturers have switched to glass backs for their phones. The iPhone 8 was the first Apple smartphone to follow that trend, and it's awful when an accidental drop cracks either of your device's glass sides. 

Lucky for you, we've curated a list of cases to wrap around your iPhone 8. While it is no longer the newest phone on the market, the venerable iPhone 8 remains a reliable device for a good price that could – and should – last you years... so long as you keep it protected from accidents.

To be clear, we haven’t gotten to test out these iPhone 8 cases and can't guarantee all will protect (or look cool) to the same degree. But the list includes many that come highly rated by users, and some look pretty dashing. Here's our list:

Note: We've ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing. 

The Torras Slim Fit case is perfect for those who want a simple, inexpensive case that won't glitz up their iPhone 8. It won't have the multi-stage protection of an OtterBox, but buying one of these is certainly better than keeping your phone naked, and this is the next closest thing: aside from a 1mm lip around the camera, the Torras Slim Fit is only fractionally larger than the phone itself. 

This is the case for those who want a no-frills case that will fit in pockets and small bags. Get it for $11 (£8, AU$15) on Amazon here.

JETech's iPhone 8 case is also its iPhone 7 case (it fits both), which tells you a lot about the design: it fits, it works, it's not complicated. This crystal-clear case should protect against basic drops, scratches and scuffs.

In other words, don't expect phenomenal protection from this case, but it's an extremely functional choice for someone who doesn't want to spend much or just needs a quick fix before upgrading to a pricier case.

You can get the JETech Case for under $8 (£6, AU$11) on Amazon here.

Spigen releases Tough Armor cases for plenty of phones, and this iPhone 8 case is much like them: improved protection over basic cases for a bit higher price, but nowhere near as expensive as others in this list.

The case has a flexible TPU body wrapped in a polycarbonate back, providing a little extra cushion between the ground and your phone than simple plastic cases. Plus, it's got a little kickstand if you enjoy watching media on your iPhone 8.

The Spigen Tough Armor iPhone 8 case is just under $16 (£12, AU$22) and available on Amazon here.

Matone's Crystal Clear case is a simple solution for protecting your iPhone 8 Plus. It's a basic, soft TPU bumper case that goes around the edges and back of the phone to absorb shock when dropped.

It comes in four colors, but all of them are see-through, so you'll still be able to show off the full appearance of your phone. And, of course, with simplicity comes a low price tag.

See this iPhone 8 Plus case at Amazon here.

Looking for a simple protective cover that will help you grip your iPhone 8? This option from trusted case manufacturer Speck is basic, but does exactly what you need it to.

It won't protect the screen of your phone, but the grip material at the back will help you keep hold of your phone when you really need to. 

Protection for your pricey iPhone 8 can come at a high cost, but it doesn’t have to. The X-Doria Defense Clear case costs less than most ruggedized cases.

One understated feature this one boasts is that it tucks the iPhone 8’s screen under a bit of its lip so as to avoid scratching it on a table if you like to set your phone face down. This case is no frills, but if all you’re looking for is protection on the cheap, look no further.

If you're looking for a case, but don't want to add any heft or thickness to the iPhone 8, this is the one you're after.

MNML makes, you guessed it, cases with minimal aesthetic. They are cheap and come in a variety of colors. Better yet, they'll work on your iPhone 7 as well, should you have one laying around.

Tech21 offers a great protective case here that will ensure the back or edges of your phone won't get scratched and will hopefully be able to take a bit of the brunt when you next drop your iPhone 8.

There's no front to this case, so you may want to buy a screen protector, but this see through option may be a good idea if you want to be able to see your phone while it's protected.

Apple makes its own official cases for the iPhone 8, and unsurprisingly they're worthy of inclusion in this list. This one is made from a silicone material that should feel comfortable in your hand.

But perhaps the best element is the color choices on offer here. You have the choice of nine colors, including bright red, so you can make your phone look like the red iPhone 7.

If style is your modus operandi, this leather case by Mujjo should fit your tastes nicely. In terms of its looks, it’s reminiscent of Apple’s own leather case, but it’s going for the much cheaper rate of about $38 (around £28, AU$47).

It likely won’t be the most protective case, given that it doesn’t look to hug the camera unit closely, so it’s probably not the wisest choice for those who like to take their phone out in the elements. That said, if you biff, you’ll really be going down in style.

This is another choice you can buy directly in the Apple Store when you grab your iPhone 8, but we really like the leather version of Apple's official case.

Apart from the material it's made of, the design is very similar to the silicone version up above and it comes in a great variety of colors too including pink, brown and bright red.

If protecting your phone is your number one priority when investing in a case, LifeProof’s signature offering looks to fit the bill with its colorful suite of cases.

By hugging around the back and securely over the iPhone 8’s front, it protects its fragile glass build materials on every front. 

While the phone looks as much like an iPhone 6 as it does an 8 while covered, at least you’ll still be able to take advantage of all the new features, like wireless charging and the improved camera. The big downside is that this ruggedized case is nearly $100.

Otterbox’s Defender Series of cases is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to ensure their iPhone 8 is safe from just about anything. This case offers multi-layer protection for the front, back and sides of the phone. An attachable clip can even help you keep it easily accessible without making it more prone to falls.

Spigen’s Slim Armor CS is a handy case for the iPhone 8. It not only protects your phone with a two-layer combination of soft TPU and hard PC, but it also lets you store two card inside. Throw a credit card and license in there, and you’re set for a night on the town. 

Caseology's Parallax iPhone 8 case has a stylish design combining a soft shell with a 3D effect on the back and a hard shell for extra reinforcement.

While it might cover up most of the iPhone 8's own design, the Parallax case's look is interesting enough that you might not even mind. Plus, there are plenty of color combinations to choose from.

See the Caseology Parallax iPhone at Amazon here.

Otterbox makes great cases, and the Strada series for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus sticks to that trend. The case features mutli-layer protection for your phone. And, thanks to its folio style, it can protect your screen as well.

It may be pricey, but it's a lot cheaper than a serious repair. It also has room for a credit card, so you can store one in your case if you don't like bringing your wallet everywhere.

See the Otterbox Strada case for iPhone 8 at Amazon here.
See the Otterbox Strada case for iPhone 8 Plus at Amazon here.

This folio-style wallet is great for anyone who doesn't want to bring their wallet along with their phone. Its faux-leather looks nice (in photos, at least), comes in multiple colors and has three pockets for cards or cash.

It may be a bit cumbersome for frequent texters, but it will keep your phone's front screen a bit more protected from damage. Pick up this iPhone 8 faux-leather wallet case on Amazon here for $19 (£15, AU$26).

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The 5G Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus may be a Verizon exclusive

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:39 AM PST

The Samsung Galaxy S10 launches next month, and all signs point to a 5G version of the phone being there, too. But it might not come to all US carriers at first.

It's the bigger Galaxy S10 Plus we're talking about today, and it's set to get faster 5G speeds with 'maxed out' specs – if you're using Verizon, says Max Weinbach of XDA Developers.

We covered his tweets about key Galaxy S10 specs, including the RAM, storage, and camera leaks, but Weinbach also goes into a little more detail about the 5G version.

He notes Verizon won Samsung's bidding war for the 5G Galaxy S10 Plus, though he adds "not sure how long this lasts." Other carriers like AT&T surely want in too.

Exclusives are the pricey path to 5G

Carriers want 5G bragging rights, especially in the US and especially when it comes to a top-tier smartphone maker like Samsung. 

It's much a better business decision for a company like Samsung to sell its 5G phone to single carrier because it'll be expensive to make and mass produce. A phone that's more expensive than the max-out Note 9 isn't going to be the most popular.

That means the 5G Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus may be more about boasting than it is about getting 5G into the hands of everyday consumers. It's going to take some time for mass adoption.

As we learned from the forthcoming Verizon-bound Moto Z3 5G add-on, the 5G revolution is coming in 2019, making for thicker, expensive, and more power-hungry smartphones that are, so far, exclusive to Verizon.

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Galaxy S9 deals set to rise: snap up one of these contracts while you still can

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:23 AM PST

If you've had your heart set on a brand new Samsung Galaxy S9 you may be running out of time to get it at its current affordable price. TechRadar has heard from a leading mobile phone retailer that an S9 price hike could be on the very near horizon. 

Whether that's because of the soon-to-be released Samsung Galaxy S10 or because the device at its current price has just proved so popular we're not really sure. But what we do know is that now is looking like the moment to grab that S9 deal you've been mulling over in your head. Or if they still feel a bit too expensive (or you get to this article too late), then Galaxy S8 deals are looking really attractive right now, so grabbing the cheaper predecessor to the S9 could be a very good call. 

We've listed our picks for the top offers on the device below so grab them before they go or head to our best Galaxy S9 deals page for options on big data or providers you don't see below. 

The best Samsung Galaxy S9 deals right now

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Best iPhone 7 cases

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:22 AM PST

Perhaps you snagged an iPhone 7 as an inexpensive option or you're just waiting to get a great deal on an iPhone XS – but either way, you understand good value. Since Apple updated the iPhone 7 to iOS 12, you have few reasons to abandon your functional and feature-rich phone for an expensive new device. But if you don't have a case, you're not protecting your investment.

Sure, the iPhone 7's metal unibody can keep it safe from short falls, but an accidental plummet at the wrong angle can still shatter your display into splinters, and you'll have to pick shards of glass from your fingertips. It's not just the screen you should worry about: the phone's slick metal phone body can be scratched, dinged or dented, too.

A case is a smart idea to help protect the frame and display of your iPhone 7. And lucky for you, the cases for the iPhone 7 will fit the iPhone 8 if you decide to upgrade sometime later.

Here’s our list of the best cases out there for Apple's reliable iPhone 7. If you opted for the bigger version of the phone, head on over to our roundup of the best iPhone 7 Plus cases.

Have you loaded iOS 12 onto your iPhone 7?

Still have one of the older Apple devices? Here's our definitive list of the best iPhone 6 and 6S cases.

Note: we've ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing.

Torras has put out a phone case that's just slightly bigger than the iPhone 7 itself, which is perfect for the person who wants a simple, no-nonsense look for their phone. There's even a little 1mm raised lip around the camera lens to protect it from errant drops.

It's obvious that this won't protect your phone as well as, say, an Otterbox, but for those who want to wrap their device in simple elegance, the Torras Slim Fit case will do the trick. Pick one up for $11 (£8, AU$15) on Amazon here. 


Spigen's Tough Armor series aims to provide solid protection at a low price. Its flexible TPU body envelops the phone, while a polycarbonate plate layers protection on the back. The latter even has a built-in kickstand if you like watching media on your phone.

The Spigen Tough Armor [2nd Generation] iPhone 7/8 case retails for just under $16 (£12, AU$22) on Amazon here.

For all you marble lovers, here's the phone case for you. Baisrke has an inexpensive case that comes in several colors and hues accentuating white, black and pearlescent marble.

The case itself is made of a soft rubber silicone, so don't expect much protection from serious drops. But if you can't live without this look, you can grab the Baisrke marble case for just under $11 (£8, AU$15) on Amazon here.

The Caseology iPhone 7 Parallax case has a neat design and attractive burgundy-on-gold look for those who want to dress up their phone a little differently than their peers. It's got multiple layers to help protect your phone from drops from plenty of angles.

It's decent protection and good looks at an affordable price – perfect for your less-expensive iPhone 7. Pick up the Caseology Parallax case for $14 (£11, AU$19) on Amazon here.

Most people would probably rather keep their phone unadorned by a case, particularly when their phone is as stylish as the iPhone 7. That’s why a sleeve can be a good option, as it keeps your iPhone protected while it’s in your bag or pocket, but shows it off in full when you’re using your phone.

This Dockem sleeve also stands out thanks to its attractive faux-leather design and its low price tag, though of course, like any other sleeve it won’t protect your phone while you’re using it, so this isn’t one for the clumsy.

Your iPhone 7 might be metal, but most cases aren’t, which means you’re inevitably left covering it in cheaper plastic, or pricey but still different leather.

There are some exceptions though, such as this Ranvoo bumper, which although plastic on the inside has a layer of aluminum on the outside, and it comes in all the same colors as the iPhone 7 itself.

As it’s just a bumper rather than a full case the back of your phone is left uncovered and the bumper itself is almost invisible – unless you choose a color that contrasts your phone, rather than matches it.

The skeletal nature of the bumper means it’s not the most protective thing around, but the edges are raised, so even if your phone hits the ground on the front or back it should remain safe as long as the surface it collides with is flat.

The construction of Uprosa's cases is entirely pedestrian, as they're simply made of flexible plastic. However, their designs are something else.

Uprosa's case graphics come from images submitted by researchers and science students, whose job it is to look at stuff under microscopes, so the images you see on these cases are shots taken using microscope photography. Here's the description of the 'flamingo' design seen in the image:

"The same chemical (citric acid) that makes a lemon tart forms colliding pink oceanic waves through the lens of a microscope." Brian Cox would approve.

A case is always a balancing act between making your phone look as it should and keeping it protected. The Griffin Survivor Clear has a shot at gaming the system, with clear walls and built-up bumpers designed to take the force of any impacts while keeping the look intact.

Sure, you can tell there's a case on your iPhone, no denying it, but at least you can see the color of aluminum you chose underneath. Griffin says the shell has 6H hardness, which is as hard as some tempered glass, and provides great scratch resistance.

The case can also take drops of 1.2m, and as it doesn't cost a bomb you shouldn't feel too bad about replacing the Survivor should an unfortunate incident occur. Better than a bashed-up iPhone, right?

Here's an iPhone 7 case for a particular niche: the runner. It's a neoprene armband case that lets you take your phone out for a jog without a) holding the thing or b) having it move around in your pocket.

Unless you go on fairly long runs where taking a phone is a good idea anyway, the best reason to get a Sport-Fit is to use your phone as a GPS tracking tool, using an app like RunKeeper.

The combination effectively turns your phone into the equivalent of a fully featured GPS sport watch. The case can also hold a debit/credit card, meaning you only need to find somewhere to stash your keys. And earrings, perhaps?

If you're looking for a case, but don't want to add any heft or thickness to the iPhone 7, this is the one you're after.

MNML makes, you guessed it, cases with minimal aesthetic. They are cheap and come in a variety of colors. Better yet, they'll work on an iPhone 8 as well, should you have one laying around or plan to buy one.

Let's stop messing around, it's time for a case that looks tough as nails. The UAG Trooper is a light-but-hardy case that also doubles as a wallet, as its back flips open to reveal a compartment in which you can store four cards. 

It has rubbery sides and uses hard polycarbonate for that lid on the back. The Trooper adds a fair bit of bulk to the iPhone 7, but not a great deal of weight. For a higher-end feel, the Monarch-series UAG cases use bonus metal and leather, although there's no card slot.

We've been using OtterBox Defender cases on and off for years now: they're veterans of the scene. While they add bulk to your phone, their aim is to offer complete protection that'll leave your handset looking fresh 12 months down the line, and for a reasonable price too.

They use a rubber inner cover, a hard plastic outer and an inbuilt screen protector, only leaving the Apple logo and camera on the back somewhat exposed to the elements.

While the iPhone 7 is already waterproof, there are port protectors too. These will stop any muck clogging up your ports, perfect if you really do treat your phone a bit rough.

Back in the old days, Tech21 cases used to have orange blobs peppered throughout, as a way to show off the fancy shock-absorbing material the company uses.

The Tech21 Evo Elite, though, is a case that color-matches the classic iPhone shades on its sides, with a transparent back to retain as much of that iPhone flavor as possible.

Inside there's still some of Tech21's magic FlexShock material, which is what absorbs the force of impact to stop your phone from getting damaged.

Spigen's Slim Armor CS case for the iPhone 7 is a popular one, and the numerous color options for the hard shell can help it match the color of your iPhone.

It features a soft and hard shell for extra protection for your phone. And, a hidden credit card case will let you carry up to two cards in case you don't like dragging your wallet or purse everywhere.

See the Spigen Slim Armor CS case for iPhone 7 at Amazon here.

If you want a case that doesn't sacrifice the premium look of your iPhone 7, then the Otterbox Strada case is a good pick. It combines Otterbox's multi-later protection into a folio-style case with a leather exterior.

The case can hold a credit card, and thanks to the folio design, the screen of your iPhone 7 will get extra protection from falls. 

See the Otterbox Stada for iPhone 7 at Amazon here.

One of just a couple of problems with the iPhone 7 is that its battery life isn't great. If you don't fancy carrying around an external battery pack 24/7, this case can help.

It's an official Apple accessory that shoehorns a 2,365mAh battery into a smooth silicone case, roughly doubling the iPhone 7's stamina in real terms. The downside is that it gives your iPhone a humpback, the battery unit sticking out from the casing. There's also a 'lip' at the bottom that further spoils the phone's lines.

Battery cases aren't for everyone, but this one is smarter than most, with clever management of when the phone is powered by its own battery and that of the case.

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One year countdown to the death of Windows 7 begins

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:05 AM PST

As many as 43 per cent of enterprises are still using Windows 7 despite the fact that Microsoft will officially end support for its ten-year-old operating system one year from now.

Kollective's new “Death of Windows 7” report examined the potential costs and security threats that could arise from continuing to use Windows 7 after the OS is no longer officially supported.

The firm's research found that nearly a fifth (17 percent) of IT departments don't know when the end of support deadline is while six per cent are aware of it but have yet to start planning for their migration away from Windows 7.

Companies that continue to use Microsoft's ageing OS after January 14th, 2020 will either have to pay Microsoft quite a lot for extended support or leave their systems open to cyberattacks. For example, a company with 10,000 or more machines running Windows 7 would have to pay Microsoft a fee in excess of $1.4m a year for continued support.

Migrating away from Windows 7

Even more concerning than the number of businesses still running Windows 7 is the fact that 16 per cent of IT professionals admitted to still running Windows XP and Windows Vista on some of their machines even though support for these operating systems ended over three years ago.

Kollective's CEO Dan Vetras provided further insight on the upcoming death of Windows 7, saying:

“With only a year to go, these findings should be a major cause for concern among the business community. When it came to migrating away from Windows XP it took some large enterprises as long as three years to transfer their entire systems to the new operating system, now, many firms will have to make the transition in less than 12 months. Those that fail to do so will have to pay for extended support, with the largest organizations paying more than a million dollars a year in order to remain on Windows 7.”

“Most worrying of all is that this migration is just the first step. Once businesses are on Windows 10, they will need to continuously update their systems as part of Microsoft’s new ‘Windows as a Service’ model. This means distributing increasingly frequent updates across their systems – something many IT departments will find impossible due to outdated infrastructure. At Kollective, we’re committed to raising awareness for this issue and helping enterprises solve their network challenges before it’s too late.”

If you're business is still running Windows 7, now is the time to migrate to a different OS before it's too late.

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The best free data recovery software 2019

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 09:03 AM PST

Discovering that you've lost data without backing it up can be heart-stopping, but it isn't necessarily the end of the world. With the best free backup software and a little patience, there's a good chance that you'll be able to restore your precious data – whether it's an individual file or an entire partition. Perhaps most importantly, you will probably be able to do it for free rather than having to pay a small fortune to call in the experts.

It's important to install a data recovery tool now, before you've lost any files; installing one after the event risks overwriting the data you've lost.

There's no guarantee that your lost data will be recoverable, but this free software will give you the best possible chance

One of the best things about Recuva is the wealth of ways to use it: manual scanning, wizard-driven scanning, and via the context menu. 

or anyone who feels as though they need a little help using the software, the wizard is on hand to provide guidance, but there is also the option of taking manual control of the scanning and recovery process. The scan can be customized to look in particular locations, or for particular types of files, and Recuva uses a traffic light guide to how likely it is that you'll be able to recover an item intact.

You also have the option of right clicking a folder or the Recycle Bin if you know you have deleted a file from a particular location. It's all very easy, and the results speak for themselves.

Upgrading to Recuva Professional adds the ability to work with virtual hard drives, access to premium support, and automatic software updates. These are nice additions, but the free version of Recuva will be plenty for most users.

When it comes to ease of use, it's hard to beat Wise Data Recovery. Although this free data recover software doesn't have a wizard-led interface, there are no complicated configuration settings to worry about either.

Tracking down recoverable data is a simple matter of selecting the drive you want to check and clicking 'Scan'. Alternatively, you can use keywords to search for recoverable files so you don’t have to wade through quite so many results.

Whichever route you choose, recoverable data is presented in an Explorer-like tree structure that makes it easy to tell where it was originally stored. Like all the best free data recovery software, Wise Data Recovery uses a traffic light system to indicate the health of files (and therefore how likely it is that you'll be able to recover them intact, and there's a file preview feature so you can identify files that have been detected.

You can recover individual files, or entire folders at once, but selecting numerous files in several locations means performing several operations.

PC Inspector File Recovery goes further than many data recovery tools in that it will detect partitions that have been lost, even if the boot sector or file system has been damaged or deleted. This could be a real life-saver in an emergency, potentially helping you get data back even if your hard drive is not visible within Windows.

Beginners might find the terminology and design of PC Inspector File Recovery intimidating, and even some more advanced users may find the workflow a little confusing to start with. Take some time to learn your way around it, and you'll find a powerful data recovery program – but one that seems to get better results with FAT and FAT32 drives.

Finding recoverable data with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is very simple: select a drive or folder and wait for a few minutes while it completes its scan.

You can browse through the recoverable data using a Windows Explorer style interface and filter them by type or opt to search for specific files. Data recovery is effective, but the Deep Scan option is very slow, so you'll need to be patient.

The installation of this software is a mixed experience. The installer, importantly, advises not to install to the same drive that you want to recover data from because this could overwrite data and render it unrecoverable. It also, sadly, tries to enrol you in a customer experience improvement program, without explaining what this entails.

It's worth noting that the free version only allows for the recovery of up to 2GB of data, so it's not going to be suitable for all circumstances, but it will be enough to get you out of most sticky situations. 

Presented as a pair of tools rather than a single integrated solution, TestDisk and PhotoRec together can recover data from both lost partitions and files.

TestDisk takes care of the partition side of things. The fact that it's a command line tool with no graphical interface might off-putting at first. If can set this to one side though, there's help on hand to guide you through the process of working with your drives. TestDisk offers support for so many file systems, it should cater for most eventualities.

PhotoRec is the component for recovering files. It's available with a command lint interface, but unlike TestDisk there's also a GUI for less confident users. It may not be as intuitive as some of the other recovery software in this listing, but it's effective.

PhotoRec is cross-platform and can be run as a portable app from a USB stick, which means you don't have to install it on your PC and risk accidentally overwriting the data you want to recover.

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Ryuk ransomware targets big businesses

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 08:33 AM PST

While ransomware attacks generally infect all possible victims, a recently discovered ransomware group has brought in almost $4m since August by installing its malicious encryption software on high value targets that have previously been infected.

The ransomware, known as Ryuk, infects large enterprises days, weeks or even a year after they were previously infected by separate malware.

In most cases, firms are first infected with a powerful trojan called Trickbot. However, smaller organisations infected by Trickbot rarely suffer as much as their larger counterparts.

The security firm CrowdStrike calls the approach used by Ryuk “big-game hunting” and so far its tactics have allowed cybercriminals to generate $3.7m worth of Bitcoin from 52 transactions since August.

Dwell time

What sets Ryuk apart from other strains of ransomware is its dwell time. During the period between the initial infection and the installation of the ransomware, cybercriminals have plenty of time to perform reconnaissance inside an infected network which lets them maximise the damage done by targeting critical network systems after first obtaining their passwords.

This tactic, while uncommon, is also used by the SamSam ransomware that infected city networks in Atlanta, Baltimore's 911 system and Boeing among others. Federal prosecutors revealed that SamSam's operators brought in over $6m in ransom payments while causing over $30m in damages. 

Security firms FireEye and CrowdStrike have both downplayed reports that Ryuk was created by North Korean actors. CrowdStrike discovered evidence that the new strain of ransomware might actually originate from Russia.

Researchers at FireEye shed further light on Ryuk, saying:

“Throughout 2018, FireEye observed an increasing number of cases where ransomware was deployed after the attackers gained access to the victim organization through other methods, allowing them to traverse the network to identify critical systems and inflict maximum damage. SamSam operations, which date back to late 2015, were arguably the first to popularize this methodology, and [Ryuk] is an example of its growing popularity with threat actors. FireEye Intelligence expects that these operations will continue to gain traction throughout 2019 due the success these intrusion operators have had in extorting large sums from victim organizations.” 

Via Ars Technica

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CES 2019 gadgets you can buy right now

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 08:32 AM PST

CES 2019 is over, so you've probably moved on to asking this next question – in this exact format: 'When can I buy all of the gadgets I saw those hard-working TechRadar editors cover last week?' Why, thank you.

The good news is that some gadgets are already on sale and available to pre-order. Big names like TCL, Lenovo, and Dolby are readily making their wares available to buy starting today. You just have to find them.

Below, we've laid out the best CES tech that's shipping now or in the very near future. Yes, some of the best TVs at CES 2019 may be weeks away from being available, but as long as you're not bent on joining the 8K revolution, there are some top-of-the-line gadgets here now.

We'll have full reviews of these CES-unveiled products as they launch and get into our hands. That's also where you'll find the latest prices. Between now and the Samsung Galaxy S10 launch and MWC 2019, we have a lot of reviewing to do.

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The best cheap PlayStation VR bundles, prices and deals in January 2019

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 08:29 AM PST

PlayStation VR bundles are cheaper than you might think. Sony cut the price of all its bundles a while back and most of them come packing the PS4 camera too, which you actually need to make the headset work.

Originally £350/$399 at launch for the headset alone the new pricing structure generally starts at just £259/$299. This includes the headset and also the camera and a game, usually the excellent minigame collection, VR Worlds. We've been seeing some very tempting discounts in recent months too, so now's the time to seek out your mega bundle on the cheap.

Below you'll find our guide to the best PlayStation VR prices out there for the headset along with bundle options often include the camera or games too, we'll let you know which ones are the best value for money.

This PlayStation VR bundle deals page can also help you prepare by picking up the other kit you'll need to enjoy the best PlayStation VR experience. You'll want to pick up the PS4 camera as you need it for the PlayStation VR headset to work. You could also grab a couple of PS Move motion controllers, as some VR games support them. You can also use these items with a small number of Move-based PS4 games like SportsFriends or Just Dance. If you're looking for the ultimate upgrade, check out our PS4 Pro deals.

cheap playstation vr deals

PlayStation VR prices

The grid below will be regularly updated with the latest PlayStation VR prices for the headset from different retailers. After seemingly endless stock shortages originally, units seem to be back in stock at most stores. Which is fantastic news with more games to enjoy than ever.

PlayStation VR bundles (USA)

PlayStation VR bundles (UK)

PlayStation VR game deals

Keep an eye on this handy chart below as we'll update it with the latest prices for a wide range of PlayStation VR games. To compare prices on individual titles, click the 'View all deals' button at the bottom of the chart.

cheap ps4 camera

PS4 camera deals

It's crucial you buy a PS4 camera along with your VR headset, otherwise, it will not work. Don't pay more than the standard £40/$60 for the camera though.  Sony released an updated, rounder (see image above) model with a built-in TV-mount and there are deals included in the chart below, usually priced around £40-£45, which isn't bad considering the new clip. The older PS4 camera is also compatible with PlayStation VR. If there's nothing tempting below, maybe try for a new/preowned unit via eBay?

cheap playstation vr deals

cheap ps move motion controllers

PlayStation Move controller deals

The PlayStation Move motion controllers are very much an optional purchase as not every game supports them. Many that do, also have options to use the standard DualShock 4 PS4 controller instead.

Move wands aren't as readily available as the cameras at the moment, but there are deals to be found if you shop around -or let us do it via that magical box below. some of the more expensive results are actually for twin packs. We'd advise a little caution if you're considering preowned units, as the lack of use in recent years may have dulled the charge capacity of the battery compared to new controllers. If you want to try your luck (and probably save a fair amount), here are some handy links for eBay.

cheap playstation vr deals

We'll update these PSVR prices on a regular basis and add any bundles that may appear featuring the headset, camera, controllers or games. 

Need an extra standard controller? Check out the best DualShock 4 deals.

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Best cycling tech 2019: great gadgets to help to be a better cyclist

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 08:15 AM PST

The best cycling gadgets will help make you a faster, smarter, safer cyclist. Even the lightest carbon bike will benefit from a few well chosen cycling gadgets, and if you choose the right ones, they're easily worth the extra weight,

Cycling gadgets are coming on leaps and bounds as the tech in them becomes smaller, more affordable and smarter. This tracking gadgetry is what cycling hard is all about. By capturing metrics like speed, cadence, distance, heart rate and more you can fine-tune your training to get the most out of every leg press and pull.

From heart rate monitors that help you train in zones to hit specific targets to power meters that help you get the perfect spin for speed without the effort – these are the very best cycling gadgets that’ll make your ride better.

Best cycling tech in 2019

Strava (for iOS and Android) is a great app that takes advantage of your phone or GPS watch sensors or dedicated cycling computer to let you track your ride. That means from the basics like speed and distance to more complex metrics like cadence, power and heart rate. But what's really special is Strava's use of the community. Since this app is used all over the world, with over 11 million workouts per week, you can theoretically hop on your bike, open the app and find the most popular routes near you. While this is a great way to find new rides it's also perfect for those that need a little competition to help keep their speed up. You can effectively race against others that have ridden the route before. 

Strava creates what it calls heat maps, showing the routes cycled by its users the world over. Of course this could be a privacy issue for some riders so there is an option to opt out if you're on a cheeky ride when you should be working from home. Here's a guide on how to stay private when using Strava.  

If you want a little more out of the app, the Strava Summit option gives you features like training plans, suffer scores, Beacon and more. Training plans give you daily updates to help you reach your goals. Suffer scores are based on heart rate to show how you did against other in terms of effort not just performance. Beacon tracks you so you can share your live location with up to three people. 

Garmin Edge 1030

You may have noticed the Garmin Edge 1030 has remained in this list for the second year running. That's with good reason. Not only is this king of the cycle computers but with updates it's better than ever. As used by professionals this is the ultimate tracking machine with the ability to hook up to heart rate monitors, cadence sensors and even power metres – heck, you can even control your bike lights using this beast.

Garmin offers its own cycling insights from its many riders but it also offers the even more widely used Strava for route and lap racing. On top of that you get smartphone connection to let you see all your usual notifications. But there's also rider-to-rider messaging for those riders in a group with others who are also using Garmin. This means you can send pre-written messages at the tap of a button and when paired with GroupTrack using your phone even lets others find where you are, ideal should you get split up.

Other extras include Training Peaks to take planned workouts onto the ride and Best Bike Split to see how changes in weight, power and drag can affect your goal race time. Plus everything is customizable, so it can be laid out just how you like. All that and a 20-hour battery life despite a large and bright 3.5-inch colour touchscreen make it easy to see why this is still king of the cycle computers.

Verve InfoCrank

The Verve InfoCrank isn't cheap at over a grand but then you really do get what you pay for when it comes to wattmeters, aka power meters, and this is one of the best. British Cycling thinks so, as this is what it uses. That means a super clear way to see power so you can work on getting the most efficient use of your legs on every ride and keep making improvements on your road bike ride times. All while adding a mere 691g to your overall bike weight.

Thanks to ANT+, once installed, this is easy to connect to using a whole host of cycle computer options. The key here is that this offers dual-sided power measurements so you can see what each leg is doing – ideal if you suspect an imbalance which could be fixed to improve power output. You also get metrics like cadence, pedal smoothness and torque effectiveness. All that and these will keep going for a whopping 500 hours using easily replaceable cheap SR44 silver oxide batteries. 

This does pose a real effort for the install job, so swapping between bikes is going to cost you time. Since most people will likely install this system and leave it, this isn't a massive negative, but worth a mention. Overall accuracy for power is an impressive +/- 1% meaning you can really rely on these readouts. Only cadence can be an issue where freewheeling puts it out of whack for your average. But that just motivates you to keep cycling more, right? So it's a win-win.

Bragi Dash pro

Imagine riding like a pro with your coach on the radio via an earpiece guiding you every spin of your ride. The Bragi Dash Pro gets you as close to that as you can be without the real-world scolding. Thanks to smart tracking and intelligent voice controls and feedback these earbuds are like a wireless wonder workout guide. 

Get instant feedback on metrics like speed and heart rate thanks to built in sensors and smartphone connectivity. Want to hear your cadence? Just tap the earbuds and you're read out the figure. There's also a nifty surroundings mode that lets you hear what's going on about you, ideal at busy junctions or if you want to chat to fellow riders. Of course, being smartphone connected, you could call them using voice dialing too. 

The downside? Battery tops out at five hours, but the included case will charge you back up five times so if you can spare the break period these will likely keep going longer than you. Since these store music locally on the earphones you can head out with your favourite tracks, minus the bike – a really nice way to keep tracking your training and listening to your music, minus the distractions a phone poses.

If you're riding abroad these have another special skill you could use – real-time translation. Yup, you can talk to someone in another country and have their responses translated in your ears for a Star Trek style conversation – ideal if you're lost in the Alps somewhere.

If it's cold, wet and dark outside, the motivation to get yourself kit on and hop on the bike can be pretty nonexistent. Top help keep your fitness up during these bleak months in anticipation of warmer conditions is where smart turbo trainers come in. Like normal turbo trainers they allow you to hook your bike up to them and do a focused training session in the comfort of your own home (or shed or garage). However, smart turbo trainers take this one step further thanks to their ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows them to speak to your smart device or computer, allowing to do anything from remotely setting the resistance or mimic a ride profile (including ascents and descents) via specially designed apps like Zwift.  

Why the Wahoo Kickr then? There are more affordable options out there, but the Kickr offers a direct drive connection. That means that rather than the rear wheel meeting resistance, you remove your rear wheel and connect the bike frame directly to the unit, with a 11-speed Shimano 105 cassette to hook your drivetrain up to for a more realistic riding experience. 

It's incredibly easy to set-up, and while it's pretty heavy at 22kg, it can be easily folded and stored once the sun comes out. We used it with Zwift and it gives a realistic feeling, with ascending a 10% climb feeling like a 10% climb. It's probably not quite as stable as some for some real hard efforts out of the saddle, but overall this is hard to beat. 

The Fly12 CE from Cycliq is not only a power 600 Lumen front bike light, but it's also a very good action camera that's great for recording your rides from the cockpit. Video is recorded at 1080p up to 60fps in either 5, 10 or 15 minute chunks, while there's a 6-axis image stabilization system to deliver smooth footage. If you fill up the card, the Fly12 CE will automatically overwrite the oldest video. Don't worry though, you can lock footage, so whether you want to keep a record of you smashing it up your favorite climb or you want to note the number plate of the guy who almost ran you off the road, you can. There's also an ‘incident mode’ - if the Fly12 CE tilts over 60 degrees (falling off your bike in most instances), it will automatically lock and store the footage immediately before and after.

Alongside this is a powerful 600 Lumen light with 10 settings, and thanks to ANT+ connectivity, you can connect this to your Garmin cycling computer to control the Fly12 CE on the go. There's also a handy app as well that provides greater control over the camera/light. Waterproof down to 1m, it should stand up to some wet rides, while the battery life is good for 8 hours (4-5 hours if you're going to be using the light as well). 

Hovding Wearable Airbag

The Hovding is the future of cycling protection, and could kill the helmet as we know it. This is a wearable airbag that sits on your neck, detects an accident and deploys to protect your entire head and neck during a crash.

It's better than a helmet in that it's less obvious and more comfortable than strapping something to your head. It also means you can stay cooler in the summer periods when strapping a helmet on in an instant sweat-inducer. But, most importantly, the company says this offers eight times better protection than a traditional helmet.

The Hovding will track the wearer's movements 200 times a second. That way it can detect an abnormal movement, of a crash, to instantly deploy to protect the cyclist. This is smart enough to know the difference between bumping a curb or stepping off suddenly. That's a very necessary feature as once this has deployed, that's your lot. Yup, despite the price, this is for one-time use. To be fair, helmets should be replaced after a crash too so when you look at it like that, this is fine. Also, since this offers neck protection too, it's technically safer than a helmet.

The downside? You'll need to charge it after nine hours of riding.

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The best Nintendo Switch prices, bundles and deals in the January sales 2019

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST

So you're into 2019 now and still haven't found a Nintendo Switch price to suit you? Well, let's see what we can do about that as we scour the net for the hottest Nintendo Switch bundle deals.

We're listing all of the best Switch deals right here and we'll be on the lookout for the best bundles with extra games, controllers and other accessories. We've just added a whole new batch of them to this guide. Scroll past the bundles on this page and we'll show you prices on extra Joy-Con and Pro controllers and Nintendo Switch memory cards too. If you want to play online multiplayer and get other benefits like free games you'll want to pick up a Nintendo Switch Online subscription deal.

US bundles are small in number this week, but we've rounded up the best ones, including packs with extra controllers, Labo kits and Mario Tennis Aces. In the UK you can find plenty with the best Nintendo Switch games like Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe and more all with a decent discount too. You'll find all the best Nintendo Switch bundles from reliable retailers below.

If you're looking for another dose of Nintendo's handheld happiness then maybe you want to consider a cheap 3DS deal too. We have a dedicated page of Nintendo Switch prices for our Australian readers too.

The latest Nintendo Switch deals

Want to know where to buy a Nintendo Switch? Check out our comparison chart below for the latest Nintendo Switch prices. Below that you'll find the best value Nintendo Switch bundles with games/accessories. Don't forget, on its own, the MSRP/RRP Nintendo Switch price is $299/£279, so you don't want to pay more than that unless you're getting some extras.

Nintendo Switch bundles (USA)

We've highlighted our picks of the best Nintendo Switch bundles below. Just be aware that the game bundles don't really offer much of a discount over buying the items separately. We'll steer you clear of console bundles that actively charge you more than the regular combined RRP (not cool, guys!).

Nintendo Switch bundles (UK)

The UK scene for discounted Nintendo Switch deals is quite competitive thanks to the large number of retailers trying to get your business. We usually find a strong selection of bundles every week nowadays, even in those quieter times of year not particularly known for sales. So take a look below for discounts on packages with games, hardware and accessories.

As with any new console we imagine you're wanting to know a bit more about the console before you put any money down. So in addition to finding the best Nintendo Switch deals, we're going to help bring in answers to the burning questions.

Nintendo Switch Joy-con controller deals

What are the Joy-Con controllers?

The Joy-Con controller is actually a pair of controllers that attach to the sides the the Nintendo Switch when not in use or when playing in tablet form away from the TV. When playing the Nintendo Switch on the TV, you can remove them and play with one in each hand. The left hand gets a controller with an analogue stick and d-pad, the right hand handles the one with a second analogue and the usual A, B, X and Y face buttons. Or you and a friend can use one each in multiplayer games with the d-pad doubling up as impromptu face buttons. 

You get a pair with the console, but you might want to buy more to allow extra players to get involved in games like Mario Kart 8, FIFA 18 and many more. Or maybe you just fancy some different colors for your own use.

Extra Joy-Con deals

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Grip controller

What's the Joy-Con Grip controller?

The Joy-Con Grip is an additional accessory that joins the two Joy-Con controllers together, forming something something a bit more solid for you to hold thanks to the extended handles and plastic block between the two sides. The square dimension form-factor may remind older gamers of the Dreamcast controller, while everyone else will mainly be thinking how it resembles an odd-looking dog face. Nintendo is providing one in the box with the Nintendo Switch, so you won't have to buy one separately. This won't charge your controller though and doesn't have a battery pack.

Nintendo Switch Pro controller deals

Yes and it doesn't come with the console. But you won't actually need one to play any games, so don't feel pressured in to buying one. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a more traditional-style pad and launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Prices aren't cheap though, starting around $69.99/£64.99. There's currently no sign of a Nintendo Switch Premium Edition console with one included.

Do I need to buy extra controllers for multiplayer on Nintendo Switch?

Possibly not! Remember how the Joy-Con controller splits in two? Turn them sideways and you get two basic controllers, each with their own analogue stick and face buttons - the d-pad acts as face functions on the left controller. So far we've seen 2K's NBA series, Snipper Clips and Mario Kart being used this way for local multiplayer in both docked and tablet modes. So you get multiplayer functionality straight out of the box with no additional purchase required.

However, if you want to play four-player games, then you're going to need to invest in an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers or some Pro controllers. We'd buy the Joy-Cons as a pair (see our comparison chart above) as you'll save a bit of cash over buying them separately. Better yet, if your friends own a Switch, ask them to bring their controllers to the party!

Super Mario Odyssey deals

This has been one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch so far and an absolute must for Mario and platforming fans. Like Zelda below though, this being a first-party Nintendo title, it's taking forever to go down in price. It's slowly happening though, so we've rounded up the cheapest Super Mario Odyssey prices for you below. If you're not getting this game in a bundle, we'd strongly advise picking it up separately as soon as possible.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild deals

The reviews have heaped huge praise upon this eagerly awaited launch title, making it an essential purchase for any Nintendo Switch buyer. As with any new console, the prices of the big games can be more expensive than usual. We've shopped around for you though and have found the best prices for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. Take a look below.

Nintendo Switch Micro SD memory card deals

With only 32GB of internal storage, you'll be wanting to pick up a cheap memory card or two for your new Nintendo Switch for any digital purchases or the inevitable game-fixing patches. Don't fret though, they're actually surprisingly cheap, with even 64GB ones coming in at under £20/$25.

What memory cards does the Nintendo Switch need? Those will be Micro SD cards also known as, depending on their size, as MicroSDHC (up to 32GB) or MicroSDXC (up to a huge 2TB soon). Nintendo will be releasing their own branded cards, but you'll be paying more, just for a label. So for now, we'd take a look at this range of cheap MicroSDXC Nintendo Switch-friendly cards.

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Sharp debuts Alexa-powered oven, fridge and washing machine

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 07:45 AM PST

Following the deluge of voice assistant-supported gadgets for the living room announced at CES 2019, the kitchen is set to be this week’s battleground for the connected home, with the Living Kitchen expo taking place in Cologne.

First out of the gates with an unveiling this afternoon is Sharp, who has taken the wraps off their new Smart Works with Alexa range.

The new range consists of a 75-litre oven, a four door fridge/freezer, a smart dishwasher and a 10Kg washing Machine, with all four products supporting commands via Amazon’s omnipresent voice assistant.

The ES-HFT0148AZ washing machine, however, looks like the pick of the bunch. Its list of Alexa skills include being able to activate 22 specialist stain-fighting programs, which include a dedicated chocolate-shifting option that will likely prove popular with parents of spoilt kids.

Sharp smart appliances


There’s also a neighbor-friendly low-noise 'Nightwash' option which can delay the spin part of the cycle for up to ten hours, along with a super-fast 12-minute wash and dry cycle as well as an anti-allergy functional. 

Outside of its Alexa features, the ES-HFT0148AZ also boasts an auto dosage feature, which can automatically calculate and distribute the right amount of detergent and softener for up to 20 washes. There’s also built-in Amazon Dash, which tracks your usage and automatically orders your washing liquids of choice so you never run out.

Sharp smart appliances

The new smart fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine at the Living Kitchen expo.

Looking Sharp

Elsewhere, the KA-70S50ISW oven has 150 auto-cooking options that can be activated hand-free via Alexa for automatically setting temperature and cooking times for a long list of recipes. There’s also programs for grilling and browning dishes, and a dedicated pizza function for baking. The oven also has a 'Boost' function which Sharp claim cuts down pre-heat times by as much as 50 per cent.

While the SJ-F1526ESI-EN may not have a full-color touch screen like some rival smart fridge freezers, it does at least boast a number of handy voice-activated smarts. Its 'Quick Drink' feature will chill bottles and cans in minutes, while its clever zoning system lets you convert one or both of your freezer compartments into additional fridge room. 

Tell the fridge to go into Super Cool mode and Sharp says it’ll have your groceries reach their optimum storage temperature much more quickly as you unload from your supermarket run.

Sharp appliance kitchen

Finally, providing you and your Amazon Echo or Echo Dot are in range, you can command the QW-HD65F444A dishwasher to kick in while you loaf on the sofa. Sharp claim its ability to get a full load of four place settings sparkling after just 14 minutes makes it the fastest full-size domestic dish washer currently available.

Sharp’s announcement means they join a growing list of white goods makers adding voice controls to their appliances. There’s no word yet on whether Sharp will follow suit with rivals such as LG and Whirlpool in also supporting Google Assistant as well as Alexa. 

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The best Xbox One X prices, bundles and deals in January 2019: where to buy the 4K Xbox

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 07:13 AM PST

We're officially into 2019 now, so that means the January sales are here which is super handy if you're looking for Xbox One X price reductions. Deal-hungry gamers looking for the most powerful console ever made have have been keen to pick up Xbox One X bundles since release but there's been a high cost to pay. Until now, prices have been quite high at most stores if you weren't sure where to look. That's where we come in as our dedicated team of Deal Hunters cut through the chaff to bring you only the very best Xbox One X deals every day, and we've got some excellent ones for you today.

In this article you'll find a comparison chart with the lowest prices on where to buy the 4K HDR Xbox One X console from a wide range of the best retailers. After the comparison chart we've put together a collection of the latest bundles in the States and UK. These Xbox One X bundles will save you money over buying the items separately.

If you're after information on the latest Australian deals, head over to our Australian page.

The best Xbox One X prices

US Xbox One X bundles are really stepping things up now after a quiet few months. there's never been a better time to buy actually as you're getting genuine discounts and free content for the first time in ages.

What is the Xbox One X price?

You might want to sit down for this one. The Xbox One X costs $499 in the US. UK gamers can expect to get their currency converters in a twist again, as you're paying £449 instead of the direct conversion of around £390. Naturally, these prices don't include any games, unless a retailer is feeling generous.

Why should I buy an Xbox One X?

Just to be clear, this is not what you'd call a 'next-gen' console. Instead it's a powerful upgrade over the current Xbox One lineup. To simplify things, it's akin to Sony's PS4 Pro. Both consoles are aimed at gamers with a 4K HDR TV who want the best graphical performance possible on their favored console. There will be modest performance boosts on non-4K TVs too, but you're kind of missing the point without a 4K HDR TV.

As things stand the Xbox One X will play all Xbox One games and we're not expecting to see any games released exclusively for the Xbox One X (or so we've been told), so there's certainly no reason to throw away your Xbox One S yet.

The Xbox One X is the most powerful console ever made though, even outshining some of the specs of the PS4 Pro. But given the huge asking price, you'd hope as much. The Xbox One X is making bold claims about true native 4K gaming though with its upcoming titles and if you have a 4K TV with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, the Xbox One X is ready to seriously impress with the likes of Forza Motorsport 7, Metro: Exodus and Anthem set to be true jaw-droppers in the graphics department.

Where can I buy an Xbox One X?

Most of the usual big name retailers are stocking the Xbox One X. Prices this close to launch are all very similar for now, but as we move forwards, we'll start to see stores chipping away at the price to try to get an edge over the competition. 

Keep an eye on the highlighted Xbox One X bundles above and our comparison chart, which we'll keep up to date on the latest prices for the Xbox One X on its own. So feel free to bookmark us and check in again soon to see if we've found the deal that's right for you. Fingers crossed the bundles get better soon, especially in the US where we're not seeing massive software discounts so far.

What is the Xbox One X release date?

It's here now! The Xbox One X came out on November 7 2017. That was a worldwide release date too.

Will there be Xbox One X deals are Christmas?

Unlike the first Xbox One X's first Christmas, we do expect there to be some deals this year. The 4K console was seemingly too new to discount last year, but Microsoft will be keen to catch up the the PS4 Pro this year and we're hoping for some decent discounts in what has been a slow year for deals in all honesty. In all likelihood, the PS4 Pro prices and bundles are still going to be much cheaper.

What if I don't care about 4K or want to save money?

The standard Xbox One S is a fantastic games console and you'll easily be able to get one with a few games for around $250/£250 or less. There are cheap deals all year round on our Xbox One deals and PS4 prices, deals and bundles pages.

Only kidding. I want 4K HDR in my face right now.

4K TVs with HDR are nowhere near as expensive as you'd think. The prices have come down much faster than the original HD TVs, so you can get a decent model for a low price. Hell we've seen some nice ones for less than the price of the Xbox One X itself (what a ridiculous world we live in). For the best of the best, take a look at our best TV article. We've also rounded up the best cheap 4K TV deals too in the UK, and also a collection of US TV deals.

How big is the hard drive in the Xbox One X?

For now, the only option available is the 1TB option, that's 1000GB of storage. There are no official plans for larger versions, but we wouldn't be surprised to see these come along in 2018. 

With some 4K-friendly update patches to games coming in at over 100GB, we certainly wouldn't hold out for a cheaper 500GB Xbox One X, as it'd be a bit pointless to be honest. 

We think gamers are going to fill up the 1TB Xbox One pretty soon. Thankfully the Xbox One X is compatible with external hard drives using USB 3.0. So if you need some extra storage, check out our list of the best external hard drives.

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The best laptop 2019: our pick of the 15 best laptops you can buy this year

Posted: 14 Jan 2019 07:12 AM PST

If you're looking for the best laptop in 2019, then you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll take you through the very best laptops that money can currently buy.

With CES 2019, the huge tech showcase in Las Vegas, now wrapped up, we've seen some really exciting laptops that will be making their way to stores later this year. As soon as they are out, and we've reviewed them, we'll include the best in this guide.

Meanwhile, we have some truly brilliant laptops on this list, and no matter what kind of laptop you're looking for, our best laptop guide lists a wide range of excellent laptops, from super-slim and all-powerful Ultrabooks, to high-end laptops, Apple MacBooks, gaming laptops and budget laptops as well.

We've also included our own price comparison tool that will check the most popular online retailers on the internet and highlight the best prices for the best laptops.

Every entry in this best laptops buying guide has been thoroughly tested by us, and we only include laptops that have seriously impressed us and convinced us they are worthy of a place in this list.

The best laptops of 2019:

The Huawei MateBook X Pro was our pick for the best laptop money can buy in 2018, and it still stands in 2019. After years of this list being dominated by the (still excellent) Dell XPS 13, the MateBook X Pro has proved to be a truly brilliant challenger. This is a gorgeously-designed laptop with a stunning screen (albeit with a rather odd aspect ratio), and it comes packed with cutting edge components that allows it to perform brilliantly, and a battery life that runs rings around many of its rivals. It also has a very competitive price, giving you features, design and performance for quite a bit less money. Sadly, it's not available in many countries, so if you struggle to grab hold of it, look into getting the Dell XPS 13 (below).

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X Pro

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Dell XPS 13 

Even though the Dell XPS 13 has been knocked into second place by the sublime MateBook Pro X, it’s still an absolutely brilliant laptop. There’s a good reason why it was at the top of our best laptops list for three years running. The 2018 Dell XPS 13 is a slimmer, more powerful version of the award-winning laptop with a stunning 4K display and a gorgeous Rose Gold on Alpine White color option. The Dell XPS 13 rocks an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, this Dell XPS 13 continues to be the most popular Windows laptop in the world. What’s more, there’s a wide range of customization options, so you can really make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for your needs. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

Asus has struck gold with its new refresh of its ZenBook Flip S 2-in-1 laptop, with the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370 impressing us so much it's landed straight at number 3 in our best laptops list. With a new Kaby Lake R 8th-generation processor powering the device, plenty of RAM and a super-fast PCIe SSD in certain models, this is an absolutely stunning laptop. Its 2-in-1 design means you can use it as both a laptop and a tablet, and while it's not as affordable as some machines on this list, if you have the budget you'll be really happy with this fantastic device.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370

If you're after the latest and greatest laptop from Apple, we suggest you look into the 2018 model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. While Microsoft had the performance edge over last year's MacBook Pro, with the Surface Book 2, Apple has come out swinging with some seriously beefed up specs for the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018, and even more so if you go for the larger 15-inch model. The headline Touch Bar – a thin OLED display at the top of the keyboard which can be used for any number of things, whether that be auto-suggesting words as you type or offering Touch ID so you can log in with just your fingerprint – is again included. It's certainly retained Apple's sense of style, but it comes at a cost. This is a pricey machine, so you may want to consider one of the Windows alternatives. If you're open to switching to a PC, definitely consider the XPS 13 or the excellent MateBook X Pro. But, if you're a steadfast Apple diehard, this is definitely the best laptop for you!

Read the full review: Apple Macbook with Touch Bar 13-inch (2018)

The new MSI GS65 Stealth has knocked our previous choice of the best gaming laptop, Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, off this list, thanks to its excellent array of cutting edge components, which includes an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. It's also more reasonably priced than the Zephyrus GX501, and its subtle design means that it can double as a work or study laptop without raising any eyebrows. If you're looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, however, check out the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming below.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

Microsoft's second attempt at a pure laptop device is an absolute winner in our view, and while it doesn't represent a huge overhaul of the original Surface Laptop, it offers improvements in all the areas we were hoping for, including updated hardware that brings serious performance benefits. This is a laptop that finally delivers on what Microsoft set out to do with the original: a pure, powerful Windows 10 laptop experience. If you're not sold on the 2-in-1 nature of the Surface Book 2 (which is also on this best laptops list), but love Microsoft's premium build quality and design, then the Surface Laptop 2 is the laptop for you. A very worth addition to this list.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2

Last year’s Dell XPS 15 was already one of the best laptops you could buy, but now that Dell has taken the beautiful redesign of the Dell XPS 13 and applied it here – while also making it a convertible. Well, it’s amazing. Not only do you get one of the most aesthetically pleasing 15-inch laptops on the market, but it also packs one of those new Intel  Kaby Lake G-series CPUs featuring ‘discrete-class’ Radeon graphics. This means that this laptop packs serious power – even if it can get a little loud.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a fantastic affordable gaming laptop that proves that even if you don't have the kind of money to buy the MSI GS65 Stealth that also features on this best laptops list, you don't have to sacrifice too much when it comes to power. The Acer Predator Helios 300 packs some excellent components, such as a new 8th generation 6-core Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card and 16GB of RAM. While it's still an expensive proposition compared to regular laptops, for a gaming notebook you are getting a heck of a lot of power for the price.

Read the full review: Acer Predator Helios 300

When it comes to the best Chromebook laptop, you have a choice between two stark alternatives. There's the premium Chromebook Pixel, which we list further down this page, and then there's the excellent Asus Chromebook Flip C302, which combines premium features in a much more affordable package. For many people, Chromebooks are excellent and affordable laptops that are perfect for students, and the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is easily one of the best Chromebooks, and one of the best laptops, money can buy. It comes with an Intel Core processor, full 1080p display, touchscreen, backlit keyboard and USB-C port.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

With the Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch), Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the world. The Surface Book 2 has some powerful enough components to handle most day-to-day tasks, and even some light gaming and video editing if you go for a model with a dedicated graphics card. Brilliant build quality and excellent battery life makes this a wonderful device for using as either a laptop, or as a powerful Windows 10 tablet. It also comes in a 15-inch version, which is more powerful and with a larger screen. If you're after a more affordable 2-in-1 device, then the Acer Switch 3, below, is well worth checking out.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

If you want the Microsoft Surface Book 2 but you want to spend a lot less, the Acer Switch 3 2017 is definitely the your best option. It's designed around essentially the same concept as the Surface Book 2 and it's a less capable thanks to slightly lower power innards, but for most tasks it's a brilliant little machine. What's more, to add further value this 2-in-1 laptop/tablet comes with the keyboard upgrade which means no little extras to pay for. As usual it comes in several different versions, with USB Type-C, 8GB RAM, an IPS display and Intel Core i3 7100U CPU coming with the more expensive option.

Read the full review: Acer Switch 3 

Last year's iteration of the MacBook is another win for Apple, and it's once again won us over with a gorgeous design, excellent performance and best-in-class battery life. Apple has updated the processors with Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake range, which means you get improved performance and longer battery life without sacrificing the thin and light design that the MacBook is famous for. While the MacBook 2017 is not designed as a pure productivity machine, like the more powerful and versatile MacBook Pro above, or as a gaming machine like the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501, it's still one of the best laptops in the world right now thanks to being a super slim and light MacBook that you can take anywhere without even noticing the weight, and being a powerful showcase for macOS High Sierra. If you're after a MacBook, this year's model is easily one of the best.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook

The best Chromebooks have experienced huge success in recent years as a result of their accessibility, and the Google Pixelbook is no exception. Even though it costs twice as much as the average Chrome OS device and doesn’t come with a stylus as you may expect, the Pixelbook is built to withstand the future. It features a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports for accessories and super fast file transfers, a hinge that flips inside out for watching movies on planes and a taste of Android. You get full access to the Google Play store on the Pixelbook, from playing Sonic the Hedgehog to watching videos in VLC. The icing on this pixelated cake is its long battery life – it lasted nearly 8 hours in our own testing, so you shouldn’t need to worry about the Pixelbook dying on you. 

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 

While you may have been convinced that ‘budget Ultrabook’ was an oxymoron up until this point, the Acer has turned this common misconception on its head with the Swift 3. That’s because the company has taken the all-aluminum chassis of the Acer Swift 7 and stuffed some more affordable components inside for everyone to enjoy. It doesn’t run macOS, but the Acer Swift 3 does put the age-old MacBook Air to shame in about every other regard, including the nigh-unbeatable price tag. Of course, in the process of demolishing the competition, Acer did have to cut a few corners in order to keep the price so impressively low. So although you can’t expect much in the way of an Ultra HD display or quality onboard sound, the performance benchmarks alone give even the Surface Laptop a run for its money.

We've also had a glance of the upcoming 2018 edition of the Swift 7 at CES 2018, which comes with boosted graphics and processing specs. It could be a shoe-in for a place on this list when it launches later this year.

Read the full review: Acer Swift 3

While it may not have the best keyboard in the world, the Samsung Notebook 9 was one of the best laptops you could buy in 2018. and that stands in 2019. Packed with more horsepower than the MacBook Pro, but at a much lower price, Samsung has crafted a laptop that has just as much substance as it does style. Plus, on top of its killer specs, it’s lightweight and thin, making this one of the most portable 15-inch laptops you can buy today.

Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9 

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the MacBook Pro 

Which type of laptop is best for you?

General laptops: Where the best cheap laptops are found, devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $600 or £400.

Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – $700 or £500 to $2,000 or £1,800.

2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located. The Surface Book 2 might be a ways off, but many of the best 2-in-1 laptops are available right now. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.

Chromebooks: Where you’ll find the best Chromebooks running Chrome OS. These do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models. They generally cost less than $300 or £200 and some can even withstand a slight tussle.

Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost from $800 or £600 to upwards of $3,000 or £2,800 and they’ll likely be the ones to take advantage of AMD’s laptop-grade Ryzen processors first.

Laptop-tablet hybrids: Designed from the tablet-first approach to laptop-tablet hybrids, the best Windows tablets pack beyond-HD touchscreens, sometimes with kickstands in their frames or provided via keyboard covers. These generally shine with a stylus, and range from the budget to the premium price ranges.

Linux, Windows or Mac - which one is best for you? Watch our guide video below: 

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