Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Apple : Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Google's affordable flagship against the mid-range heavyweight

Apple : Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Google's affordable flagship against the mid-range heavyweight

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Google's affordable flagship against the mid-range heavyweight

Posted: 07 May 2019 01:01 PM PDT

The OnePlus 6T currently reigns as champion of the affordable flagship market, a position it’s held for several months – but Google wants a piece of the action, and with the Google Pixel 3a it now has a serious challenger.

The Pixel 3a sees Google distilling the best parts of the Google Pixel 3 phone into a more-budget alternative, so it’s got many features which you can find in the high-end phone. But the OnePlus 6T has a few tricks up its sleeve as well.

So can the Pixel 3a dethrone the OnePlus 6T? We’ve put the two phones head-to-head to find out.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Price

If you’ve not got much to spend on your new phone, you’re best off sticking with the Google Pixel 3a – at $399 / £399 (around AU$570) it’s straddling the line between low-end and mid-range in terms of price. 

However, for that amount you’re getting a device with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, which some may feel is a little on the low side.

The OnePlus 6T will set you back a fair amount more, but you also get more bang for your buck. For 6GB RAM and 128GB storage you’ll pay $549 / £499 (roughly AU$875), with the price rising to $579 / £529 (around AU$840) for 8GB / 128GB and $629 / £579 (about AU$900) for 8GB / 256GB.

That’s a lot more cash if you’re looking at the best-equipped OnePlus 6T – but you’re getting double the RAM and four times the Pixel 3a’s storage.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Design and display

When it comes to screen size, you get a lot more real estate on the OnePlus 6T – at 6.41 inches, its display trumps the Pixel 3a’s 5.6-inch screen.

Bigger isn’t necessarily better, but in the case of displays, the OnePlus 6T is bigger and better – its screen is AMOLED, which makes for better and brighter visuals, and is a step above the Pixel 3a’s OLED display. 

The resolution is better on the OnePlus 6T too, at 2340 x 1080 against 2220 x 1080 – however, because of its smaller screen the Pixel 3a has a better pixels per inch density at 441 compared to the OnePlus 6T’s 402.

The screen on the Google Pixel 3a is unbroken, with prominent bezels to the top and bottom of the front, whereas the OnePlus 6T has a smaller ‘teardrop’ notch that houses the front-facing camera – for some phone users this may be an important point to differentiate the devices, but you’ll still have more screen space on the latter phone.

The Pixel 3a is somewhat of a dainty device with dimensions of 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm, which makes it quite a bit smaller than the OnePlus 6T at 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, but as phones go neither is an especially massive handset.

You may find some features in the smaller phone that the OnePlus 6T misses out on, though – for example the Pixel 3a has a headphone jack and Google’s Active Edge, which lets you squeeze the phone to bring up Google Assistant. 

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Camera

On the OnePlus 6T you’ll find a 16MP/20MP dual rear camera, as opposed to a single 12.2MP snapper on the Pixel 3a – on paper it looks like the OnePlus 6T wins hands-down here, but processing is just as important as specs when it comes to smartphone photography.  

Both phones have a range of options and modes to optimize pictures taken depending on the setting – for example, the OnePlus 6T has a ‘level’ to show you if the phone is tilted, and the Google Pixel 3a has a range of weather modes.

We haven’t had the Google Pixel 3a long enough to properly judge its camera, or to compare it with the OnePlus 6T, but the Pixel 3a has lots of tech in common with the Google Pixel 3, which we considered the best camera phone when it came out, so it’ll likely give the OnePlus 6T a run for its money. Once we’ve tested the newer handset, we’ll update this article accordingly.

On the front of the phones, the OnePlus 6T has a 16MP selfie camera while the Pixel 3a’s snapper is 8MP – again this might suggest the OnePlus 6T will take better pictures, but again the post-processing software is most important. 

We’ve found that both cameras can take selfies with accurate depth sensing, so they can digitally apply background blur of ‘bokeh’ effects to the background.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Specs and battery

Both handsets run Android 9 Pie (although the OnePlus 6T runs OxygenOS over it), so they feel similar to use, although since Google makes both the Pixel 3a and Android, you can expect future OS updates to come to the Pixel 3a before the 6T.

As mentioned, you’re getting more RAM with the OnePlus 6T, and you’re getting a better processor too in the shape of the Snapdragon 845, which was one of the best chipsets around when the handset came out last year (although it’s since been bested by the newer Snapdragon 855). 

In comparison the Pixel 3a runs the Snapdragon 670, a solid mid-range processor, but one that doesn’t compete with the 845.

OnePlus 6T. Image credit: TechRadar

On paper this means the OnePlus 6T will be slightly better at intensive tasks like gaming and video rendering – but it might also burn through the battery a little quicker.

Speaking of battery power, the OnePlus 6T packs a 3,700mAh unit, which is bigger than the 3,000mAh one in the Pixel 3a, although with a bigger screen and more powerful processor the OnePlus 6T needs it, and in practice the battery life on both devices is roughly similar.

Neither handset has wireless charging, but both support fast charging – 18W for the Pixel 3a, and 20W for the OnePlus 6T, so although you’ll miss the convenience of wireless charging, you won’t have to wait long for your device to power up.

Verdict

Image credit: TechRadar

In many ways, the OnePlus 6T is the better device – it has a bigger and higher-quality screen, a more advanced chipset, and a bigger battery; however, you’re also paying more for these features, and not all phone users need all of them.

For its lower price, the Pixel 3a still provides useful features like its competitive camera, Active Edge, and a headphone jack.

So if you’re in the market for either of these smartphones, consider whether the extra you’ll spend on the OnePlus 6T is worth it, or if the Pixel 3a’s features are all you need.

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Dropbox launches cold storage

Posted: 07 May 2019 12:48 PM PDT

It turns out that after uploading files to cloud storage for backup purposes, users rarely access them which is why Dropbox has created a new layer of storage on its platform called cold storage.

After shifting its workloads away from AWS to its own data centers several years ago, the company developed a storage architecture called Magic Pocket to give it more control over how files were stored and accessed.

Dropbox's engineers realized over time that most users move files to its service primarily for backup purposes and rarely access them again. However, it doesn't make sense to store regularly accessed files and those that are rarely accessed using the same methods.

This is why Dropbox has now created two levels of storage, warm storage (previously Magic Pocket) and a new level of long term storage called Cold Storage that allows the company to store files less expensively.

Cold Storage

Dropbox customers won't be able to tell which level of storage is being used to store their files according to a blog post announcing the new feature, which said:

“The warm tier remains our standard Magic Pocket system, which has high storage density and very fast network connectivity. Our cold tier runs on the same hardware and network but saves costs through innovatively reducing disk usage by 25%, without compromising durability or availability. The end experience for users is almost indistinguishable between the two tiers.”

The company expects its dual tier system to save it 10 to 15 percent in costs over time.

While Dropbox's Cold Storage layer will be missed completely by its users if implemented properly, the idea to separate recently used files and those that haven't been accessed in a long time represents a fundamental shift in how files are stored online and we could soon see other cloud storage providers follow suit.

Via TechCrunch

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Everything announced at Google IO 2019

Posted: 07 May 2019 12:37 PM PDT

Google always thinks up some big announcements when our eyes are trained on its annual Google IO developer conference. Last year we saw a huge update to its Android P operating system, first mention of a Google Maps AR mode, and a host of new features across Google's extensive software and hardware ranges. 

This year, there was plenty of hype around the event - helped in no small part by the rumors surrounding the Google Pixel 3a handset, and Google's own accidental leak of a successor to the Google Home Hub. Sure enough, we got the goods on both these products, and more.

Read on below for everything that was announced at the Google IO 2019 keynote, and anything we know about their release dates, prices and features.

Google Pixel 3a

Image Credit: Google

We'd had a good look at leaked renders in the build up, but this was Google's first public announcement of the Google Pixel 3a handset, a mid-range offering with some flagship specs at $399 (£399, around AU$570). 

Unlike the more premium Pixel phones, you even get a 3.5mm headphone jack, for those of you who haven't yet jumped to wireless headphones. 

You can see what we make of it so far with our hands on: Google Pixel 3a review.

Google Pixel 3a XL

Image Credit: TechRadar

If you're after a cheaper Pixel handset but don't want to compromise on screen size, then the 6-inch Google Pixel 3a could be the phone for you.

It's a touch more expensive than the standard Pixel 3a, and you get the same power, cameras, design and features including a headphone jack.

It's a solid handset and you can find out what we think with our hands on: Google Pixel 3a XL review.

Google Nest Hub Max

Image Credit: Google

As accidentally leaked on Google's own product website last month, we are getting a Google Nest Hub Max - a union between Google's Nest and Home product ranges, which apparently will be joined together going forward. 

Confusing branding aside, the Nest Hub Max boasts a 10-inch screen over the Home Hub Max's 7-inch display, and will also feature a Nest security camera for video calls and keeping an eye on your home when you're out.

Google is clearly aware what a hot topic privacy is these days, and was quick to clarify that the Nest camera would only record when actively enabled, while the Hub would come with a physical switch on the back of the device to disconnect the camera and microphone.

With Google Duo, users will also be able to chat with any iOS or Android device, or any PC with the Chrome browser. The Nest Hub Max will launch this summer in the US, UK and AU for $229 (£175 / AU$325).

Read our hands on: Google Nest Hub Max review to find out what we make of it.

Google Home Hub gets cheaper, comes to more territories

Image Credit: Google

As Google shifts it focus to the Nest-branded speakers, the Google Home Hub will drop from $149 to $129 (down to £119 in the UK), and is coming to "12 new markets and supporting nine new languages."

Android Q beta 3 and some dark, dark themes

Image Credit: Google

The next Android operating system, Android Q, isn't launching until later this year, but that didn't stop Google from showing off some new features for the next update. 

The OS will bring your security settings higher up in your phone settings, and give you reminders whenever an app accesses your location history (and stop the app doing this when you've closed it).

We also got a glimpse of Android Q's dark theme, which turns your phone's interface black and will automatically turn on with battery saver (you know, to save battery life).

Enhanced search results and AR models

Image Credit: TechRadar

Google kicked off the keynote with Full Coverage: an expanded algorithm for Google search results that will be smarter about what it shows to you. If you're researching a recent news story (say, Brexit), it will show you a timeline of events and explainers that go into finer detail alongside more general results.

Google will also be looking to incorporate 3D models into search results, which can then be conjured into your surroundings with your phone camera. If you're buying some new furniture, it may be what helps you decide what just looks right with the wallpaper.

Duplex on the web

We got a glimpse of Google Duplex at last year's I/O keynote, where the AI program managed to book a haircut appointment over the phone. Duplex is currently available in 44 US states, and is continuing to help citizens avoid ever speaking to a small business again.

Google is looking to expand this feature into 'Duplex on the web', where Google Assistant will be able to book movie tickets, make car rentals and generally help you complete long detail-heavy forms online without having to type everything in yourself. No word on when we can get it abroad, but it bodes well as a time-saver.

Driving Mode

Image Credit: Google

While Google Assistant has flirted with driver-friendly features in the past, Google has only now announced an official Driving Mode for using your phone in your car safely. 

By calling out "Hey Google, let's drive" the mode will kick into gear, bringing up a simplified interface of your most used contacts and most relevant apps (Google Maps, Calls, etc).

Auto-delete your data away

For those who don't like all their data being stored forever on some Google server in the desert, Google has now launched an auto-delete feature on the Android Q beta, which allows you to set limits on how long you want your data backed up. 

Three months? Two years? Google will make it so.

Transcribing, like, everything

Image Credit: Google

Google made much of its improved text-to-speech and speech-to-text transcription software, with a big stress on helping those who are less literate or struggle with speak impediments. 

Incoming features included being able to photograph real-life text and hear it spoken and even translated by Google Assistant by the fly. Others included Live Captions for transcribing speech during live videos, allowing you to watch muted video footage or phone calls without missing out on what's being said.

Google also formally announced its Project Euphoria initiative, which uses machine learning to incorporate speech patterns from, say, stroke sufferers, or those with degenerative illnesses who struggle to be understood by today's voice assistants.

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Android Q developer beta is now available on the Nokia 8.1

Posted: 07 May 2019 12:00 PM PDT

The full, finished release of Android Q likely won’t land on any handset until around August, but if you have a Nokia 8.1 you can access a developer beta of the software right now.

This is one of the first phones to offer any version of Android Q, following the Google Pixel 3 and the rest of the Pixel range, which has been able to access it since March.

You can sign up for the developer beta on Nokia's site, but as the name suggests this is aimed at developers, which, coupled with being a beta, means you might want to think twice – it’s going to be unfinished and might be unstable. That said, if you are a developer or just want an early look at Android Q, now’s your chance.

If you don’t have a Nokia 8.1 (or a Pixel handset), don’t worry. The fact that a non-Pixel phone now has access to Android Q means that some others might soon get access too. But again, this isn’t finished software, so it might be worth waiting anyway.

It could be worth the wait though, as Android Q is expected to add new privacy features, a revamped permissions overview, a new battery-saving dark theme, new developer controls and improved gesture controls, among other things.

We’d expect as-yet-unknown new features and refinements will be found in the final release too, and we’ll be sure to update you as soon as we hear about them.

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Google IO 2019: everything you need to know

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:55 AM PDT

Google IO 2019 has kicked off, and we're in Mountain View, California reporting on the annual developer conference in real-time. While it's technically meant for developers, consumers found a few big surprises waiting in the wings too.

First, Android Q beta 3 release date is set for Google IO 2019 (with a beta launching for a huge amount of handsets today) and, second, we'll got our first official look at the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. We were impressed with the Google Pixel 3, and these versions will be wildly cheaper.

Third, the Google Nest Hub Max is another hardware announcement that leaked. It is a 10-inch version of the 7-inch Google Home Hub, with an additional Nest camera.

Fourth, Google Assistant, Google Lens, and Google Duplex (last year's big surprise) have been further refined

A Google IO livestream and recap video on YouTube will be available in case you can't make it Google's Shoreline Amphitheatre. But want just the nuggets? Here's all the big news you need to be aware of.

Image credit: Google

Android Q: what's coming next

  • Android Q beta 3 rolls out at Google IO 2019
  • 3rd party phone makers will launch Android Q betas
  • System-wide dark mode

We're now at the 10th generation point for the Android operating system, extending to televisions, in-car systems and smart screens like the Google Home Hub, as well as mobile. It's now on 2.5 billion active devices, just in time for Google to reveal Android Q's latest updates.

Kicking off with a chat about how Android will work with foldable devices, Android Q will be able to seamlessly tweak its UI depending on the format and ratio a folding device finds itself in. This includes games, which will adapt to take advantage of extra real estate.

Like watching your videos with the sound off, or happen to be hard of hearing? A new live captions system in Android Q will turn audio instantly into text to be read. It's a system function triggered within the volume rocker menu. They can be tweaked for legibility to your eyes, doesn't require an internet connection, and happens on videos that have never been manually close-captioned. It's at an OS level, letting it work across all your apps.

Smart Reply now works across all messaging apps in Android Q, with the OS smartly predicting your next needs.

There's also a much-requested Dark Theme coming, activated by battery saver or the quick tile. Lighting up less pixels will save you battery life.

Android Q will also double down on security and privacy features, such as a Maps incognito mode, reminders for location usage and sharing (such as only when a delivery app is in use), and TLSV3 encryption for low end devices. Security updates will roll out faster too, updating over the air without a reboot needed for the device.

Focus Mode is a new introduction, switching off apps you select that you know pull you away from your work, such as email. It's coming to both Android Q, and the older P version of the operating system.

Q Beta 3 will launch from today on 21 devices today, so give it a go now if you feel confident enough to risk your phone with test software.

Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL – premium features on a budget

  • Cheap Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL unveiled at Google IO
  • 5.6-inch and 6-inch displays and plastic build
  • Have the same great cameras as the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL
  • Prices are affordable: $399 and $479, respectively

Following a huge swathe of leaks, the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, lower-cost versions of the Google Pixel 3 phone in two new sizes, were revealed.

Several leaks ahead of Google IO correctly pointed to 5.6-inch and 6-inch versions of the budget phone, with specs out there in full and prices at $399 and $499, respectively. US carriers announced include Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Google Fi and US Cellular.

That's half the price of some flagships, and still keeps the same top-of-the-line main camera you'd find in the Pixel 3. It's a direct response to the iPhone XR and Samsung S10e, with Google directly calling out the iPhone X's low-light mode as a bit lacking.

Black, white and "Purple-ish" shades will be available, and there's still room in its plastic casing for a 3.5mm headphone jack. Active Edge (squeezing the phones sides) works to bring up Google Assistant. Battery life is quoted at 30 hours, with 7 hours of battery life gained from just a 15 minute charger top up.

It'll also be among the first devices to offer an AR maps mode, bringing directional markers to real-world locations through your phone's screen, camera and GPS components.

More importantly, it also means being among the very first phones to get upgraded to the new version of Android – seriously, many smartphones for a lot more money haven’t yet upgraded to Android 9 Pie yet.

Image credit: Android Police

Nest Hub Max introduced as Google Home devices die

  • 10-inch screen like the 7-inch Google Home Hub
  • Includes a Nest Cam for security

The Google Home Hub is dead - long live the Nest Hub Max. At Google IO, the company announced it was dropping the Google Home moniker, instead rebranding its devices with the Nest name, bringing them in line with its security systems.

Crucially, the Nest Hub Max was introduced, a new product with a camera and larger 10-inch display. With a built-in Nest Cam wide-angle lens security camera, which the original Home Hub omitted due to privacy (and likely cost-cutting) concerns, it's now a far more security-focussed device. It also lets you make video calls using a wide range of video calling apps. Cameras and mics can be physically switched off with a slider that cuts off the electronics, for the privacy-concious. 

Voice and Face match features, allowing families to create voice and face models, will let the Hub Max know to only show an individuals information or recommendations. It'll also double up as a kitchen TV, if you've access to YouTube TV plans, and lowering the volume is as simple as raising your hand in front of the display. No more shouting over loud audio!

It shows Google is interested in releasing a more substantial home assistant and entertainment hub. It'll launch this summer for $229 in the US, with UK and AU pricing to be revealed. The original Hub also gets a price cut to $129, a $20 saving.

Google Search at Google IO 2019

Google remains a search giant, and that's something it's not forgotten at Google IO 2019. However, search is about to become far more visually rich, thanks to the inclusion of AR camera trickery coming directly into search results.

Google's on-stage demonstration showed how a medical student could search for a muscle group, and be presented within mobile search results with a 3D representation of the body part. Not only could it be played with within the search results, it could be placed on the users desk to be seen at real scale from your smartphones screen. Even larger things, like an AR shark, could be put into your AR screen, straight from the app.

Google Lens bill splitting and food recommendations

Google Lens is an increasingly useful party trick in Google's App arsenal, using image recognition to deliver information based on what your camera is looking at.

At Google IO 2019, a demo showed how a combination of mapping data and image recognition will let Google Lens make recommendations from a restaurants menu, just by pointing your camera at it. When the bill arrives, point your camera at the receipt and it'll show you tipping info and bill splitting help.

Google will also be partnering with recipe providers to allow Lens to produce video tutorials when your phone is pointed at a written recipe.

Google Duplex is getting smarter

Remember Google Duplex, the slightly-creepy Google Assistant service that could make calls and bookings on your behalf based on your requests? It's getting smarter, thanks to the new 'Duplex on the web' feature.

Ask Google Assistant to plan a trip, and it'll begin filling in website forms such as reservation details, hire car bookings and more, on your behalf. It just awaits you to confirm the details it's inputted.

Next generation Google Assistant

Google has been working hard to compress and streamline the AI that Google Assistant taps into from the cloud when it is processing your voice commands. Every voice request has currently to be run through three separate processing models to land on what's (hopefully) your correctly-understood voice command. It is data that until now has taken up 100GB of storage on Google's many servers.

But that's about to change. Google has figured out how to shrink that down to just 500MB of storage space, and to put it on your device, lowering latency between your voice request and the task you've wished to trigger being carried out. It's 10x faster - 'real time', according to Google spokespeople. Google's demo showed a Google employee making several requests in a row, instantly having them triggered.

Google Assistant impressively can now compose emails in an almost mind-reading way – it'll know when you're asking it to put text in the body of a message or the subject line, without it needing specific prompts.

It'll also be getting a driving mode, putting suggestions and non-distracting use cases front and centre to be safely used (and navigated) by voice in the car. It'll let you do everything from taking a call to changing music without leaving the mapping screen.

Oh, and alarms and timers? Just say 'Stop' to silence them, from this day forward. No need to say "OK Google". Phew!

Speech substitution

The events list for Google IO 2019 mentions Project Euphoria, which aims to leverage "Google technologies to give people with speech impairments their voice back." This proved to be a new software suite and features coming to Android, powered by machine learning.

As we pointed out when the news hit, there’s no guarantee that Project Euphoria will go live anytime soon – it could just be introduced as a feature coming in the future, as Google is want to do.

Image credit: Google

What wasn't at Google IO 2019

Google IO 2019 was brimming with hardware and software announcements, but it wasn't the stage to make news on everything you're excited about in 2019.

Specifically, we didn't see a Google Pixel Watch just yet. There have been no leaks and few rumors about the smartwatch, so that was to be expected.

As for the Pixel 4, it's too soon for the next version of Google's flagship phone, especially with the budget-orientated announcements. It's likely working hard on its next-level camera, and that should be ready in October.

Finally, there were no new Google laptops or tablets. Reps for the company have suggested that Google hasn't vacated the space for either category, though, so if you're holding out, there's still hope.

  • We're expecting a lot of Android news out of Google IO 2019, and here are the best Android phones that will get those new features

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New Lenovo ThinkBook S models could be on the way

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:49 AM PDT

Lenovo could be preparing to launch a new line of ThinkBook laptops aimed at consumers according to Notebook Italia who discovered two of the company's laptops with unusual names at a trade show in China.

Currently the Chinese hardware maker sells its business notebooks under the ThinkPad brand while its consumer models are under the IdeaPad and Yoga names but that could be about to change.

The Lenovo ThinkBook S laptops come in 13-inch and 14-inch size and the new devices could be coming to Europe at the end of May for around €1,000 according to several listings from online stores.

As of now though, it remains unclear as to whether or not these new models will be coming to the US.

ThinkBook S

Lenovo's new line of laptops appear to be positioned as replacements for previous generation IdeaPad devices but, according to Notebook Italia, the ThinkBook S models sport new designs featuring slim bezels, metal bodies and a 180 degree hinge which allows their screens to fold flat against a table.

Both the 13 and 14-inch models have 1080p resolution displays though the smaller device is brighter than its larger counterpart at 300 nits compared to 250 nits. The laptops also feature 720p webcams with a built-in privacy shutter.

The new ThinkBook S laptops are expected to ship with Intel Core i7 Whiskey Lake processors, up to 16 GB of RAM, up to 512 GB of SSD storage and optional support for AMD Radeon 540X graphics.

Both laptops are also relatively light at just under 3 pounds for the 13.3-inch model and 3.3 pounds for the 14-inch model.

Given that Notebook Italia was able to spot these devices at a trade show in Lenovo's home country of China, it is very likely that will learn more about these devices from the company itself and the possibility of a new ThinkBook S line relatively soon.

Via Liliputing

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Google IO 2019 liveblog: everything from the expected Pixel 3a launch

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:38 AM PDT

Our Google IO 2019 liveblog is ongoing, as we report on the developer conference that's already nearing the two hour mark. We have a rundown on the news from the keynote below – straight from Mountain View, California.

So far, Google has announced Android Q beta 3 and new features including Dark Theme, Nest Hub Max (and a price drop for the original Google Hub [now renamed Nest Hub]).

We're on the ground today, picked up our badge yesterday and waiting to deliver to you minute-by-minute updates about Android Q, Pixel 3a, and possible updates to Nest and the Google Home devices. 

And, of course, we'll also be the first to report on any other surprises. Sure, you can always check out the Google IO livestream video, but for people at work (supposedly working), this is where you need to stay locked for all the latest live updates.

Google IO liveblog: real-time updates

All times in Pacific Daylight Time

11:45am: We're calling it. Our Google IO liveblog is done and all of the announcements are below.  

11:40am: The last minutes of the Google IO keynote slow down in terms of software and hardware announcements, but go deep into real-world needs where people need a helping hands the most. Google is now talking about how its Neural Networks and physics for forecasting floods. 

If you've come looking for Android Q announcements, Google Pixel 3 features or the Nets Home Max, you can scroll below. 

11:34am: Our Google IO 2019 keynote has breeched one and a half hours and we haven't really slowed down. Google is talking about TensorFlow, Machine Learning, medicine and the Google AI healthcare team. This is usually accompanied by a touching video about improving patients lives with tech-infused care and diagnoses. 

11:27am: The Pixel 3a is coming to more than just Verizon is the US. In addition to Verizon, the entire Pixel series will come to T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. Of course, it'll be unlocked and be compatible with Google Fi because it's unlocked from the Google Store.

As for Pixel 3a specs, it'll have a Snapdragon 670 chipset (as opposed to the 855 chip), Full HD display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB storage and polycarbonate body. Those are the big differences with the Pixel 3. The one constant being that amazing Pixel 3 camera.

11:26am: Google is talking about Google Pixel 3a battery life and is looks to be all-day, like the Pixel 3, suggest 30 hours on a single charge and 7 hours with just 15 minutes of fast charging. Of course, you'll likely get more time out of the Pixel 3a XL than the Pixel 3a.

11:25am: The Google Maps AR feature we saw touted at Google IO last year is finally coming to consumers, and it'll be available first on Pixel phones, according to Google. It's something I want when exiting the subway in New York and I'm trying to figure out which way it uptown and which is downtown. 

11:24am: Google Pixel 3a camera's Night Sight mode is being showed against the iPhone XS, and the differences are stark. The Pixel 3a photos look just as good as the Pixel 3 camera photos and include free backups via Google Photos.

11:23am: It'll have 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes more sense on a budget phone than flagships. (But really, I'd like to see it remain on flagships, too).

11:22am: The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are about to launch. Will this be almost as good as the Google Pixel 3 at almost half the price. They're plastic but look very similar, with colors: Just Black, Nearly White and the new Purple-ish.

11:20am: Here are the Nest Hub Max price details straight from the Google IO keynote. It'll cost $229. and the original Hub (now named Nest Hub) is $129. They'll be in 12 new markets, support nine new languages.

11:19am: Want to feel like you have 'The Force'? The Hub Max will allow you to gesture to pause what's playing, which, as per the demo at least, looks much easier to do that shouting over a loud speaker.

11:17am: Face Match sounds pretty, with personalized recommendations, calendar reminders and even greetings in the morning based on who is standing in front of the 10-inch display. Google is really putting the power of the camera to use with this more advanced version of the Hub.

11:14am:  Google Home Hub is being renamed Nest Hub, and it's being joined by the Next Hub Max. It's a new product with a camera and a 10-inch display, to be a centerpiece of your home. You can use it like a Nest Cam, and check on things in your home via the Nest app. Its wide angle lens gives you a good field of view. For privacy, there's a green camera recording light and an on-off switch for the camera on the back.

11:13am: On to Google Home with more talk about... you guess it: Google Assistant. It's the software that Google is pushing out to every device. It's also talking about respective your privacy in bold bold letters. It means it everybody!

11:12am: No Android Q release date (although we're fairly certain it'll be in early August as always) and no official name (your guess is as good as ours).

11:10am: Android Q beta 3 is available on 21 devices, including 12 OEMS. We're uploading a photo of all of the third-party company logos right now. This includes OnePlus and Nokia and definitely an improvement from last year's seven beta participants.

11:08am: Google's just announced focus mode. It's like an advanced Do Not Disturb mode and it's coming to Android P and Q devices 'this fall' so likely around August or September.

11:07am: Digital Wellbeing and privacy are what Google is talking about right now. You'll have more control over your location (when you order pizza, you can allow the app to know your location, but it won't follow you along indefinitely. 

11:02am: Dark Theme is coming to Android Q. It's officially among the more than 50 features of Android Q. It'll burn less pixels (on OLED screens). It can be access from the notification shade (shade has a whole new meaning) via Dark Theme or the Battery Saver mode. You heard it here first on our Google IO 2019 liveblog.

11:01am: Here's another Live Caption demo, this time the twist is that Google's speech recognition technology can be used offline (the demo was in airplane mode). On-device machine learning happens protects user privacy, too.

10:59am: We knew about this Android Q feature ahead of our Google IO liveblog, but Continuity is coming to prepare for foldables. When you transfer from the folded state to an unfolded state, the app you're using adjusts seamlessly. Samsung build this into its Android Pie phone, but it'll come pre-packaged with Android Q.

10:57am: Android Q is next, and Google announcing that there are over 2.5 billion active Android devices – from 180 device makers around the world. And now foldable phones are coming to Android OEMs.

10:55am: Live Transcribe, Live Caption, Live Relay and Project Euphonia are among the very advanced disability features Google is working on in 2019.

10:52am: Live Relay is a similar on-device feature that lets you talk on the phone with someone while they read a text.

10:51am: "It's such a simple feature, but has such a big impact on me," said a person who is hearing impaired in a Google video. The use cases for the Live Caption feature are groundbreaking for the deaf. And for those who can hear but are in a subway, for example, it has a use case, too, says Google. 

10:49am: Live Caption is new – with one click you can turn on captions for a web video, a podcast, or even a video you record at home.

10:45am: Federated Learning is what Google is using to anonymous data to improve the global model. Here's an example: Take Gboard, Google keyboard. When new words become popular – as people are typing in BTS or YOLO – after thousands of people type that in (or millions in the case of BTS), Gboard will be able to harness this data without tapping into individual user privacy. It's sounds a lot like Apple's 'Differential Privacy' approach.

10:43am: Incognito Mode is coming to Google Maps (so it'll be on Chrome, YouTube and Maps in 2019), and one-tap access to your Google account, Chrome, search, YouTube, and Maps.

10:40am: Google is talking about privacy and consumer control Incognito in Chrome is 10 years old, and Google Takeout is a valuable service for exporting data. Google says it knows that its work isn't done. It's making all privacy settings easy to access from your profile. You can view and manage your recent activity and even change your privacy settings. This goes along with auto-delete tracking controls (3 months and 18 months) that it announced last week. It's rolling out in the coming weeks.

10:36am: Breaking news: Now you can ask a Google Home speaker to turn off an alarm without having to say "Hey Google" first. Just shout "Stop" and the annoying alarm will shut off. So helpful. It's coming to English-speaking locales starting today, according to Google, so look for it soon.

10:35am: Driving Mode will be available this summer on any Android phone with Google Assistant. That means on over one billion devices on over 80 countries. Google's mission is to build the fastest most personal way to get things done. 

10:33am: Google Assistant is coming to Waze in the coming weeks, and there's going to be a driving mode on the Assistant app, bringing personalized suggestions and shortcuts (like to dinner directions, top contacts, or a podcast you want to resume in the car). Phones calls and music appear in a low-profile way so you can get things done without leaving the navigation screen.

10:32am: Google is expanding the Assistant's ability with "personal references." It'll understand "Hey, Google, what's the weather like at Mom's house this weekend." You're always in control of what it knows about you, your family and your personal information. Google proposes this will be very helpful on the road with Android Auto.

10:30am: The next-generation of Google Assistant to newer Pixel phones later this year.

10:29am: Google showed off a more complex speech-to-text scenario in which the Assistant could send an email – and tell the difference between completing an action (opening an email and sending it), and receiving a dictation. Right now, Google Assistant can't do that and requires tapping the screen. The future is touchless.

10:27am: Now onto a more practical (and speedy) demo: sending messages, looking up a photo to send to a friend, and replying with that photo. It's all done without the need to touch, and includes multi-tasking.

10:26am: So far, the speed of Assistant seems to have improved a bit. But this is just how we've imagined it should work. It's getting a lot of applause from people in the crowd (who probably don't find Google Assistant to be instant).

10:24am: Time for the next-generation of Google Assistant. Bold vision: What if the Assistant was so far that tapping to operate your phone almost seemed slow. Google wants it to be 10x faster.

10:22am: Importantly, Duplex on the web doesn't require input from businesses. It'll work automatically, according to the CEO of Google. It's the company's way of building a more helpful Assistant.

10:21am: Google is tackling painstakingly slow online reservations. "Book a National Car rental for my trip" and Google will start filling out the details for you. It's acting on your behalf, although you're always in control of the flow: make, model, color, whether or not you want a car seat. It's a lot less input and selection, and more modify where you need it.

10:20am: Sundar is back on stage talking about last year's big surprise: Google Duplex. It's Google's AI voice assistant that calls restaurants for reservations. It's now extending Duplex for tasks on the web.

10:20am: The updates for Google lens will roll out later this month, so you should see them by the end of May.

10:17am: At Google IO 2019, Google Lens is getting new language translation functions. If you see a sign in a foreign language, it'll translate and even read the words aloud. The coolest part, it'll highlight the foreign words at it pronounces them, so you can follow along (and maybe learn a bit).

10:16am: Wondering what a dish even looks like? Google Lens will be able to pop up a picture based on the words seen on a menu. Not word on how it gets this picture (whether it's based on actual photos from the restaurant or what the general dish looks like).

10:14am: Another Google Lens example: Point your phone camera at a menu in a restaurant, and it'll point out the popular dishes at the restaurant and tell you what other people are saying about it on Google Maps (seems to be where it's sourced). Lens can help you pay for the meal, even going as far as helping to calculate the tip.

10:13am: People have used lens more than a billion times so far. Indexing the physical world, much like search indexes the billions of pages on the web.

10:11am: There's a 3D shark on the Google IO 2019 stage. How? The AR shark with layers of teeth (and the audience behind it) came from the Google search and clicking on a 3D model. Using a phone camera, it was placed in the real world, merging 3D objects and your world.

10:09am:  The camera is coming to Google Search. Search for muscle flexion. You can see 3D models in search results and place it in your our apartment.

10:08am: Google wants to "surfacing the right information in the right context." This may be code for "We're doing our job to defeat fake news and hoaxes." 

10:05am: Sundar says "Our goal is build a more helpful Google for everyone. And when we say helpful, we mean giving you the tools to improve your knowledge success, health and happiness." So far, it's been a re-cap of what Google does now. We're still waiting for what it's doing next.

10:03am: Google is using AR in its official Google IO 2019 app to help users better navigating this outdoor developer conference.

10:03am: Sundar just took the stage. "I would like to say welcome to the language that all of our users speak, but we want to keep this keynote under two hours."

10:00am: Google is starting with a video, with a retrospective of various technology, from the original cell phone to the N64 controller and what looks to be Star Trek with Leonard Nimoy. 

9:59am: Last-minute before go time, and my teammates are contemplating live blogging about my live blogging. "He looks serious and stressed. Oh, wait, he just crinkled his forehead." Yes, I'm in game mode.

9:57am: Predictions on the first thing that will be announced at Google IO 2019: lots of number about the success of the company and how developers are gravitating toward coding for Android.

9:50am: We're 10 minutes from the Google IO keynote and here's your team on the ground (left to right): Matt Swider, David Lumb and Nick Pino. We're ready to ace this liveblog with real-time updates of everything announced.

9:29am: I recall two human DJs at the last Google IO I was at (left). With Google's AI DJ (right), I wonder if the human DJs are  still getting gigs in this increasingly autonomous economy.

9:27am: Google's AI DJ had to reset, because while the future is autonomous, it's not yet perfect. It's up and spinning again with what the kids would call sick beats.

9:22am: On the Google IO keynote stage, Google is has an AI DJ playing music accompanied by a human DJ (mainly to put the record on the turntable). It's automatically adjusting the tempo.

9:00am: We're in our seats for Google IO 2019 and just one hour from the developer conference. We're ready to tackle the keynote.

8:30am: Here's the new Google IO signage for 2019.

May 7, 1:09am: We've wrapped up our Google IO 2019 planning, and updating the liveblog one last time. Expect early morning updates soon.

Yesterday, 3pm PT: I have my Google IO badge. David Lumb and Nick Pino are also joining me to provide liveblog commentary. Only a few hours left before the keynote starts.

Image credit: TechRadar

10:30am PT: Why is it that the Google Maps estimate for ridesharing apps is always why off (especially for Lyft?). Maybe this is something the company can fix at Google IO (in addition to quick Android updates and Messaging).

Image credit: TechRadar

10am PT: We're 24 hours from Google IO and have successfully made it from New York City to Mountain View, California (with a flight to nearby San Fransisco).

You can really see the difference in weather here in the Bay Area:

Image credit: TechRadar

Refresh for more Google IO 2019 as the event begins at 10am PT.

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Google Pixel 3a is a budget flagship at midrange prices

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:33 AM PDT

The long-rumored Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL have been announced at Google IO 2019, and officially on sale – for far less than their full-priced, more powerful siblings. 

The Google Pixel 3a costs $399, while they haven't released Google Pixel 3a XL's price yet. Both should be on sale on the company's website, in Verizon stores and – for the first time – on T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, and of course, on Google Fi.

But there are other tweaks to make the Google Pixel 3a more appealing to a midrange audience, like a 3.5mm headphone jack and "adaptive battery" that extends battery life up to 30 hours, with up to 7 hours on a 15-minute charge using the included 18W battery charger.

Midrange > budget flagship?

While the Google Pixel 3a might have been the worst-kept secret – leaks aside, it made sense for Google to follow Apple and Samsung in releasing a more affordable variant of the flagship line – this phone is a degree down from those.

While the iPhone XR and Samsung Galaxy S10e are simply leaner versions of flagships that still cost well above other midrange phones, the Google Pixel 3a is half the price of its flagship namesake.

While Google Pixel phones haven't sold terribly well, they've climbed in price, pushing the Google Pixel 3 just under iPhone and Samsung top-tier devices. Perhaps the Google Pixel 3a can boost sales by bringing the Pixel name (and camera) to a broader audience.

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Google throws $25 million at tech companies doing social good

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:30 AM PDT

If you're worried about the societal impact of advancing technologies, fear not. Google has delved into its deep pockets to fund a number of initiatives hoping to  use advances in artificial intelligence to actually do some good.

The massive fund is part of Google's AI Impact Challenge, which invited calls from "organizations around the world to submit their ideas for how they could use AI to help address societal challenges." And Google took the opportunity to announce the winning recipients today during its Google I/O 2019 conference.

The grants total $25 million (around £19 million / AU$36 million), shared between 20 organizations worldwide, from London to Lebanon. Some, like Hand Talk, focus on AI's language capabilities, developing programs for translating Portuguese into Brazilian sign language.  

Others are looking to develop monitoring tools to improve irrigation for local farmers (American University of Beirut), improve prediction of landslides (Pennsylvania State University), monitor rainforest health (Rainforest Connection), or help refugees connect with career opportunities in the EU (Skilllab BV). 

Recipients of the grants will receive mentorship from Google AI experts, credit and consulting from Google's Cloud computing platform, and "the opportunity to join a customised accelerator program from Google Developers Launchpad." 

Baby steps

While some initiatives seem more mundane than others (pest control, for one), it's hard to stress the logistical improvements that can come from large-scale computing solutions, and Google's funds are a way to do just that. 

It's also reassuring to see Google's commitment after it set up an advisory committee on the ethics of AI, and then immediately shut it down. There are a lot of competing opinions on what AI should and shouldn't be accountable for, but it's reassuring some beginning steps being taken in the right direction. 

Google's press release was quick to point out that almost half of the companies awarded had no previous experience in AI, and it's clear that initiatives like these are what's going to help AI reach people and places who have yet to benefit.

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Google Nest Hub Max release date, price, features and news

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:26 AM PDT

If the Google Nest Hub (formerly called the Google Home Hub) was a bit too small for your liking, Google has something new that will be right up your alley – it's the new Nest Hub Max with a 10-inch HD screen and Google Assistant.

Not only does it have a larger, higher-resolution screen, but it comes with a built-in Nest Cam that can be checked when you're away from the house. Using Face Match, the Nest Hub Max can alert you when it sees someone who isn't in your family and can provide personal calendars and playlists.

Also new on this Hub is a Quick Gestures feature that allows you to control playback on the speaker using hand gestures. According to Google, you'll be able to pause music by raising your hand - if, say, it's too loud in your house for Google Assistant to hear you - and then resume with the same gesture when you're ready.

Like the original Home Hub that we reviewed last year, the new Nest Hub Max will have access to Google Photos and come with Chromecast Built-in - two features that set it apart from Amazon's similarly spec'd Amazon Echo Show. 

Google unveiled the Hub Max at today's Google IO keynote outside its headquarters in Mountain View, California, alongside the new Pixel 3a. 

Nest Hub Max release date and price

For the first time, Google Nest Hub and the new Nest Hub Max will be available in  the US, Australia and the UK. So how much will it set you back? The Nest Hub Max will be available for $229/£219, while the original Google Home Hub (now called Nest Hub) will drop down to $129/£119. 

As for the release date, Google announced on-stage that the Nest Hub Max will be available starting this summer (sometime between June and August) on the Google Store and retailers.

Google Nest Hub Max specs

  • 10-inch, 1280 x 800 display
  • Front-facing Nest camera with 127-degree field of view
  • 2-channel speaker setup (2 tweeters and a woofer)
  • 2 far-field microphone arrays
  • Switch to disable camera and microphone

Nest Hub Max news

We first caught wind of the Nest Hub Max when it was accidentally leaked on the Google Store back in March. It was then we learned that it would have a 10-inch HD screen and the integration of the Nest Cam. Now, at Google IO 2019, Google has confirmed that the device exists and have given us details on the device.

Developing...

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Dark Mode is coming in Android Q

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:14 AM PDT

Android Q is bringing a long-awaited feature to your phone – it'll debut a new Dark Mode across the entirety of Google's software.

Various Android apps have come with a dark theme in the past, but this is the first time you'll be able to have the entire OS in a darker hue, which will make it easier on your eyes when using your phone in the dark.

It's called Dark Theme, and the short teaser we saw showed it used for Google's main user interface as well as Google Photos, Google Play Music and Twitter.

At launch it's likely to mostly be for Google's own apps, but the company is providing an API so third-party developers can also harness the benefits of the new darker theme.

Little else is known about Dark Mode for Android, as it was only briefly mentioned on stage at Google I/O. You can keep up with our full Google I/O live blog here.

We don't know exactly when Android Q will land on devices, but we can expect to see it later in 2019 if the company's previous software schedule is anything to go by. It is also likely to debut on the Google Pixel 4.

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Android Q release date, new features and everything you need to know

Posted: 07 May 2019 11:11 AM PDT

The Android Q release date is likely in August, but today, we'll get a features list from Google with the introduction of beta 3 at the company's developer conference.

Update: At Google IO 2019, the company unveiled Android Q. It's officially getting Dark Mode, improving transparency, refined toggles for location sharing, faster security updates, and more. Plus, Digital 

A rundown of Android Q features will take center stage among Google IO 2019 news, even if fresh Pixel 3a hardware is also on tap. The shift Android Pie to Android 10 Q is going to have wider impact among phone owners.

You can install the Android Q beta today, but it is beta 2 (we're still waiting for beta 3) and unfinished software for developers. You may want to wait for a stable version.

What's new with Android Q? We've got a working features list below, based on what we've tested in the ongoing beta and rumors about what else is to come in beta 3.

Our biggest Android Q prediction: The beta will launch on more than just Google Pixel phones, with third-parties slated to join in on the action. That's big news if you want to try Android Q early.

Cut to the chase

  • What is Android Q? It's the next version of Android
  • When can you get Android Q beta? Download the Android Q developer beta now
  • When will Android Q launch in full? Probably August  
  • How much will Android Q cost? It will (assumedly) be a free update

Android Q release date

  • March 13: The first Android 10 developer beta has launched
  • April 3: Android Q beta 2 gave us bugs fixes and app bubbles
  • Today: Android Q developer beta 3 is expected to launch
  • Early June: The final incremental update, beta 4, should land in June
  • July: Beta 5 and beta 6, release candidates, may land this month
  • August: The final release has routinely happened in August

Google's Android Q developer beta is already here – at least if you own a Pixel phone and are willing to test out an unfinished mobile operating system.

We're eager to see additional phones get the Android Q beta at Google's keynote on Tuesday. OnePlus, Nokia, Oppo, Sony, Vivo and Xiaomi had phones with the Android P beta, so expect a similar announcement this week.

Everyone asking if Android Q will come to OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T may be in luck, or it could come to the forthcoming OnePlus 7. Either way, these six companies (minus last year's seventh, Essential) have a good track record.

The Android 10 Q release date timeline (Image credit: Google)

Google has outlined six stages to its six-month-long beta process, including the initial release, three incremental updates, one update with final APIs and the official SDK, and then two release candidates. That's all before the final version of Android 10.

Its monthly updates should give us an official Android Q release date in August, and historically, that's when we've seen the final update launch in past Android versions. But that doesn't mean every Android phone will have Android Q by August. 

The roll out to other Android phones will happen throughout 2019 and even into 2020, as various manufacturers add their own features and interfaces to the operating system. There's a chance you'll have to wait months after the initial Android Q release before you see the OS update on your device.

An annoyingly long rollout isn't going to be a problem for everyone, though: Google's Project Treble has been working to make it easier for phone makers to update to the latest version of Android (and do it faster). Part of that progress has lead Treble to invite more manufacturers to participate in the Android Q beta, one of the project's team leads revealed on a podcast.

Android Q: what's new

We're getting a better idea of the new Android Q features to come thanks to the beta of Google's mobile operating system. Additional features and bug fixes have come with beta 2 and we expect the same from Android Q beta 3.

Some of the changes are confirmed, while others remain rumors. Here's what you can expected ahead of the official Android Q release date in August.

Android Q beta 2 foldables emulator (Image credit: Google)

Foldable support

Android Q is preparing for foldable phones in 2019, or "foldables and innovative new screens," according to the Android Developers Blog post.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold – while it was in our hands briefly – seamlessly switched between the folded and unfolded screen states. By Google natively supporting this type of UI continuity in the backend, it'll likely come to more foldable phones when they launch with Android Q onboard.

For developers, Android Q beta 2 includes a 'foldables emulator' in Android Studio 3.5, according to Dave Burke, Google's VP of Engineering.

Android Q 'bubbles' multitasking

You've seen the bubbles UI before if you've used Facebook Messenger chat heads. It's an easy way to keep active conversations on-screen as small floating profile pics, while going about your normal tasks in the rest of the interface. You can tap the pic when you want to switch back to the conversation.

Google is supporting this idea throughout Android Q and calling it a new way to multitask. So far, its examples are coming to Messages and Hangouts. But Google is reducing development time, interactivity consistency, and user privacy safeguards, so expect to see it in additional apps outside of Google's ecosystem.

System-wide dark mode rumor

Android Q's first big leak was by the site XDA Developers, which allegedly got a hold of a January 2019 build of the new OS and showed off what might be coming – including an all-system dark mode, which tech expert Owen Williams confirmed was in the first developer beta.

Supposedly, you'll be able to toggle it on in Display Settings, and in the main interface, Settings and Files will turn a dark gray. Other parts like the Volume panel, Quick Settings and Notifications turn black to show up against the darker background. 

Developers will also get an option that seems to force apps without dark modes to switch to the nighttime-friendly color scheme.

Pressure-sensitive 'Deep Press' rumor

Android Q may support a Force Touch-style feature (think 3D Touch in iPhones) in phones, per developer Till Kottman. You know the drill: press down on an app or icon and you'll trigger a different action than if you'd simply tapped the screen. In iPhones, this often brings up a contextual menu of alternate options.

Kottman wasn't sure if the alleged feature, called 'Deep Press,' would enable phones to measure pressure or if they'd use "some ML magic." Either way, it would add functionality to Android phones that iPhones and Apple Watches have had for years.

New Android Q privacy features

The Android Developers Blog post announcing the developer beta confirmed a heavy emphasis on boosting privacy in Android Q.

Users will have more control over app access to location info, shared files and repositories like Photos and Videos. Another helpful change: instead of apps automatically switching focus when they have an Activity in the background (like an alarm or call), appmakers and opt to send high-priority notifications first. 

These might be some of the most onerous changes for developers in Android Q, which is why, as the Android Developers Blog post reads: "We are bringing these changes to you early, so you can have as much time as possible to prepare."

Developer tools for apps: system settings, connectivity, media and more

Developers will be able to show contextually-important system settings within their apps, which harnesses the 'Slices' feature that came in Android 9 Pie. So instead of having to navigate to Settings to switch on Airplane Mode or toggle Wi-Fi or Mobile Data on/off, say, you'll be able to do that right within your mobile browser.

There are also tweaks to connectivity, including 'adaptive Wi-Fi' that enables high performance/low latency modes, which would be useful for things like online gaming or voice calls.

Like all the depth and blur in Pixel camera software? In Android Q, apps can request depth data (JPEG + XMP metadata + depth and confidence map) to, say, offer "specialized blurs and bokeh options in your app," as the Android post suggests. "You can even use the data to create 3D images or support AR photography use-cases in the future."

Android Q will also support more multimedia codecs: AV1 to let media providers stream high-quality video, Opus for audio encoding, and HDR10+ for high dynamic range video "on devices that support it" – like, say, the Samsung Galaxy S10 family.

As for gaming, the Android Q beta enhances support for OpenGL along with bug fixes and more functionality. 

More permissions

XDA's leak also revealed a revamp of permissions, from the general to specific. 

Users can look at a broad overview of which apps they've given permission for certain things – like, say, location or microphone access. There's a search function that lets you filter by permission item, allowing you to quickly see which apps you've given access to your camera, contacts, location and so on.

You can also look at permissions each app has been granted and toggle them individually to set whether access is off, on, or only on while the app is open.

Developer tools

Android Q / Android 10

There are plenty of new developer tools described by the XDA leak, but it's not clear how all of them will function. 

Freeform windows return, which lets you enable them after pressing and holding an app icon in the recent apps overview. On the other hand, XDA also found a feature called "Game Updates Package Preference" whose purpose is a bit of a mystery. Another, titled "force desktop mode," seems like it would push Android to an external display, Samsung DeX-style.

Not all of the UI is finished, either, making some features – like screen recording – not totally comprehensible. 

Face ID-style authentication for logins and purchases

Another dive into the developer build XDA Developers acquired revealed the OS might get a feature iOS users have bragged about for awhile: Face ID. The next version of Android might support phones packing the hardware to use facial scans for authentication.

It's unclear just how it will work, or if it would combine sensor readings for a comprehensive scan of facial features. But we did get hints via error codes in one of the OS' APK, which variably tell the user to move the phone in different directions for the device to get a better look at their face. 

Other strings of code found by XDA are also promising, like one that blatantly informs users they can "Use your face to unlock your phone, authorize purchases, or sign in to apps."

Whether phones will be able to use Face ID is another story: they need to have the hardware installed – whether that's sensors or the right specs – for the feature to work. 

Goodbye back button, hello (only to) gesture controls

While recent Android phones from different brands have tried to push their own gesture controls for years, the OS has always kept its static three-button navigation as an option. Those days might be at an end as that XDA preview build showed only gesture controls, per Tom's Guide.

From the looks of it, users may only be able to use the navigation system present in the Google Pixel 3: a small pill at the bottom of the screen that you can swipe in the cardinal directions to get around. 

It's key to note that Android allows brands to develop their own navigation methods and systems to go along with their overlays, so it's very unlikely that this will be the only way to navigate. This build is also a bit out of date, so who knows if something as integral as OS movement would be finalized that far out.

Anything else?

There were a couple other additional Android 10 odds and ends from that XDA leak, including a pair of new accessibility settings.

Both apply to how long notification messages stay up, and seemingly apply to different kinds of notifications. The first are for "messages that ask you to take action," while the other apparently refers to notifications that pop up with simple reminders. You can toggle these to stay up between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.

We're also seeing official support for HDR10+. A few phones this year, including the Samsung Galaxy S10 series, support the codec, and expect that trend to continue as Android Q launches on new devices.

That's all we've seen for now, but new details will surely come up in the coming beta versions, at Google IO 2019 in May and from any leaks in between.

  • What's next for iPhone? Here's what we expect to see from iOS 13

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AMD and Cray are building the world's fastest supercomputer

Posted: 07 May 2019 10:52 AM PDT

The US currently has the world's most powerful supercomputer and the country could hold this claim for some time thanks to the announcement that Cray Computing and AMD are building an exascale machine together with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The system is on schedule to debut in 2021 when Cray and Intel will release their own Aurora exascale supercomputer to the Argonne National Laboratory.

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry praised the announcement in a statement, saying:

"Frontier's record-breaking performance will ensure our country's ability to lead the world in science that improves the lives and economic prosperity of all Americans and the entire world. Frontier will accelerate innovation in AI by giving American researchers world-class data and computing resources to ensure the next great inventions are made in the United States."

Frontier supercomputer

According to Cray's CEO Pete Ungaro, Frontier will have the combined power of the current top 160 supercomputers worldwide at 1.5 exaflops.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory director Thomas Zacharia pointed out that Frontier will be the “most powerful AI machine anyone has seen up until that point in time”. He also revealed that it will be the most expensive machine ever produced with the contract for Frotnier's system and technology coming in at over $600m.

Frontier will utilize Cray's Shasta supercomputer system and Slingshot interconnect in addition to GPUs and custom EPYC processors from AMD. The system will occupy a space almost as large as two full-sized basketball courts and will include 90 miles of cabling.

Scientist and engineers will use Frontier for a wide variety of projects including climate change forecasting, predicting the path of hurricanes and developing new pharmaceuticals. The supercomputer will also be used to model fusion energy sources, simulate combustion engine systems and conduct cosmology simulations for the distribution of billions of galaxies.

Via Engadget

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Would you like to help us shape a future global ad campaign?

Posted: 07 May 2019 10:06 AM PDT

We are holding a focus group in a London Kings Cross location and we need people who have opinions to help us! 

We will be reviewing elements of a new creative campaign for a well know global brand. You will be shown different elements of the campaign and asked to discuss your thoughts on what you have been shown. There will be researchers and other respondents in the room so we need people who are confident voicing their thoughts.

So if you are free between 2 and 5 pm on Thursday 8th May and can get to Kings Cross and would like £30 for your 30 minutes of your time, please get in touch with Ethan Hall on the email address below. We will ask you a few screening questions and provide you with more location details if you pass the screening. 

ethan.hall@futurenet.com

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Liverpool vs Barcelona live stream: how to watch the Champions League semi-final online from anywhere

Posted: 07 May 2019 10:02 AM PDT

All hope is gone for Liverpool...isn't it? Barcelona head in to the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final three goals to the good as the teams head to Anfield. It will take something very special indeed from the Reds to overturn the scoreline. And with this TechRadar guide you can find out whether they will with a Liverpool vs Barcelona live stream no matter where you are in the world.

As you'd hope and expect from a last four Champions League clash, Liverpool and Barcelona are two of world football's biggest names. If this had been the 2019 Champions League final, we don't think too many people would have been disappointed (other than Real Madrid and Everton fans, of course!).

Juggling the two plates of Champions League and the Premier League title, Klopp's men could be just a few wins away from one of the club's most famous seasons and there have been a few. But coming back from three down is a massive ask, especially without two of their famous attacking trio - Salah and Firmino will miss this one. Can the fit players recapture the spirit of Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul in 2005 when they won their most recent of five titles?

Barcelona's superstars don't require much of an introduction - Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic...oh yeah, and a guy called Lionel Messi. They have had the liberty of resting players in La Liga, too, having won the title a couple of weeks ago. That means and rested and ready Messi - terrifying!

It's poised to be a still-fascinating second leg of the Champions League last four knockouts, so make sure you follow the instructions below for how to live stream Liverpool vs Barcelona and watch from wherever you are in the world.

Use a VPN to watch Champions League football outside your country

If you're away from your country but are desperate to get around geo-blocking from your home broadcaster, don't sweat. Thanks to the tools provided to you by a VPN, you can tune in no matter where you are in the world. And best of all, it's really easy to do, especially if you use our number one recommended provider ExpressVPN.

Stream the Liverpool game live in the UK 

How to watch Liverpool vs Barcelona: live stream in US

How to live stream Champions League football in Canada

How to live stream Liverpool vs Barcelona in the Champions League: Australia

How to watch Champions League football in New Zealand

How to live stream the UEFA Champions League football in India

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Google set to launch tools that could stop online tracking

Posted: 07 May 2019 09:55 AM PDT

In an effort to help limit online tracking, Google will soon roll out a dashboard-like function in its Chrome browser to aid users in stopping tracking cookies according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal.

The search giant's new tools will likely not affect its ability to collect data on users but could give it a step up over its rivals in the online advertising space.

Google is the world's largest seller of online ads thanks to its 3bn users and the company has captured almost a third of all online advertising revenue. This puts the company ahead of its rival Facebook which controls 20 percent of the market and its new privacy tools could bolster its market share even further.

Tracking cookies

Cookies are small text files that follow users across the internet and they have been used by advertisers to target consumers based on their browsing habits for years now.

Google has apparently been working on its plan to stop tracking cookies for at least six years though the project has seen stops and starts along the way.

The company accelerated its efforts last year after the new broke that Facebook was sharing its users' personal data with Cambridge Analytica.

Google will target cookies installed by third parties seeking a profit while those used by website owners to track their own users will be unaffected by the company's plan.

We will likely hear more details on the company's tools to stop online tracking once they're made generally available to the public.

  • Browse the web without restrictions with the best VPN

Via Reuters

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EA Access: everything you need to know about EA's unlimited subscription service

Posted: 07 May 2019 09:53 AM PDT

Update: EA has announced that EA Access is finally coming to PlayStation 4 this July, five years after its launch on Xbox One.

Original article continues below

Just like subscription-based TV services, there’s an increasing amount of choice when it comes to subscription-based gaming services. Sony and Microsoft have their own dedicated online services where games are there to sweeten the deal – PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live. However, they also have their own services dedicated purely to accessing a back catalog of games called PlayStation Now and Xbox Games Pass.

In addition to these, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners have another option available: EA Access.

What is EA Access?

Launched in 2014, EA Access is publisher Electronic Arts’ own slice of the subscription service world, offering Xbox One and PlayStation 4 owners access to its wide library of titles (known as the 'Vault') as well as some additional incentives such as early trials of the newest games and a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.

Although, it's worth noting the service won't officially launch on PS4 until July, 2019. PC gamers on the other hand are able to use the sister service, Origin Access.  

EA Access

Image credit: EA

What are the benefits of being an EA Access member?

The most obvious benefit to being an EA Access member is that you’re able to play any of the games in its ever-growing instant access ‘Vault’. At the moment there are over 50 titles in the Xbox One vault and members are able to download and play them for free as long as they’re still paying a membership. 

Outside of this EA game library there are also early access benefits and discounts to be had. EA’s Play First Trials give members of the service the chance to download and play new release EA games before anyone else. 

There are limits on how far into the game you can get and how much you’re allowed to play but typically you get to try out a new game around five days before its official release. If you like what you try and decide to purchase the full game, all of your progress from the trial carries over and you can get a discount off the full price.

The member discount is 10%, but this applies to DLC, season passes, and Ultimate Team content as well as full games so you can making a saving several times over on games which continually release content. 

EA Access games: what's in the Vault?

EA Access The Vault

Image credit: EA

EA Access price: how much is it?

An EA Access membership is $4.99 / £3.99 / AU$6.99 a month on both Xbox One and PS4. When you buy a new EA game you’re typically offered 10% discount on your membership so buying a new EA game will generally get you a month’s free access.  

There is, of course, the option of an annual membership which costs $29.99 / £19.99 / AU$39.99. 

Prices don’t tend to mean a lot without context so when it comes to EA Access, a 12 month subscription is half the price of a 12 month Xbox Gold membership which is $59.99 / £39.99 / AU$79.95. It’s also half the price of Xbox Games Pass which costs $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$10.95 on a monthly basis. 

A PS Plus 12 month subscription is also $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$79.95 or $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$10.95 per month.

It’s worth noting that EA Access payments are handled through the specific console's billing system, so the payment method you want to use will have to be attached to your account.

Payment is automatically renewed every month or year depending on what membership duration you choose.

Do I have to be online?

Given that you download the games you play on EA Access, the only time it’s absolutely essential to be online is when you want to actually download them or access their online services. 

Other than that you can download and play offline as much as you like. You also have to be online to access Play First trials, given that they track how long you’ve been playing and where you’ve gotten to. 

Download limits and speeds can, of course, create problems here but download services have proven more popular and easier to use than streaming services like PlayStation Now which Sony has struggled to push. 

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Best web design software in 2019

Posted: 07 May 2019 09:48 AM PDT

As with any great endeavor, web design is about both inspiration and perseverance. Back in the day, creating web pages was the sole province of hardcore coders, but that’s not the case anymore given that there are numerous tools to simplify the process. Some of these even have a visual interface, allowing you to drag and drop links, text and images as if you were designing a poster or presentation.

Other web design tools are geared towards programmers, acting as advanced text editors, and allowing for building a website line-by-line. However, most web design tools exist somewhere between these two extremes.

In this guide we have focused on five of the very best tools currently available. When weighing up which to include, we have focused on ease of use, supported web languages, cost, and how easy the tools make it to upload the finished project once you are done.

If this is your first time building a website we recommend using a free tool such as Bluefish before spending any money. All premium tools covered in this guide offer a trial version, in any case, so you can get an idea of what they’re about before you commit.

If web design software is too complicated for you, then you might want to try online website builders that focus on simplicity and ease of use rather than on offering an extensive feature set.

  • Want your company or services to be added to this buyer’s guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.

Image credit: Adobe

Adobe Dreamweaver is a long-established app that allows you to code your website design directly, without having to know too much about programming. The software works through a mix of visual editing and HTML editing, which means it shouldn't have too steep a learning curve for most users.

Additionally, while coding your own website design requires you to put in more effort than simply using an existing readymade template, at least you have the chance to ensure you get the look you actually want, rather than trying to work around someone else's design specifications.

A particularly good feature of Dreamweaver is that it allows you to produce a responsive design, which means your website can be optimized to display on desktops as well as mobile devices, without limiting the user experience.

However, if you are a more advanced user you may be pleased to note that Dreamweaver provides multi-monitor support for Windows. It also supports the Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) to work with HTML5 elements and CSS grids. Additionally, there's also support for Git to allow you to edit source code directly from within Dreamweaver. 

Dreamweaver is available as part of Adobe's mid-range packaged app subscription service, Creative Cloud, which also includes Photoshop. The subscription costs from $20.99 a month if you pay annually, and also comes with a month's free access to Adobe Stock image. Alternatively, if you only wish to pay monthly, it costs $31.49 per month.

Image credit: Bluefish

Bluefish is amongst the smallest web design tools available today. The tiny installer weighs in at just under 53MB and setup takes only a few moments. While the interface is text-only, it's clearly designed with novices in mind as it employs clear-cut toolbars, user customizable menus and syntax highlighting.

While the main focus is on HTML, Bluefish supports a huge range of other languages including PHP, Java, JavaScript, SQL, XML and CSS. Unlike visual WYSIWYG web design tools, the text interface makes for much cleaner code.

Bluefish has an excellent search function, allowing you to find text across multiple projects. The tool also has no trouble juggling hundreds of documents at the same time. Although Bluefish supports working with remote files, the varied and useful dialogs and wizards don't currently support direct upload of web pages via FTP.

Despite the best efforts of the developers, Bluefish may take some time to get used to. The tool is available free of charge, however, so you have nothing to lose by giving it a try. During our test on a Windows 10 PC we found we had to install GTK+ 2.24.8 in order to run Bluefish. A download link for GTK is available via the Bluefish website.

Image credit: Atom

Atom is an open source editor for designing, developing, and editing code. It's very easy to use and there are developer tools to simplify the process. The integrated packet manager also means you can add additional features directly from Github, who developed Atom, and there's a drag-and-drop feature for moving files and folders around.

While a lot of people may be intimated by the idea of coding if they have no programming experience, at some point in the web design process it can be important to be able to edit code directly. This is particularly helpful if you want to customize code for existing software add-ons in order to get the features you want for your website. 

Note that existing text editing apps are not good for working with code as they insert additional formatting that can render your code useless. Hence the need for a dedicated code editor.

However, Atom is free to download and use, and the extensive range of libraries available could be especially helpful. Furthermore, Atom's user interface can be tweaked and customized directly or via installing the third-party themes that help you work best, or the ones which simply make the program easier to use. Atom also comes with a very strong support community.

Image credit: Google

Google Web Designer is primarily for creating interactive content in HTML5, JavaScript and CSS. In plain English, this means its primary function is to build ads.

The good news is that this is done via an extremely simple to use GUI which incorporates point-and-click design tools covering text, basic shapes, 3D animations and much more. Any 3D features are shown on a timeline at the bottom of the window. The panels on the right-hand side of the interface allow you to fine-tune further options such as colors.

Google Web Designer also incorporates a handy library of extra components such as images, videos and other advertising tools.

Advanced users can toggle between the default 'design' view and 'code' view, which is why the tool can support creation of more advanced features besides ads – provided you have the knowledge and patience to program these yourself.

Google Web Designer is still in beta testing, so lacks certain features such as being able to open HTML files created outside the tool. Nevertheless, it does include a handy web preview option which will open your current project in your default browser. You can also automatically publish content. This Google offering is available free of charge for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Image credit: Webflow

Webflow is a cloud-based service which has been created specifically to allow people with no coding knowledge to get started with web design.

Aside from being truly cross-platform, as it's web-based, Webflow emphasizes the concept of 'smart codelessness'. In the first instance this means a crisp drag and drop interface allowing you to drop elements such as text and images seamlessly onto a page using one of the freely available templates.

Unlike many WYSIWYG editors, the code produced is very clean and well-written even if you choose the 'I have no coding experience' option during setup. Webflow's automation tool will create the necessary HTML/CSS code for you. You can make granular changes to individual elements using the panels on the right.

Webflow offers a free demonstration of its features via the website, and you can also subscribe for a free Starter package which allows you to create up to two projects. If you require more than this and/or need web hosting services too, prices start at $24 (£18, AUD$32) monthly. This is a little pricey compared to equivalent tools, mind you.

Webflow also has little support for e-commerce plugins or marketing tools. You can use a separate tool such as the aforementioned Google Web Designer to create interactive advertising content if you wish.

Image credit: WordPress

WordPress is an alternative way to set up and design your website, being rather different to the other offerings we've highlighted here because it's actually a content management system (CMS). The power here is that it is a simple matter to set up a website in minutes. Indeed, many web hosting packages include a one-click install of WordPress from their Control Panel, but even without that, WordPress is relatively easy to install.

Once installed, the backend for administration and management is very user-friendly. You can use the existing WordPress design templates for your website, but more likely you will want to download and install an existing free or premium WordPress template – all of which can be done with just a few clicks.

Even if you would prefer to work with your own design, you can often do so using drag-and-drop functions, usually from a downloaded design with an in-built framework. This can allow you to create a professional-looking website without having to learn programming or coding at all.

Better still, there are so many free add-ons available to download and install, often requiring nothing more than a few clicks. This makes the whole process of customizing your website very simple, and it does not require any professional skills.

Overall, WordPress is a very easy CMS to use, and can provide a very quick way to get any form of website online fast. The huge variety of template designs and additional community supported features mean that getting something which is near the mark of what you want isn't hard at all. Just ensure that in the settings you select to turn off comments so as to avoid spam.

iStock

Image credit: iStock

Other web design tools you might find useful

As well as the web design applications we've explored above, here are a couple of extra worthy ports of call when it comes to fleshing out the design of your website.

Firstly, you might want to download GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program) which is a free graphic design app that allows for the creation of new images or designs as well as the editing of existing photos. The interface can feel a little cluttered at first, but it can be customized so that you have the right tools to hand as and when you need them.

If you're looking to use any images on your website at all, then you'll probably require a graphics program of some form to create, edit, and manipulate them. While there are a number of software options out there, GIMP contains a lot more than you might expect for a free program, including a lot of advanced functions that might normally be expected to only be found in premium-priced software. 

Better still, it's not so complex that novice users can't find their way around it. So if you only plan on using this app to create simple images for your website, or tweak existing ones, it's hard to go wrong with GIMP. Especially as it's available to download for all major operating systems, which means Windows, macOS, Linux and other UNIX-based systems.

Another handy resource is iStock Photo, a site for buying stock photos, graphics, vector images, and even 4K video. These are made available for use on third-party websites, and as a Getty company, there's an impressively huge library of images.

The advantage of using stock photos is that it's much cheaper than hiring a professional photographer to get your images. And by breaking up text on your pages with pictures, you can make them easier to read, encouraging visitors to stay on your website longer and so increasing the chances of converting them to customers.

Using the iStock photo website is simple and easy: you just run a keyword search and scroll through the lists of images presented until you find what you're looking for. However, before you can use any images, you need to register an account. Additionally, rather than just pay for images individually, you can instead buy credits according to the sort of usage level you expect, or pay for a subscription.

Credits don't just apply to the number of images you might want to buy, though, but also apply to size and resolution, so a particularly large file might cost you a few credits (which could normally be used to buy a few photos).

If you'd rather not use credits – as you might find it tricky to gauge exactly what your needs will be – it could be a better bet to choose one of the subscription plans, even if you only want to use the service for a month, so as to allow for more download options for trying out more images.

You might also want to look at our many web hosting guides:

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Best business computers of 2019

Posted: 07 May 2019 09:25 AM PDT

Laptops and smartphones might let us get a lot of work done on the road, but even in 2019 it’s important to buy the best business computers for you and your company’s needs.

Luckily, we used our computer expertise to curate a list of the best business computers and all-in-one PCs for your business. 

When you work in an office all day, there’s nothing quite like a traditional business desktop PC for getting work done. They’re usually much more comfortable to use than a laptop, and they can easily be maintained and upgraded, so you don’t need to buy a new model every couple years. 

The best PCs for business will usually offer a lot more power for a lot less money than the best business laptops, so if you’re looking for an affordable way to populate your office with powerful machines, we fully recommend opting for the best business computers.

And, we went ahead and included our exclusive price comparison tool, which will search the web for the best deals, so once you’ve found the best business computer for your needs, you can buy in confidence knowing you’re getting the best price.

Top 10 best business desktop PCs

To help narrow down your search for the ideal system for your business, here are TechRadar Pro's top 10 business desktop PCs.

Desktop PC

Dell is a well-known and well respected name when it comes to business computers, so you can be sure when you buy a machine from Dell that it is a well-built and well-supported device. The Dell OptiPlex 3050 Micro offers very good base specs that can be customised to your needs, for a very compelling price. The slim line case also keeps your desk or office from feeling cluttered.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M700z

If you’re looking for an incredibly powerful, yet stylishly designed, all-in-one PC that’s not made by Apple, then Microsoft’s brilliant Surface Studio will be for you. It comes at a price, but for build quality and performance, you’ll not want to look any further, especially if you work in the creative industry.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Studio

We've always loved the Apple iMac, and now Apple has produced a professional-orientated, workstation-level, version called the iMac Pro. This is a seriously powerful all-in-one with cutting edge tech, with a choice of powerful Intel Xeon W processors, bags of RAM and hefty graphical processing power. All of this in an iconic Apple design. If you have the budget for it, the iMac Pro is one of the best business PCs money can buy.

Read the full review: Apple iMac Pro

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 is an excellent desktop PC for business use, as it combines speed and power with an excellent build quality and reliability which is essential for PCs used for work. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 comes in a range of configurations, with the top-end model boasting a huge amount of power. This flexibility lets you build a Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 that suits your needs, and there's plenty of room to upgrade and expand this desktop in the future. 

There's no denying the solid build quality and sheer design elegance of the Apple iMac all-in-one. If you were setting out to build the most futuristic, glamorous looking office there's no doubt the Apple iMac would be at the top of your shopping list. With the lowest-end model built inside a floating-style 21.5-inch display, even this 'basic' offering is capable of high-end video and photography work. However, it's the 27-inch 2019 model that is really worth of a place on our best business PC list, as it comes  with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors this time around, which sees this elegant all-in-one PC reach that fabled 8-core performance.  

Read the full review: iMac (27-inch, 2019)

Dell Optiplex 3030

A wonderful piece of technology at an amazing price, this all-in-one PC from Dell is a good example of why you may want to shop around. You can buy this machine from Dell Direct, but you may find it cheaper at Amazon – while that means you might not get to customise the PC at checkout, thanks to Amazon Prime, you can get it the following day even if it is a Saturday.

Apple MacMini

Behold the Mac mini. Apple's cheapest computer is even cheaper when bought from a third-party. It is tiny even compared to the competition but still manages to pack an Intel Core i5 with faster graphics and Thunderbolt 2 plus a myriad of other connectors, all in a box that's only 36mm thick and sits comfortably on an A4 sheet.

Read the full review: Apple Mac mini

Dell Optiplex 3020

The HP ProDesk 400 G4 Tower is an excellent desktop PC that, thanks to its 27% smaller chassis than the previous generation, will look great in modern offices, while providing plenty of power for workers.

Dell Optiplex 3020

If you need a solid PC system that's going to work day-in, day-out, then the Dell Optiplex range should get a good chunk of your attention. The 3020 range is based on a no-nonsense micro-tower system, which comes with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit with a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. This system has everything you need to get your business up and running, while remaining expandable as you go.

Lenovo S500

The HP Elite Slice for Meeting Rooms proves that business desktops don’t have to be big and bulky. This simple yet powerful device has a small form factor that makes it slot onto desks or in meeting rooms with ease, and with dual-microphones, HP Noise cancellation and specialist conferencing software, it makes it the perfect device for holding meetings on.

The types of desktop PCs

A recent development in the desktop PC world has been a modest diversification of the system case. The typical business PC comes in a mini-tower box, which is probably best sited under or next to your desk.

But if space is at a premium, a smaller case would be a better choice. Dell, for example, delivers its Optiplex models in mini tower, 'thin' desktop and 'compact' small form factor sizes, each model offering the same computing power but in a different case.

Three other formats that have grown in popularity are:

[1] All-in-one, otherwise known as AIO, which combine the monitor with the base unit. The move to power-efficient components, the falling price of LCD panels and the ubiquity of touch functionality make AIO an increasingly popular choice for businesses. The all-in-one PC essentially resembles a slightly larger than normal LCD display that contains the processor, hard drive and memory built-in to the screen casing. The end result is a very elegant, clutter-free desktop PC.

[2] Ultra-small form factors, otherwise known as net tops or mini PCs, which borrow a lot of their designs (and components) from laptops. They are essentially laptops without a screen, input peripherals and a battery.

[3] HDMI dongles which have been inspired by tablets and smartphones and often share parts with the latter. These are usually used for display signage or in niche markets. They are usually not powerful enough for most tasks but things are likely to improve by the end of 2016.

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Best gaming headset 2019: the best PS4 and Xbox One headsets this year

Posted: 07 May 2019 09:20 AM PDT

If you're looking for the best gaming headsets for PS4 and Xbox One, chances are you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options out there, and it's easy to go wrong because there are a lot to choose from. Make the right choice however, and your gaming headset can be almost as good as a huge surround system and a floor-shaking subwoofer.

But do not fear, if you need something that won't wake the neighbors but also provides immersive, high fidelity audio, we're here to help. The best Xbox One and PS4 gaming headsets not only provide top-notch sound, they also let you communicate with others across a variety of multiplayer games (which is especially useful on consoles). Get a good headset and your gaming experience (and performance) will greatly improve.

When you're shopping for the best gaming headsets, be sure to check for premium sound for both listening and speaking: there's no point in barking instructions to your team members if no one can understand what you’re saying and it's always beneficial to here the footsteps of your enemies.

Also, it's worth bearing in mind, that while the PS4 comes with a headset included in the box (unlike the Xbox One), it's not one we'd recommend as the sound quality isn't up to the same standard as the one's included in this buyer's guide. Plus, if you've got a little extra cash to spare, you can opt for cool features like wireless operation and noise cancellation.

So, without further ado, here's our guide to the best gaming headsets for PS4 and Xbox One:

Best PS4/Xbox One gaming headset: what to look for

If you're looking for a new PS4 or Xbox One headset, there are a few factors to consider, with the most important being the type of games you typically play. 

If you're predominantly a fan of massively multiplayer online games, for example, then comfort should be your number one priority as you'll typically be wearing your headset for long periods. In this case, a wireless headset with a limited battery life, isn't so suitable.

If you're a serious fast-twitch ninja with pro-gaming aspirations, you could gain an edge with a high-end headset that boasts surround sound

On the other hand, if you're a serious fast-twitch ninja with pro-gaming aspirations, you could gain an edge with a high-end, surround sound headset – which can do things like enhancing the noise made by the footsteps of approaching rival players.

It's also important to consider your gaming environment: if you want to remain aware of what's going around you while you're playing, opt for an open-backed gaming headset. If you like to play co-operatively in a noisy environment, though, then a headset with a noise-canceling microphone is a must.

To help you select the best gaming headset, we’ve compiled this guide spanning the very best wireless, wired, high-end and budget examples currently on sale. Since it focuses on console rather than PC games, we've presumed that you're more likely to use your headset for playing mainstream co-operative and competitive action games, rather than massively multiplayer games.

It's also worth bearing in mind that both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 have design quirks which can complicate the process of setting up gaming headsets to work with them.

The Xbox One forces you to connect a gaming headset to its controller, and the older Xbox One controllers, annoyingly, don't have 3.5mm headphone jacks, forcing you to buy an extra Stereo Headset Adapter (which the headset manufacturers rarely bundle with their products) for your Xbox One headset.

On the other hand, PS4 headsets can initially sound quiet, as the headset output level is set to half its full amount by default, which necessitates delving around in its system settings.

Once you get any of the following gaming headsets set up to your satisfaction though, you'll find they're great pieces of kit which also make great headphones for listening to music on the go, or TV and movies when you don’t want to disturb other members of your household.

Best gaming headset

Image credit: TechRadar

Overall best PlayStation 4 gaming headset

HyperX has developed a sizeable following among the pro-gaming community over the years. Its newest headset, the Cloud Revolver S, adds Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound to the blueprint offered by the hugely popular Cloud Revolver, without requiring you to take out a second mortgage.

Quite simply, the Cloud Revolver S sounds astonishingly good, especially at the price. You will marvel in particular at the dynamics of its sound: deep, rumbling bass and crisp, never shrieky treble that lets you hear every sound effect and totally immerses you in the ambience created by in-game music.

It's pretty well made, comfortable and classily finished, and Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound is the cherry on top, allowing you to pinpoint incoming enemies in first-person shooters – particularly if you explore the preset equalisation modes into which pro-gamers had lots of input. A truly high-end-sounding headset at a mid-range price.

Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S

Best gaming headset

Overall best Xbox One gaming headset 

Turtle Beach is the longest established specialist gaming headset manufacturer, with a fanatical following among pro-gamers – and when you unbox its top-of-the-range Elite Pro, you can see why. It simply oozes no-expense-spared design, and sports all manner of neat touches born from decades of pro-gaming experience.

But more importantly than that, it sounds spectacular, with huge bass and crystal-clear treble adding up to a sound which will allow you to get deeply immersed into whatever game you're playing. Comfort-wise, it's exemplary, with big, thick earpads that eliminate all ambient noise, and can be easily adjusted to fit all head-sizes. A neat feature lets you add spacing to the earpads to accommodate a pair of glasses.

On an Xbox One, we'd recommend teaming it up with piece of kit called the Tactical Audio Adapter, which clips into the Xbox One controller and operates as an amplifier, adding some of the extra sound-control features which come in a separate graphic equaliser-style box called the Tactical Audio Controller (which is pricey but adds Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound). 

Those features include Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing, which enhances the sound of incoming players' footsteps and is great for hardcore first-person shooter fans, and Dynamic Chat Boost, which keeps chat-levels audible even when background noise rises. Plus, it lets you independently adjust game and chat volumes.

Add tank-like build-quality to the equation and you have a headset which has become something of a status symbol for those who take their gaming seriously.

Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament Headset.

Best gaming headset

Best wireless Xbox One gaming headset

LucidSound is a newcomer to the world of gaming headsets, but it has certainly made a splash – that's thanks mainly to its LS40 headset, which has a specification to die for, and build-quality and audio fidelity to match. It looks great too: the LS40 is so well finished, with plenty of red stitching, that you would happily wear it in public.

Wireless headsets often suffer from sound-quality which is inferior to that of wired headsets, but the LS40 has no such problems, with a big, bold sound which should satisfy any gamer. Its wireless seems unburstable, too. What's more, it boasts DTS Headphone: X 7.1 surround-sound that offers startlingly precise pinpointing of incoming sounds – a big advantage if you’re a hardcore gamer.

Comfort-wise it's spot-on too, and a USB wireless dongle makes it as easy to set up as any wireless headset (inevitably a trickier process than for a wired headset). The 15-hour battery life is as good as you will find, though its chat and overall volume controls, hidden in each earcup, do take a bit of getting used to. As with all wireless headsets, you still have to attach one wire to your Xbox One controller, but we think the LucidSound LS40 is the headset that pretty much has it all.

Best PlayStation 4 gaming headset for audio quality

Best gaming headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is one of the best-sounding headsets you can buy. As such, it's doubly worth considering if you use your PlayStation 4 to watch films and listen to music as well as play games. 

Clarity and audio balance are much better than most of the other sets here. Both the Arctic Pro Wireless and GameDAC versions will work with a PlayStation 4 console, but the vanilla wired version is just for PC – so make sure you pick the right set before buying.

The GameDAC model has an outboard box with top quality Hi-Res audio converters. It needs to be wired-in though, so this may not be the best choice if you play a few meters away from your PS4. The wireless version may be a better choice.

All versions have LEDs around the cups. It may be made for audio perfectionists, but it's still a gamer headset.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro review.

Best gaming headset

Best wireless PlayStation 4 gaming headset

It might not look like much, but the PlayStation Platinum Wireless is a really solid headset with an exceptional level of audio quality. 

As well as being ludicrously simple to set up, the headset sounds great and is comfortable to wear to boot. 

The sound quality is balanced, offering a decent mix of low and high frequencies, and people on the other end of the line reported that its microphone delivered a decent level of audio quality. 

Our one reservation is regarding the headset's "3D Audio", which fell down slightly compared to what's offered by the competition; but this is made up for the headset's very reasonable price tag. 

Read the full review: PlayStation Platinum Wireless headset

Best gaming headset

Best budget PlayStation 4 gaming headset

Being strapped for cash doesn’t necessarily mean having to settle for an inferior gaming headset, and Turtle Beach’s EarForce PX24 does a pretty decent job of embarrassing plenty of its more expensive rivals. Sure, it makes more extensive use of plastic than headsets which are twice the price, but it still looks and feels sufficiently robust, and its overall lightness renders it pretty comfortable for prolonged use.

And in the areas that really matter – sound and configurability – the Ear Force PX24 is way better than it has any right to be at the price. While it doesn’t have the bass extension you'll find in a more premium headset, and its treble is a bit dry in comparison with other options at this price level, it still sounds remarkably good – and thanks to an amplifier which clips between the headset and the PS4 controller, you can boost the bass, engage Superhuman Hearing mode for first-person shooters, and even fiddle around with a virtual surround sound effect.

Finding such features, and very decent sound indeed, is a revelation for such a cheap headset. You could quibble about the EarForce PX24's slightly plasticky overall finish, but in our opinion, that's a small price to pay for a great headset at a decent cost.

Best gaming headset

Best budget Xbox One gaming headset

The old stereotype about gamers being geeky, style-blind types is hopelessly outdated now that gaming has fully entered the mainstream, and LucidSound’s LS20 gaming headset is squarely aimed at the style-conscious. It looks fabulous, with a sleek design reminiscent of Beats headphones (although with much better sound at a fraction of the price), and has also been designed for use as a general on-the-go headphone – it comes with a rubber cover for the boom mic-socket.

Sound-wise, it's great for the price, with clear, well-balanced characteristics across the frequency spectrum, and a bass-boost should you require it. The reason why it punches above its weight in terms of sound-quality is that it contains an amplifier of its own – the downside of that is that even though it’s a wired headset, you still have to charge it, and (unsurprisingly given the price) it doesn’t come with a charging cradle. But battery life is an impressive 20 hours, and it still works (albeit with inferior sonic characteristics) when the battery runs out.

If you’re a keen gamer without any pro-gaming aspirations, and seek a gaming headset which will also function as an excellent iPod or phone set of headphones, LucidSound’s LS20 will do the trick with aplomb.

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