Apple : Best processors 2019: the best CPUs for your PC |
- Best processors 2019: the best CPUs for your PC
- New ransomware spreads via SMS
- How to watch the Love Island UK final online for free: stream from home or abroad
- Ask TechRadar your burning Back to School questions in our Twitter AMA
- Google Pixel 4 gets face unlock and aerial gestures
- Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro model may come as soon as September
- Best laptop for DJs 2019: The best laptops for music production
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7: what we want to see
- Nvidia reveals 10 RTX Studio laptops for creative pros, and a big bonus for GeForce GPUs
- Samsung lets you reserve a Galaxy Note 10 before it's even launched
- MacBook 2019 release date, news and rumors
- Are pop-up cameras here to stay on our smartphones?
- AMD Ryzen 3000 release date, news and rumors
- Amazon continues to dominate IaaS market
- 10 tech innovations we saw at the Cricket World Cup
- Best free games 2019: the top free games to download on PC
- Apple AirPods sale: the 2019 earbuds get a rare price cut at Amazon
- Best SSL certificate services to buy from in 2019: Get the cheapest price today
- The best Steam games 2019
- Cheap iPhone bargain: grab this exclusive iPhone 7 deal for just £20 a month
| Best processors 2019: the best CPUs for your PC Posted: 29 Jul 2019 01:39 PM PDT On the market for the best processor to build your new computer? You’ll be happy to know that the CPU market is teeming with powerful silicon. Thanks to the fiery competition between Intel and AMD, now’s better than ever to invest in a new processor. AMD has been slowly dominating the market, especially now with its Ryzen 3rd generation processors to compete with the likes of Intel Core i9-9900K and Intel Core i9-9920X. Intel, on the other hand, has its 9th-generation Coffee Lake Refresh chips with the Intel Core i9-9900K leading series, and they are still ever popular. Plus, not to be outdone by AMD, Intel has been rolling out Ice Lake chips, and we should start seeing them in computers by the end of 2019. The market is completely packed with a number of impressive chips, from budget big shots, like the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G, to HEDT heroes, like Intel’s Basin Falls Refresh lineup. There are also many mid-range megastars to round out this best processors list, like our current favorite, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X. In fact, you can hardly throw a stone without hitting an amazing processor. This means that finding the most ideal one for your rig is key. Lucky for you, even if the latest and greatest silicon is out of your wallet’s reach, there are still several excellent Coffee Lake and Ryzen Gen 1 chips on the market. Get ready to experience amazing PC performance – as well as great deals, as we’ve included our price comparison tool. These are the best processors on the market in 2019. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X isn’t just AMD’s best mainstream processor right now; it’s also currently the king of all mainstream processors. With multi-threaded performance that destroys everything in its path to start, you can’t find a better processor without stepping up to the HEDT market. There are some workloads where the Intel Core i9-9900K will still perform a little better, like with old games that are completely single threaded, but the gap is definitely starting to narrow thanks to this chip. Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Image Credit: Intel Thanks to increasing pressure from AMD, Intel’s offerings have been heating up like crazy (sometimes literally.) Out of this intense competition came the Intel Core i9-9900K, an absolute beast of a processor that packs eight cores and 16 threads. That’s more cores than any mainstream processor released by Intel. The performance shows that it’s worth it, as this chip can go head to head with some of AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper chips. If raw performance is what you’re seeking, the Intel Core i9-9900K is easily one of the best processors you can go for. Read the full review: Intel Core i9-9900K Image Credit: AMD If you’re looking to purchase one of the best processors for content creation, but are on a tight budget, then the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X might just be an ideal choice. With 6 cores, 12 threads and a base clock of 3.6GHz, you’re getting a much better performance than the pricier Intel Core i5-8600K. And, you get a gorgeous RGB CPU cooler included as well. Yes, the gaming performance over the blue team is marginal at best, but when you start multi-tasking – and who doesn’t always end up with 100 chrome tabs open by lunchtime – that value starts to show itself. Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Image Credit: AMD Putting together a gaming PC while on the tightest budget? Well, the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G might just be your new best friend. While it doesn’t inherit the hyperthreading capability of its predecessor, the Ryzen 3 1200, the introduction of integrated graphics makes this APU one of the cheapest ways to experience casual PC gaming, a good enough reason to give this a spot in our best processors list. Impressively, we were even able to play Overwatch at 4K Ultra-HD resolution at ‘Epic’ settings. Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Image Credit: Intel When you don’t really care about creating content or streaming, and you just you’re focusing on building one of the best gaming PCs, then the Intel Core i5-8600K is definitely one of the best processors for you. It might not have as many cores as its AMD Ryzen counterparts, but that doesn’t matter, as gaming is mostly about that single-threaded performance. With this chip, you’ll be able to run all the latest games without having to worry about bottlenecking your GPU. Just don’t be surprised when rendering and encoding video takes longer. Image Credit: AMD Initially the primary rival of the Intel Core i7-7700K, the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X still holds its own today, despite having been succeeded by the Ryzen 7 2800X. Its high core count, when compared to the intel Core i7 7700K, means that it's better suited for VR workloads. And, now that it’s dropped considerably in price, it’s more affordable than ever. If you’re building a VR rig, do yourself a favor: save some cash without giving up on too much performance with the Ryzen 7 1800X. It’s, without a doubt, one of the best processors for VR gaming. Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 7 1800X Yes, the single-threaded performance of the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X still falls behind Intel, but what matters here is how it does with multi-threaded workloads. If you’re building a computer that can handle your video editing demands, this chip is an absolute beast and our top pick for video editing. But that’s not all: this AMD chip offers incredible performance and a Wraith Spire cooler at a very affordable price. Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Image Credit: Intel Are you the kind of user that demands world-class performance, and couldn’t care less about cost? The Intel Core i9-9980XE is among the best processors for you. With 18-cores and 36-threads, it absolutely destroys all its rivals on the market right now, if only just barely. Multi-threaded applications and workstation-class projects are going to breeze by with this chip. If that steep price tag makes you do a double take however, then you might want to look somewhere else. Read the full review: Intel Core i9-9980XE Image Credit: Intel If you choose the Intel Pentium G4560 over a Core i3 chip, you won’t even notice the slight loss of performance, as you’ll be too busy counting all the money you saved. As the first Pentium chip in a long time to boast hyper-threading, the G4560 shows us what low-end CPUs have been missing for so long. And, in benchmarks, it proves that it’s easily adjacent to the pricier Intel Core i3-7100. Image Credit: AMD One of the only things that was missing in AMD’s Ryzen processors when they blew up was the integrated graphics support. But then, the Ryzen 5 2400G hit the streets and changed everything for mainstream PC users. With excellent AMD Vega graphics, it’s a fantastic APU that will be ideal for anyone looking to build a home theater PC. Plus, now that AMD has slashed the price, you can get your 4K action for cheaper than ever. Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
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| New ransomware spreads via SMS Posted: 29 Jul 2019 01:21 PM PDT While Android ransomware has been declining since 2017, ESET researchers have discovered a new ransomware family that uses victims' contact lists to spread further via SMS messages containing malicious links. The new ransomware, referred to as Android/Filecoder.C, was distributed on adult content-related topics on Reddit and for a short time via the “XDA developers” forum. The ESET researcher who led the investigation, Lukáš Štefanko provided further insight into the ransomware campaign the company discovered, saying:
“The campaign we discovered is small and rather amateurish. Also, the ransomware itself is flawed – especially in terms of the encryption which is poorly implemented. Any encrypted files can be recovered without help from the attackers. However, if the developers fix the flaws and the distribution becomes more advanced, this new ransomware could become a serious threat.” Android/Filecoder.CAndroid/Filecoder.C gained the attention of ESET researchers because of its unique spreading mechanism. Before it starts encrypting files, the ransomware sends a batch of text messages to every address in a victim's contact list that contains a malicious link to ransomware installation file. In addition to its non-traditional spreading mechanism, Android/Filecoder.C contains a few anomalies in its encryption. The ransomware excludes large archives (over 50 MB) and small images (under 150 KB). It list of “fileytpes to encrypt” also contains many entries unrelated to Android while also lacking some of the extensions typical for Android which Štefanko believes is a direct result of its list being copied from the notorious WannaCry ransomware. Unlike typical Android ransomware, Android/Filecoder.C does not prevent users from accessing their devices by locking the screen. Additionally the ransom is not set as a hardcoded value and instead the amount requested by the attackers is created dynamically using the UserID assigned by the ransomware to the particular victim. This process results in a unique ransom amount for each victim, falling in the range of 0.01 to 0.02 BTC. To prevent falling victim to ransomware, ESET recommends that you keep your devices up to date, only download apps from Google Play or other reputable app stores, check the ratings and reviews of apps before installation, pay close attention to the permissions requested by an app and use a mobile security solution to protect your device.
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| How to watch the Love Island UK final online for free: stream from home or abroad Posted: 29 Jul 2019 12:49 PM PDT After eight weeks of romance, arguments, bizarre challenges and slow-mo Caroline Flack, we're sorry to say that Love Island 2019 is finally coming to an end. But don't think of this as bad news as there's still one last bout of drama to enjoy - prepare to watch the Love Island finale online tonight. With fans arguing over who was the perfect couple of this Summer experience, it's hard to guess who will win. Will it be Tommy and Molly-Mae who stuck it out the whole way through? Or the incredibly popular Amber and Greg? There's only one way to find out. Expect tuxedos, dancing and an emotional ending as the winner is finally crowned and we find out who wins that £50,000 and the title of the Love Island 2019 best couple. Airing tonight (Monday, July 29) on ITV, gather your friends for this final blow of overly tanned romance and flirting as you watch the Love Island Finale 2019 online. With the episode expected to be a whole 95 minutes long, it should be the best yet this year. We've listed all of the details of times and locations down below, giving you all the information you need to watch Love Island online for the final time this series. Even if you happen to be away on holiday, you can still see how to catch the ending.
How to watch Love Island's Season 5 finale online for free in the UKIf you're going to be in the UK for the big Live Final episode tonight then watching is easy. Simply tune in at 9pm tonight (Monday, July 29) on ITV2 to catch all of the drama unfolding in the very last 2019 Love Island episode. But if you would rather watch Love Island online you can easily catch it via the ITV website or watch it on your mobile devices via the ITV Hub app which you can download here for Android and here for your iPhone or iPad.
How to watch Love Island online from outside the countryIf you’re from the UK and have planned a holiday while the finale is airing then clearly you're not very dedicated to seeing the winners of Love Island! But don’t worry as we can help you avoid any annoying geo-blocking allowing you and your friends to catch the Love Island final on your holiday. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address to one in the UK which will allow you to stream the event using your ITV account. Keep reading and we’ll show you how.
Which contestants are in the Love Island finale?- India Reynolds: 28-year old model from Reading Who is expected to win the Love Island 2019 finale?Obviously with this being the very final episode, all of the couples still in are very much the public's favourites. However, with Tommy and Molly-Mae having been in a couple for the longest amount of time, they are likely to win. Or, based on which contestants have received the most support, Greg and Amber also seem likely to win the finale. Out of the remaining four, Curtis and Maura have the lowest odds. Want to see your favourite couple win? Tune in tonight to watch the Love Island Finale online as it happens. What will the winners of the Love Island finale get?With the winners being announced tonight, we will see who will be crowned Mr and Mrs Love Island 2019 (not a real title, although it does have a ring to it). The winners get themselves a mega £50,000, the chance to find their soul mate and of course, a lifetime of obscure promo ads and club appearances...but mainly the £50,000. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Ask TechRadar your burning Back to School questions in our Twitter AMA Posted: 29 Jul 2019 12:35 PM PDT If you've got questions heading into this year's Back to School season, we want to be here to help. That's why we're running an Ask Me Anything question and answer session on Twitter this week, July 31 (10am ET/7am PT) through August 2 (4pm ET/1pm PT). If you follow us on Twitter at this link within that window and mention us in a tweet with the hashtag "#TechRadarUniversity" alongside your question, we'll pool our gadget nerd knowledge to answer. Whether you ask which graphics card to pick when upgrading your dorm PC or which budget phone to consider that will last you through the school term – or anything in between – our experts will find the answers to your questions. You've got a whole two days during which we'll make ourselves available for your questions directly. So, bring your Back to School tech buying questions and we'll be prepared to answer – on Twitter, starting July 31 at 10am ET.
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| Google Pixel 4 gets face unlock and aerial gestures Posted: 29 Jul 2019 12:15 PM PDT Google must be getting tired of leaks for its upcoming Pixel 4. The company just up and announced two huge features its flagship will feature: the air-gesture-control Motion Sense and Face Unlock. In a tweet and blog post, Google outlined the two features – along with the new tech embedded in the phone that makes them possible. Motion Sense is made possible by Soli, a motion-sensing radar Google says it’s been working on for the last half-decade. Soli is apparently a scaled-down version of the common technology, but used to detect intricate finger gestures instead of planes and ships. You’ll be able to use it for simple controls, like switching songs or apps, which makes it sound a lot like the LG G8’s Hand ID gesture control. Curiously, Google mentions that Motion Sense will only be available in “select Pixel countries.” As described, Face Unlock will work much like Apple’s Face ID, though it should start authenticating as soon as you lift the phone and work in nearly every orientation, even upside down. That seems more versatile, and hopefully as secure. (The Google post notes that facial recognition is processed on the Pixel 4 itself and stored locally, as is the Soli sensor data, which is “never saved or shared with other Google services.") Image credit: TechRadar Both features are made possible by a new suite of sensors spanning nearly the entire top bezel (which might be why it kept the Pixel 3’s massive header). This includes an IR camera, dot projector, and flood illuminator – all for Face Unlock – along with a Soli radar chip. Google intends to improve these features over time, which is unsurprising given how long it's supported older Pixel handsets with new software. But, we imagine only the Pixel 4 and beyond will be able to support Motion Sense and Face Unlock. New features in, old features outSo, if Face Unlock just like Face ID on iOS, does that mean the Google Pixel 4 won’t have a touch sensor? None of the renders – or even the Google-released cropped teaser shot – show a fingerprint sensor on the rear or sides of the phone. The Google Pixel 4 could indeed have an in-screen fingerprint sensor, like most phones coming out this year. It would be a first for Google, as the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a both have traditional rear fingerprint sensors. But, no leaked Pixel 4 renders have depicted in-screen fingerprint scanners (hard as that would be), nor have rumors mentioned any. While Google could be waiting until later to reveal the phone will have one, which would be far from the most exciting feature, we have to keep the possibility open that flagship Pixel handsets will rely on facial recognition for authentication from here on out.
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| Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro model may come as soon as September Posted: 29 Jul 2019 11:00 AM PDT Details on Apple's anticipated 16-inch MacBook Pro are coming hot and heavy, and the latest bit of news suggests that the model could launch as soon as September, DigiTimes reports. The key detail of this new report is that the 16-inch MacBook Pro presumably will launch alongside Apple's next iPhone, the iPhone 11 (or whatever Apple decides to name it), during a September launch event. That date isn't confirmed yet, though. And, if it does happen in September, the actual retail availability could still be slightly later. It also wouldn't be surprising for the MacBook Pro to launch at a slightly later date. Apple has had separate events for product lines in the past, even if they were launched close together. Launching the iPhone 11, a popular consumer device, alongside the more niche, professional-oriented MacBook Pro would make less sense than having two separate events with one focused on general consumers and the other focused on prosumers.
Other details and rumorsAlso detailed in the reports is that the new model will maintain a similar physical footprint to the current 15-inch MacBook Pro while using a 16-inch LCD display. The resolution may be a somewhat curious 3,072 x 1,920, giving it a 16:10 aspect ratio. This would make it more like the LG gram 17 we saw at CES 2019, and target competition from the likes of the Surface Laptop 2, which has a productivity-focused 3:2 aspect ratio. It's also suggested that Quanta will be the manufacturer of this new MacBook Pro model. This is just the latest in a string of details about the MacBook Pro. It's also been reported that the new laptop will ditch the butterfly keyboards that have been plaguing Apple's MacBooks for the last few years. Instead, the new model could have a keyboard using more common scissor switch mechanisms. One rumor that doesn't seem to be playing out is that of an OLED display. While they can be stunning, as we saw from the Alienware m15, some of the quirks may prevent them from being a perfect option for a machine likely to be used by content creators.
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| Best laptop for DJs 2019: The best laptops for music production Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:50 AM PDT Having the best laptop for music production packed right next to your headphones is important, if you’re a musician or a professional DJ. You’ll need one of the best processors – not to mention, plenty of fast RAM – as these will enable the best laptop for music production handle multiple music tracks. A fast SSD, capacious hard drive or both is also recommended, as you’ll be working with massive file sizes. In addition, if you’re often on the road touring, you need a laptop that can handle a beating or two. You probably don’t need to go all out and pick up one of the best rugged laptops, but you should definitely look for a laptop that won’t fall apart, if you so much as look at it the wrong way. And, while we’re on the subject of mobility, a thin and light Ultrabook might do wonders for your back. While the MacBook Pro may be the default for most musicians, your choice of the best laptop for music production might run Windows 10 instead. To make it easy to find the best laptop for your music composition demands, we went ahead and included our exclusive price comparison tool, so you know you’re finding the best deal. If you want to see a more comprehensive list of prices and retailers, just click the ‘see all prices’ link on each widget. The best laptops for music production and DJs:Image Credit: Apple For years, the MacBook Pro has been the choice laptop for musicians all over the world, and its 2019 refresh follows in its footsteps. As long as you can justify the price of entry, the MacBook Pro is the best laptop for music production… or at least, among the best, as this list has proven. With its 9th-generation Intel Core chips and up to 32GB of RAM, you’re going to be able to load up as many tracks as you want in Logic Pro X without crippling your laptop. It’s also surprisingly durable – you don’t need to worry about things bumping into it in your tour bag, thanks to its robust aluminum unibody design. Read the full review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, mid-2018) Image Credit: Microsoft If you want the best laptop for music production that can moonlight as a Windows tablet in your downtime, the Surface Pro 6 should be at the top of your list. Not only does this laptop alternative pack powerful hardware necessary for music production, but it has a beautiful display, and plenty of legacy connections for connecting your equipment. It lacks USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, but if you’re just in it for music production, that shouldn’t really matter. Read the full review: Surface Pro 6 Image Credit: Dell The Dell XPS 13 has been one of the best laptops you can buy for a few years running now, and the 2018 version is no different. For aspiring music producers, the XPS’ move to an 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake R CPU should be appealing, as it will trim down the time it takes to process tracks, which then allows you to minimize downtime. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find a 1TB storage drive anymore, but when you get a laptop that looks this good and runs this fast – it’s a worthy tradeoff. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2018) Image Credit: Microsoft With all the 2-in-1 laptops that convert into a tablet being packed with unnecessary features, sometimes a more traditional Windows 10 laptop is just what you need. Luckily, Microsoft has rolled out the Surface Laptop 2, one of the best laptops in its lineup. Not only does this best laptop for music production feature a quad-core processor and plenty of memory, but it also has a lovely touch display and all the ports you need – even if it’s lacking Thunderbolt 3. As long as you don’t need Logic Pro X, you really can’t go wrong with the Surface Laptop 2. Read the full review: Surface Laptop 2 Image Credit: Apple The MacBook Air, which has recently been refreshed, brings Apple’s thin and light mainstream laptop into the modern day with a sleek aluminum build, a Retina display and an actual modern processor. This all makes for the best laptop for music production that want to stay with macOS and save some money as well. Just be sure to invest in a couple of dongles, as the two Thunderbolt 3 ports aren’t compatible with a lot of music equipment. Read the full review: MacBook Air Image Credit: Dell If you're looking for a larger and more powerful laptop for running music production software on, then the Dell XPS 15 might just be for you. Boasting the same InfinityEdge technology as the smaller XPS 13, the screen extends right to the edge of the machine. This means that it's as small as it's possible to make a 15-inch laptop. It's quite pricey, depending on which version you get, but the very top end version has a 4K color-accurate display, which can give you an excellent overview of all the tracks you're working on. Read the full review: Dell XPS 15
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| Microsoft Surface Pro 7: what we want to see Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:23 AM PDT Microsoft has been regularly designing some of the best Windows tablets and 2-in-1 laptops for a long time with its Surface lineup. When the Surface Pro 6 launched unfortunately, back in October 2018, there were limited improvements over the 2017 model. So, we were starting to think we weren’t going to see more meaningful improvements to the Surface Pro formula. Now comes the Surface Pro 7. We’re beginning to see all kinds of patents for the new Surface Pro coming out of the woodwork that could change the game for how we use Microsoft’s tablets. For instance, there’s a brand new USB-C magnetic Surface charger, which we really hope comes to fruition. Pair that with Intel’s new Ice Lake processors that should hopefully come sometime this year, that is if Microsoft doesn’t pack it with new ARM processors, and the Surface Pro 7 may end up being the most powerful model yet. However, because nothing has been confirmed, these are all educated guesses. Still, we will continue to update this article with any new information that we get. Cut to the chase
Surface Pro 7 release dateBecause the Surface Pro 6 just recently came out, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the next one land before the end of 2019. The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 6 both launched in October 2015 and 2018, respectively. However, the Surface Pro 2017 did see a June release date. It’s possible that the Surface Pro 7 could launch in October 2019, but the release schedule for Surface Pro devices seems to be approximately every 16 to 18 months. In other words, there might not be a Surface Pro 7 until Spring or Summer 2020. But we could see it hit the streets in October, if Microsoft wants to target that annualized release, but we’ll believe that when we see it. Don’t worry, as we’ll update this article just as soon as we hear any word – official or otherwise – on the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 release date. Surface Pro 7 priceThe Surface Pro 6 launched at $899 (£879, AU$1,349) for the base configuration, a noticeable price increase over the Surface Pro 2017, the base model of which was $799 (£799, AU$1,199). So, the pricing of the Surface Pro 7 could turn in one of two directions: either it will get another price increase of $100, or stay the same price as before. We doubt the price will drop, though. If the price does rise by another $100, and starts at $999 (about £770, AU$1,380), it’ll put the Surface Pro 7 at a similar price point as devices like the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Spectre x360 – not to mention the new iPad Pro. Like anything else we’ve listed, we won’t know the actual pricing of the Surface Pro 7 until Microsoft is willing to share it. But, we’ll update this article as soon as that happens. What we want to seeBecause the release of the Surface Pro 7 is so far away right now, it’s hard to predict what exactly could be in the next Surface device. However, based on all the patents that Microsoft has filed recently, like an update to the Surface Pen that would make it more accurate, we have come up with a wish list of updates we’d like to see. Blazing Speed However, we’ve come across some rumors that Qualcomm Snapdragon-equipped Surface devices are “floating around”. It’s unlikely that the top-end Surface Pro 7 would implement an ARM processor like this, as there would probably be problems with software emulation of x86 apps. However, we could see an entry-level Surface device utilizing these ARM chips. If the Surface Pro 7 does include these new processors, you can expect greatly improved performance and battery life across the board. Thunderbolt 3, please Luckily, we have reason to believe that Microsoft will unveil the Surface Pro 7 with Thunderbolt 3 support, or at the very least basic USB-C charging. Microsoft has patented a new magnetic charger with a USB-C input that would function like the current Surface charger. We’re really unsure of whether Surface Pro 7 will support Thunderbolt 3, as it depends upon Microsoft’s openness to trading its proprietary technology for Thunderbolt 3, which it has to pay Intel to license. An improved Type Cover Like the charging capabilities, we might have an idea of what the next generation Type Cover could look like. Microsoft has patented a thinner Type Cover that should reduce the footprint of the device all around. It looks like Microsoft is planning on doing this by employing a trackpad that’s integrated right into the printed circuit board. It might also use haptic feedback in the keys, to improve the tactile response of typing, which would be necessary on a thinner keyboard cover. It’s a peculiar move, but we’re intrigued nonetheless – if Microsoft can make the Type Cover slimmer without making the same mistake as Apple’s Butterfly keyboards, it could be a game-changer. We’ve also come across a patent that would make the fabric covering the Type Cover smarter. It would feature touch sensitivity, so you could swipe through news stories and photos without having to find the touchpad or the touchscreen. We’re not sure who was asking for this tech, but it’s still a cool idea. Image Credit: TechRadar This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Nvidia reveals 10 RTX Studio laptops for creative pros, and a big bonus for GeForce GPUs Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:22 AM PDT Nvidia has announced a whole bunch of new RTX Studio laptops and mobile workstations targeted at creative types, bringing serious amounts of performance for ray tracing, AI and other heavyweight computing duties. In total, 10 of these portable powerhouses were revealed over at Siggraph 2019 in LA, with Nvidia RTX Studio notebooks coming from every major laptop manufacturer (meaning there are now 27 machines in total in the RTX Studio line-up, with eight of these currently available).
The 10 new products will run the gamut from consumer laptops using RTX 2060 graphics cards, up to turbocharged mobile workstations which have Quadro RTX 5000 GPUs. Nvidia picked out some specific models, including the Lenovo Legion Y740 Laptop Studio Edition which will come in 15-inch and 17-inch flavors running with GeForce RTX 2080 GPUs, and will launch this autumn. Lenovo ThinkPad P53 and P73 mobile workstations will be available sooner in August, in the same sizes, but equipped with up to Quadro RTX 5000 graphics solutions. HP will have the ZBook 15 and 17 mobile workstations, also with Quadro RTX – and the 17-inch version will allow the buyer to specify up to a Quadro RTX 5000. Dell will offer Precision 7540 and Precision 7740 mobile workstations which again will be configurable with up to Quadro RTX 5000 GPUs. Driving aheadThese notebooks come with Nvidia’s Studio Driver, built for stability and reliability, and optimized for heavyweight software packages like Blender, Autodesk Arnold, Maxon Cinema 4D, Substance Painter by Adobe and more (but lacking all the latest tweaks for games, as seen in the more regularly updated Game Ready Driver). A key aspect here is that the latest version of Studio Driver now supports 30-bit color in OpenGL applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere on all GPUs – meaning not just Quadro graphics cards as was previously the case, but now GeForce models. So, GeForce-powered notebooks can now work on media content with fully accurate colors, without suffering the banding that can be seen when using 24-bit color. This is a sizeable step forward, and a major benefit for those who are running with a GeForce GPU in their RTX Studio laptop, rather than stepping up to an expensive Quadro solution. According to Nvidia’s own testing with Autodesk Arnold, a laptop equipped with an Intel Core i7-8750H processor with a GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU offers performance levels of up to 7x faster than a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a Core i9 CPU and Radeon Pro Vega 20 GPU.
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| Samsung lets you reserve a Galaxy Note 10 before it's even launched Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:21 AM PDT Step right up and reserve your Samsung Galaxy Note 10 today: the phonemaker launched a web page to let eager fans reserve one of the flagship devices, which will be released on August 7. Best of all, if you reserve a phone, you’ll get a $50 cash credit, but only if you buy an accessory while fulfilling the purchase of your new Note 10. (Sadly, it seems like this deal is only live in the US, at least for now.) Keep in mind that you'll only be able to reserve your Samsung Galaxy Note 10 from now until August 7. To do so, just sign in with your Samsung account, choose your carrier (or unlocked), and click ‘reserve.’ Poof, an email will be sent to your account-linked address notifying you that a device has been reserved for you. (It doesn’t say which device, mind you, so it seems Samsung is still keeping mum about the Note 10 Plus despite seemingly confirming the higher-end phone itself.) And, in typical fashion, you have the option to trade in your current device (or one up to the Samsung Galaxy S7, iPhone 6S, or original Google Pixel) for money off the still-unannounced list price of the Note 10. Sadly, you won’t know how much you’ll save - Samsung isn’t revealing any trade-in values until August 7 - though it might be as much as $600 off, according to XDA Developers. Reserve like you may have reserved beforeSamsung previously opened device reservations for the Samsung Galaxy S10 two weeks before its March launch date, which apparently was such a hit they repeated the move for the Note 10 release. The reservation even offered the same $50 accessory credit, though the company openly shared trade-in values for that release, offering to save owners up to $550 if they traded in the latest iPhone XS or Google Pixel 3. Samsung also revealed when reservers would get their Galaxy S10 - by March 8, the phone’s official launch date. Unfortunately, they’re being coy this time around, refusing to state when folks will get their Note 10 should they reserve it ahead of time.
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| MacBook 2019 release date, news and rumors Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:18 AM PDT The MacBook is no more, so your hopes of buying a MacBook 2019 have been officially dashed. Unfortunately, Apple low-key announced on July 10, 2019 that they dropped the MacBook from their MacBook line-up, and confirmed that it will not be replaced with a new version. At least, not in the foreseeable future. In fact, this 12-inch laptop is no longer available on the Apple website. This isn’t a huge surprise, especially because last year came and went with no sign of the new MacBook. Instead, Apple launched the new MacBook Air – which some would argue replaced it. It didn't make an appearance at the WWDC 2019 alongside the redesigned Mac Pro 2019 and macOS Catalina, either. Because the latest thin and light had been out for nearly 2 years, we were actually more than ready for the follow up. Looking back, the MacBook 2017 was everything we’ve wanted since the thin and light rebirth back in 2015 – at least on paper. It was packing the powerful 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors that gave it a massive boost to power, as well as the Butterfly keyboard, which is better than ever, despite some persisting issues. Now that we have Intel Amber Lake processors, we would have loved the MacBook 2019 to utilize these, taking a huge leap over the 2017 model and giving MacBook users an indisputable reason to upgrade. The good news is that both the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro both received a refresh, giving MacBook users who are looking to upgrade a couple of fairly affordable alternatives. Of course, with third-party retailers still selling them, you can still take home a 12-inch MacBook, perhaps at a cheaper price. Cut to the chase
MacBook 2019 release dateNone of the most recent reports, rumors or leaks gave any idea as to when and if we’ll see the MacBook 2019. Of course, the lack of information was probably due to the fact that Apple didn’t have any. That is, outside of declaring its demise. In 2015, Apple rolled out the first MacBook in April. That was following a March keynote, an increasingly common time for Apple to release a device. However, Apple went all of 2018 without releasing a new 12-inch MacBook. While we initially thought the blame was on Intel’s 14nm shortage, the Cupertino behemoth had no problem putting out the MacBook Air 2018. Furthermore, Apple didn't showcase the MacBook 2019 at WWDC 2019, though that was hardly surprising as this year's hardware portion of the keynote focused entirely on the new Mac Pro 2019 and its 32-inch 6K Retina display, the Pro Display XDR. However, with the new macOS 10.15 boasting new features such as the Apple Music, TV and Podcasts apps (formerly iTunes), Sidecar and Voice Control, Apple could have used the opportunity to show off a MacBook that’s obviously designed for entertainment – the MacBook 2019. Unfortunately, July 2019 saw Apple completely dropping the MacBook, opting instead to give the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pros a well-deserving refresh. MacBook 2019 priceThis is another aspect where we’ll have to speculate based on the current pricing of the MacBook. The entry-level MacBook cost $1,299 (£1,249, AU$1,899) to start when it was still available at the Apple Store. Only one more model, with more storage and power, went for another $300 to $450 on top of that. We think that Apple would have launched the MacBook 2019 around the same price as these models. There was speculation that Apple will be releasing a cheaper 13-inch MacBook, but that turned out to be the new MacBook Air. With the pricing so tight here, amounting to minute differences in hardware between offerings, we wouldn’t have seen a price drop. The only way we saw the MacBook budging on price is if Apple introduced sizable storage or higher power options, which would have sent the price up, rather than the opposite. For the MacBook 2019 price to have come down, compromises would have been made. Apple could have lowered the memory down to 4GB from 8GB. But we didn’t think that would have happened, especially because 8GB is standard these days. Instead, the only way we’d have seen a cheaper MacBook 2019 was if Apple dropped its storage from 128GB SSD instead of starting with 256GB. This would have been beneficial to those who’ve already invested in external drives. Considering how much Apple charges for a bump in storage, lowering that amount should equate to a considerable price drop. Still, since Apple has pretty much said that they don’t have plans to follow up its last MacBook release, speculating on the price is futile. What we want to see in MacBook 2019Again, the MacBook is no more. Still, if the Cupertino behemoth did push the release of its 2019 successor, here’s what we were hoping to see Apple improve about the MacBook 2019. MacBook 2019 keyboard and screen Even if this touchscreen keyboard doesn’t make its way into the 2019 MacBook, it doesn’t mean the Butterfly mechanism keyboard won’t be improved upon – especially after Apple admitted that some of the keyboards in recent MacBooks are faulty and is now offering to repair them for free. That’s why we’re pretty sure that the MacBook 2019 will feature the same third-generation Butterfly keyboard as the new Macbook Pro while MacBook Air will have with a membrane that makes it less prone to jamming up. More ports, please We’ve already seen Windows laptops accomplish this feat. Take the Huawei MateBook X, for instance, with its two USB-C ports, or even the similarly priced MacBook Pro, which has two. Maybe there’s room for a microSD card reader too, though that may be pushing it. Punchier processors Then again, the MacBook has consistently used energy efficient Intel Core ‘M’ and ‘Y’ series CPUs up to this point, so we wouldn’t bank on seeing full-fat Ultrabook processors, as they’d generate too much heat for the tiny, thin chassis. Now that Amber Lake Y-series CPUs have been released by Intel, we’d like to see Apple shove these latest 8th-generation processors into the new MacBook. However, at this point, those are essentially old tech already, so again, we’ll just have to see. We’ve also seen some rumors that Apple is planning on crafting an ARM-based MacBook at some point, and if the iPad Pro 2018 were any indication, we could definitely see this happening. Apple would just have to work out some kinks in getting macOS to run on an ARM system. It’s also safe to assume that Apple will put its T1 or T2 processor into the MacBook 2019 – as it has with all of its latest Mac releases. Since the 12-inch MacBook lacks a Touch Bar, it’s safe to assume that if one of these co-processors is implemented, it will be used for the automatic wake and ‘Hey Siri’ functionality that’s currently unique on to the iMac Pro, MacBook Air 2018 and MacBook Pro 2018. Sturdier build This will be an excellent option for a premium device that most users won’t want to upgrade for four to five years, as well as help keep the MacBook looking as stunning as the day you opened it. Of course, we don’t know if this patent will ever see the light of day or even get utilized for the MacBook. However, this approach, alongside the improved Butterfly keyboard found in the MacBook Pro 2018, could make the MacBook 2019 a much more durable device, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed. Stronger audio and video Apple needs to beef up the webcam up to 1080p, to make it more worthy of its price tag. The speakers, though, are a problem we don’t necessarily have a solution for. Supporting the speakers with down-throwing bass modules in the base might work? Otherwise, stick to your better made external speakers and headphones.
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| Are pop-up cameras here to stay on our smartphones? Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:11 AM PDT Smartphone manufacturers have a problem, and that problem is us – the smartphone consumer. When they ask us what we want, we say: everything! We want our screens to be bigger but the bezels to be smaller, our batteries to last longer but our phones to be slimmer. And most of all, we want to take selfies in such high resolution that you can see the individual atoms that make up our face. Juggling all these different requirements is hard enough for any hardware, but when you’re dealing with the constraints of mobile phones it’s harder still. And that’s why smartphones are getting weird. All about that spaceSmartphones are all about cramming a lot of tech into a relatively small space. Once you’ve got the battery in there, there isn’t room for much else – but modern multi-lens, integrated flash camera assemblies need a lot of room, and cameras are very high on buyers’ list of priorities. How do you square that circle? You could do what Apple does and stick a lumpy bit on the back and a notch on the front. Or you can think outside the box, literally. Why have a built-in camera when you can have one that pops up instead? Pop-up elements are hardly a new idea in camera design: compact cameras have had pop-up flash units for many years. But actual pop-up cameras in smartphones are a relatively new invention, and they’re a hot trend in smartphone design. So where did they come from, and are they going to hang around? Slide awayMaking room for all the bits that manufacturers want to get into a phone is a problem that goes back long before the original iPhone, and it resulted in some iconic designs such as the folding Motorola Razr V3 of 2004 and the folding and sliding phones of the pre-iPhone era such as the Windows Mobile-powered O2 XDA II. The HTC Desire Z was one of the last 'headline' keyboard-toting Android phones until BlackBerry brought them back recently. In those days the problem wasn’t the camera – it was the keyboard. Whether they folded up or slid away, the keyboard mechanisms were hidden from sight until they were needed in order to make the devices look as small as possible. Then the iPhone came along and got rid of the keyboard altogether, and everything was brilliant...until it wasn’t. Space invadersThe problem of keyboards may have gone away, but after a few years the smartphone designers faced a new kind of space invader: the camera. As fashion demanded ever-thinner bezels and edge-to-edge screens with ever-bigger batteries to power everything, the room for camera hardware became increasingly squeezed – but at the same time, the number of cameras and sensors in a typical device was increasing. Take the iPhone X, which Apple released in 2017. On the back there’s not one but two lenses, and a flash; on the front, the camera array has sensors plus an infrared camera, a front illuminator, a dot projector for Face ID and the actual camera itself. The iPhone X notch has divided opinion since launch in 2017. Unless you want to go back to having big bezels there are two ways to accommodate all this. You can build the camera elements into the phone, either by having a 'notch' taking a chunk out of the screen – the approach taken by Apple and others – or by putting a 'punch-hole' cutout in the screen, a solution implemented on devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S10. Or you can build out, which is what Huawei did in 2015 and many more firms are doing today. The Huawei Shot X was one of the first phones to bring a pop-up camera Are you in or out?Huawei’s Shot X took a sensible approach to the issue of fitting camera hardware into a sleek design: if it isn’t going to be used all the time, Huawei thought, there’s no need to see it all the time. So Huawei stuck the camera in a pop-up tab that not only popped up, but did so in such a way that you could use the main camera to shoot selfies. The phone wasn’t a huge success, however, so the idea wasn’t widely copied. The first of the current crop of pop-up camera phones was the 2018 Vivo Nex, whose 8-megapixel camera pops up when the camera app is activated – although while it’s there for selfies it doesn't do face unlock – for that you’ll need a device such as the Vivo V15 Pro, whose pop-up camera also does fast Face Unlock. OnePlus has taken the pop-up approach with its OnePlus 7 Pro, as has Realme with the spring-loaded Sony selfie shooter in the Realme X. Meanwhile Xiaomi has gone back to the Matrix-style phones of the mid-1990s for its Mi Mix 3, which has both its front and rear cameras in a sliding rear section, and Lenovo’s Z5 Pro and the Oppo Find X take the slider approach too. The Samsung A80 simply raises and rotates the high-power camera to the front. Samsung takes a slightly different tack. The camera on the Samsung Galaxy A80 doesn’t just pop up – its camera assembly rotates, enabling you to point its three lenses and 48 megapixels wherever you fancy, and this rotating section also includes the depth camera for portrait effects. Asus has a similar system in its ZenFone 6, once again offering 48 megapixels in its motorized housing. It was actually first debuted in the Oppo N3, a phone randomly sent to TechRadar and sat proudly in our hall of curios... until the tech suddenly became popular again. The Oppo N3 camera... not quite a bezel-less phone. Which is better: pop-up, punch-hole or notch?No matter what technology you use, cameras all have the same basic requirement: they need a lens to let in light and to see what you’re snapping, and bigger is often better here. Let’s look at a notch-design camera first, where space is very limited. The front-facing camera in the iPhone XS Max's notch is a fixed-focus lens with a 32mm equivalent focal length and an aperture of f/2.2. Aperture tells you how much light gets in; the lower the number, the better. Focal length tells you how zoomed-in the image will be, so how big or small subjects will appear in the frame, and lower numbers are better for getting more into the frame. Let’s compare the iPhone’s notch camera with the one in Samsung’s S10 Plus, which has a larger space thanks to its punch-hole design (and two cameras instead of one). The Galaxy S10 Plus dispaly sports the punch-hole camera. The primary front camera has an f/1.9 aperture to Apple’s f/2.2 and a shorter focal length, equivalent to 25mm. That’s comparable to the iPhone’s main camera, which is f/1.8 and 26mm. What about the pop-ups? The OnePlus 7 Pro’s front camera has a 25mm equivalent focal length and an f/2.0 aperture. Again, that’s comparable to the main rear camera on many phones. Why is this important? Well, in a bid to bring the very best technology to smartphones (and allowing brands to charge just that little bit more for the privilege) these front-facing cameras need to start rivalling the technology of the rear - and physics kind of gets in the way of shrinking them. Will the pop-up bubble pop?Are pop-ups the future? We suspect not. That’s because mechanically moving parts get stressed: they wear, and they break, and stuff gets into them. That’s particularly true when they’re in a device that spends so much of its time in pockets and bags, where fluff and various debris can be found. If your moving parts are motorized the motor is another potential point of failure, and it’s a power drain too – each individual pop-up might not take a lot of energy, but if you use the camera multiple times over the course of a day they'll mount up. One solution might be to look back at the other way of hiding hardware as demonstrated by the iconic Motorola Razr: instead of sliding the camera out of sight, fold it. While the early attempts at folding phones haven’t been entirely successful, there’s a ton of money being spent on making folding phones happen – and if rumors are to be believed, some of that money is being spent by Apple. We can’t help thinking that a lot of the problem is that manufacturers are currently prioritizing form over function – after all, we already have a solution to the selfie problem that doesn’t require spring-loading, motors or cutting bits out of the screen. It’s called a bezel, and it's a perfectly good place to stick a camera - if they can be miniaturized to fit into the sliver of space around the edge of the phone. The Oppo under-screen camera promises to be the next step in front-facing cameras... if the tech works. If that doesn't work, then it's about going invisible: Samsung has already confirmed that it's working on a sensor that's impossible to see (and the camera quality isn't, apparently, affected) and Oppo has gone one step further by actually showing off a prototype of such technology. According to the Verge, Oppo admits that this will have a slight impact on the camera quality, but it's worked out ways to optimize the hardware to make the quality comparable. Invisible cameras feel like the obvious next step from the pop-up - one that doesn't pop up at all. It merely turns on when needed and creates and unbroken display, one free of mechanical misadventures - now we just need to wait to see when (or if) the technology becomes mainstream. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| AMD Ryzen 3000 release date, news and rumors Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:07 AM PDT When the first generation Ryzen processors came out nearly three years ago, AMD changed the market forever. When Ryzen 2nd Generation hit the streets the following year, it doubled Intel’s sales. Fast forward to 2019 and AMD has released its Ryzen 3rd Generation chips, bringing the 7nm Zen 2 architecture to the mainstream for the very first time. It’s no secret that Intel is having a lot of issues with introducing 10nm Cannon Lake chips, and even its next HEDT lineup will likely stay on 14nm, so it’s no surprise that AMD has swooped in to upstage its rival before Ice Lake or Lakefield had a chance to launch. These new AMD Ryzen processors bring up to 16-cores and 32-threads to the mainstream for the first time in the Ryzen 9 3950X. And, this processor is already breaking world overclocking records, as well as bringing a substantial improvement to IPC (instructions per clock) performance – even though it won’t hit the street until September. The best part? These new Ryzen processors do all of this while keeping the cost accessible to the mass consumer. It’s not surprising that analysts are already predicting that AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation could seriously threaten Intel. We gathered all the information we have on Team Red’s next generation of desktop processors. Be sure to keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll update it with any other information that comes our way. Cut to the chase
Image Credit: TechRadar AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation release dateThe AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation processors, first announced at CES 2019, finally arrived on July 7 – with one notable exception. The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X, the surprise reveal of E3 2019, is coming September 2019. As for future models, we’re not sure what’s on the horizon, especially as Intel gears up for Comet Lake. If Intel really does launch something that could compete with the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, we’re sure AMD will have something waiting in the wings to fight back. Image Credit: TechRadar AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation priceAt AMD’s Computex 2019 keynote, Team Red showed off several processors from the Ryzen 5 3600 to the Ryzen 9 3900X. These CPUs offer amazing options from the mid-range to the high-end. Curiously, there have been no announcements of any 7nm Zen 2 processors for the budget sector, but at least AMD launched new APUs in the Ryzen 3 3300G and Ryzen 5 3400G at $99 (£94, AU$144) and $149 (£139, AU$240), respectively.
Image credit: TechRadar AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation specsNow that the AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation lineup has been released, we know exactly what’s inside these new 7nm processors for consumers. You should experience significant performance bumps, with power consumption taking a nosedive. Improvements all around. The 7nm Zen 2 architecture found in AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation processors not only allows AMD to bring TDP down to just 65W in the Ryzen 5 3600 and the Ryzen 7 3700X, but it also implements a considerable 15% improvement to IPC (instructions per clock) performance. This should see single core performance skyrocket, resulting in some of the best processors for gaming. On the high-end, there’s the Ryzen 9 3950X, an absolute monster of a processor sporting 16-cores and 32-threads, with a 4.7GHz boost clock. These specs are stunning in their own right, but what really takes it to the next level is that it manages to do it with a relatively low 105W TDP. Then, there’s the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, and while it’s not as impressive as the 3950X – at least on paper – it still packs 12-cores and 24-threads of high-performance power. With boost clocks up to 4.6GHz, it’s an impressive amount of power for that 105W TDP, even if temperatures get a little high. But, AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation is more than just the low-end and the top-end. We went ahead and listed out all the specs below:
At every level, AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation brings better performance and concurrently lowers power consumption over the previous generation. Of course, AMD boasted some benchmarks where it flexed on the competition, but that’s par for the course. The X570 chipset also marks a generational improvement in computing. Along with the faster processors, the biggest improvement is the support for PCIe 4.0, exclusive to AMD. This new generation of PCIe brings faster graphics cards and SSDs to AMD’s platform. It delivers up to 51% faster SSD performance, along with 69% faster graphics performance – though that will be exclusive to AMD Navi graphics cards for now. X570 also brings native support to four SuperSpeed USB ports, with a maximum bandwidth of 10Gbps. This will support both USB-A and USB-C connections, and while it’s not as fast as Thunderbolt 3, the native support should lead to wider adoption across desktop motherboards. Ryzen isn’t just about desktop components. At E3 2019, Microsoft revealed that its follow up to the Xbox, Project Scarlett, will be powered by a custom SoC made of a Zen 2 processor and an AMD Navi GPU. Slated for a "Holiday 2020" release, Project Scarlett is rumored to be four times more powerful than the Xbox One X having the ability to run games at 120FPS and potentially 8K resolutions. Images Credit: TechRadar
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| Amazon continues to dominate IaaS market Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:46 AM PDT Amazon retained its top spot as the number one vendor in the infrastructure as a service (IaaS) market in 2018 according to the latest figures from Gartner. Last year the IaaS market grew by 31.3 percent to reach $32.4bn with Amazon taking the lead followed by Microsoft, Alibaba, Google and IBM. Research vice president at Gartner, Sid Nag explained why tech giants like Amazon continue to dominate the IaaS market, saying:
"Despite strong growth across the board, the cloud market’s consolidation favours the large and dominant providers, with smaller and niche providers losing share. This is an indication that scalability matters when it comes to the public cloud IaaS business. Only those providers who invest capital expenditure in building out data centres at scale across multiple regions will succeed and continue to capture market share. Offering rich feature functionality across the cloud technology stack will be the ticket to success, as well.” IaaS market consolidationThe top five IaaS providers accounted for almost 77 percent of the global IaaS market in 2018, up from less than 73 percent in 2017. Gartner expects that market consolidation will continue through 2019 as a result of the high rate of growth for the top providers which experienced aggregate growth of 39 percent from 2017 to 2018 compared with the more modest growth of 11 percent for all other providers during the same period. Amazon continued to lead the global IaaS market with an estimated $15.5bn in revenue during 2018. In addition to being the largest of the IaaS providers, the company accounts for nearly half of the total IaaS market. Microsoft managed to secure the number two position in the IaaS market with revenue surpassing $5bn in 2018, up from $3.1bn in 2017. Among the leading vendors, Alibaba Cloud was the dominant IaaS provider in China and the firm grew by 92.6 percent in 2018. Google earned the number four spot as it grew its revenue by 60.2 percent from 2017.
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| 10 tech innovations we saw at the Cricket World Cup Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:35 AM PDT The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is over, and the England (and Wales) team won it. Just. In the end it came down to the greater number of boundaries scored by England in the final against New Zealand, but throughout the tournament it was technology that proved decisive. Unlike football, where Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has taken an age to catch on, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been tech-savvy for years. From HawkEye and Hotspot to Batcam and Spidercam, here are all the gadgets, the tech and the innovations that helped the umpires make the right call and the broadcasters bring the action alive. Howzat?! 1. STATSports trackersDuring the World Cup the India National Cricket Team signed-up with UK sports technology company STATSports, whose wearable performance-monitoring tech is already used by Manchester United, Liverpool, Roma, Tottenham Hotspur and the Brazilian national football team. Their wearable device is essentially a fitness tracker built into a base-layer vest that’s loaded with sensors that measure distance, speed, acceleration, deceleration, high-speed running, and the dynamic stress load of each player. It means better monitoring of the cardio stresses on bowlers, who can tire quickly, as well as the rotations of batters’ ankle and knee joints. For us mere mortals, STATSports sells its GPS performance tracker. 2. HotSpotPart of the umpire’s Decision Review System (DRS), HotSpot is all about leg before wicket (lbw). The planting of a pad in front of the incoming ball to stop it hitting the wicket is the oldest trick in the book, but for the umpire, it can be desperately hard to judge whether contact was made with the batsman’s pad or bat, or both – if it’s bat and then pad, he can also be caught out. Cue centuries of arguments until the arrival in 2006 of HotSpot, a tracking system that constitutes two SLX-Hawk infrared cameras that measures heat from friction to produce a frame showing the precise points of contact of the ball. 3. State-of-the-art TV coverageYou’d think that to cover 48 matches across 11 different venues would require some streamlined TV production plans. Not a bit of it. London-based Sunset+Vine, global production partner of the ICC, used a mobile outside broadcast unit, five technical teams, four production teams, 24 commentators, and 32 cameras to cover each match. That included drones, super slow-mo, eight ultra-motion Hawk-Eye cameras, Buggy Cams, front and reverse view Stump Cams and Spidercam. A 15-second graphic countdown clock to DRS was shown on screen and in the ground. However, there was one thing conspicuous by its absence from the World Cup: Ultra HD, which isn’t a big thing in India, by far cricket’s largest market for TV. 4. Hawk-Eye LBW detection systemAnother part of DRS is Hawk-Eye, a tool that’s long been a default part of cricket broadcasts across the globe. Comprising six cameras, three at each end of the ground, Hawk-Eye essentially tracks the ball and predicts its path. If the ball is determined to have been heading for the stumps when a batsman’s pad got in the way, it’s lbw. Hawk-Eye has been provided by host broadcasters at major cricket matches since 2001, and at ICC events since 2008, when it became part of the DRS. 5. TRACAB Optical Player TrackingAlready used in the Premier League, German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga, as well as major international UEFA and FIFA tournaments, and Major League Baseball, it was about time ChyronHego’s TRACAB made its way into cricket. An advanced camera-based player and ball tracking system adopted by the graphics provider AE, this ICC-commissioned specialised version of TRACAB for live cricket shows viewers the exact field position of players as well as a range of data points, including running speed and distances covered. 6. Hawk-Eye UltraEdgeA sound-detection based system that’s part of Hawk-Eye and DRS is UltraEdge. Aimed at helping the umpire better judge lbw decisions, UltraEdge comprises stump microphones that clearly differentiate between the sounds created by different sources, specifically the bat, pads and clothing of the batsman. What makes it different from the rival Snickometer technology is that UltraEdge uses ultra-slow-motion cameras, so the audio and visuals can be synced. With that information, the umpire can decide whether a batsman has nicked the ball (‘caught an edge’) or not. 7. BatcamThis UK-based live drone filming and broadcasting company supplied three machines to all the Cricket World Cup venues: BatcamFLY and BatcamDRIVE. BatcamFLY is a drone equipped with a 360-degree camera that can produce an eye-line shot before racing up to 400ft for an atmospheric overview/skyline shot. A remote-controlled 10x zoom camera on wheels, Batcam DRIVE produced those low tracking shots of batsmen leaving the pitch. Traveling at up to 30mph and equipped with automatic collision avoidance, this rugged 80cm-high buggy is remote controlled and has GPS tracking. It was used primarily to get ground-level replay shots from behind the wicket-keeper. 8. SpidercamEvery time a new batsmen came into bat during the Cricket World Cup, Spidercam swooped down over them. It proved pivotal; installed at every ground during the World Cup, Spidercam’s smooth aerial sweeps and angles were made even more pivotal to the viewing experience by their hosting of innovative augmented reality (AR) overlays. Spidercam’s shots formed the environment for pop-up AR graphics of key players, and even the trophy itself placed in the middle of the ground. 9. Piero graphics analysis systemMaking its debut at the World Cup was Piero, a package of 3D graphics to help pundits analyze and explain sports events. In use for 15 years on the UK's BBC soccer show Match of the Day, Piero is all about generating visual views of the field from any angle, and allowing pundits to manipulate players and draw lines. It works by stitching together several camera feeds, and operates in conjunction with the CricViz data analysis and score predictor. 10. 360-degree replaysFor the first time at a Cricket World Cup, broadcast coverage involved the production of 360-degree replays. Provided by Piero, using software that allows multiple camera feeds to be stitched together to create wraparound video, 360-degree video replays of matches were made available online on ICC TV. It may be a game that's a few centuries old and full of quaint rules and traditions, but when it comes to technology there are few sports as cutting-edge as cricket. Now, about that lack of Ultra HD… This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best free games 2019: the top free games to download on PC Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:32 AM PDT If you’re searching for the best free games to help you escape after a long day’s work, then you’re in the right place. Everyone loves free stuff, especially when it comes to the best PC games. After all, there are a ton of fun, entertaining free games available right now on PC, and, unlike Xbox and PlayStation, which periodically give out free games on Xbox Games With Gold and PlayStation Plus, respectively, things work much differently with gaming PCs. The top free games are a genre all their own. Because of the huge popularity of free-to-play titles, you should grab the best free games from Steam, GOG and even (brace yourself) EA’s Origin client. You can even download the Epic Games Store app, and score some premium indie games for free every couple weeks. From Battle Royale free-to-play games, like Fortnite, to online CCGs, like Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links, the best free games cover a large range of genres and styles. We tested the most popular titles, and picked out the best free games you should download today. Linux, Windows or Mac - which one is best for you? Watch our guide video below: Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article Save up to 46% on a magazine subscription This sweeping, immersive multiplayer role-playing game from South Korea has been one of the most anticipated games to (hopefully) be released in the West. Lost Ask boasts stunning graphics, an action-centric MMORPG game set in a beautiful, extremely detailed world where you can explore, go on quests and even meet other players. Unfortunately, it’s not officially available in the Western market yet, but the CEO of Smilegate did express interest in bringing it to the US, Canada and Europe. And, rumor has it that the South Korean developer might do so in 2019, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Things are looking up, however, as the beta is now available in Russia. Release date: Hopefully sometime in 2019 1. Fortnite Battle RoyaleThe Battle Royale is huge at the moment, and Epic Games has refined it to perfection with Fortnite Battle Royale. Initially developed as a sort of add-on for Fortnite, Battle Royale blew up in a way that nobody predicted, fast becoming one of the most played games of 2018. One of the best free games right now, Fortnite Battle Royale is entirely based around a simple scenario: you’re dumped in a map with 99 other players in a free-for-all melee, and the last one left standing at the end is the winner. Because of its meteoric success, Epic Games is hard at work adding new game modes and features all the time. Take Playground mode, for instance – it dumps you in the map and lets you build up structures for a set amount of time before the floodgates open and the carnage begins. What’s especially cool is that Fortnite you can play with your friends, regardless of the platform they’re on. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android or PS4, you’ll be able to match up against millions of other players from all these different platforms. Image Credit: Valve 2. Dota 2The Dota universe may have come to life from a WarCraft 3 mod, but Dota 2 is very much its own entity, and holds its own as one of the best free games. This top-down arena battler is incredibly active, attracting multimillion-dollar prize funds for serious tournament players. However, it’s not just for the most hardcore. A brief tutorial now shows you the ropes, with the Steam Community providing guides to the original MOBA. Don't expect a warm welcome or easy learning curve from its complex gameplay mechanics, but bring a few friends and Dota 2 will have you hooked on one of the biggest crazes in PC history. 3. Planetside 2Two years before Destiny dropped into orbit, we had Planetside 2, an epic, all-out first-person battle that’s so amazing, you might just have to pinch yourself every time you load just to remind yourself that a game this amazing is completely free. There are in-game purchases, of course, but you can still dive into the biggest battlefield in gaming and still have an awesome time with the default equipment. There's simply nothing as exhilarating as taking part in a massed assault on an enemy base and coming out on top, or living in a world where an enemy convoy could appear on the horizon at any second. Planetside 2 is proof that 'free' doesn't mean prosaic. Image Credit: Grinding Gear Games 4. Path of ExilePath of Exile is a free dungeon crawler reminiscent of Diablo III, and it’s a tad different than most of the best free games out there. It’s not just about fragging real-life people until they scream at you in shrill pubescent tones through their Skype headsets. Path of Exile takes its time more than your typical multiplayer game, but give it a chance, and you might just find yourself hooked. There are hidden mechanics and features to uncover after playing for hours, as well as a huge skill tree to slowly progress through. It really is the best free game for former Diablo addicts. Even basic loot can be useful because there's always an opportunity to enhance even the simplest weapon with magic. If you’re bored with the grind of Diablo III, it's a good one to check out. 5. League of LegendsPick a champion and head into battle in this seminal free-to-play game from the creators of the Warcraft III mod, Dota. League of Legends’ automated matchmaking, diverse cast of characters and pristine maps have made it a multiplayer behemoth over these last few years, and one of the best free games on this list that will definitely stand the test of time. It’s an aggressive gameplay experience for sure, but one that rewards good teamwork and careful tactics. There is a bit of a learning curve, but you’ll be having fun shortly after you hit that ‘play’ button. Like Dota 2, League of Legends attracts many high-end players, and the top tournaments offer prize pools of over $1 million. The weird world of esports, eh? Image Credit: Activision-Blizzard 6. Hearthstone: Heroes of WarcraftEver played the card game Magic the Gathering? Hearthstone is Blizzard’s attempt at making an online version of it, for free. As a typical Blizzard endeavor, it’s impressive. It’s immediately inviting, lacking the terrifying learning curve you would expect from an online fantasy card game. Hearthstone plays quickly, boasts a very casual visual approach and benefits from a basic rule set, all of which add up to a very approachable card battler which offers you plenty of fun – especially if you’re a World of WarCraft fan. Not that it's not challenging as well, especially if you're up against an opponent that plays their cards right, which is why its gets our vote for one of the best free games to date. Not that it's not challenging as well, especially if you're up against an opponent that plays their cards right, which is why its gets our vote for one of the best free games to date. 7. Star Wars: The Old RepublicTaking over the Star Wars MMORPG mantle after Star Wars Galaxies went away (may it rest in peace), Star Wars: The Old Republic was not free at release. However, it has since, like so many MMORPGs before it, turned to the free to play model. If you want to indulge your inner Sith, this is the best way to get them for free. Subscriptions are on hand for more in-game potential and end-game content, but in true best free games fashion, all the story missions are still available for free – it just might take a bit longer now. It’s worth your time just to see the Star Wars universe from different sets of eyes, like the hyper-professional Imperial Agent and Bounty Hunter. If you want to go with the dull option and just have a generic Jedi Knight, though – you can totally do that. Image Credit: Microsoft 8. Forza Motorsport 6 ApexForza Motorsport 6 Apex in particular brings a complete Forza Motorsport game to PC gamers for the first time – before Forza Horizon 3 came out in 2016. It’s not quite the full-fledged experience you can expect from full entries to the series. However, Forza Motorsport 6 Apex is the best free game that we could have asked for from Microsoft’s long-standing racing series. When Xbox head Phil Spencer said he was going to bring the console's best franchises to the PC, he wasn't kidding. Among these notable games is Forza Motorsport. Shunned by petrol-heads and embraced by gamers, Forza Motorsport may seem like an arcadey offshoot of its biggest rival on PlayStation, but it consistently looks and feels outstanding nonetheless. 9. DauntlessDauntless has become essentially a household name at this point, becoming an overnight success on PC, thanks to Monster Hunter World. However, what if we told you that you could get a very similar experience for free, with a game that’s also easier on your PC? Enter Dauntless. Straying away from the clear environmentalist focus of Monster Hunter: World, where you’re trying to preserve the habitats, Dauntless simplifies things a bit, just tasking you with slaying behemoths to protect a human colony. The gameplay itself is much simpler as well, free of some of the more obtuse gameplay systems that you either love or hate in the Monster Hunter series. The core DNA of the series, however, is there – hunt monsters, craft gear, hunt more monsters, making it one of the best free games to have right now. Image Credit: Wargaming 10. World of TanksWorld of Tanks is a different kind of MMO, as you might have already guessed from the title. Team-based, massively multiplayer action with a huge range of war machines to drive into battle awaits, with new players able to jump into the fray right away. The upgrade system lets you personalize, while being surrounded by an entire army at all times to remind you that loners won’t make it on the battlefield. Get sucked in, and you may find yourself spending a chunk of your wages on great big chunks of virtual metal. Some premium tanks cost just a few dollars, while others require a bit more coin. You can see where maker Wargaming is earning some cash from World of Tanks enthusiasts. Still, this doesn’t stop it from being one of the best free games right now. 11. Heroes of the StormIt was only a matter of time before Blizzard entered the ring in the MoBA phenomenon, and with Heroes of the Storm, we’re left asking: what took it so long? It’s an incredibly accessible esports title, sitting somewhere between League of Legends and DOTA 2 in terms of complexity, with the added bonus of playing characters you know and love. That’s right: the roster is comprised entirely of Blizzard characters from across its library of classic games. If you’ve ever wondered who would win in a fight between Thrall and Kerrigan, Heroes of the Storm can show you how that fight plays out on the battlefield. Blizzard knocked it out of the park here, making one of the best free games that keeps getting better by the day. Image Credit: Daybreak 12. EverquestIts future was briefly uncertain after the sale of Sony's online entertainment division in February 2015, but Everquest is back with a vengeance, featuring new expansion packs and continued support by Daybreak Game Company. And, that’s one of the many reasons why it’s made our best free games list. The first of its kind to commercially succeed with a 3D game engine, Everquest was released in 1999 as an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) and has since been documented as one of the most important games in the medium's history. Featuring consistently released expansion packs (quite massive in scale, at least early on) with vast new areas, races and classes, Everquest brings to the table just about everything you could want from an MMO. Plus, it's notably better at handling co-op than its alternatives. 13. RiftOriginally hailed as the game that would finally dethrone World of Warcraft, Rift had its moment – and is still going strong depending on who you’re talking to. It brought innovation to a genre that was changing very slowly, letting you change your class whenever the urge compelled you. The whole game is focused on separating giant boss battles and events that occupy entire zones. It’s ambitious, exciting, and massive with dozens of interdimensional rifts that keeps things exciting and unique from other MMOs. And, even after Rift went free to play, Trion has stayed on top of things, rolling out regular expansions for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you can ride a landshark. Image Credit: Jagex 14. RunescapeRunescape is one of the biggest free-to-play MMOs out there, and now would be a good time to take a look. In 2013, it entered its third reboot – this is actually 'Runescape 3', although just jumping in now, you might not even realize that it has been around in one form or another for more than 10 years. Despite the revamp, it's definitely not the sparkliest MMO in the world, but hanging onto this many players shows it's doing something right. The big change introduced in Runescape 3 that made it appear a lot more modern was the ability to see much further. In Runescape 2, the horizon quickly gave way to fog… not so now. You can download the game for free or run it in your browser using Java, making it much more convenient than most other online role-players of this epic scale. 15. MaplestoryIf you’re sick of the dark fantasy aesthetic of most MMORPGs, you’ll love Maplestory’s imaginative and inspired style. Described by Nexon as the original 2D side-scrolling MMO, Maplestory takes the classic Dungeons and Dragons-inspired genre, and makes it kawaii. The lighter tone and customization of Maplestory makes it feel more like Harvest Moon than World of Warcraft or Rift. And, it has more emphasis on improving cosmetics than many other MMOs, allowing players a lot more personalization over how their characters look. Maplestory even has in-game weddings and dinosaurs that play guitar. Really, the only thing missing from Maplestory is an Oasis-inspired soundtrack. Image Credit: Digital Extremes 16. WarframeIf you're into third-person co-operative shooters, Warframe may be one of the best free games out there. Players take control of members of the Tenno, an ancient race warring against enemies such as the Grineer, the Corpus, the Infested and the Sentients. Your Tenno soldier uses the Crysis-style Warframe armor equipped with guns or melee weapons to fight back. Better looking than your average free-to-play shooter, there’s quite a bit of fun to be had in Warframe's player-vs-enemy raids – so much so that some gamers see it as, "The Destiny that never was.” High praise all around. 17. SmiteGods from every pantheon come together in Smite to battle it out in a free Dota/MOBA inspired clash. Even though Smite is pretty obvious with its influences – it comes from the same developer that made the FPS smash Tribes Ascend, it’s still a completely different beast. The camera is behind the characters this time, giving you a more direct connection to the action than simply guiding your lord around with a mouse. However, the premise will be either familiar if you've played its inspirations, or a way to get a feel for the style, if you haven't. Gods include Zeus, Thor, Kali, Artemis and... Cupid? Well, at least he has his own bow… Image Credit: Turbine 18. Lord of the Rings OnlineThere are so many MMOs that have been released or rereleased as free-to-play games, but Lord of the Rings Online is one of those titles that most warrants another look. It’s already an excellent game in its own right, but it’s also one of the more mature MMOs on the market. You’ll probably have to pay eventually to unlock adventure packs. However, there’s no subscription fee and no cost up front, making it one of the best free games to immerse in right now. If you missed it at launch, or even if you quit playing since then, it’s time to give it a go. 19. The Awesome Adventures of Captain SpiritLife is Strange and its sequel are among the best modern adventure games on PC in 2018. Lucky for us, there’s now a free way to experience this amazing series. Unveiled back at E3 2018, the Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit places you in the shoes of 9-year-old Chris as he, and his alter ego, Captain Spirit, go on an epic adventure. It’s a free-to-play single player adventure game without any kind of malicious microtransactions or predatory monetization – simply a nice prelude into Life is Strange 2. Just don’t go in expecting the longest gameplay experience in the world, as you’ll likely finish it in just a couple of hours. That still doesn’t stop it from being one of the best free games, however. Image Credit: CCP Games 20. Eve OnlineIn 2003, Icelandic developer CCP Games unleashed Eve Online, an immersive and in-depth “sci-fi experience” that would ultimately grab the attention of well over 500,000 players. Eve Online is unlike any game in its category, thanks to the vast range of activities to take part in as well as its (appropriately) out of this world in-game economy. Unfortunately, the Eve Online player base has been getting smaller since 2013. It shouldn’t be surprising that as time goes on, fewer and fewer gamers are interested in paying a subscription fee for a glorified space sim with a steep learning curve. However, since the Ascension Update, released back in November 2016, Eve Online has gone free to play – at least to an extent. The new ‘alpha clones’ system featured in Eve Online is like the “unlimited free trial” featured in World of Warcraft. You can still engage with other players in piracy, manufacturing, trading, mining, exploration and combat, but there are limitations such as certain skills that are off limits. If you don’t want to limit your access to some of the game’s most lumbering ships, you can always opt for the Omega subscription – otherwise, the game won’t cost a cent, which is why it makes for one of the best free games to grace the gaming world. 21. Apex LegendsTo say that Battle Royale games are popular in 2019 would be a massive understatement, but the level of success that Apex Legends has enjoyed so quickly after launch speaks volumes. It’s definitely earned its spot on this list as one of the best free games. Not only is the game itself fantastic, bringing unique mechanics from the awesome Titanfall games to a Battle Royale, but the game itself has reached over an astonishing 25 million players after a week. Apex Legends places 60 players in the middle of a gigantic map, armed with a bunch of unique abilities that make both combat and traversal extremely addicting. It’s not quite the chaos of 100 player battle royale titles like Fortnite or PUBG, but it feels balanced. If somehow you haven’t joined the Apex Legends bandwagon yet, you’re sorely missing out. Image Credit: 505 Games 22. HawkenHawken is a game about mechs. But, not just any mechs – fast mechs. These aren’t your average slow, lurching tanks of MechWarrior Online. These are more in line with the Exoskeletons of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Of course, being a free-to-play game, expect to pay for upgrades to your starter mech. However, economical players can still get a taste for Hawken without spending a dime. Plus, attach an Oculus Rift, and you can see first-hand what VR games have in store for you. Admit it, you've wanted to know what it feels like to power a mech for yourself since Pacific Rim came out. 23. Evolve Stage 2Hey, remember Evolve? Don’t worry if you don’t – it quickly fell off the face of the Earth after release, until it was eventually removed from Steam. But Turtle Rock re-released it back into beta a year and a half after its initial release, and it was then that Evolve was unleashed as a free-to-play experience. It was even given a new moniker: Evolve Stage 2, and now it’s one of the best free games we’ve ever played. Despite going free-to-play, the game's core structure stays the same. It's a game of humans vs. zombies… err, monsters, a new twist on a beloved pastime. A team of four players, called hunters, is pitted up against a single monster, with each hunter assigned their own class. Of course, with four players taking on one, there is a unique catch – hence the game's title. Monsters start out at a basic level then evolve over time by killing and consuming wildlife in nearby areas. Evolve cost $40 before, so rest assured you'll get access to a game with a triple-A quality, even if much of the content is locked behind a paywall. Nevertheless, you can give it a shot for yourself for the nominal cost of $0 on Steam. Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks 24. The Elder Scrolls II: DaggerfallWhile we sit, anxiously awaiting news on The Elder Scrolls VI, you should take the time to give the classic The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall a try. This 1990s RPG is a precursor to those iconic RPGs, and is a bit of a classic in its own right. Its game world is many times the size of any of its sequels – indeed it’s the size of a continent, and is absolutely packed with atmosphere. It might look a little rough around the edges by today’s standards, but it’s worth exploring if you’re an Elder Scrolls fan. It's available direct from Bethesda. The publisher started offering it for free to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the game. As if we didn't feel old enough already. 25. Starcraft IIOne of the biggest games to ever hit the PC/Mac landscape is Starcraft II, a competitive real-time strategy game whose Wings of Liberty installment is just one of three parts of the campaign. At one time, it was massive in South Korea, but the scene fizzled out a bit when MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 hit the scene. Maybe that’s why Blizzard decided to convert Starcraft II to the free-to-play business model. As a result of its gripping strategy game mechanics, combined with creatively designed environments and an engrossing narrative that can only a video game can tell, Starcraft II is one of the most widely enjoyed eSports in the entire world, not to mention one of the best free games. Of course, being a Blizzard game, you’ll need a Battle.net account to enjoy it. Other than that, both the campaign and the multiplayer are free to enjoy. Only certain characters require your prized coin. Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks 26. Wolfenstein 3DInterested in knowing what Wolfenstein was before The New Order? Wolfenstein 3D is now free, and will transport you to the year 1992 when celebrity game developers John Carmack and John Romero teamed up to make a shareware game like nothing before it. Wolfenstein 3D took concepts from Muse Software's Castle Wolfenstein and Beyond Castle Wolfenstein to create a three-dimensional first-person shooter that would later inspire the development of Doom. Keep in mind while playing that while Wolfenstein 3D was impressive for its time, it's probably not what you would expect from a first-person shooter of today's standards. Nonetheless, it's an easy and free way to experience game history in an old-school World War II game rich with narrative about, well, shooting Nazis in the face. Don't expect to be blown away by the story in the same way as the Wolfenstein franchise's more recent entries, however. 27. Team Fortress 2It may be an old vet in gaming terms, but nothing offers such crazy fun as Team Fortress 2. Unlike most shooters of its age, players in this game are still there to have a good time instead of hurling insults at newcomers, and there's no shortage of cool toys to have fun with. Endlessly silly and incredibly fresh, it's still one of the shooter genre's kings, free-to-play or not. Of course, it only makes sense for it to be on our best free games list. As you might guess, there are some micro-transactions involved. You can buy additional items, often used to customize your character. You can even create your own. It's fun, and gets you even more involved in TF2. Those cheeky devils at Valve obviously know what they're doing. Image Credit: Konami 28. Yu-Gi-Oh Duel LinksIf you grew up in the ‘90s, you have plenty of memories of playing Yu-Gi-Oh, and maybe even watching the anime. Well, what if we told you that an injection of nostalgia is waiting in Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, and it’s free to boot? In Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, you won’t just be able to play the titular card game competitively online. You’ll also get to play against AI opponents voiced by actors from the anime. There are plenty of microtransactions here – you can buy new cards – but it’s a CCG in 2019, so there’s no real way around that. Be prepared to spend some cash. 29. Magic DuelsMagic: The Gathering is fun, but what if you could play it from the comfort of your PC? It’s definitely possible, thanks to Magic Duels. Whether this is your first time or a 20-year vet, Duels will let you do everything the card game does and more. While over 300 new cards are advertised as being accessible throughout the game, there’s also a unique story mode where you can experience Magic like never before. If narrative in your card games isn't your cup of tea, there's also a Battle Mode in which you can challenge your friends, a four-player Two-Headed Giant battle and even an offline solo mode you can use to practice against AI. Image Credit: Daybreak Game Company 30. DC Universe OnlineThough it's yet another free-to-play MMO on this list, DC Universe Online takes characters like Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and more into a massive (and shared) public world. Choose whether you want to be a member of the Hero or Villain faction, then personalize your character. Soon, you'll be sent out into the world of DC Universe Online at the hands of Daybreak Game Company. After some initial training, the game assigns you a position as either a member of the Justice League or The Society, depending on your choice of hero or villain. Unlike other MMOs on this list and outside it, DC Universe Online is meant to be much more interactive while also retaining traditional MMORPG elements such as leveling, raiding, inventories and post-game progression. It's also not hard to avoid using real-world currency too, which is why it has our best free games vote. 31. PaladinsIt’s not hard to see why Paladins catches a lot of flack for its similarities to Overwatch. At the same time, the team-based shooter is also distinctly different from that of Blizzard’s. Abilities are upgraded based on a collectible card system, and can completely change the way each character plays. What’s more, unlike Overwatch, Paladins is completely free-to-play. While cosmetic items are available to buy using real-world currency, everything else can be unlocked simply by playing the game. For instance, you’ll start Paladins with a single deck of basic cards, and from there, unlock more dramatically impactful decks. Regardless of how you choose to play Paladins, you’ll get XP as you play. As long as you’re completing the daily quests and achievements featured in the game, you’ll be compensated with Radiant Chests and Gold. These can be used to purchase more cards, costumes and weapon skins to make your characters more unique and skillful on the battlefield. Image Credit: Konami 32. Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 LiteYou might be familiar with Fifa already, but Pro Evolution Soccer – or PES – is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all-time, not to mention one of the best free games. It doesn’t have all the flair (or licensing) of its EA Sports rival, but some would argue that it’s the better soccer game series, not to mention one of the better sports series overall. PES 2018, in particular, is only a slight improvement over its predecessor, but it does introduce better dribbling and makes an effort to perfect the fan-favorite Master League mode. The ‘Lite’ version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 gives you access to the Online myClub and PES League Mode in addition to the Offline Exhibition Match and Training Mode, entirely for free. There are in-app purchases along the way, and you can always upgrade to the full version later should this one not satisfy. 33. SpelunkyYou can now get Spelunky on a plethora of platforms – it's pretty high-profile for an indie title. However, it started its life PC-exclusive, and its original 'non HD' Classic version is still available for free today. The catch is that every time you play, the entire game is randomized to keep things exciting. In one game, you'll stumble through screen after screen of spiked horrors and swarming monsters; in the next, the software will bend over backwards to give you gold and help you on your way. You learn how each randomized world ticks and which piece of equipment will give you a fighting chance. And then you'll die some more. And scream. And restart. Again. Is this one of the best free games that has graced our screens, or what? Image Credit: Perfect World 34. NeverwinterAs a free MMO, Neverwinter sets the bar high for itself as it's based on perhaps the most iconic role-playing game of all-time, Dungeons & Dragons. Like everything else in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, the game takes place in the Forgotten Realms, specifically, as the name suggests, in Neverwinter. Featuring eight character classes with groups of up to five players supported, Neverwinter is based on the fourth-edition rules of Dungeons & Dragons. However, the rules are slightly different, letting players heal their allies in addition to allowing for the use of special abilities in combat after racking up enough action points. 35. Doki Doki Literature ClubAn ostensibly charming visual novel on the surface, Doki Doki Literature Club is a game that’s best experienced blindly. It comes from Dan Salvato, a game developer best known for his work in the Super Smash Bros. Melee modding community, who says he developed Doki Doki Literature Club because of his indifference towards anime. Ironic considering the main character in Doki Doki Literature Club is obsessed with anime and manga, and has minimal experience with the writings of more prestigious authors. As engrossing as the trio of female supporting characters appear to be in Doki Doki Literature Club, we would advise against getting too attached to them. Without spoiling the story, the first thing you see when you boot up Doki Doki Literature Club is a content warning, suggesting that those with severe anxiety refrain from playing altogether. It’s not entirely unwarranted, as you’re bound to learn the hard way that Doki Doki Literature Club is more horror than generic fan service. Image Credit: Grey Havens 36. Puzzle Pirates: Dark SeasFor nearly 15 years now, Puzzle Pirates has been a household name for kids with unrestricted access to the computer labs at school. It’s a massive, totally free-to-play multiplayer online role-playing game – among the best free games, in fact – originally created by the Sega-owned Three Rings Design. The goal is to join a crew and ideally become a captain, by completing puzzles alongside other players. Puzzle Pirates: Dark Seas, on the other hand, is the Steam-exclusive version of Puzzle Pirates that brings in an entirely new ocean known as Obsidian. Dark Seas introduces factions and player-versus-player (PvP) combat in a way new to the Steam release of Puzzle Pirates. It also comes from a different developer, a nonprofit called Grey Havens, which was founded by several former members of Three Rings Design. Before the advent of Dark Seas, you could only get the multiplayer portion of Puzzle Pirates on Steam. Now, the single-player mode can be downloaded and installed from Valve’s client as well. 37. Phantom DustIts development cycle was a disaster, but in the end, the Phantom Dust remaster still prevailed. A new IP in the form of a Japanese budget card game for the original Xbox, it seemed too good to be true when Microsoft revealed back at E3 2014 that a complete remake was in the works… and, as it turns out, it was. The remake was canned in 2016, but Microsoft still wanted to revive the cult classic one-off. As it turns out, the company did so with a remaster, not a remake. Luckily, the new version of Phantom Dust for Windows 10 (and Xbox One, for console-goers) is free to play unless you opt to purchase some of the in-game “multiplayer cards”. Image Credit: Bay 12 Games 38. Dwarf FortressInspiring the creation of Minecraft was no small feat for 2D sandbox game Dwarf Fortress. Dubbed a construction and management simulator, Dwarf Fortress takes simple text-based graphics into a relatively more modern, 2006 piece of software. It’s often considered a cult classic because of its open-ended nature, and serves as one of the most iconic examples of a procedurally generated roguelike. This means Dwarf Fortress both randomizes its environments and makes the game's permadeath system a much more difficult problem to avoid. This led to the unofficial slogan for the game "Losing is fun," which was either ironic or an accurate description of what happens in the game. Tough to say either way. One thing's for sure. If you want to experience an important part of games history, Dwarf Fortress is a solid start. It was even exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City back in 2013. Can't say that for a lot of free-to-play games, making this one of the best free games on offer in 2019. 39. Fable FortuneAfter a troubled development cycle, Fable Fortune is the collectible card game that you probably thought would never see the light of day. Either that, or you’ve never even heard of it. We can’t blame you. The team behind the Fable franchise – the illustrious group of individuals at Lionhead Studios –closed their doors two years ago. In the time following Lionhead’s closure, its parent company, Microsoft, licensed off Fable Fortune to a group of former Lionhead developers at a new company called Flaming Fowl Studios. It was there that Fable Fortune found private funding despite a failed Kickstarter campaign. The end result is a fairly competitive card game that’s completely free to play. Skeptics will be quick to compare Fable Fortune to Hearthstone. But other than the fact that they both make our best free games list, the two games differ drastically due to Fable Fortune’s more complex set of hero powers, less randomness and a morality system that rewards a grasp of its ‘good’ and ‘evil’ points. Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks 40. Fallout ShelterIf you prefer the property management systems of Fallout 4 rather than the overwhelming majority of the role-playing game's content, Fallout Shelter is a great place to start. Up until recently, the simulation game was limited to mobile platforms Android and iOS. However, with the introduction of Quests in version 1.6 of Fallout Shelter, Bethesda Softworks also decided to port the game to PC by way of the Bethesda.net client. All in all, Fallout Shelter doesn't feel much different on PC, and that's undoubtedly a good thing. Mouse controls work well in lieu of a touchscreen, graphics look good even for low-end hardware and with windowed mode enabled by default, it's easy to find yourself caring after your vault residents during your downtime at work. With an indisputably manageable price point (free), albeit with micro-purchases on hand, Fallout Shelter could very well become the next Solitaire in your office or at school. 41. BrawlhallaHave you been missing out on the action, just watching all your friends play Super Smash Bros Ultimate because you don’t have a Nintendo Switch? Well, with this game, you’re in luck. Brawlhalla is a 2-8 player 2D brawler that draws very heavy inspiration from Nintendo’s classic franchise. And, it pulls it off. It’s an extraordinarily fun way to pass a few hours. With an esports league, you can rest assured you’ll always have people to test your skills against. It’s may not quite be the same as playing some Smash on a friend’s couch, but it’s close enough to be worth your time. And that’s why Brawlhalla makes it to our list of best free games. Image Credit: 2K Games 42. BattlebornCEO and president of Gearbox Software Randy Pitchford will tell you differently, but Battleborn is free-to-play. Officially classified as a “free trial” on Steam, there isn’t much to differentiate this hero shooter from other free-to-play games on the market. You can play for as long as you want using six of the game’s 30 characters, rotated weekly to shake things up. Battleborn originally hit the market in May 2016, the same month as Overwatch. The main difference is that Battleborn is influenced by MOBA games. Overwatch, on the other hand, is a more traditional PvP shooter with an eccentric cast of characters. Battleborn also has a single-player campaign, which can be unlocked using real-world currency. 43. The Elder Scrolls: LegendsThere looks to be a never-ending arms race developers are in right now to put out the next Hearthstone. That is, a wildly popular collectible card game (CCG) that’s “easy to learn but challenging to master.” Those are the words, verbatim, publisher Bethesda Softworks is using to describe The Elder Scrolls: Legends. A CCG that draws inspiration from the lore of the company’s beloved RPG franchise, The Elder Scrolls: Legends separates itself from the likes of competing virtual card games such as Hearthstone and The Witcher 3’s Gwent by enacting a two-lane system that keeps players on their toes when it comes to devising strategies. And, if you’re simply craving more Skyrim, you’ll be happy to know that the Heroes of Skyrim expansion for The Elder Scrolls: Legends packs in 150 additional cards, some of which are familiar faces like Aela the Huntress, J’Zargo and Delphine. It’s no doubt this one’s earned its spot on our best free games list. Image Credit: Freejam 44. RobocraftWhether you loved or hated World of Tanks, you’ll be pleased to know that Robocraft, a worthy addition to our list of best free games, is what you get when you take conventional vehicle combat and twist it into something completely new. From independent developer and publisher Freejam, Robocraft lets you commandeer jet cars (not jets and cars, but jet cars), tanks, flying warships, helicopters and drones. In doing so, you’ll spend most of your time engaging in combat with other players online. Like a vehicle-based Fortnite, you’ll also experiment with different combinations of 250 preset blocks using a simple crafting interface, allowing you to equip the vehicle of your choosing with the weapons of your choosing as well. Likewise, Robocraft lets you create or join clans with up to 50 members. Within those clans, you can invite friends to ‘parties’ and play cooperatively in an effort to take down other teams. Once everything is said and done, and you’re satisfied with your creations, you can showcase them at the virtualized Community Robot Factory in exchange for likes and shares. 45. Total War Battles: KingdomReal-time Strategy (RTS) games don't come much grander than those in the Total War series, and the latest entrant, Battles KINGDOM, is free-to-play. Available to play on iOS and Android, as well as PC, you can pick up where you left off when you're away from your main battle station. Total War Battles: Kingdom is set at the turn of the 10th Century and integrates army management with kingdom building to deliver a bite-sized RTS game you can dive into and play anywhere, anytime. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Apple AirPods sale: the 2019 earbuds get a rare price cut at Amazon Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:15 AM PDT If you've had your eye on the latest model Apple AirPods, then you've come to the right place. Amazon has the best-selling wireless earbuds on sale for $144.99. That's a $14 discount and the best price we've found for the best-selling AirPods. If you're in the UK, you can also get the Apple AirPods on sale at Amazon for £155.47. Apple AirPods deals:Amazon also has the latest model AirPods with the Wireless Charging Case on sale. The case can be charged wirelessly either using a Qi-compatible charging mat or using the Lightning connector. See more Apple AirPod deals with the cheapest AirPod prices, sales and deals that are currently going on. Interested in other wireless headphones? We also have the best cheap wireless headphone deals and sales. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best SSL certificate services to buy from in 2019: Get the cheapest price today Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:14 AM PDT In the middle ages, the Knights Templar established the key processes for the modern system of notary services, banking, loans, and mortgages that we have today. During that era, Knights carried with them documentation that proved their identity, created by a notary, often embossed with official wax seals. The importance of these documents was enhanced by a Papal declaration in 1139 that allowed the Knights Templar to pass freely through any border, pay no taxes, and be granted total freedom from every authority other than the Vatican. Without the documents created by a notary, anyone could impersonate a Knight, and avoid the laws that applied to ordinary citizens throughout the rest of Europe. And when it comes to the worldwide web today, we can draw a parallel with a similar document of authority: the SSL certificate. SSL Certification (or TLS to be more accurate) is a means to verify the source of web pages, domains, and open the door to information exchanges and electronic financial transactions. But how do you pick a good SSL provider? Simple – read on and find out. First of all, we’ve got a list of 10 of our favored SSL certificate providers, although everyone’s needs vary, so following our list, we will engage in an in-depth discussion of all the criteria you should consider when picking the right company for you.
Below are the best SSL certificate providers of 2019 :Comodo SSL As a highly affordable provider of SSL services, Comodo SSL has made some significant headway in the past few years. Much of that success has been the result of very aggressive pricing, with a DV level ‘Positive SSL’ Certification costing just $7.27 (£5.5) currently for four-year coverage. A ‘Premium’ SSL solution only costs $56.06 (£42.4) for four years. That package includes a fully validated certificate, 256-bit encryption and a $250,000 (£189,000) relying party warranty. ___________________________________________________________________________________ DigiCert Having operated independently for some years, in 2017, DigiCert has completed an acquisition of Symantec’s website security and related PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) solutions. The motivation for this buyout was that Symantec managed to convince 90% of Fortune 500 companies to pay for the Norton Secured Seal. These are now DigiCert’s customers, and the company has implemented a plan to transition those using Symantec products on to DigiCert when appropriate. The starting price for an SSL Certificate is $218 (£172) per year, although you might be able to better that with a two-year deal. A wildcard option, covering unlimited servers and a complete multi-level domain, is $688 (£541) – an enticing prospect. Entrust Datacard Based in the US, Entrust has been in business since 1994 and has garnered a reputation as a well-oiled machine for generating certification quickly and smoothly. Entrust was built around a wide selection of security products: ID card printers, authentication systems, credit card printers and a PKI are all among its product lines. With so much invested in secure systems, SSL certificates are considered one of its strongest offerings. Customers especially like the ability to manage numerous certificates across multiple domains from a management console. Prices start at $174 (£130) per year for its Standard SSL single site product, climbing to $609 (£450) for a Wildcard SSL covering unlimited servers and subdomains. From what we’ve seen, most customers seem delighted with the service at all levels, seemingly justifying the extra cost over cheaper options. GeoTrust GeoTrust was once owned by VeriSign and then Symantec, and due to the sale of the latter operation, it might also be part of DigiCert by now. The business covers three main areas: SSL certificates, Signing Services and SSL for enterprise services. Those looking for SSL certification will find that GeoTrust offers a comprehensive selection starting with domain-level and progressing up to its True BusinessID with EV level certification. Pricing is more competitive at the higher end, so those wanting a single site certificate might want to avoid GeoTrust, but those needing EV or OV level products should take a look. Enterprise solutions specifically tailored to government organizations, healthcare businesses and financial institutions are part of the GeoTrust range. Be prepared for identity checks to take longer than others, but the thoroughness of these checks has enhanced GeoTrust’s status. GlobalSign Where some operations have a wide client base, GlobalSign is very focused on enterprise customers, especially those who are looking to deploy highly scalable PKI solutions. By taking this route, an enterprise customer can have all the rules, policies, and procedures for using SSL certificates, and their subsequent creation, distribution and revocation are all handled for them. But if you only want SSL certificates, GlobalSign can do that too. Having the level of support and organization that GlobalSign delivers doesn’t come cheap, and even for a single site with only DV level certification, prices start at $249 (£189). For those wanting the full EV certification, expect to pay $599 (£455) per year for a single site. GoDaddy GoDaddy might be better known for its web hosting plans, but it’s also a big provider of SSL services. Instead of offering DV, OV and EV certification at different prices, they all cost the same relatively low price. The pricing structure is instead based on a single site, multiple sites, or a domain with full subdomain cover. Currently a single site, (DV, OV or EV level) costs $79.99 (£63.5) per year, and the all level domain solution is only $369.99 (£294) per year. The return on that investment is the best SHA2 and 2048-bit encryption, and the trust seal provided by McAfee Secure. One quirk of GoDaddy’s offering is that while the fresh installation is relatively cheap, renewal can be more expensive. If you can be organized enough to do fresh installs each year, you can save yourself a little money over simply renewing. Network Solutions In some respects Network Solutions is a little like GoDaddy, in that they both offer a wide range of web-related services, like domain names and e-commerce solutions, and SSL certification isn’t their sole focus. What might attract customers is this firm’s pricing, with a base cost that starts at $59.99 (£45.5) with a 2-year term for a single site, rising to $403 (£309) for an EV level certificate that should be issued within five working days. The weakness of this offering would seem to be the support team, which has been described in less than glowing terms by some customers. So given that, if you understand the details of installing certificates, then this might be for you, but anyone wanting extensive technical support may want to look elsewhere. RapidSSL RapidSSL is owned by GeoTrust, another SSL provider we’ve already mentioned in this list. The business logic behind this is that whereas GeoTrust focuses on corporate giants, RapidSSL targets smaller businesses that are more cost-sensitive. For just $17.95 (£13.6) per year, RapidSSL will provide a single domain certificate with 128/256-bit encryption with a browser recognition that exceeds 99%. A wildcard certificate that covers unlimited subdomains is $149 (£113) per year, plus it includes a $10,000 (£7,500) warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Free support is provided 24/7 by web and email, and installation tools are part of the package at no extra cost. And, even at this low price, the service is built on the same GeoTrust global infrastructure as the corporate customers benefit from. SSL.com If the most important metric of this sector is customer approval, then SSL.com is delivering the type of SSL service that wins friends and returning customers. Part of that equation is strong customer services and support teams, and the other element is competitive pricing which values those willing to commit for longer periods than a year. A single domain level certificate starts at $49 (£36) per year but can be as low as $36.75 (£28) per annum if bought for five years. If you’re a smaller business looking for certification, SSL.com might be a good place to start. Thawte The company is hardly a household name, but Thawte has managed to corral more than 40% of the global market for SSL certificates. So far it has issued nearly a billion certificates in 240 countries worldwide. What’s helped the firm establish this position is the strength of its offerings, and selling points include impressive browser compatibility, excellent certificate management tools, and up to 256-bit encryption. For those who need EV level certification, the price is $179 (yearly plan), and that comes with a promise to complete the background checks in one to three days maximum. The success that Thawte has had seems well grounded in a strong combination of customer satisfaction and affordable pricing. Understanding SSLThe mechanism of SSL certification has two important functions: authentication and encryption. As a means to authorize a connection, the SSL certificate holds information about the business, website or person you are connecting to, and is also a means to verify that identity through a third-party. If you wish to see this in action, look at the URL of this web page in the address bar of your browser, and alongside the text, just on the left, you should see a small green padlock that identifies that this is a secure SSL-certificated site. Clicking on the padlock will tell you that the connection is secure and allow you to reveal what information the certificate has. That will include the users of the certificate, and the SSL provider that bestowed authorization. In addition to authority and verification, the SSL certificate also includes a means to encrypt traffic between the user’s computer and the website. Without this encryption, sensitive information like passwords could potentially be compromised by a nefarious party intercepting the data traffic flowing between the client computer and the web server. The security of this system is underpinned by another independent third-party, the trusted Certificate Authority (CA), which issues the SSL certificate under strict guidelines. Very much mirroring the phrase ‘my word is my bond’, the support of a CA with an SSL certificate is a declaration of trust in a person, company or website. And the CA is in turn verified by a Root certificate holder, proving that they are trusted to issue certificates and revoke them where necessary. Should these trusted relationships fail, the SSL certificates become invalid. In that case, anyone visiting a location covered by one such certificate would immediately be warned that it has no valid SSL certificate, and that their connection may no longer be secure. As you can imagine, the impact that a revoked certificate would have on a live business would be very serious. So it’s vital that you get your SSL certificate from the right source, backed by the most respected CA. Having inherent trust where identity is concerned is necessary, but having the right level of certification for the business is also very important. Special relationshipsWhen people talk about SSL certificates, it is easy to assume that they’re all the same. But depending on who authorized them and how diligent the background checks were, they come with different levels of validation. Here are the four levels of validation most commonly used:
While self-signed and domain level certificates have their uses, it’s the OV and EV levels that businesses truly need. Because they prove that a company has domain ownership, a genuine business, and that the certificate was applied for by authorized personnel. As it’s reasonable to expect, checks of this type take time. Therefore, applying for and being granted an authenticated SSL certificate is not something that can happen five minutes before a new web venture is about to go live. The other element that separates one SSL certificate from another is the level of encryption that it applies, and exactly how secure that makes it. EncryptionThe model for SSL certificates allows for them to use 128 or 256-bit encryption, should the client’s browser support it. Calculations show that it would take a supercomputer 13.75 billion years to test every permutation of a 128-bit encrypted code. And, for good measure, the initial handshake is performed using an ultra-secure 2048-bit RSA key. Once past that awkward first date, SSL communication is usually continued with 128, 192 or 256-bit, as without quantum computers these are practically uncrackable, and they put less stress on the computers encrypting and decrypting at either end. Most providers are offering 256-bit encryption these days, but that’s only valid when the web server, client computer operating system and browser can all operate at that encryption level. Old operating systems and browsers can force encryption levels to 40 or 56-bit, even if the certificate they’re accessing is capable of 256-bit. While you can’t entirely control the client end, the minimum requirement for encryption should be 256-bit at the server end, period. What makes a good SSL purchase?There is a temptation to make choices entirely based on cost, especially if you have lots of sites to cover or a dynamic business environment. The following factors should play a part in picking the right issuance operation for you:
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| Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:12 AM PDT Steam is simply the best place to hunt for new PC games, if you're looking to get into the very best PC games. That's because the platform touts more than 23,000 titles (and counting). It’s more than just availability however. One of the biggest advantages that Steam has is that when you buy a game, you can install it as many times as you like on as many devices as you own. You’ll have access to automatic updates as well, so you won’t need to do the extra work of re-downloading and rechecking to see if everything’s updated. The only problem is that there’s way too much choice on Steam these days. There are definitely worse problems to have, but it does mean that you can get lost in Steam’s endless labyrinth of games and become tempted by its very frequent sales. And, before you know it, you’ll end up with a stack of games you’ll probably never get around to playing or finishing. Fortunately for you, we here at TechRadar have got your back. We’ve gathered what we think are the best Steam games, from recent releases to golden oldies. We update this list regularly, so be sure to come back soon for more suggestions. Image credit: Lo-Fi Games KenshiSome of the best steam games are those that couldn’t really exist anywhere else. Complicated RPGs and strategy games need the unique features of a gaming PC to thrive, and Kenshi is a perfect example. Taking inspiration from the old Mount & Blade games, Kenshi is a sandbox, squad-based RPG where you’re in charge of your own story. You’re dropped in the middle of a massive world – think Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall huge – and you’re not limited by any of the gameplay systems. You can simply build a home for yourself, or set off on an epic adventure. You’re going to get hours upon hours upon hours of gameplay out of Kenshi, because the world is the game, not just its setting. Image credit: Annapurna Interactive What Remains of Edith FinchThis indie smash arrived on the scene in 2017, but since it’s won a 'best game' BAFTA award, it’s time to give it another plug. What Remains of Edith Finch, one of the first best steam games on our list, is a narrative-led adventure in which you walk, first-person style, around as Edith Finch, exploring the house in which you grew up. You look over the preserved relics of dead family members and are sucked into vignettes that tell the stories of how various Finches died. We get it, it sounds grim. However, its charming style and magical realism make What Remains of Edith Finch involving and touching rather than depressing. It plays out a little like an interactive movie. You can’t fail as such, aside from getting lost, and the entire experience lasts 2-3 hours rather than 20. Don’t buy this if you’re going to feel short-changed by its length, but if you’ve played and loved Firewatch, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture or Gone Home, you’ll definitely enjoy What Remains of Edith Finch. Image credit: Bandai Namco Entertainment Ni No Kuni II: Revenant KingdonThough the first Ni No Kuni game was a collaboration with Japanese animation masters Studio Ghibli, Ni No Kuni II is not. However, it does hold onto the same charming art style. It also switches up the fighting mechanics. As opposed to training up avatars to fight for you, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom has a fun real-time battle system. You command three fighters with fast, slow and magic attacks, and the ability to dodge. And, the sequel is a bit more action-packed than the first one. It’s not all about action, though. While Ni No Kuni II is an action-adventure RPG, you also build up a kingdom, which plays a role in earning bonuses for your characters. This part is surprisingly addicting. The story is more conventional than that of the first game, which might be down to Studio Ghibli’s limited involvement. However, there’s plenty of fantasy fuel, and it’s more immersive than your average game, deservedly earning it a spot among the best steam games. Image credit: Subset Games Into the BreachNot every top Steam game is an epic open world title that will set you back $60 on PS4 and Xbox One. Into the Breach is an elegant sci-fi strategy blast that you can play on your lunch break at work. It is made by the team behind Faster than Light, still one of our favourite PC games of the last decade. And for the handheld gaming veterans out there, there are shades of Advance Wars to it too. Earth has been invaded – and almost taken over – by aliens. In Into the Breach, you control groups of mechs sent from the future to reverse this fate. That may sound like a mind-bending premise, but it actually proves that the plot doesn’t matter too much here. We know Earth will come out tops, it’s just a matter of how. Each encounter takes in an 8x8 block grid, your battlefield. Play unfolds in turns, and your mechs have to stop aliens from destroying too many of the field’s buildings and outposts. It has the tactical purity of chess. As you play, you can upgrade your mechs to improve your chances. Like FTL, Into the Breach is moreish, smart and deceptively deep. Image credit: Paradox Interactive Surviving MarsSome screenshots make Surviving Mars look like The Sims: Red Planet edition. However, this best steam game actually is closer to Sim City meets The Martian. You build an outpost on a barren patch of Mars, and have to keep it running to avoid your colonists from dying on the planet’s harsh surface. And, it’s harder than it sounds. That is, while mismanaging resources in Sim City or Civilization may make your inhabitants angry or lower your income, in Surviving Mars it can cause a chain reaction that sees life support systems fail. You’ll hear “a colonist has died”, and be left scrambling to fix the problem before other inhabitants start dying like bubbles popping as they touch the ground. Surviving Mars’s interface leaves something to be desired, but its survivalist approach to “city” building is compelling. Image credit: Square Enix Final Fantasy XVAfter the massively-multiplayer Final Fantasy XIV, Square Enix finally got back to their series’s single player roots with Final Fantasy XV. It came to PS4 in late 2016, but was only ported to PC in March 2018. However, you do get all the DLC released on the consoles and, if your PC is beefy enough, you’ll experience better frame rates. Final Fantasy XV is slightly different to the FF games of old. You travel around an open world, often by car, packed with Americana-style buildings, all your companions are human and the combat plays out in real time, not as turns. Still, you can tell this is a Final Fantasy game just by catching a 15-second clip of it in action. Image credit: No More Robots New Indie Notable: DescendersThe PC tends to get associated with the kind of games that sit you down – for hours on end until your eyes are red and part of you start to regret your life choices. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With Descenders, you can play in quick blasts. If you can drag yourself away from its moreish-ness, anyway. You’re a downhill free rider who has to get down procedurally generated courses with as much style as possible, preferably using a gamepad. It might remind you of the heyday of Tony Hawk games, or snowboard console classic SSX. The use of generated “tracks” means you can’t master courses, but it’s the mastery of the bike’s physics you’re shooting for anyway. A career mode pits you against a series of courses in the same style of environment, each with objectives. Finish the “boss course,” and you unlock a new terrain. But you have limited lives for the whole run. A mix of mobile game style and unforgiving old-school progression mechanics gives Descenders a fresh feel, just one of the many reasons why it’s made our best steam game list. Image credit: SCS Software American Truck SimulatorNot every game has to be about destroying aliens or gunning down unnamed soldiers, and American Truck Simulator, one of the best steam games to play right now, feels like mindfulness meditation in comparison. You drive a big 18 wheeler-style truck over the long highways of the US, delivering cargo from A to B. Breaking the traffic codes doesn’t end in a GTA-style police chase, just a fine. This is the sort of game you can put on like cosy slippers after a long day at work. Yet there’s also a business side to it. You start as a lowly contractor, but can earn enough money to build your own shipping empire. Image credit: Paradox Interactive Pillars of EternityPC gamers who have been playing since the ‘90s might remember all the fuss made about the Baldur’s Gate titles. Some of their biggest fans will get teary-eyed reminiscing about the memories of their favorite side characters. Isometric role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate don’t cut it in the AAA world anymore. However, Pillars of Eternity brings back the essence of those games for the Steam crowd. This is a difficult, slightly retro-flavoured RPG where you control a band of classic fantasy-style adventurers. It’s made by Obsidian, the team behind Fallout: New Vegas. Pillars of Eternity II is on the horizon too. If you like your RPGs fantasy-themed, also consider Torment: Tides of Numenera. Image credit: Almost Human Legend of Grimrock IIAnother throwback to a style of game that has mostly disappeared, Legend of Grimrock 2 is a dungeon crawler where you move in blocks, instead of freely. Why would you want that? It changes your relationship with the environment, making it feel more like an intricate puzzle rather than just an open world a texture artist had been let loose on. There are an awful lot of actual puzzles involved here too, in-between the bouts of classic "Dungeons & Dragons" style combat encounters. Plus, as retro as the play style is, Legend of Grimrock 2 looks fantastic, with many outdoors areas to prevent you from getting bogged down in dimly-lit dungeons. Image credit: PUBG Corporation PlayerUnknown's BattlegroundsWhen it comes to in-vogue games, few titles continue to capture the zeitgeist (and fill it full of bullet holes) the way PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds does. It may have one of the worst acronyms ever, but that hasn’t stopped PUBG from putting the ‘battle royale’ subgenre on the map and making itself into a phenomenon. Sure, there’s a lot of hype still surrounding it, but the game behind all the coverage and Twitch fascination is still one of the most addictive on Steam, not to mention one of the best steam games this 2019. That simple premise – parachute into a map with no gear, scavenge for weapons and armour, and fight for survival with a single life in a continually shrinking map – is still gripping, even if it has a few too many bugs. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or braving its maps by your lonesome, PUBG remains one of the most fun shooters on the market right now. Image credit: Deep Silver Kingdom Come: DeliveranceOne of the most recent releases on our best Steam games list, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers an experience that’s both comfortingly familiar and deeply alien. Set in a fictional Medieval Europe, it’s a first-person RPG where dialogue choices mold your world as much as your ability to problem solve and your skills in melee combat. It’s a game of incredible freedom, enabling you to carve a path through the Dark Ages however you see fit. You might get off your face on schnapps and get in a fight with the town drunk. You may start filling your pockets with the gold of unsuspecting townsfolk, Thief-style, or stain your blade with blood in the battlefield. Part Elder Scrolls, part Dark Souls, part something else entirely, it’s an action-RPG that punishes as much as it empowers. It also runs best on PC (with the right specs, obviously) so get it on the download pronto. Image credit: Ubisoft Rainbow Six: SiegeWho knew, way back in 2015, that a Tom Clancy game would become one of the industry’s biggest success stories. But here we are, four years later, with a game that boasts over 25 million registered players and its third year of consecutive content updates as well as premium bells and whistles. Rainbow Six: Siege is one of those success stories that keeps on succeeding, and for one very important yet simple reason: it’s fun as hell to play. Paring back the Rainbow Six formula to its roots - two teams fight in the same map, one protecting an objective while the other attacking and fighting their way in - no two matches in Siege are ever the same. You’ll be barricading doors, breaching through walls, blasting through ceilings and building an operator that’s attuned to your playstyle. It might not be groundbreaking, but add in the limited time Outbreak mode (think Siege plus zombies), and you’ve got one of Steam’s most complete packages. Image credit: Matt Makes Games CelesteFrom the indie team that gave us TowerFall and TowerFall Ascension comes one of the most rewarding pixel platformers in years. As you climb the titular mountain, flame-haired heroine Madeline will battle her innermost demons as much as the harsh and dangerous conditions around her. In its simplest form, Celeste is a tight, 2D, twitch-style platformer, but in reality it’s one of the most memorable games we’ve come across in many years. As poignant in narrative as it is unforgiving in gameplay, Celeste has over 700 ‘scenes’ to traverse, countless secrets to uncover and a story that will grip you as much as the muscle-memory building formula of its platforming. For a game built around the simple mechanics of jump, air-dash and climb, there’s an incredible amount of depth to be found as you claw your way to the summit in more ways than one, which is why it deserves a spot on our best steam games list. Image credit: Larian Studios Divinity: Original Sin 2When Divinity: Original Sin 2 arrived in 2017, it had quite the legacy to live up to, that of its predecessor, which just so happened to be one of the most accomplished RPGs of all time. Then what does developer Larian Studios do? It only goes and follows it up with one of the most important additions to the genre in years. Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an enchanting fantasy world with a deep and complicated combat model and one of the most gripping stories you’ll experience outside of a 1,000 page tome. The big selling point, and the main ingredient of Divinity: Original Sin 2’s secret sauce, is the complexity of its combat. You control a party of characters alongside your own custom avatar, and utilize each one individually in battle. With countless skills and attributes to mix and match, the breadth of tactics available makes this an imposing yet deeply rewarding way to test your RPG abilities. Image credit: Paradox Interactive StellarisThe grand and operatic strategy genre has produced some true classics on PC, experiences that consoles have consistently failed to replicate. From Crusader Kings to Europa Universalis, these are games with bucket loads of tactics and guile. Well, it just so happens the developer of those very games has taken that deeply immersive concept and transported it to the dark ocean of space. Enter Stellaris, an evolution of the genre that takes the space exploration of EVE Online and Mass Effect and hits the hyperdrive button. You’ll travel through myriad procedural galaxies, filled with thousands of planets and countless alien species, each one possessing unique traits, economies and social strata. Whether it’s the power (and consistent balancing act) of interstellar diplomacy or the deep customisation of starship designs, there’s a wealth of sci-fi lore and mechanics to delve into with Stellaris. Image credit: Valve Corporation Dota 2By far one of the oldest games on the list - well, that is if you consider 2013 old - Valve’s MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena), Dota 2, is still one of the most addictive titles on Steam. It’s also the only game on this list that’s free-to-play, so you don’t even need to have a healthy bank balance to enjoy its addictive battles. Valve has been consistently updating and overhauling the game since launch, making it one of the most evolved MOBAs on the market. If you’ve never played it before, it’s a simple yet intoxicating setup: two teams of five players face off in a large map. Each one is defending a base with an ‘Ancient’ inside that must be protected at all costs. Find your opponent’s base and raze it to the ground to win. Expect to experience brilliant hero v hero showdowns, brutal ambushes, tactical plays and nonstop action. Image credit: StudioMDHR CupheadRun and gun platformers have carved a niche out for themselves on mobile, but they’re few and far between on PC. Thankfully, this one was built to be a Microsoft exclusive with Xbox One in mind and the result is one of the most unique gaming experiences you’ll ever come across. Designed to capture the look and atmosphere of 1930s cartoons, Cuphead places you in the shoes of the titular hero and tasks you with battling across three distinct worlds and bosses that will capture your imagination with their ingenuity that crush your resolve with their difficulty. Recommending a notoriously tough game might sound counter-intuitive, but the steep difficulty curve is part of its charm. With a unique soundtrack and those standout visuals at your side you’ll earn every stage clearance like a piece of territory in a war, each victory feeling that much more rewarding. Brutal and beautiful in equal measure, Cuphead is a must have Steam title. Image credit: Unknown World Entertainment SubnauticaAnother relatively fresh release on this list, Subnautica is already making waves (pardon the pun) despite having only dropped in January of this year. A survival game set deep in the ocean on an alien world, its unique twist on the classic template makes for a game that’s both captivating to watch and challenging in its many interconnected mechanics. You’ll explore shallow reefs, dangerous trenches on the seabed and everything in between, all the while managing your precious oxygen supply. Oh, and there’s an entire ecosystem of alien marine life to contend with. Plenty of these fishy and mammalian critters want to add you to their menu, so you’ll need to outsmart and avoid them while searching for resources to build new equipment and tools. Like all the best survival games, the very best materials lie in the most dangerous of places. Do you dare swim deep enough to find them? Image credit: Bethesda Softworks Wolfenstein II: The New ColossusWith so many multiplayer shooters getting the limelight in this feature, it seemed high time to pay homage to one of the best single-player FPS games ever made. MachineGames gave Wolfenstein a bloody, alt-history revival in the form of 2014’s The New Order, so it had its work cut out for it when it came to bettering all that visceral Nazi slaying. Then along comes 2017’s The New Colossus, dialing up the violence and the depth of storytelling that it would make most Call Of Duty titles look at the floor with embarrassment. What makes The New Colossus so essential is how it doesn’t deviate from its formula, but refines and expands on it in almost every way. Bigger and more challenging bosses; intense set-pieces; myriad weapons that spit glorious death; a story that asks far more questions and presents some bold answers. It’s also rock hard, and consistently unforgiving, so lock and load at your peril... Image credit: Capcom Resident Evil 7: BiohazardIt’s not often a franchise as historic as Resident Evil gets a new lease of life – especially when you consider the zombie-loving license had descended into a lifeless parody over the past decade – but here we are with a genuinely frightening horror game with the words ‘Resident Evil’ in the title. What a world, eh? While us PC folk aren’t allowed to scare ourselves half to death in VR yet (RE7 is a PSVR at the moment), that doesn’t mean it’s any less frightening. Dropping the third-person perspective that’s felt tired and rote for awhile now, RE7 embraces the first-person view that’s helped Outlast and the like re-energize the horror genre, and boy does it make for one chilling 8-10 hour scare fest. With Capcom’s big budget, a creepy swamp setting (honestly, just go with it) and a storyline that feeds back into the series’ winding mythology, you’d be crazy not to add this to your Steam library. Image credit: 2K Games Sid Meier’s Civilization VIHow could we collect this list of games to play on Steam and not include the latest offering from the master of turn-based strategy and tactical simulation? The Civilization series has been through many forms over the years, but the sixth entry takes all the best bits from those previous incarnations, smooths off the edges and serves up one of the most rewarding turn-based video games ever made. There’s nothing quite like building a nation from a fledgling settlement and nurturing it into a worldwide powerhouse, and Civilization VI gives you more freedom and control than ever. Removing the pre-set paths that hampered the still stellar Civ V, Civ VI transforms into a landscape that rewards plucky explorers and confident conquerors with the opportunity to expand their budding society with new technologies and alliances. Sid Meier’s name alone is part of PC gaming’s lofty heritage, so owning this little doozy is a no-brainer. Image credit: Toby Fox UndertaleUndertale is one of those games that stays with you. A work of digital art whose charm and creativity never fails to keep its edge, regardless of how many times you play it through. And considering just how many innocuous JRPGs are out there right now, that’s a pretty impressive feat in unto itself. So why is Undertale so brilliant? It takes all the best elements from the ever-evolving RPG genre and creates a world built on choice, consequence and compassion. As a child dropped into an underground world filled with terrors, you’ll have to face a whole host of monsters to make it home. How you face them, and what choices you make, define your journey. And its Telltale-esque consequence system doesn’t just extend to dialogue choices – you can spare monsters after a fight, forging potential vital alliances for later in the game. You can even end fights by telling your opponent jokes. It’s a game of such warm and affable quality you’d almost believe it was a JRPG from the earliest heyday of the genre. Image credit: CD Projekt The Witcher 3: Wild HuntFor years, one game sat atop the dark and misty mountain of action-RPGs. Skyrim was its name, and no other franchise, be it Dragon Age or Dark Souls, could even come close to breaking its iron-clad grip upon the genre. Then along came Geralt of Rivia, riding atop The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with a confident swagger, ready to give The Elder Scrolls a good thrashing. If you’re looking for a game that strikes a perfect balance between length of play (you could easily spend 100+ hours across its incredibly diverse map – one that’s a good 20% bigger than poor old Skyrim) and sheer quality, then The Witcher 3 is a must. There are just so many virtues The Witcher 3 has to its name. Brilliant writing, unforgettable quests, genuinely challenging beasts and a pair of DLC expansions (Hearts of Stone, and Blood and Wine) make this one of the best games of this or any other generation. Image credit: Playdead InsideInside will break your heart. Let that be your warning going in. If you don’t see such words as a deterrent, then see it rather as a mystery to be uncovered scene by heart-wrenching scene. Created by the same studio that made the wonderful 2.5D platformer Limbo – you know, the one about a little boy stuck in a nightmare world where a giant spider chases him endlessly – it should come as a huge shock to learn that Inside will leave you just as tearful as its predecessor. Thing is, Inside is a brilliant piece of art. Without a scrap of dialogue, you’ll explore a world in a similar platforming vein as Limbo, overcoming various ingenious environmental puzzles and evading both the flashlights of an oppressive government and the shadow of a conspiracy that’s clearly not going to end well. But it’s worth every second. There’s a reason it won many a GOTY award in 2016, so you’d be a fool not to add this to your Steam library. Just remember to pack a few tissues. Image credit: Psyonix Rocket LeagueOnce upon a time there was a little game on PlayStation 3 called Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. It was all about using remote control-esque cars to knock a giant football around a makeshift pitch. Thing is, no one played it and the game slowly faded into obscurity. Then Rocket League came along, which was basically the same thing, albeit with tweaked physics and a larger focus on multiplayer. One trip into PlayStation 4’s PS Plus lineup later and the game went supernova. And with good reason, too. It’s a simple concept but it just works – it’s a place where skill shines through as you boost your little RC car and hit the motorized equivalent of a bicycle kick. It’s glorious, offering one of the best ways to play online (whether with friends or a bunch of strangers). Come on, who doesn’t want to spend their evening chasing a football with a car? FIFA? Pfft. Image credit: Valve Corporation Portal 2Portal, back in its day, was a game-changer. Sure, it sounds like we’re filling out boots with hyperbole, but back in 2007 all those portals, companion cubes and sociopathic AIs were blowing our minds over and over. Then Portal 2 came along and made the original look like a crossword puzzle in The Sun. Okay, the first Portal is still amazing, but Portal 2 took a genuinely revolutionary concept and twisted it into something new. Everything in this game works without a hitch - the ebb and flow of its story, the growing complexity of the puzzles and the new ways you’re forced to make your mind think with portals. It’s even got Stephen Merchant and JK Simmons in it! Portal 2 manages to take a brilliant recipe and somehow make it even more delicious, sprinkling in all new depths of platforming and puzzle flavour. If you haven’t played it, buy it now. If you have, play it again. Image credit: Chucklefish / ConcernedApe Stardew ValleyThe incredibly charming Stardew Valley is an indie farming RPG which sees you moving from the bustling city to your grandfather's old, run-down farm near sleepy Pelican Town. You’ll get to uncover the secrets of the mysterious town while growing a thriving farming empire. Stardew Valley's pixelated retro graphics, unique soundtrack and kooky characters make for a relaxed and fun game which combines elements such as farming simulation, adventure, dating simulation and crafting. Get ready to become emotionally attached because once you step foot in Pelican Town, it's hard to ever leave.
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| Cheap iPhone bargain: grab this exclusive iPhone 7 deal for just £20 a month Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:09 AM PDT In a world where top iPhone deals can now cost in the range of £50-£60 a month, the words 'cheap iPhones' are rarely seen together. However, we've tracked down an Apple offer that skips those high price tags and drops the cost all the way down to just £20 a month. The deal in question comes in on the iPhone 7, a device that has quickly come to be one of Apple's most popular phones due to its reasonable price tag. And to make this contract even better, just for TechRadar readers you can drop the price even further. Thanks to the use of an the exclusive code TECH7 you can knock £25 off the upfront cost, leaving you with a spend of just £50. That paired with those excellent £20 a month bills puts this as the cheapest iPhone 7 deal around right now. The only possible issue with this contract is its 2GB of data cap. If that feels a little bit too low for you, check out our guide to the best iPhone 7 deals to find your ideal version of the device. Or, scroll down to see this deal in full.
Is the iPhone 7 a good phone?This might now be one of Apple's older devices but that doesn't mean this is a bad phone. In fact, at this price tag this is probably one of the best phones around. It features a camera that operates well in low-light situations, it's water resistant and has a strong battery life. On top of all of this, the iPhone 7 has a pretty powerful processor considering its age. Read our full iPhone 7 review This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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