Monday, August 5, 2019

Apple : Samsung may include AMD's Radeon rDNA graphics as soon as 2021

Apple : Samsung may include AMD's Radeon rDNA graphics as soon as 2021

Samsung may include AMD's Radeon rDNA graphics as soon as 2021

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 01:36 PM PDT

We recently learned that AMD was licensing its Radeon RDNA technology to Samsung, and now we know this graphics technology will make its way into smartphones in about two years. 

During Samsung's most recent quarterly earnings call, a representative said Samsung would use the AMD IP within about two years, while AMD confirmed in a call that it has attributed $100 million in revenue from its partnership with Samsung, Tom's Hardware reports.


An unidentified representative from Samsung said of the RDNA technology, "we expect that the GPU technology will start being adopted in products that will be launched two years down the road roughly," Seeking Alpha notes in its translation of the earnings call.

This has some implications for the Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) that Samsung develops for its mobile devices. These have appeared in many smartphones and tablets under the Exynos branding. Some regions don't see these SoCs as often, though, as Samsung's flagships smartphones in some regions launch instead with Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets, such as in the US.

The use of AMD's Radeon RDNA may help Samsung continue to upgrade the graphics performance of its in-house chipsets without having to invest as heavily in research and design.

About AMD's architecture

AMD's Radeon RDNA graphics architecture is powering its latest 7nm Navi graphics processors like the Radeon RX 5700 XT, and has helped it bridge the gulf in performance between AMD's high-end graphics cards and Nvidia's, even if Nvidia still holds the performance crown at the enthusiast tier. The architecture should also appear shortly in the next generation of video game consoles.

The architecture will allow Samsung to build devices that operate like AMD's graphics processors, but they will not operate in the same space. Instead, Samsung's focus will be on mobile devices like smartphones. The market for desktop and laptop graphics processing should stay with AMD to avoid any competition between the two companies using RDNA.

With the timeline now pegged at about two years, it will be interesting to see how RDNA compares across the range of devices from smartphones to high-power gaming computers.

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The best VR headset 2019: which headset offers the most immersion for your buck?

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 01:06 PM PDT

Now that virtual reality (VR) has proven to be a mainstream form of entertainment - not just an overpriced tech fad for early adopters - there are lots of different ways to get your home decked out for the best VR headset.

But the problem is that picking a VR headset isn’t easy, especially now that there are more and more headsets hitting the streets like the new Valve Index and HTC's Vive Cosmos, slated for a mid-to-late 2019 release. With many offering different experiences, different hardware, different requirements and a lot of fantastic deals, it confuses matters even more.

The good news for those serious about getting the best VR headset is that premium headsets built specifically for PC gaming are now much more affordable thanks to permanent price drops. The bad news is that these discounts make it even trickier to choose the best VR headset that’s right for you.

What's new for VR headsets in 2019?

In addition to price drops, more advanced VR headsets have come to the fore, like the HTC Vive Pro. On the flip side, of course, are the mobile headsets, namely the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View.

Then there's a whole new category of standalone VR headsets. The Oculus Go led the charge, and in September Facebook unveiled and subsequently released its successor, Oculus Quest that offers six degrees of freedom tracking.

The VR space got even more of a shake up after CES 2019, with HTV teasing the HTC Vive Cosmos, a wired VR headset that is also expected to work with your mobile at some point too. This could be a headset that transcends the wired and wireless space and makes VR more accessible than ever.

But it’s too early for the Cosmos, so let’s stick with the VR headsets you can get your hands on - and head into - right now.

Which VR headset should you buy?

Check below for in depth explanations of our choices for the best VR headset available now, but honestly price and platform will make most of the decision for you - there aren't any headsets for console gamers besides PlayStation VR and, if you need a standalone headset, you're basically stuck with the Oculus Quest.

But despite being limited in some categories, VR is making huge strides forward in terms of both performance and price thanks to some permanent price cuts have brought the so-called traditional VR headsets more closely in line with one another. 

At the moment, the four best on the market – the Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR – are unsurprisingly the most expensive of all the mainstream VR headset offerings, but there are some less expensive options if you'd rather dip your toes into VR before spending your entire pay check.

Each headset has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and if you're not aware of these before you buy, it could be a very costly mistake to make. But that's exactly why we put this guide together.

There’s little doubt that the Valve Index is the next-generation VR headset people have been clamoring for: it has an ultra-crisp display that runs fairly well even with older GPUs, a wider field of view, a higher refresh rate and Valve’s 'knuckle' controllers, which can track the movement of every finger. 

Around the house, there’s no doubt the Valve Index will be our default VR headset going forward. It’s a significant upgrade to the HTC Vive, and runs much smoother than the Vive Pro, a powerful VR headset that really struggled to deliver on the promise of high-end, room-scale VR. 

And yet, while the Valve Index is the best VR headsets yet released, it’s brought some of VR’s most annoying aspects along for the ride: Setting it up can be painful, updates can cause connection issues, and you may find a new error the next time you go to use it. But, if you can look past those issues, this is a really good VR headset. Its higher-resolution screen and better refresh rate allowed us to use it for longer periods of time without discomfort, and the Index Controllers are a real step up from the ones that ship with the Vive.

It's expensive, yes, but for the gamers who want next-level VR, the Valve Index is the only way to go.

Read the full review: Valve Index

If you're sitting at home and have the equipment to run it, there's no better option than the Valve Index. But if you're the kind of person who doesn't want to be bound by cables or sunk by the debt of building a gaming PC and a $999 VR headset, the Oculus Quest is a stellar alternative.

Simply put, Oculus Quest signals a new age for virtual reality, one that doesn't need a smartphone or PC to run excellent experiences. It has an OLED display panel with 1440 x 1600 per eye resolution, and is powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor.

Unlike other headsets that require additional equipment, external sensors or a lengthy set-up process, once the Quest is charged up you can be up-and-running within a few minutes thanks to an easy set-up within the Oculus mobile app. Even better, if you have Oculus games in your library already, some can even be played on the Oculus Quest - though, that's not always the case.

Oculus Quest isn't perfect, however – in addition to some minor light leakage through the bottom (right where your nose is), Oculus says you can expect the Quest to last 2 to 3 hours after a full charge, depending on whether you're watching media or playing games. That means you'll probably have to charge the Quest in between sessions - which can be a hassle if you forget. That said, for those looking for a standalone, it's the best option on our list.

Read the full review: Oculus Quest

PlayStation VR

There's no getting around the fact that in order to run either the HTC Vive, HTC Vive Pro or the Oculus Rift you need a pretty high-end gaming PC, which is not an insignificant investment for most people.

That's not the case with Sony's PlayStation VR, which requires little more than a PS4 console to run.

Considering the sizable difference in power between the PS4 and PC, the PlayStation VR is a surprisingly competent VR headset. Its refresh rate is responsive, and we've had no issues with the reliability of its head-tracking.

Thanks to Sony's backing, the collection of PlayStation VR games is also impressive. There were dozens available at launch, and many more have followed over its first year on sale.

Sony has addressed one of our biggest objections with the PlayStation VR – that its accessories are sold separately – by offering a variety of packs and bundles with devices like the PlayStation Camera included. However, PlayStation Move controllers, while included in some bundles, aren't in every one.

While you have to be aware of the additional cost involved, depending on what bundle you opt for, recent price cuts have made the PlayStation VR even more affordable. It may not be the best VR headset, but the PSVR is certainly making a strong case to users.

Read the full review: PlayStation VR

Virtual reality has come on leaps and bounds since Oculus founder (and controversial VR poster boy) Palmer Luckey first introduced the world to the Oculus Rift back in 2012. Now owned by Facebook, the Oculus Rift S should represent the next leap forward for the company’s high-end, PC-based virtual reality experiences - but, unfortunately, it's more of a baby-step.

Like the Oculus Rift, the Rift S works in tandem with a PC to deliver virtual reality experiences. It connects to your PC over a USB 3.0 port and a DisplayPort connection, and is tethered to the machine by a lengthy cable that’s more than enough to accommodate the ‘room-scale’ experiences that Rift S is capable of delivering. It’s more limiting in terms of free movement than the superb wireless Oculus Quest, but the trade off here is that, by being powered by your PC, it’s capable of powering more detailed and dynamic experiences.

The good news for early adopters is that, to reduce frustration, Oculus is making the Rift S completely backwards compatible with the original Rift titles, and making the Rift forward compatible with the vast majority of games released for the Rift S and Oculus Quest with some minor exceptions.

 In many key respects, it betters the original Oculus Rift. It’s easier to set up, potentially more comfortable to wear, has a much more robust games library than it did at launch, and an improved resolution. But, unfortunately, Oculus has had to sacrifice greater audio and refresh rate to do that. 

Read the full review: Oculus Rift S

Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR has always been a respectable smartphone-powered VR headset, but now that it has a motion controller, it might be the best VR headset option for mobile users.

In addition to the new controller, the updated Gear VR is lighter and more streamlined than before, and features a USB-C connector that connects directly to a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Compatible phones, as expected, include the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, as well as the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus (if you have the latest Gear VR headset).

The included motion controller has hints of the HTC Vive controller design, with a touchpad and trigger button, which aren't bad things. It's with the controller that the Gear VR really comes into its own, allowing you to interact with the VR worlds in front of you in a way previously impossible without it.

Of course, being powered by a smartphone, the headset's performance is entirely tied to the phone you've slotted in, though in our experience this isn't a problem considering the power within Samsung's higher-end handsets. However, if you're using an older Galaxy phone, your experience could be noticeably affected.

Since Oculus launched the Oculus Go standalone headset, the question of where smartphone-powered devices like Gear VR fit in only becomes more relevant. But since the Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR share an app and game library, you can expect support for the Gear VR to continue for quite some time.

Read the full review: Samsung Gear VR

Google Daydream View (2017)

If you own an Android phone (that's not necessarily a Galaxy) and want to get into VR without spending a fortune on a headset and computer set up, then consider the Google Daydream View (2017) a viable option.

What makes this headset compelling is its price; it's less than $100 / £100, and a recent discount through some retailers has made it even cheaper, at least for the time being.

It's also an easy headset for just about anyone to use. Not only does it just installing an app on your phone, but once you're inside the VR world, navigating to and fro is easy with the included controller.

You won't get the deeply immersive worlds of a higher-end, PC-powered VR headset with the Google Daydream View, but you will get a device that's made of a nice material, works with many of the best Android phones, and, did we mention how inexpensive it is?

The content on offer isn't very compelling – there's not a ton to draw you back for multiple play sessions – but it is varied and offers a little something for everyone. 

This isn't the best VR headset on the market, by far, but it is an easy way to get into VR for Android phone owners. And that, really, could be all you need to know.

Read the full review: Google Daydream View (2017)

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8chan dropped by Cloudflare following US shootings

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 11:13 AM PDT

Web services company Cloudflare has announced that it will no longer provide security protection to the imageboard site 8chan following last weekend's mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.

Without the company to protect it, the controversial site will be vulnerable to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks that have the potential to permanently disable it unless 8chan is able to find another security service.

Cloudflare has cited free speech issues as the reason it has not pulled its services from extremist websites though the company did end support for the white extremist site the Daily Stormer in the past.

The attack in El Paso, which left 20 people dead and 24 injured, has been described as “one of the deadliest days in Texas history” by Texas Governor Greg Abbot. It was the third shooting this year and has been linked to white nationalist ideology which 8chan reportedly allowed to spread on its site.

8chan

8chan is at the center of the discussion regarding the attack in El Paso due to the alleged shooter posting his 2,300 word 'manifesto' on the site 19 minutes before the shooting began. The site's original founder Fredrick Brennan asked Cloudflare to terminate its services to 8chan despite the fact that he is no longer connected to it.

In a blog post announcing that it would terminate 8chan's service, Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince explained its rationale in doing so, saying:

“The rationale is simple: they have proven themselves to be lawless and that lawlessness has caused multiple tragic deaths. Even if 8chan may not have violated the letter of the law in refusing to moderate their hate-filled community, they have created an environment that revels in violating its spirit.”

Following the announcement, Brennan criticized Cloudflare on Twitter in a tweet which read: “They could have prevented this and chose not to”.

8chan is currently unavailable but the site could still make a return if it is able to find another security service.

Via Engadget

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New iPhone 11 release date, price, news and leaks

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 11:11 AM PDT

With Apple's new iPhone 11 launch date approaching rapidly, we're starting to get a far more rounded picture of what the new smartphone is going to look like.

If you're entirely new to the new iPhone 2019 rumor mill, then let's get one fact out of the way first: all the leaks point to another incremental upgrade. We've been sifting through iPhone rumors for over a decade now, and nothing is telling us that we're going to see anything truly revolutionary with 2019's iPhone.

Yep, that means the same shape and display size but with faster innards and a (likely) enhanced camera. Things like 5G, massively refreshed screen technology and a move away from the Lightning connector won't be here until at least 2020.

The new iPhone 11 will be the poster-child for iOS 13, and we're pretty certain that we'll be seeing the iPhone 11, iPhone 11R and iPhone 11 Max... what Apple is going to call them remains a mystery though, with there being no obvious next step to the iPhone XS. 

The main change will be that camera upgrade - we're now fully expecting three sensors on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max, and just two on the iPhone 11R - but with enhanced capabilities on each model.

There will reportedly be some smart features added for charging, and Apple might finally have added in something users have been crying out for - read on to find out the full rundown of what TechRadar's iPhone experts expect to see for the new iPhone in 2019.

We've rounded the key iPhone 11 leaks in a little video just for you, to give a quick overview of what you may be able to expect later this year. 

New iPhone 11 release date

Like every year, we've been doing some sleuthing around the possible iPhone 11 release date, and we think we've got a pretty good idea around what's coming:

  • iPhone 11 launch date: September 10, 2019 
  • iPhone 11 pre-order date: September 13, 2019
  • iPhone 11 release date: September 20, 2019

Apple hasn't held its phone event on a Monday for years, with Tuesday or Wednesday the most commonly used days. 

With the Wednesday being September 11, a day of mourning in the US that it's traditionally avoided, Apple will most likely pick an iPhone 11 launch date of Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

We would normally be cast-iron on this date, but experienced leaker @evleaks shared a roadmap of key phone launches in 2019 - which strongly hints that Apple could delay things a week.

Apple hasn't launched an iPhone this late since 2011, when it announced the iPhone 4S on October 4, so would need a strong reason for a switch after so many years in the traditional September 'zone'.

This date allows Apple to ship its iPhones into retail channels well before the holiday rush, and is now a well-trodden path to do such. As for the new iPhone 11 pre-order date, Apple tends to open this on the Friday following the launch, which would be September 13 by our calculations.

Finally, the new iPhone 11 release date - the day when you'll actually be able to get your hands on the handset for the first time - could be just a week after the pre-orders open, so September 20 if our predictions hold.

New iPhone 11 price: will it still be $1,000?

  • iPhone 11 price likely to start around $999 (£999, AU$1,579)
  • There could be a new price strategy

The iPhone 11 price is almost certain not to drop this year - especially for the 'main' new iPhone. After all, Apple priced both the iPhone XS and iPhone X starting at $999 (£999, AU$1,579) and without a massive change to the design or functionality, a price hike doesn't seem likely.

With news that Apple isn't selling as many iPhones as it previously forecast, there's a chance the iPhone 11 will be priced more affordably - although we reckon a price freeze, rather than a reduction, is a more likely move by Apple.

That said, the new iPhone 11R could be a touch cheaper - depending on the new camera technology. A less-costly iPhone than last year (where the iPhone XR debuted for $749 / $749) could happen if not a lot changes to the hardware... but if Apple goes with the higher-power camera, then the same price is likely to be maintained, in our opinion.

New iPhone, iPhone 11 or iPhone XI?

What will Apple call the iPhone 2019? It's a tricky one: Apple has backed itself into a corner with the name. Roman numerals could well remain, but how does the iPhone XI follow the iPhone XS? 

Apple has been staunch on verbally calling the handsets the 'iPhone 10' and 'iPhone 10-S'. With that in mind, the iPhone XI seems to make the most sense, but then - if the older models remain - there will be an X, an XS and an XI (along with an XR) - and iPhone 11 is easier to understand.

New iPhone 11

The iPhone XS and XS Max are great, but there's still room for improvement

That doesn't easily point to the best, most-desirable model. So could Apple do what's been rumored for years and simply go for the 'new iPhone' and stick with the iPhone XR name, with a small spec upgrade?

Apple has already ditched numbered increments for Mac, MacBooks, TV and iPads, so 'new iPhone' would be a logical next step - even if iPhone 11 would be the most pleasing thing for consumers looking for the obviously best new phone.

New iPhone 11 design

What will the new iPhone look like? Pretty simple really: from the front, quite similar (according to the leaks we've seen). The biggest change will be on the back: a hefty triple-lens camera in a square design.

We've included a video from Mobile Fun above, one that shows the best rendering of what most are expecting to see from the iPhone 11 when it launches later this year.

That design shows up in most leaks we're seeing at the moment, with the three camera system being used on the iPhone 11 and 11 Max, with the iPhone 11R still getting the large square bump, but only two lenses.

The square protrusion doesn't look as attractive as we're used to seeing on iPhones, but Apple could be springing a surprise to make sure it doesn't lose too much ground to Samsung, Huawei and Google.

We've seen huge improvements to the camera quality there, and while Apple's iPhones are still superb at taking pictures on the go, extra capability like a wide-angle lens would be something extra and would explain the extra size of the sensors.

A leaker took a reported photo of the Galaxy Note 10 Plus - but did it with a phone that looked suspiciously like the iPhone 11R, with the double (rather than triple) lens array, according to the placement of the flash.

Whether both are real is up for debate (the quality of the snap isn't great, and you'd expect better from Apple, even at this early development stage) it shows in the real world what the design could be like.

New iPhone 11

iPhone 11 case dummies (credit: SlashLeaks)

In terms of the triple-lens camera, that's on show with the dummies leaked above - again, not confirmed but matching what we've heard so far - giving us an early look at the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max.

Speaking of the iPhone 11R, reports suggest that the new phone will be landing in purple and green shades - in addition to the current range of black, white, yellow and red - with coral and blue disappearing after shards of the new material appeared.

These were leaked by respected Apple writer Mark Gurman, who also showed the new iPhone range will have this larger camera protrusion in new case moldings, used by third-party manufacturers to secure your iPhone.

Another leak from CashKaro and OnLeaks, suggest the new iPhones will get a smaller (and more circular) mute button, but that's hardly going to raise the roof when the new iPhone 11 is announced on stage in September.

Rumors of a frosted-glass back do appear once in a while, but (at best) this is likely to be a small variant and not indicative of the wider iPhone 11's design style - even if it would help improve wireless charging.

New iPhone 11 display: the same or shifting?

Right: let's get one thing straight... there's not going to be a flexible iPhone this year. While we've seen patents so far, that's as far as the rumor mill is cranking about a bendy Apple device - and that makes sense, given how many issues Samsung and Huawei have had with their bending handsets.

So what will the iPhone 11 display look like? Well, the smart money is currently saying that things will remain the same. A rumor has stated that the 5.8-inch display will remain, with the bezels will shrinking slightly, although that was an added line to a wider 'leak' that the iPhone will have a central camera - which we don't think will happen.

While some reports say the display size will stay the same size, others think the main iPhone 11 will be larger. We believe that the same 5.8-inch screen will remain on the iPhone 11 - as that will be cheaper for Apple to produce than making a whole new size.

"Don't get your hopes for up a foldable new iPhone, or even a 5G iPhone, in 2019 - Apple is likely to play things safely this year, doubling down on the iPhone X form factor from 2017."

John McCann - deputy editor

Another way to save the cost would be to drop the 3D Touch element of the screen, according to investment bank Barclays (who claim to have spent time with the Asia supply chain) where one can press harder to open up a new menu. That would be replaced by a more powerful haptic engine that would do... something. 

According to 9to5Mac, this is known internally as 'leap haptics' and the source code of iOS 13 hints at Haptic Touch, which would replace the smart 3D Touch menus that pop up.

The same confusion over screen size doesn't seem to reign for the iPhone 11 Max screen, with some suggesting the same-sized display as the iPhone XS Max (at 6.5 inches), but fans will have to wait until 2020 before Apple will increase it to a sizable 6.7 inches.

The best leaks also suggest that Apple will stick with an OLED display for the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max, with the same (cheaper) LCD screen for the new 11R, which would help keep the cost down and preserve battery life.

New iPhone 11 camera: the biggest change

As we've heavily discussed already, unless all the leaks are fake, the iPhone 11 camera looks pretty likely to pack a larger, more square lens array on the rear of the device.

This is the only real hardware upgrade we're seeing from Apple this year, with 2019's iPhone coming with enhanced picture-taking capabilities. Schematics suggest the same thing, and most chassis leaks hint at the same square cut-out portion.  

Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has weighed in to say that one of these lenses might be almost invisible, adding at the same time that the selfie camera will get a boost from 7MP to 12MP.

New iPhone 11

Image Credit: Weibo

One source claims that only the iPhone 11 Max will have the three camera array, but that seems rather fanciful when Apple made a big deal in 2018 explaining how the iPhone XS and XS Max were almost identical bar the screen size - we expect three lenses on both the higher-end 11 variants.

What will those lenses be? Well, smart money suggests that there will be three 12MP lenses: one that takes 'standard' photos (with decent low-light capabilities), the zoom lens and a new wide-angle option opening up a new world of photography capabilities.

That source is suggesting that the third lens on the iPhone 11 won't have optical image stabilization, which would be an interesting move, and that the flash will be even brighter and more useful.

"The latest leaks and rumors suggest we'll be seeing significant upgrades for the main camera, to help it beat the some of the greatest Android phones such as the Google Pixel 3 and Huawei P30 Pro".

James Peckham - phones editor

The same source also is stating that the image processor inside will be enhanced, but we'd expect nothing less from a brand that's likely to push the camera prowess as the main reason to buy the new iPhone range. 

Apple's Neural Engine did bring some impressive boosts to the photo quality of the iPhone XS, so another jump forward could continue the brand's ability to just take photos that, well, look nice - thanks to intelligent algorithms working out what they're looking at.

Smart Frame capabilities would add a better way to improve the snaps you're about to take, but we're still mostly in the dark about what that would bring at the moment.

What about the front camera? Well, there we're going to get a 10MP sensor upgraded (apparently) - but the same suggests that the new iPhone 11 will have 14MP and 10MP sensors on the rear, which seems unlikely. Even still, an upgrade to selfies would be a welcome addition.

A laser-powered 3D camera was supposedly destined for the new iPhone 11, that looks more like we'll see it on the iPhone for 2020, in a bid to really show off the new iPhone's augmented reality (AR) capabilities. 

Sadly, the notch looks like it'll be staying the same size - even though the camera tech is shrinking down, a source says the notch is staying the same this year. This aligns with rumors that the phone chassis isn't moving in size, so does make sense.

New iPhone 11 battery and features

The iPhone 11 battery was always going to be a source of much debate, with users asking every year for a little more juice coming out of their device. The good news for them is that a couple of nifty tricks might helps things along for the new iPhone in 2019.

One thing we're not expecting is that the new iPhone will lose the Lightning connector, the Apple-only port that connects to all manner of accessories. Multiple rumors have stated that it might be replaced by USB-C, but it seems (for now) that won't be the case.

We've now heard multiple times that it won't get USB-C, so don't expect a guaranteed change from Lightning - even though it might have improved the speed with which the iPhone could charge.

That said, we could see a compromise here: Apple might finally bundle in the 18W charging block that would see the iPhone charge more quickly. The catch: the USB-A end (the connector most of us think of when imagining a USB lead) would be dropped for a smaller USB-C, allowing for speedier juicing.

Having that in the box would be a nice addition to the wireless charging that's almost certain to continue. That wireless charging would go two ways, meaning you'll be able to throw the AirPods, in a wireless charging case, onto the back of the iPhone 11 and be able to charge them up on the go.

What about that battery pack? Well, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the iPhone 11 will have a battery that's up to 25% bigger than the current iPhone XS (to allow for this dual-charging) without destroying the battery life in a single day.

Huawei and Samsung phones already pack this feature and it's been well-marketed as a key selling point - so it makes sense that Apple would want to bring things too.

"The iPhone 11 may not look very different, but the new triple-lens camera is poised to offer a serious upgrade that could rival more-capable Android phone."

Matt Swider - global managing editor

The iPhone 11 Max might not get as much of an upgrade, but 15% would still be a large jump forward compared to the current Max device - and without the device getting thicker, thanks to possible upgrades in the screen tech.

What about some other smaller features? Well, another upgrade is that , according to one source at least, Face ID will be improved for the new iPhone 11 range, allowing it to work from wider angles.

Apple always introduces a new chipset with its new iPhone launches, and the A13 chip is being touted for the iPhone 11, with analysts claiming a manufacturer is already lined up to produce the chip. After Apple made a huge deal about the AI learning capabilities of the A12 Bionic chip, one has to assume the big changes to the new chipset are going to be a big talking point come September this year.

Let's move onto the more experimental features that may (read: mostly patents and leaks of things that could be possible in smartphones) be seen in the new iPhone 11 - but we think they're pretty unlikely.

For one: the new iPhones may be easier to use in the rain. A report claims Apple is experimenting with a new tech that allows you to use the phone's screen underwater.

New iPhone 11

Could we throw the iPhone 11 in? Image credit: TechRadar

What's more, a patent suggests the camera on a future iPhone would be able to tell when you're underwater and alter settings accordingly, so that underwater photographs look better.

Perhaps the iPhone 11 could have sub-epidermal scanning to be unlocked, in which the front camera would scan the veins and blood vessels in your face using IR to make sure it's actually you unlocking the phone.

These blood pathways in your face are the most secure way of monitoring who you are - and can't be fooled in the same way as Face ID theoretically can be.

Another patent meanwhile points to the return of Touch ID, but not as you know it. Rather, the patent talks about a system that would recognize your fingerprint when placed anywhere on the screen.

So it would be an in-screen scanner that works across the whole display, though we're not convinced Apple will actually use this - lots of weird and wonderful things get patented with nothing coming of them.

For something else a little bit weird, a patent filed by Apple shows a system in which a sensor monitors chemicals in the air, in order to 'smell' odors – including body odor. That would be a pretty cool feature for the Apple Watch 5 rather than an iPhone, though.

Inside the device we've heard talk that the iPhone 11 will include support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 connection standards – though 5G tech will have to wait until the 2020 iPhones.

One out there rumor on the iPhone 11 is that it could be compatible with the Apple Pencil - but we've heard that a number of times and we're not going to be drawn in to believing such a thing this year - especially not the size of the Apple Pencil we're seeing right now, which would be be bigger than any iPhone device.

That said, it could be charged on the new wireless charging rear of the new iPhone - so that does make things seem a touch more believable.

New iPhone 11: what we want to see

We were mostly impressed with the new iPhones last year, but that doesn't mean they're perfect - talk to any ardent Android user and they'll give chapter and verse why the iPhone isn't anywhere near as well-specified as their device.

That does kind of miss the point of the iPhone - Apple's never been about the spec, more the usability and overall polish - but there are some things we'd like to see more (or less) of with the iPhone 11 range: 

1. No notch (or, at least, a smaller one)

The iPhone X made the smartphone notch a mainstream 'thing' - but with the advent of punch-hole cameras and under-screen technology on our phones, the notch needs to go. 

While Apple needs that space to chuck in the array of sensors that make Face ID as secure as it is, we want a new solution - and Apple has the means to work out what that is, as well as helping attract a new raft of users.

New iPhone 11

The notch is big... imagine if it wasn't there on the new iPhone

2. A new design

While the current design of the iPhone XS and XS Max is one of the best out there, we want something new, something more. Apple could make things more sleek, remove more of the physical buttons or even wrap the screen around - a statement can be made with some smart engineering.

Sadly, that doesn't seem likely to appear until 2020's iPhone - the new iPhone in 2019 looks destined to stay rather similar to the last two generations' design.

3. Better battery life

We say this ever year, but the fact remains that iPhones still aren't the strongest performers when it comes to battery life.

That said, the iPhone XR was one of the longest-lasting devices ever from the Cupertino brand, so let's see some of the prowess baked into the larger, more expensive iPhones. It's not easy (damned physics keeps getting in the way) but that doesn't mean improvements can't be made.

4. eSIM only

The current iPhones - the XS, XS Max and iPhone XR - all pack an eSim alongside their main, physical card. 

While it would be weird at first, Apple has the power to change users' attitudes to what's acceptable on a smartphone (think how everyone is now losing the headphone jack) and making the SIM virtual would allow greater freedom to hop between networks and deals at will, rather than being stuck on one contract for too long. 

With 5G on the way, that's going to see a lot more competition for users - and flexibility will be the number one benefit for those wanting a great phone deal.

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IFA 2019: show dates, exhibitors and everything we expect to see in Berlin

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 10:45 AM PDT

If you live in Europe and love technology, IFA 2019 should be on your radar. It's Europe's largest tech-filled tradeshow and acts as a showcase for all the cool tech like 4K TVs, soundbars, speakers and smartphones that are coming later this year.

Now, if that sounds awfully familiar, it might be because you've heard of CES, the US equivalent that takes place in Las Vegas Nevada every year in January. While the two shows are definitely similar in a number of ways, IFA focuses more on the European tech scene - that means tons of TVs from Philips, Panasonic and Hisense, plus new smartphones from Huawei, Honor and LG. 

So what should you expect from IFA 2019? Which manufacturers will be bringing the big guns, and will there be any surprises in store for us? Let the TechRadar editors talk you through one of the biggest tech shows of the year.

What you need to know

  • What is IFA? Held annually in Berlin, IFA is Europe's largest consumer tech conference, showcasing the upcoming launches from some of the world's biggest electronics brands. Its origins date back to 1924, when it began as a radio convention.
  • When is IFA 2019? IFA 2019 will be held over September 6 to 11, 2019. However, press get early access to the site, and some launches are revealed prior to the show too, so expect to see news coming out of IFA a week or so earlier than that, ramping up from September 4.
  • Which brands are exhibiting? If it's a consumer-tech focused company, you can bet your bottom dollar they'll be there, from Acer to ZTE and everyone in between. Some companies may host separate events away from the main Messe conference center in Berlin, but almost all will have a presence. The only big name missing will be Apple, which always chooses to skip IFA and CES.

Latest IFA 2019 news and rumors

Hundreds, if not thousands, of exhibitors will be lining the halls of Berlin's Messe conference center for IFA 2019. It's an all-encompassing show, where you'll have drone designers rubbing shoulders with microwave makers.

Navigating the show and all its news can be a nightmare. So, in the run up to the flood of announcements set to soak the newswires, here's a run down of what we're expecting to see from all the major players.

Acer

Computing company Acer always puts on a show during IFA, and for 2019 it's even hosting a keynote session where we're expecting a large chunk of its upcoming line-up to be revealed. 

IFA tends to be the place where Acer's Predator gaming lineup receives updates, and is often where Acer debuts concept products, such as the Predator 21X gaming laptop or the Acer Predator Thronos gaming chair. Expect to see a strong showing from the company.


AMD

With its Ryzen 3000 CPUs riding high, and its Navi rDNA graphics architecture expected to power the Xbox Project Scarlett and PS5 consoles, AMD has its hands full at the moment. Though it usually has a presence at IFA, we're not expecting any big announcements from the company this time around.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry! Yep, remember those handsets? They've not gone completely the way of the dodo just yet. There was activity around the BlackBerry brand with a new handset (now made by TCL) arriving in 2018 in the form of the BlackBerry Key2 LE.

But with no sign of the Key3 in 2019 so far, and the brands' overall fortunes showing no sign of recovery any time soon, we'd say it's pretty unlikely we'll see a handset bearing the BB name at IFA this year.

Dell

We expect to see plenty of new products from Dell at IFA 2019. Dell could surprise us with another XPS product reveal or use this opportunity to catch its other product lines up to speed with current computing trends. 

Dell and Alienware truly have been wild cards at IFA in years past – if there's one area it might steal the headlines, it'd be on its gaming hardware, so keep an eye on the Alienware gear coming out of the show.

Fossil

Wearables continue to have a strong showing at IFA, and Fossil often announces new watches at the show. Could the Fossil Sport 2 make an appearance? If not, expect other brands like Michael Kors or Diesel to fill in that watch-shaped gap around your wrist.

Garmin

As with Fossil, Garmin likes to hit IFA with a range of sports-focussed wearables. But it's in a slightly different position this year, coming into the show hot on the heels of a busy period of announcements. Expect to see variants of Garmin's existing lines, rather than anything brand spanking new.

HP

The Houston-based computer maker generally doesn't make a big splash at IFA, preferring the halls of Computex or CES. We might see one or two new products launch at the show, but not much more than that. Stranger things have happened.

Hisense H8B ULED

Hisense

With its first range of OLED TVs finally hitting store shelves, Hisense will be doubling down on the technology at IFA 2019 we'd imagine. It's current top-tier OLED TV has a high asking price, but lacks some of the more premium features that its competition offers.

Though the brand tends to lean towards the affordable and budget end of the market, we're hoping to see at least one grandstanding set that aims towards more luxurious features at a more attainable price point.

Honor

Here's one that could turn out to be a bit of a surprise. Honor announced the Honor Magic 2 at IFA in 2018, but did further promo around the already-announced Honor Play at the show, too. The Honor 9X, 9X Pro and Honor Band 5 have just launched in China, so IFA could IFA perhaps be their European debut? Regardless, as the company sits under the Huawei umbrella, expect the parent brand to do most of the talking.

Huawei

Last year, Huawei saved its big-hitting Mate 20 / 20 Pro launch for after IFA, but it did however introduce the range with the Mate 20 Lite in Berlin. We could see something similar here, with a mid-range handset launched, maybe with the Mate 30 name. You're unlikely to see a flagship launch though, with the company now favoring its own solo shows.

The company also has been dabbling with smart speaker tech, its AI Cube being both audio device and 4G router. Could a 5G update be on the cards?

We could also see Huawei unleash a new MateBook at the tech event. Its laptops, like the Huawei MateBook 14 are some of our favorite laptops, so we're looking forward to maybe seeing some more computing products from the company.


Intel

Intel will be showing at IFA 2019. With the competition against AMD tougher than its been for quite some time, we're expecting them to go relatively big at IFA. We think Intel might have some 10th-generation Comet Lake processors to show off, as well as Project Athena laptops.


Lenovo

The company behind Yoga laptops and Motorola phones has a major nighttime event planned for IFA 2019 called "Tech Life," which will play host to a number of product unveilings. It's likely that more of Lenovo's flagship products for 2019 could be unveiled here, including new Yoga and ThinkPad devices.

Keep in mind that Lenovo increasingly steps into the smart home arena too. We were very impressed earlier this year with the Lenovo Smart Clock, for instance. Don't be surprised if it adds more to its smart home line up as a result.


LG

TV and home cinema tech will be the main attractions of LG's IFA showcase, no doubt, as the company (being the only actual manufacturer of the technology) continues to sign the praises of its OLED TV tech.

It also tends to have mid-range handsets at the show. In 2018 is was the LG G7 One and LG G7 Fit - building off the flagship line at lower price points. In terms of audio, we'd be hoping to see further fruits from its partnership with UK experts Meridian Audio.

But LG is a giant of the industry, and has its hand in essentially every technological consumer space imaginable, from freezers to laptops, monitors to robotics. Last year its CLOi bots were future-gazing highlights of the show.

Motorola

The phone branch of Lenovo has become a bastion of hope for those looking for high-end smartphone features on a tighter budget. Usually Moto has a phone or two to show at IFA – in 2018 we got the Motorola One, a respectable mid-range handset, for instance. Though it's unlikely to have a new flagship in Berlin, more mid-rangers are certainly on the cards if past exhibitions are anything to go by.


Philips

With the European (read: better) arm of Philips TV division unable to show at CES, we're expecting big, big things from the brand at IFA 2019. It's the manufacturer's time to shine, and we'd expect a snazzy new OLED Ambilight flagship to launch at the show.

In addition, Philips is once again ramping up its audio offering, dusting off its long-neglected Fidelio range. It was once a mighty player in headphones – could it come back to reclaim its position?

Samsung

IFA used to be a huge phone show for Samsung – quite literally, as it's where it first revealed its then-massive Note smartphone range. But with no new launches at 2018's show, and the company unlikely to have anything major in terms of phones, tablets or wearables following its Galaxy Unpacked event on August 7 (where we expect to see Note 10, Watch Active 2 and maybe even the Galaxy Tab S6), expect a quieter mobile offering from the brand at IFA 2019.

Don't totally rule it out though, as it always has a press conference and a big presence at the show – expect it instead to focus on its blindingly-bright QLED TV sets.

As with LG, Samsung has a hand in many consumer-tech brackets. So if you're on the market for a washing machine or new connected fridgefreezer, wait until you've seen what the company's IFA 2019 press conference has to offer.

Sony

IFA tends to be a big show for Sony, where it has historically launched smartphones. Previous years introduced the Xperia Z3, so don't rule out the appearance of the Xperia 2 (leading on from the 21:9 ratio Xperia 1 launched earlier in 2019). There's also a chance we'll see mid-range devices too.

In 2018 it also used the show to launch the odd FES Watch U wearable. There's a chance we may see more wearables this year, or at least some intriguing concept designs.

Sony will of course also have plenty of Android TV-powered OLED sets on display. But what are we really the most excited about? We're holding out hope for a follow up to the world-beating noise cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM3 cans, which were revealed at last year's show.

The shadow of the PS5 will be looming over the event but, alas – we will eat our laptops if the company chose IFA as its new console launchpad.

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Best PC games 2019: the must-play titles you don’t want to miss

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 10:28 AM PDT

Now that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is here, along with Intel’s Coffee Lake Refresh processors, there’s never been a better time to get into PC games. If you’re ready to get in on this action, games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Shadow of the Tomb Raider can teleport you to another world. 

And, we here at TechRadar are here to help, putting together the definitive list of the best PC games that are beloved in the gaming world today, from oldies like the Orange Box to newer fan-favorites like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Believe us when we say you’ll want to get all of these PC games installed so you can experience them firsthand. 

If you’re a PC gaming newbie, you picked the perfect time to jump in on the platform, and we’d love to extend you a warm welcome. Let’s dive into the best PC games you can play this 2019 to find out which of our picks of the best PC games are most appealing to you.

Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article

The CRPG game suffered a few setbacks, so much so that many thought it would never come out. It’s why it came as a pleasant surprise to fans when they found out that it’s all systems go for the title. 

Larian Studios’ Swen Vincke and Wizards of the Coast’ Mike Mearls were more than happy to share a few more juicy details about this year’s biggest and most anticipated PC release, Baldur’s Gate 3. One such detail? The fact that it’s set 100 years after the events of the second installment. They also made it known that it will be based on the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, and expected to feature many fan favorite creatures and characters.

Unfortunately, there’s no set release date yet. However, since Baldur’s Gate 3 has been long overdue, it had better be this year.

Expected: Hopefully sometime in 2019

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is aging like fine wine. Four years after its release, and it’s still one of the most ambitious open world games that’s ever existed – combining Skyrim’s unapologetic scale with Grand Theft Auto V’s insane depth. It’s such a jam-packed game, which is why it tops our list of the best PC games in 2019. Huge, beautiful and an absolute time sink – in a good way – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt isn’t just the best PC game of 2019. It may be one of the best video games of all time.

While isn’t perfect, Dragon Age: Inquisition does put you in the midst of a huge, vibrant world on a much larger scale than past Dragon Age games. Packed with hours of engrossing story and a wealth of side content, Dragon Age: Inquisition brings the series to an open world setting in a smart and compelling way. It might not be a new game, but for this excellent blend of Elder Scrolls and Baldur’s Gate, it still deserves a spot in our best PC games of 2019 list.

Assassin’s Creed is essentially a household name among the best PC games in 2019. And, starting with 2017’s Origins, Ubisoft has been making huge efforts to reinvigorate the aging franchise. And, so successfully at that, despite the drama about microtransactions. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey feels like an improvement in every sense of the word over the 2017 entry, feeling like a completely different game than older games in Ubisoft’s flagship series. 

This time around, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey places you in the shoes of Kassandra or Alexios, in the middle of the Peloponnesian War, as you look for your lost mother and father. And, while the main story – which will have you switching alliances between the Spartans and the Athenians – will likely get lost in the mix along the way, the world that Ubisoft has created is as rich and beautiful as ever before. 

Just make sure you have one of the best graphics cards before you even try to run Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at a higher resolution. If you’re looking for one of the best open world games on PC, you can’t go wrong here. It’s time you start exploring ancient Greece in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey.

While it's arguably not as hard as previous entries in the series, From Software's Dark Souls 3 takes everything you like about the Souls series and combines it with elements found in Bloodborne, the developer's more recent game for PS4.

We won’t sugar coat it: you’re going to die in Dark Souls 3, probably more than once. It takes patience to master its complex combat system, but it also plays fair, making it more approachable for casual players to take part in its bleak, fantastical world. And, on the bright side, it’s much more optimized for PC than the first two games. Now that you can pick up Dark Souls: Remastered, and see where the apocalyptic series began, there’s never been a better time to link the first flame.

Pillars of Eternity made a huge splash in the PC gaming scene when it was released a few years back – Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire follows faithfully in its footsteps. Not only is this one of the best RPGs you can play today, but it’s also one of the best PC games 2019 has on offer. 

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire puts players in the middle of the Deadfire Archipelago in pursuit of an ancient god. Along the way, you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant, dense and long story crafted by Obsidian Entertainment – arguably the masters of RPGs.

If you love old school RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights, and long for a return to the storied form – do yourself a favor and install Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. It’s one of the best RPGs we’ve ever played. It’s also a good idea to check out Pillars of Eternity first, as it still holds up as one of the best PC games, and your story will carry over to the sequel.

Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most anticipated console ports to ever hit the PC, and you won’t need to be told twice to head back into Los Santos's hugely detailed and highly interactive world. Only this time, it’s 10 times more fun with the PC's richer graphics and smooth 60 fps gameplay. Plus, after you’ve finished its 30-hour campaign, there’s an overflow of post-game content to enjoy. Most recently, that includes The Doomsday Heist in GTA Online and even a radio station hosted by Frank Ocean.

BioShock is a first-person shooter that takes concepts from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged and tosses them underseas. To be exact, BioShock takes place in an underwater city called Rapture, free from government regulation, built for artists and entrepreneurs to thrive. Of course, not all goes well in a city where the residents have all the power and, well, the rest is gaming history. So stop what you're doing and play it right now, if you’re not already.

You're in for one of the best PC games if you play BioShock, as it balances story elements with horror impeccably. There's also a remastered version out there now, and it is free of charge, if you own the original.

Set 15 years after the events of the first Alien film from 1979, Alien: Isolation is the suspense-filled game that fans of the franchise have long awaited. Playing the role of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Alien protagonist Ellen Ripley, you’re tasked to track down and recover the flight recorder of the Nostromo spacecraft from the first Alien film, which has been located aboard the Sevastopol space station.

First and foremost a stealth game, Isolation heightens the tension by giving you minimal weaponry. Its excellent graphics shine on high-end PCs and clever AI helps ramp up the dread, leaving you quivering at every corner. This and more make Alien: Isolation well-deserving of a spot on our list of the best PC games.

Overwatch, if nothing else, has drastically changed the landscape, moving it away from the norm of gray-ish cover shooters to the realm of competitive gaming. Its bright, vibrant colors are only made better with approachable characters, each coming with their own interesting backstories, which, while not present in game, make for a collection of awesome webcomics and cinematics.

Overwatch is also one of the best PC games, because of how well it runs on all kinds of different hardware. Sure, it’s a bit old now, but even in 2019, it’s the best PC game for anyone with a competitive streak. If somehow you’ve missed out on this game, do yourself a favor – sign in to your Battle.net account and take Overwatch – not to mention, its colorful cast of characters – for a spin today.

While it came out almost 7 years ago, Counter-Strike Global Offensive is still a solid update to a timeless classic that continues to thrive thanks to its vast online communities – it’s truly one of the most popular on our best PC games list. 

Global Offensive is a well-rounded tactical shooter that builds on the simple Terrorists versus Counter-Terrorists gameplay of Counter-Strike 1.6, updating classic maps such as Italy and Dust while also adding new modes in Arms Race and Demolition. Easier than Battlefield, but more complex than Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a shooter for those who like to think – if only just a little bit.

In many ways, Far Cry 5 is the ultimate Far Cry game – it combines all of the elements that has made the series so successful in the first place, while cutting a lot of the fat (including the towers, thank god). On its own, it doesn't exactly do anything entirely innovative, but it does perfect the Far Cry formula to a point where Far Cry 5 is one of the best open world First Person Shooters you can play in 2019, not to mention one of the best PC games.

After a very heavy and intense intro, you’re dumped in the middle of rural Montana and given the task of dismantling a local cult. But, that quickly fades into the background as a myriad of activities – from hunting down aliens to taking out outposts – ultimately become your focus. And, it’s precisely this focus on playing your own way that makes Far Cry 5 so incredible.

Monster Hunter has been one of the largest gaming franchises you’ve never heard of for years now. With Monster Hunter: World, the series broke into the mainstream and come to the PC (finally), making it one of the best PC games you can play today. 

Monster Hunter: World places you in the shoes of a monster hunter, obviously, and you’ll hunt progressively bigger and nastier monsters, strip them for parts, and craft bigger, badder armor. It’s a deceptively simple gameplay loop that ends up being one of the most compelling and rewarding PC games you can play today. 

There’s a never-ending onslaught of content in this game, and Capcom, the developers of this monster hunting hit, are dedicated to bringing a wealth of free DLC to the game – not to mention a new frosty expansion in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. If you’re looking for an addictive, immersive and most importantly, fun game to play on your own or with all your best friends cooperatively, check out Monster Hunter: World. There’s no doubt it’s one of the best PC games you can buy today.

A 90s classic brought back to life (unlike its main protagonist), Grim Fandango Remastered is a triumphant attempt at reviving one of the PC's best adventure games of all time. Combining writing that matches the funniest dark comedies with clever puzzles and a stunning art style, Grim Fandango was the most entertaining work of art to take place in a Mexican setting for years before Breaking Bad came along. 

Now remastered, it boasts updated graphics, improved sound and better controls. Manna Calavera's adventure has never looked this good.

Seven years after its first release, Skyrim is as solid a game as ever thanks to its vast selection of mods and high-resolution texture packs. Even if you're only interested in playing the vanilla version of the RPG, it offers more than 100 hours of gameplay.

Throw in three action packed DLC expansion packs (Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn) to the mix, and it lasts even longer. That Skyrim has been compared to graphically superior but similar RPG blockbuster The Witcher 3 is proof of its enduring popularity. Step into Skyrim, one of the best PC games in 2019, and you too can be an adventurer - just try not to take an arrow in the knee.

If you’re looking for a more special version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Bethesda has you covered – it can’t seem to stop releasing and re-releasing Skyrim for every platform. You can even play it in VR.

From Software is a household name when it comes to creating the best PC games. The minds behind the critically acclaimed Dark Souls series have brought PC gamers to some of the most desolate landscapes and through some of the most challenging yet rewarding gameplay. From Software is back at it again, with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Sekiro places you in the shoes of the Young Wolf, a shinobi tasked with rescuing his young master. The game will take you through 16th-century Japan, but things will get weird and supernatural: this is From Software we’re talking about. 

Don’t expect an easy time of it though. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an extremely hard game to master, and you’ll require quick reflexes to deflect enemy attacks, as well as to master stealth. You won’t be able to hide behind a shield all day, like you were able to in Dark Souls III.

The phrase "build it, and they will come" rings true with Minecraft, the survival-based sandbox RPG that has now been purchased more than 100 million times since its conception in 2009. In it, you can build your own worlds using resources you find in the wild, or explore existing ones created by other players online. 

In Minecraft, you can either limit yourself to the numerous tools and blocks provided by the developer, Mojang, or you can install mods to truly capitalize on your investment. Additionally, sometime in 2019, you’ll be able to take part in the Super Duper Graphics Pack, an optional piece of DLC that adds more realistic lighting effects and textures to an already incredible game.

The Orange Box may be feeling a tad dated, but it’s still a must-play collection of games – particularly for FPS fans – thus earning its spot in our best PC games list. Half-Life 2, technically still the most recent game in Valve's franchise (excluding its Episode 1 and 2 add-ons), remains a modern masterpiece and is famed for being the first game to intelligently apply physics to its puzzles and combat set-pieces.

The other titles in this collection aren't too shabby either: Portal takes gravity-based puzzles to the extreme by equipping the player with the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device (also known as the Portal Gun), which places two portals for objects to pass through. On the other hand, Team Fortress 2 continues to go from strength-to-strength, thanks to the introduction of custom gear and well-balanced team combat.

Dead Space, a survival horror game by definition that’s also an acclaimed piece of science fiction, is a game that you just have to play. It stars the aptly named Isaac Clarke, named after famous sci-fi authors Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. Told from an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, Dead Space is a rescue mission story, wherein you (as Isaac) are tasked with investigating a mining ship that is mysteriously full of alien virus-infected dead bodies. All the while, you’ll have to stay on top of upgrading your futuristic ‘RIG’ suit.

Id Software's Doom was a phenomena for PC gamers in the ‘90s. The crudely rendered first-person shooter series was as controversial as it was beloved, thanks in large part to its cutting-edge depictions of gore and violence that only a computer could deliver. 

Parents be damned, the franchise has made a comeback in 2016 with a fresh reset, appropriately titled Doom. Even though the multiplayer might not appeal to shooter fans regardless of age, the single player campaign will pit you against demons in Hell for a lengthy mission that is bloody satisfying, pun intended.

If Forza Horizon 3 is the ideal racing game for newcomers to racing games, Asetto Corsa is the game for the grizzled veterans. Its obtuse handling and extreme difficulty straight from the get go makes it a toss up for one of the most realistic racing simulators of all time. Naturally, it also takes a spot on our best PC games list.

Even if you can get it on consoles, unlike Project Cars, this is a game that was developed for PC first. Everything about this game, from its demanding career mode to its deep seated driving mechanics – which basically require a racing wheel accessory – make it a joy for die-hard petrolheads, even if its difficulty curve is often backbreaking.

Capcom has been on a roll these last couple years. Capcom has been reinventing some of the most beloved franchises for the modern age, coming out of seemingly nowhere with the spectacular Resident Evil 7. And with Devil May Cry 5, Capcom has done it again. 

Devil May Cry has always been over the top, with high-octane character-driven action and cheesy one liners. Devil May Cry 5 takes all this up a notch or three, combining its over-the-topness with non-stop action as you fight your way through two characters’ stories in style. 

As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock many different weapons and combat moves, and combine them to write symphonies of bloodshed, which you’re encouraged to do so. It’s not really a question of surviving to the end of the level; it’s more of how cool you look while playing through it. And, that’s why Devil May Cry 5 is one of the best PC games.

These days, we have a tendency to romanticize the apocalypse, and this is very apparent in many video games. Whether it’s zombies, as in Dead Rising, or a nuclear wasteland like in Fallout 4, the apocalypse is oddly a place you want to visit. But, with Metro Exodus, this isn’t the case. 

Metro Exodus takes an even darker and grittier approach to the apocalypse. The air is poison, wildlife is all mutated, and the survivors are all at each other's throats. And, while past Metro titles have explored this darker post-apocalypse from underground, through the titular ‘Metro’, Metro Exodus takes things to the Surface.

You’ll set out on an Exodus across the nuclear wasteland in order to find a home, but along the way you’ll experience the horror and supernatural weirdness that the Metro series has become known for. 

As a bonus, it’s one of the most beautiful PC games on the market today, provided you have the graphical horsepower to back it up.

Described as "achingly beautiful" by Unity Engine boss John Riccitiello, Ori and the Blind Forest embraces the game mechanics of old-school 2D games such as Metroid and Castlevania, then gives it a modern twist. If any word can describe Ori's atmospheric world, it would be ‘alive.’

You'll have to think fast and use new abilities gained along the way to bash, stop and manoeuvre your way through its stunning locations. With no automatic saving system or easy difficulty level, it's no walk in the park. But it’s as satisfying to master as it is to look at. Ori and the Blind Forest will re-open your eyes to what 2D games still have to offer.

There aren’t many franchises that are as iconic as Resident Evil. Since the first game launched back in 1996, it has served as a watermark of where Survival Horror is – even in its worst days (looking at you, Resident Evil 6). So, when Capcom finally announced the Resident Evil 2 remake, it’s hard not to pay attention. And, we must say – Capcom’s hard work has paid off. 

Resident Evil 2 isn’t just a remake of the best horror game ever made – it might actually take the mantle altogether. Gone are the ancient tank controls that divided fans, giving way to the same over-the shoulder perspective introduced in Resident Evil 4. This time around though, through the use of Resident Evil 7’s RE Engine, Capcom has transformed the ancient horror game into a title that’s terrifying by today’s post-Amnesia standards.

And, thanks to just how much you can customize how the game performs and looks, Resident Evil 2 will serve as a benchmark for the best PC games throughout 2019 – even if it doesn’t use as much VRAM as the settings menu says it does.

Beyond Final Fantasy, there isn’t another Japanese RPG (JRPG) franchise that carries as much weight as Dragon Quest. For decades, these have been the penultimate JRPGs for many – even inspiring – modern classics like Pokemon. For the first time in 14 years, Dragon Quest has made its way to home consoles and, more importantly, to PC for the first time ever. 

Dragon Quest XI is a gorgeous and vibrant JRPG that’ll put you in the shoes of a young prince who sets out to save the world, obviously. You’ll get about 80-100 hours out of the game, and every moment will be as memorable as it is magical. It even boasts art from Akira Toriyama, best known for his work on Dragon Ball. It’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best PC games of 2019.

Already known to millions before they've even played a second of it, Rocket League turns the age old game of football (or soccer, depending on where you live) on its head. Played with rocket-propelled cars in futuristic low-gravity environments, the premise is simple: knock the ball into the opposing team's goal. 

However, doing so is harder said than done, as there could be up to three cars on the opposing team trying to steal the ball off you - or ram you into submission - at any one time. Stunning to look at and simple to learn, if difficult to master, Rocket League is the surprise smash hit of 2015 - and a wonderfully addictive addition to our best PC games list.

Ubisoft’s Anno series has always been among the best PC games: rich, in-depth city builders with a historic flair. This entry in the venerated series will see players building and managing cities starting at the beginning of the Industrial Age. You’ll have to decide the fate of your city, regardless of whether you’re in a rich European setting or in the rainforests. 

Anno 1800 is one of the most extensive city builders on the market right now, and for the right kind of gamer – you know who you are – it’s going to be one of the best PC games you can immerse in this 2019. Dive in and lead your city to prosperity or destitution, and try to navigate the perilous world of industrial-age politics.

Metal Gear Solid V, the last Metal Game to be helmed by Hideo Kojima after his forceful ejection from Konami, is a hugely ambitious title. Its massive open world setting allows you to do missions in stealth, but still let you go in guns blazing, if you prefer – though you won’t get as good a score.

Taking place nine years after the events of Ground Zeroes, The Phantom Pain’s story unravels through its main missions and more than 100 Side Ops tasks. The action is interspersed with beautiful cutscenes. And, while you have to decode annoying pseudo-military babble at times to figure out what’s happening, TPP’s often fast-paced. Plus, the beautiful Afghanistan and African settings make sure the game never feels like a chore.

Ask basically any veteran PC gamer, and they’ll tell you that Battlefield games have always been among the best PC games. And, with Battlefield V, the tradition continues – it’s one of the best PC games 2019 has to offer, period. 

The core mechanics remain the same, drive, fly or run to capture points on a map and defend them against the enemy team. However, 2018’s offering perfects the Operations mode from 2016’s Battlefield 1, and transforms it into, well, Grand Operations. This epic game mode takes place across up to 4 maps, and is portrays crucial battles during the World War II. It’s an absolute blast, just make sure you have an hour to spare. 

Battlefield V is also one of the best PC games when it comes to visuals. Never before has war looked so terrifyingly real in a virtual space. The environments are more realistic than ever before. If you’re rocking an Nvidia Turing card, like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, you can even turn on ray tracing and experience out-of-this-world reflections. We’re not exaggerating when we say it’s the best PC game in 2018 for FPS fans.

The 2016 revival of Hitman was a revelation, a rebirth of a classic series that showed what Hitman could be. So, we went into Hitman 2 with high expectations, and it did not disappoint. Hitman 2 puts players in even bigger environments, with more complex missions that will test your creativity in deadly ways. 

What’s especially notable here though, are the new game modes on offer. You’ll have access to a new Sniper Assassin mode, and most importantly, a co-op game mode – a first for the Hitman series.

If you want an engaging stealth experience, you cannot go wrong with Hitman 2 – it’s easily one of the best PC games of 2019.

Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide was one of the best PC games for those who enjoy playing the best PC games with their friends. We’re happy to report that Warhammer: Vermintide 2 takes the deep co-operative gameplay of the original and improves on it in every conceivable way.

Although it technically allows you to form complex strategies with your teammates, the action often turns into chaos. That means that really the only way you can survive is mindlessly bashing at enemies until you, alongside your teammates (preferably), are the only ones left standing. And, because Vermintide 2 adds a wide range of Orc enemies on top of the familiar Skaven enemies, you’ll never run out of things to hack to pieces.

It's official: Fallout 4 is living up to the hype. Despite feeling a little bit like Fallout 3, but with nicer graphics, tighter shooting, in-depth crafting system and a more thought out story make it a more enticing affair.

As the Sole Survivor (the first fully-voiced protagonist in the Fallout series) in Boston's post-apocalypse wasteland, you'll take on Feral Ghouls, Raiders, Syths, Bloodbugs and more with high-powered weaponry that includes the Fat Man mini nuke cannon and the fusion cell-powered Laser Musket.

If the Call of Duty series is the poison that dumbed down the FPS genre with its run-and-gun gameplay, then Rainbow Six: Siege is the antidote. Working as a team to outwit the enemy, Siege plays out like a thinking man’s (or woman's) Counter-Strike. It doesn't simply encourage cooperation if you want to win - it requires it.

When you're not peering down your gun's iron sights, you'll be laying down traps, scouting ahead using drones, strategising with your teammates and building walls that could keep a herd of demented bulls at bay. Siege's heavy reliance on tactical team-based gameplay can prove its biggest weakness however, if you're hoisted into a server with a particularly uncooperative bunch. But when it does work, it provides a level of satisfaction rarely found in online multiplayer games.

After the rebooted Tomb Raider and its sublime sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider, the seminal series has won its place among the best PC games with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Instead of simply porting over a console version and calling it good, Crystal Dynamics has crafted a technical masterpiece with Lara Croft’s latest jungle adventure. 

Shadow of the Tomb Raider finds Lara heading down to South America to thwart a Mayan apocalypse. And even though the scenery isn’t as diverse as in previous titles, it’s still just as arrestingly stunning throughout. 

With Nvidia’s RTX technology hitting the shelves, it’s going to be a great way to put the best graphics cards – as well as Nvidia’s ray tracing technology – to the test while still having fun.

Imagine a survival-based shooter where every match starts with your avatar being ejected from a cargo plane alongside 99 other players with no weapons or items. That’s PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or at least the solo, free for all mode. After spending the early minutes of the game scrambling for resources, you’ll soon be forced to reckon with your own mortality as the body count ticker at the top of the screen descends into desolation.

Abbreviated PUBG, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is based on another “last man standing” game released back in 2013: PlayerUnknown’s Battle Royale. It doesn’t require a copy of Arma III or H1Z1 to run, but you’ll need to keep your wits about you. There’s no respawning in PUBG, so it’s less about the precision of your aim as it is about your ability to scavenge quickly for weapons, first aid kits and clothing. Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting titles on our best PC games list of 2019.

Immediately following the events of Wolfenstein: The New Order, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus cannot help but be heralded as a classic. For some, it’s the punishing old-school gunplay that’s to thank for this. Even on the default difficulty, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus will have you fighting for your life. 

Yet, for others, story reigns supreme. And, if The New Colossus serves as an interactive showcase for anything, it’s its story, the most interesting parts of which are told through flashbacks. We won’t go as far as to spoil the plot, but what we will say is that B.J. Blazkowicz’s motives become a lot clearer in this iteration of Wolfenstein – not that he needs to justify killing Nazis.

When The Division first came out in March 2016, it was, well, divisive. Not satisfied, Ubisoft put in a ton of work to improve the game over the years, culminating in the Division 2, which is orders of magnitude better than the original. 

You’ll be released in a collapsed Washington DC, fighting with other players to stabilize the city. While doing this, you’ll level up, get new loot and unlock more areas. It’s an addictive gameplay loop designed to keep you engaged for hours on end. Plus, since it’s a live service game, you can be confident that Ubisoft will keep it updated with fresh content for a while to come.

X-Com 2 is one addictive game, so addictive that we still can't put it down. Following up from 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which reimagined the 1994 cult classic UFO: Enemy Unknown, this turn-based tactics game has everything we wanted in a sequel. It’s bigger, deeper, faster and easier on the eyes, taking place 20 years after its predecessor.

It puts you in control of the Avenger, a converted alien ship that serves as your mobile base of operations used to plan out strategy and execute fight plans against otherworldly enemies. With a greater focus on stealth, more intelligent alien AI and deeper customization options, XCOM 2 was fated to end up on our best PC games of 2019.

Anyone familiar with World of Warcraft knows that it's among the most successful and massively influential multiplayer online role-playing games (or MMORPGs) of all-time. Comprising of nearly 14 years of content, with over thousands of hours of gameplay just waiting to be tackled, there are few better games to spend your money on than World of Warcraft.

In the new expansion, Battle For Azeroth, players explore two new continents – Kul Tiras for Alliance players and Zandalar for the Horde – though there’s something much more sinister waiting beneath the surface. Blizzard has kept the leveling system from Legion, too, meaning you can go through the new zones in whatever order you want. This will, of course, come with the all-new raids and dungeons we’ve grown used to over the years and a storyline that will see the two playable factions at each other’s throats in a massive way. 

You’ll get hours upon hours of content to play through here, as is tradition with World of Warcraft throughout its 14-year history. And, you can count on updates throughout the expansion, like the recently released Tides of Vengeance patch that adds even more stuff to do.

From PlatinumGames and Square Enix, Nier: Automata is a sequel to the 2010 cult classic Nier, which itself is a spin-off of the Drakengard series. Technically an action role-playing game, Nier: Automata’s most defining quality is that it never truly sticks to one particular genre. At times, it’s a 2.5D platformer; at others, it’s a twin-stick shooter. Its unpredictability is a breath of fresh air, especially when compared to other PC games out on the market.

The story centers around a femme android by the name of 2B who is aided by a survey android called 9S, or Nines. With many questions being asked along the way, both of these characters are on a mission to extricate Earth from alien machines that have taken over the planet. Just be conscious of how you play because not only does Nier: Automata feature different endings, but with each new path comes vastly different gameplay.

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The best gaming monitor 2019: the 10 best gaming screens of the year

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 09:46 AM PDT

Choose one of the best gaming monitors you can find to bring your gaming experience to the next level. After all, you need the best display to not just play the best PC games, but also take you places, immersing you in worlds and epic adventures you never thought were possible.

Before buying, you need to understand makes the best gaming monitors better for gaming. There are specs and features to consider, of course, but everything ultimately boils down to what you want and need to get out of it. The market is full of many different types of displays, and the best gaming monitor for you essentially hangs on the type of games you play.

Are you someone who wants to get immersed in your favorite single player games like Devil May Cry V or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? You’ll want to look at the best gaming monitors with 4K Ultra HD and HDR. 

Are you all about the esports life and playing Overwatch? Get yourself one of the best gaming monitors with a high refresh rate and low response time.

With so many options and features to consider, finding the best gaming monitor can be tricky. But, we are here to help. We put together a list of all the best gaming monitors we’ve tested and reviewed over the last year or so, for you. So that no matter what kind of PC games you typically play, you’ll narrow that long list down to the best gaming monitors for your specific gaming needs.

BenQ EX3501R

BenQ EX3501R

HDR has been a major selling point for the best TVs for a while now. And yet, the feature has yet to gain popularity in the best gaming monitors sphere. Luckily, the trailblazing BenQ EX3501R takes HDR and runs with it, creating a curved ultra-wide that is not only what we would call ‘gaming monitor goals,’ but a total stunner as well. BenQ bills this monitor as a ‘video enjoyment monitor.’ However, from the moment you start your go-to HDR-enabled games, you’ll know immediately why it’s number one on our list of the best gaming monitors.

Read the full review: BenQ EX3501R 

Alienware AW3418DW

Alienware AW3418DW

The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that provide a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also boasting a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, lightning-fast 4ms response times and a fast 120Hz refresh rate, the AW3418DW gives you the best of both worlds. All these features do come with a steep price though, so budget-minded gamers might want to look elsewhere or start saving up. Still, it’s not difficult to see why it’s one of the best gaming monitors 2019 has to offer. 

Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW

AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition

AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition

The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we’d ever had the pleasure of using, so when we heard that a follow-up was on its way – one that comes with a higher refresh rate and better contrast – it was hard not to get excited. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition carries over the original’s best features but turns them up to 11, making it a dazzling display on which to experience ultra-wide gaming. It’s pricey, yeah, but if you have the hardware to back it up, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not investing.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition 

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ may just be the most advanced – not to mention, best – gaming monitor to add to your arsenal... as long as you have the budget for it. This display boasts a stunning 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, as well as G-Sync and a speedy 144Hz refresh rate. These specs add up to one of the most impressive gaming monitors that’s ever existed – and when you see it in action, it will blow you away. The only thing that holds this gaming monitor back from true greatness is its insane price tag. But, then again, if you have this kind of cash lying around, you should be able to afford a PC powerful enough to drive it.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

BenQ PD3200U

BenQ PD3200U

While originally designed for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also excellent for gaming, making it one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today. This is mostly thanks to its rock-solid focus on graphic design so it’s able to offer incredible viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your game in comfort. And, unlike a lot of 4K monitors on the market, you won’t have to tinker around with the settings to get the best picture, since every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. This is definitely one of the best gaming monitors out there, even though it wasn’t technically designed for gaming.

Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U

Acer Predator X27

Acer Predator X27

If you’re one of those PC gamers that require the absolute best hardware that money can buy, then the Acer Predator X27 might be the best gaming monitor for you. The menu of premium features packed into this display is almost as long as our arm – 4K resolution, HDR-10, G-Sync, 144Hz refresh rate – so you’d be hard pressed to find a more advanced display. Once you get your hands on this monitor, it’s hard to go back. That is, until you see the price tag – at around $1,600, only those with deep pockets need apply. Though you can always save some money to take it home.

Read the full review: Acer Predator X27

BenQ Zowie XL2540

BenQ Zowie XL2540

Don’t be put off by its limitations The BenQ Zowie XL2540 still definitely deserves its place right up there on the best gaming monitors list. It gives up flashy lighting effects for a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate and rapid 1ms response time. There aren’t any adaptive sync options, unfortunately, but if you have a setup that’s capable of keeping up with this refresh rate, then this gaming display will blow you away. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things simple by supplying you with lots of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and even a pair of adjustable light screens. This is one of the best gaming monitors to consider if you’re a pro or hardcore gamer.

Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540

Samsung CHG90 QLED

Samsung CHG90 QLED

With this monitor, Samsung not only brings QLED to gaming displays in a massive way, but also gets bragging rights to the widest ultra-wide monitor on the market today. Coming in at 49.5 inches, this goliath takes up a lot of space – expect it to jut out over the sides of your desk. However, with its spectacular 3,840 x 1080 resolution and HDR, you won’t be able to look away. Even if you decide not to play in this resolution (it will require a beefy rig), you can still use all that extra real estate to browse the internet or watch movies on the same screen. Its price tag is Herculean as well, but for a monitor this incredible, it may very well be worth it.

Read the full review: Samsung CHG90 QLED

AOC Agon AG322QC4

A bit of HDR is always a welcome treat, even if it’s not true HDR. And yet, the AOC Agon AG322QC4 has more aces up its sleeves. Those aces include a 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync 2 and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, making this among the best gaming monitors of 2019. And it offers users gorgeous, super smooth visuals, all while looking good doing so. It’s not exactly a steal, but the Agon AG322QC4 is still pretty affordable for gamers who aren’t shopping in the bargain basement.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG322QC4

MSI Optix MAG271CR

MSI Optix MAG271CR

When you’re playing competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you’ll need speed more than anything in order to stay on top of the leader boards. That’s where displays like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With a 1080p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of latency, you’re equipped with super fast, super smooth gameplay, as long as you have the hardware to drive it. After all, 60Hz panels are so 2014 – the best gaming monitors in 2019 are all about the high refresh rates.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR

How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2019

If in the market for the best gaming monitor 2019 has to offer, know that there are a few things to consider before choosing which display should grace your desk.

You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to help guarantee that you’re investing in the best gaming monitor that’s most ideal for you. It also means you won’t have to pay extra for additional features that you might not actually need.

Screen size: When looking for the best gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also need to make sure that you have the room to keep a large monitor. And, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the price as well.

Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor helps determine the width and height of the screen. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3 that might feel pretty dated in 2019. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wide view of your games, which is why many ultra wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2019.

Resolution: One other crucial factor to consider when looking for the best gaming monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K).

Refresh rate: When you’re mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more important. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading to a considerably smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is most common in 2019, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more prominent – not to mention, more and more necessary.

Response time: The best gaming monitors offers low response times, which means you’re getting fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we’ll get to this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s vital to keep this number as low as possible in order to avoid latency.

Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are often more affordable, have the lowest response times but usually don’t have great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels sit between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world.

Viewing Angle: While most people play games directly in front of their gaming monitor, this isn’t always be the case, particularly when you have an audience. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below.

G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably notice that many of the best gaming monitors in 2019 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so you'll need an Nvidia GPU. And, the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. FreeSync, on the other hand, was created by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are usually more economical.

Check out our HDR Explained video below.

Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article

Image Credit: TechRadar

  • Looking for a more general monitor? Check out our list of the best monitors

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AMD Ryzen 3000 release date, news and rumors

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 09:42 AM PDT

The AMD Ryzen 3000 is here, and AMD is well on its way to leading the processor market.

In fact, when the first generation Ryzen processors came out more than two 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 rolled out its Ryzen 3rd Generation chips, bringing the 7-nanometer (nm) 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 hardly a 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 considerable improvement to IPC (instructions per clock) performance – even though it won’t hit the streets until September.

The best part? These new Ryzen processors do all of this while keeping the cost low for the mass consumer. In fact, 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 Ryzen 3rd generation news that comes our way.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? AMD’s next line of mainstream processors
  • When is it out? Out since July 7, 2019
  • What will it cost? Starting at $199 (about £160, AU$290)

AMD presenting the AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation at CES 2019

Image Credit: TechRadar

AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation release date

The 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, isn’t coming until September 2019.

As for future models, apparently AMD could be working on unannounced Ryzen 3000-series processors, including the Ryzen 9 3900, Ryzen 7 3700 and Ryzen 5 3500. And 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 with which to compete.

AMD presenting the AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation at CES 2019

Image Credit: TechRadar

AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation price

At AMD’s Computex 2019 keynote, Team Red showcased several processors from the Ryzen 5 3600 to the Ryzen 9 3900X. These CPUs offer seriously impressive 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.

  • AMD Ryzen 9 3950X: $749 (about £590, AU$1,080)
  • AMD Ryzen 9 3900X: $499 (about £390, AU$720)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3800X: $399 (about £310, AU$580)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3700X: $329 (about £260, AU$480)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600X: $249 (about £200, AU$360)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600: $199 (about £160, AU$290)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3400G: $149 (£139, AU$240)
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3300G: $99 (£94, AU$144)

AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation

Image credit: TechRadar

AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation specs

Now 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 performance go up, 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. And, for about the same price point, the Ryzen 9 3900X is between 25%-40% faster than the Intel Core i9-9900K in multi-threaded loads.

And there’s the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, which boasts 8-core, 16-thread and a TDP of just 65W. Just like the Ryzen 9 3900X, it’s also an absolute beast when it comes to multi-threaded workloads.

As far as the rumored new wave of Ryzen 3000 processors, well, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 would be a lower-powered version of the excellent AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, with a similar relationship between the Ryzen 7 3700 and the Ryzen 7 3700X. They are apparently will have the same core and thread counts as their X counterparts, only with TDPs of 65W.

But, AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation is more than just the mid-range and the top-end. We went ahead and listed out all the specs below:

  • AMD Ryzen 9 3950X – 16-cores, 32-threads | 4.7GHz boost, 3.5GHz base | 105W
  • AMD Ryzen 9 3900X – 12-cores, 24-threads | 4.6GHz boost, 3.8GHz base | 105W 
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3800X – 8-cores, 16-threads | 4.5GHz boost, 3.9GHz base | 105W
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – 8-cores, 16-threads | 4.4GHz boost, 3.6GHz base | 65W
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600X – 6-cores, 12-threads | 4.4GHz boost, 3.8GHz base | 95W
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – 6-cores, 12-threads | 4.2GHz boost, 3.6GHz base | 65W
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3400G – 4-cores, 8-threads | 4.2GHz boost, 3.7GHz base | 65W

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.

Michelle Rae Uy also contributed to this article.

Images Credit: TechRadar

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Land the perfect budget phone with this cheap Moto G7 Power deal from Amazon

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 09:18 AM PDT

With the world's top smartphones frequently topping the £1,000 mark, it's easy to think getting an impressive smartphone has to mean an eye-watering investment. Luckily, there are a few budget phones floating around, dispelling that idea.

Out of all of those budget options, one that really stands out is the Motorola Moto G7 Power - a device that is now available at the market's lowest price of £159 from Amazon.

While that is an incredibly low price that may leave you sceptical about this phone's ability, it really does live up to one key part of its name - 'Power'. It's packed with a mammoth 5000mAh battery, a size far bigger than most flagship devices.

Pair that with the turbo-power battery charging and the beefy processing power behind this device and it is instantly clear, this is for the gamers, streamers and heavy users of the world.

You can see this deal in full down below or for something more spec heavy (and likely more expensive) check out our guide to the best mobile phone deals.

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Game of Thrones prequel: Bloodmoon release date, news, rumors, and cast

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT

After Game of Thrones came to a dramatic end in May, many of us have been left with a Jon Snow-shaped hole in our hearts. 

You may not be left craving the return of winter for too long however, with the announcement that a Game of Thrones prequel will air in 2020, with an all-new cast and completely new plot. 

Set around 5000 years before the events of GoT, the new series is expected to take place in the Age of Heroes, a period of time that saw the formation of the powerful Houses, and the first time the dreaded White Walkers descended on Westeros. 

With a working title of Bloodmoon, the Game of Thrones prequel is a collaboration between George R. R. Martin and screenwriter Jane Goldman. 

Right now, the prequel is only confirmed for a pilot, so only time will tell whether we get a full series; until then, here’s everything we know about the Game of Thrones prequel Bloodmoon so far. 

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? A Game of Thrones prequel, set 5000 years before GoT
  • What’s it called? Still TBC, but the working title is Bloodmoon
  • When will it be released? It’s scheduled for release sometime in 2020

The Game of Throne prequel, which has a working title of Bloodmoon, is set around 5000 years before the events that take place in the original Game of Thrones series. 

According to HBO, the new series will “chronicle the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour”.

The synopsis continues: “From the horrifying secrets of Westeros’s history to the true origin of he White Walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend, only one things is for sure: it’s not the story we think we know.”

game of thrones

Game Of Thrones" Creator George R. R. Martin at the Season Eight New York Premiere

When and where can I watch Bloodmoon?

Currently, we don’t have a firm release date for the Game of Thrones prequel, but we do know that the pilot episode is set to air sometime in 2020. 

If you’re in the US, HBO Go will likely be the go-to place to stream Bloodmoon, which will require a HBO subscription.

If you’re outside the US you won’t be able to do this as HBO Go is only supported in the US and “certain US territories”. In the UK, Game of Thrones was available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NowTV – we imagine that the prequel will also appear on these platforms. 

In Australia, GoT was available to stream on Foxtel Now; again, the likelihood is that Bloodmoon will be available to stream here, too. 

Who is confirmed to be working on Bloodmoon?

The creators of the new series are George R. R. Martin and British screenwriter, Jane Goldman, whose past work includes Kick-Ass, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and Stardust. 

HBO says: “Both will executive produce, alongside SJ Clarkson (The Defenders, Jessica Jones, HBO’s Succession and the upcoming Star Trek installment), who will also be directing the pilot episode; James Farrell; Jim Danger Gray; Vince Gerardis; Daniel Zelman and co-executive producer Chris Symes."

game of thrones prequel

Naomi Watts on the The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in June 2019

Who will star in Bloodmoon?

We know quite a few of the Game of Thrones prequel cast members already, but the most character information we’ve gleaned so far is that Oscar-nominee Naomi Watts “headlines as a charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret”. 

According to HBO, she is joined by Miranda Richardson (Rita Skeeter from the Harry Potter films), Marquis Rodriguez (Manifest), John Simm (Strangers), Richard MCabe (Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams), John Heffernan (Dracula), and Dixie Egerickx (Summerland). 

Other confirmed cast members include Josh Whitehouse (Poldark), Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth), Denise Gough (Monday), Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald), Sheila Atim (Harlots), Ivanno Jeremiah (Humans), Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia films), Alex Sharp (How to Talk to Girls at Parties) and Toby Regbo (The Last Kingdom, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald).

game of thrones prequel

George R. R. Martin has confirmed that Direwolves will make an appearance in the GoT prequel. 

Bloodmoon: everything we know so far

From the synopsis released by HBO, we can glean a few details about the Game of Thrones prequel. While we don’t have a firm release date aside from 2020, as well as no guarantee that the pilot will be made into a full series, HBO and George R. R. Martin have given us a few teasers to work with so far:

Westeros is very different place

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, George R. R. Martin confirmed that the Westeros in Bloodmoon will be very different from the one we came to know and love in Game of Thrones. He said:

“Westeros is a very different place. There’s no King’s Landing. There’s no Iron Throne. There are no Targaryens – Valyria has hardly begun to rise yet with its dragons and the great empire that it built. We’re dealing with a different and older world and hopefully that will be part of the fun of the series.”

More recently, Martin revealed that Westeros is divided into “roughly 100 kingdoms in the prequel”, far more than the Seven Kingdoms we’re used to. 

Don’t expect Jon Snow to make an appearance

Being set thousands of years before A Song of Ice and Fire, we’re not expecting to see many (if any) characters from the original series. So, if you were hoping for fan favorites like Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, and  Ned Stark to reunite, you’ll likely be disappointed. 

That’s not to say that we won’t see any old characters though…

Winter is coming

We know that Bloodmoon will take place during the Age of Heroes, a four thousand-year period in the history of Westeros, which was canonized through myths and songs years later. 

While we don’t know exactly when during the Age of Heroes that the new series will take place, we do know of a few key historical events that took place in this time frame. 

The most famous of these is the Long Night, in which the White Walkers, led by the Night King, sought to “bring an end to all life and cover the world in an endless winter”, according to Fandom. 

Of course, the Night King features heavily in the last few seasons of Game of Thrones – could we see a comprehensive White Walker origin story?

Starks, Direwolves, and mammoths… but no dragons

Just because Ned Stark is about 5000 years from being born, doesn’t mean that we won’t see any Starks at all. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Martin confirmed that “the Starks will definitely be there”, being descended from the First Men. 

We’ll also see a return of the beloved Direwolves, as well as a new type of creature to contend with: mammoths. 

Die-hard dragon fans will be disappointed though; the prequel reportedly predates dragons entirely. 

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The best iPhone 7 Plus deals and UK contracts in August 2019

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:41 AM PDT

This plus sized iPhone from Apple was launched alongside the iPhone 7 in September 2016. Until the iPhone X landed, we thought it was the best iPhone on the market, with big improvements on the camera and battery fronts from previous large-screen iPhones.

If you're looking for a big screen iPhone that won't break the bank then the 7 Plus could be a good fit. Prices fell very nicely on the advent of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and it is far cheaper than the big iPhones like the XS Max - if you go for the earlier iteration you could even end up paying around £300 less than it costs to get the newer massive iPhones. 7 Plus prices can now be found for less than £30 per month.

If you're dead set on grabbing this huge iPhone now, then to help you navigate we've got a handy comparison tool which is designed to help you zero in on the cheapest deals. Underneath that we've chosen what we think are the best value options overall for the biggest networks out there. And if you still need some persuading, we've added a brief review of the iPhone 7 Plus to the bottom of the page.

See also: iPhone 8 Plus deals | iPhone 8 deals | Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus deals | iPhone 7 deals | iPhone 6S Plus deals | Mobile phone deals

Top 5 best iPhone 7 Plus deals this month:

Unlike some other sites we don't manipulate the order of these deals for commercial gain, so the handpicked deals below really are the best iPhone 7 Plus deals for EE, O2, Three and Vodafone right now. Don't forget - if you're looking for something a little different, our comparison widget above is the perfect way to sniff out your perfect deal. This page is for the best iPhone 7 Plus deals in the UK, but if you're after Australian deals, check out the best Australian iPhone 7 Plus deals page. 

iphone 7 Plus deals

There's no denying the iPhone 7 Plus's brilliance - just look at the fantastic cameras, supercharged performance and waterproof design. But that doesn't disguise the fact that it doesn't build massively on the iPhone 6S. If you want true innovation, you'll have to pay the extra for 2017's iPhone X or the even more recent iPhone XR and iPhone XS 

Read more in TechRadar's full iPhone 7 Plus review

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Amazon Dash Buttons took away our freedom to choose – and to think

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:40 AM PDT

All Amazon Dash buttons will stop working at the end of August – and that’s a good thing. Dash Buttons made re-ordering everyday items like toilet paper and clothes detergent so simple, you didn’t even need to think about it – and that’s partly why they failed.

In January, officials in Germany ruled that the buttons didn’t give shoppers sufficient information about the product they were purchasing (including current pricing) before parting with their cash, and made them illegal.

That was inconvenient for German citizens ordering Ariel Colorwaschmittel directly from their washing machines, but it makes sense. If you’re a regular Amazon shopper, you’ll know that prices on the site often fluctuate (an effect you can see clearly with free browser extension The Camelizer, which displays price changes over time when you visit a product page).

Camelizer

The price of everyday goods can fluctuate significantly on Amazon over the course of a year

In its terms and conditions, Amazon reserved the right to change the prices for goods ordered through a Dash Button, and even substitute a different product entirely. Not a great experience for you, and one that could result in you paying more than you would elsewhere. For items you buy frequently (which is what the buttons were specifically designed for), that could make a big difference to your finances over the course of a year.

Not so fast

The German ruling isn’t the only reason Dash Buttons have fallen out of favor. The wealth of connected devices (including many made by Amazon) in our homes means there’s no shortage of other ways to purchase items than a single-purpose button glued to an appliance. Just ask Alexa to order you some kitchen towel, and it could be on your doorstep the same day (depending on where you live). There’s still very little to get in the way of consumption.

Friction isn’t a negative, though – as a consumer, it gives you power to choose and time to reconsider. Next time you’re shopping for non-essentials online, try putting them in your basket (or bookmarking them if you frequently clear your browser cookies) and leaving them for a week. Chances are, you’ll change your mind about some, if not all of them.

Amazon Prime Day

Lightning Deals and Amazon Prime Day push us to purchase quickly, without thinking

Amazon lets you skip the cooling-off period provided by the shopping cart entirely with its tempting ‘Buy it now’ button. With no need to enter any payment information, it almost doesn’t feel like spending money at all.

Missing out

Lightning Deals, meanwhile, play to fear of missing out (FOMO), with progress bars showing the percentage of stock sold and a timer displaying how many hours, minutes and seconds you have to grab a bargain before it disappears.

Lightning Deals are also a cunning way to surface products you’d never normally look for, or consider buying, turning them into impulse purchases. Hmm, 24% off a garden hose? Well the grass has been looking a bit parched lately. A Nintendo Switch toughened glass screen protector? Maybe I’m taking a risk without one of those – and a matching case. Buy it now.

The increasingly inaccurately named Amazon Prime Day (this year’s event spanned 48 hours) is FOMO at its finest, encouraging shoppers to wait until midnight for a Jeff Bezos-shaped Santa to drop down the chimney with a sack full of discounted electronics and dog DNA tests. There are some great deals to be found, but there’s a lot of chaff as well.

Seamless shopping is here to stay, but the failure of Dash Buttons have shown that there is a limit to how frictionless shopping can actually be, and perhaps help us make more conscious, mindful decisions.

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Most Google Chrome extensions have barely any installs

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:34 AM PDT

Despite the fact that there are 188,620 extensions available on the Chrome Web Store, most of these extensions are either dead or dying down as only very few have active installations.

A recent scan of the entire Chrome Web Store, conducted by Extension Monitor, has revealed that almost 50 percent of all Chrome extensions have less than 16 installs which means that half of the Chrome extension ecosystem is basically deserted. 

Additionally, 19,379 extensions (a little over 10 percent) have zero installs while 25,540 extensions (13 percent) have just one user. The scan also found that very few Chrome extensions have managed to establish a dedicated userbase.

Google Chrome has over one billion monthly active users and its large install base could be a huge potential market for extension developers. However, according to Extension Monitor, around 87 percent of all extensions have less than 1,000 installs.

Chrome extensions

While many extensions have only a few installations, only 13 extensions have been able to cross the 10m mark which is the highest user count threshold available on the Chrome Web Store.

These 13 extensions include Google Translate, Adobe Acrobat, Tampermonkey, Avast Online Security, Adblock Plus, Adblock, uBlock Origin, Pinterest Save Button, Cisco Webex, Grammarly for Chrome, Skype, Avast SafePrice and Honey.

A few extensions are getting closer to the 10m mark but the number of extensions with multi-million userbases is still quite small. This is especially true when you compare Chrome extensions with Android apps as Android also has over one billion monthly active users.

Extension Monitor's research shows that Chrome extension ecosystem is dominated by a few very large players while the rest struggle to gain more users. The company will conduct two scans in the future with additional details on the most populated extensions categories and how extensions handle permissions and content security.

Via ZDNet

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Respawn is teasing a new Apex Legends character – and it could be arriving soon

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:29 AM PDT

It seems like Respawn Entertainment has a lot planned for Apex Legends in the near future. 

We already know that the battle royale is about to get the ‘most fan-requested’ feature in the coming weeks, but it looks like a new Legend could be on the cards too according to a teaser tweet from Respawn Entertaiment's producer Tina Sanchez.

It's been rumored for a while that a new character is coming to Apex Legends and all signs have pointed to the Legend being a hacking specialist called Crypto. To date we haven't had much in the way of concrete details (or an actual confirmation) about Crypto, however Sanchez recently tweeted an image of herself in full motion capture gear, complete with a cane, alongside the message "working on Apex Legends stuff" (via Dot Esports).

Check out the tweet below:

The key indicator in this image is the cane, a defining feature we've seen in the leaked images of Crypto. What's more, Sanchez isn't exactly denying that the Legend is on the way.

When asked by a fan whether this work involves Crypto, Sanchez simply replied with the mouthless emoji, hinting that it is the cane-wielding Legend that the team is working on.

If that's the case then we could be seeing Crypto joining the roster sooner than we anticipated. While it seemed liked that he would be added to the game as part of the Season 3 Battle Pass in October, it may be that Crypto is the second hero Respawn teased will join the game as part of Season 2.

What do we know about Crypto?

Shortly after the release of Apex Legends in February, dataminers began to unearth potential Legends coming to the game - with Crypto among them (via Reddit). 

However, rumors that Crypto will be the next Legend to join Apex Legends began to arise back in June when his laptop appeared in King's Canyon, shortly before the introduction of Battle Charge. 

It looks likely that Crypto will be the next Legend added to the Apex Legends roster, bringing with him some special hacking abilities. We're not sure quite what these will involve, but we imagine it'll be similar to those of Overwatch's Sombra.

Repsawn Entertainment has not officially confirmed Crypto is on the way, or when we'll see him, but we think it's likely he will be landing in the coming weeks.

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Millions of accounts hit in huge sextortion email campaign

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:25 AM PDT

A malicious email campaign looking to blackmail victims has affected millions of innocent users around the world, a new report has found.

Researchers from Cofense Labs have published a database of over 200 million compromised accounts hit by a wide-ranging campaign that is looking to spread malware and rake in ransoms from innoncent victims.

The campaign used a “for rent” botnet was used primarily to send sextortion emails, which look to extort money from the victims by threatening to release sexually-explicit content reportedly accessed on their device.

'Spray and pray'

Cofense Labs analysed over seven million email addresses impacted by sextortion in the first half of 2019 alone, finding that more than $1.5M in payments had been made to bitcoin wallets associated with sextortion campaigns this year. Many of these accounts were included in recent data breaches, but some were as much as ten years old.

The company says that poor password hygiene, including infrequent changes and reuse across multiple sites, is worsening the issue. Cofense is advising that anyone with emails included in the database should immediately change the passwords for any accounts linked to that address - and if a sextortion email is received, to not respond to the email or pay the ransom.

“This botnet is not infecting computers to acquire new data sets – it is a true “spray and pray” attack reusing credentials culled from past data breaches to fuel legitimacy and panic through sextortion scams,” said Aaron Higbee, Cofense Co-Founder and CTO. 

“If your email address is found in a target list used by the botnet, it’s highly likely you will receive a sextortion email – if you haven’t already. We felt it was critical to get this information out. We hope that victims receiving a sextortion email will find our resource center so they can avoid the anxiety and stress of trying to figure out whether to pay a bitcoin ransom.”

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Boris Johnson fibre plan needs much work, industry says

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:24 AM PDT

The UK broadband industry has responded to boasts by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the country will get full fibre coverage by 2025.

Key figures in the industry have said that this target is only achievable if the government eliminates several barriers to network rollout – and quickly.

The government official target for such deployment is currently 2033, but Boris Johnson said during the Conservative leadership election that he wanted to bring this forward to the mid-2020s. He has not given any indication of how this would be achieved.

Full fibre pledge

An open letter, signed by the heads of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) the Federation of Communications Services (FCS) and the Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA), has identified four key barriers to be resolved.

These include calls for planning reform to make it easier, cheaper and quicker to build and upgrade infrastructure, the abolition of business rates on fibre, and laws that require new-build homes to include provisions for full fibre connectivity.

There also concerns that Brexit will make it difficult to assemble the vast workforce required to build out full coverage by 2025. Telcos want guarantees of access to skilled labour and more skills training.

“The industry stands ready to rise to this challenge, but we need a Prime Minister who can provide the direction, idealism and commitment to fulfil this ambition,” said the letter. “We call on you to give a full commitment that your Government will give us the tools we need to deliver future-proof connections across the UK.

“While the £3-5bn of public funding indicated by Government will be crucial to deliver connectivity to the hardest to reach areas, a concerted effort is needed from Government to remove significant regulatory barriers in the immediate term. Removing these barriers will 2 enable better use of private and public investment to roll out fibre further and faster.”

Openreach CEO Clive Selley has previously said that the target was a “stretch” but not out of the question if the right support was given to the industry. Meanwhile BT CEO Philip Jansen has lent his support to the idea.

“We welcome the Government’s ambition for full fibre broadband across the country and we are confident we will see further steps to stimulate investment,” he said. “We are ready to play our part to accelerate the pace of rollout, in a manner that will benefit both the country and our shareholders, and we are engaging with the Government and Ofcom on this.”

BT is not the only company investing in full fibre infrastructure, with Virgin Media, TalkTalk, CityFibre, Hyperoptic and Gigaclear among those building out networks.

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Best Back to School Accessories for MacBook in 2019

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:15 AM PDT

  • This article originally appeared on Android Central and has been inducted into our Back to School guide

It's getting close to the back-to-school season, when students will be out buying the supplies that will carry them through the next year in their education. For MacBook users, there are a number of great accessories you should think about picking up to enhance your Mac experience, from a great backpack for carrying your computer around to a great portable drive.

Our recommendations

For a college student, a lot can center around the bag you carry. Between your MacBook, books, and other supplies, you want something that can fit everything you need. The JanSport Cool Student Backpack has enough space for your MacBook and most other things you'll need at school on a day-to-day basis.


The next thing I'd get is an external drive, whether you want it for backups or storing your movie collection. While it can be a little price compared to a hard drive, the Samsung T5 SSD is small and incredibly fast, a great choice whether you're throwing it in your backpack or using it in your dorm.

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10 things you should know before you buy a MacBook for students

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:11 AM PDT

  • This article originally appeared on iMore and has been inducted into our Back to School guide

Back to school time is in the air, which is when many families and students decide to purchase a new MacBook. Before making a purchase, there are a few things to keep in mind and consider. Happy shopping!

Decide on a screen size first and portability

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)


Apple has two laptop lines, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Each product line is somewhat distinct for offering different screen sizes. Your first decision should be to decide on the screen size you want. If you want a 13.3-inch model, you'll have to decide whether to get a MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro based on other specifications.

Along with screen size, be aware of the weight of the machine and how that could affect portability. All of today's MacBook models are lighter than past models. However, some remain heavier than the others. Especially for those on a large campus, there's a big difference in carrying a 2.75 pound MacBook Air and 4 pound 15-inch MacBook Pro.

MacBook AirMacBook Pro
Release dateOctober 2018 May 2019
Display sizes 13.3 inches13.3 inches and 15.4 inches
ProcessorsIntel Core i5Intel Core i5/i7/i9
RAM8GB/16GB8GB/16GB or 16GB/32GB
Storage128GB to 1.5TB256GB to 4GB
Weight2.75 pounds3.02 pounds and 4.02 pounds
Color choices 32
Starting price$1099$1299

Buy as much processor speed as you can afford

Apple doesn't allow you to swap out parts on any of the current MacBook models. With this in mind, zero in on what you can afford and go with it -- starting with the processor speed. Expect to pay around $200 more as you move up to a better processor. However, don't go overboard.

If you're only purchasing a new laptop to take notes and write reports, save yourself some money and purchase less. Conversely, if you're planning on doing creative work using an Adobe product or something like Final Cut Pro, go with a bigger processor.

Same goes for RAM


Deciding how much computer memory to buy is also crucial. Random access memory, or RAM, is your system's short-term data storage. The larger the RAM, the quicker your computer can access data. Additionally, the more programs your system is running, the more memory you'll need.

Again, Apple doesn't let you change RAM on MacBooks after purchase, so you'll want to choose wisely.

How about storage?

With the advent of cloud-based computing, the amount of onboard storage on computers isn't nearly as significant as it was just a few years ago. With this in mind, I recommend not purchasing the minimum storage that's available on any given MacBook. That number, which currently stands at 128GB, probably isn't enough for most people over the long-term. Conversely, having over 1TB of storage on a laptop is perhaps too much for most folks.

Consider a portable hard drive

You should back up your MacBook regularly using the built-in Time Machine feature. For this, you should invest in a portal hard drive. These come in various sizes and price points with many often being on sale.

Get a case

MacBooks are beautiful devices. Unfortunately, they are also fragile. To protect your investment, be sure to purchase a case or bag.

Do buy AppleCare+

Buying a MacBook isn't cheap; replacing parts without a warranty is also expensive. Each Apple laptop comes with one year of hardware repair coverage. I recommend purchasing AppleCare+ to extend that coverage to three years. You can buy your coverage at the time of purchase or at any time during the first year.

Yes, education pricing is available

Year-round Apple provides discounts to qualifying higher-education students, parents purchasing on behalf of higher-education students, and faculty and staff at higher-education and K-12 institutions. In the lead-up to new school years throughout the world, Cupertino typically adds extra incentives to convince you to buy through them.

For 2019, Apple is offering a mix of goodies, including up to $200 off a Mac purchase and free Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones with certain items. Discounts on AppleCare+ are also available.

Promotions are available through Apple's online store, retail stores, and authorized campus stores.

But check Amazon, too

After years of bickering, Amazon and Apple began playing nice with one another at the end of 2018. Since then, Amazon has fast become one of the most popular places online to purchase Apple products, including a full line-up of current and past MacBook models.

Amazon has been aggressive when it comes to discounting Apple products. However, don't expect to see huge discounts on current models. Instead, the largest deals can be found on new past models, which are always marked as Previous Model.

At the time of this writing, for example, you should expect to pay hundreds of dollars less on a 2018 MacBook than its original retail price. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether the older model has the specs that you need. Typically, however, Apple only offers minor hardware changes between products year-to-year.

A word of caution: Be on the lookout from Apple products on Amazon marked Renewed. These products are not new.

According to Amazon:

  • "Renewed products work and look like new. These pre-owned products are not Apple certified but have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers. Box and accessories may be generic. All Renewed products come with the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee."

Finally, look at our cheat sheet


Here's a breakdown of what's different with each MacBook model:

MacBook Air: With the recent retirement of the 12-inch MacBook this is now Apple's least expensive laptop. It even has Touch ID and is the only current MacBook model to come in gold.

13-inch MacBook Pro: The smaller of the two Pro models is excellent for those looking for a smaller laptop but still want premium parts inside.

15-inch MacBook Pro: Here's the one for designers and anyone else who wants a large display. It's also the most expensive model, even at its entry-level.

12-inch MacBook: Apple recently retired this model, which was last updated in 2017. If you're willing to except a little less real estate and older internals, you can find great discounts on this model at third-party retailers.

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Fossil Gen 5 smartwatches announced with speakers and better iPhone support

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:08 AM PDT

Today is a big day for smartwatches, as not only has the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 been announced, but so has the Fossil Gen 5 range of smartwatches, which includes The Carlyle HR and Julianna HR.

The big new feature here is arguably a swim-proof speaker, which lets your watch talk back to you when using Google Assistant and also lets you take calls from your watch. Some watches from other brands already offer this, but where the Fossil Gen 5 range really jumps ahead is in its ability for iPhone users to also take tethered calls from their watch.

This will be possible via an app Fossil is bringing to the watch "later this fall" – so presumably sometime between September and November, and it’s a first on a Wear OS device.

The Fossil Gen 5 comes with a 44mm stainless steel case, a 1.3-inch screen, lots of straps to choose from – including leather, silicone and stainless steel – and it has a heart rate monitor, GPS, NFC (allowing for Google Pay), and a fast-charging battery with four different modes and supposedly over 24 hours of life.

It uses the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, which has previously appeared in the Fossil Sport but otherwise hasn’t been used much, despite being the latest and greatest Qualcomm smartwatch chipset.

Other features include water resistance to 3ATM, and a variety of pre-installed apps, including one called Cardiogram which claims to be able to pick up signs of undiagnosed diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Notably however there’s no ECG (electrocardiogram), which uses hardware rather than just software to detect heart issues.

With the likes of the Apple Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 packing such a feature, the Fossil Gen 5 risks looking dated from day 1. Still, it ticks most of the other smartwatch boxes. If you want the Fossil Gen 5 you can get it now for $295/£279/AU$499.

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The best Netflix series in the UK (August 2019): fantastic Netflix shows to binge

Posted: 05 Aug 2019 08:00 AM PDT

If you've ditched regular TV and you're getting your fix online, we bet you're using Netflix. The online streaming platform has more than 140 million subscribers worldwide, so it's made sure there's a diverse range of Netflix shows, as well as exclusive Netflix TV series, for viewers with a range of tastes to enjoy.

UPDATE: It’s shaping up to be one hot summer over on Netflix. Not only has the latest season of Stranger Things landed, but now the new (and not to mention final) season of Orange Is The New Black is here too. Does the last season give the characters we’ve come to know and love the ending they deserve? You’ll have to head over to Netflix to find out. 

If you're more after fact than fiction, you may want to check out The Great Hack: an expose around the Cambridge Analytics data scandal – or the brand new Enter The Anime documentary, which features interviews with animators throughout the Japanese TV industry.

Netflix offers a huge number of TV shows, from old classic sitcoms and soaps to the site's own Netflix Originals, produced in-house and birthing the likes of Bojack Horseman, Orange is the New Black, and the brilliantly quirky Russian Doll – which has just been renewed for a second season!

But long gone are the days when there'd be one big show everyone was talking about at the water cooler – now there's all sorts of big-hitters and cult hits competing for your eyeballs, with TV shows being added and removed from Netflix on almost a daily basis. 

The streaming platform will need to keep up its winning streak of great TV content, with rising subscription prices and fierce competition from the likes of Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus when they launch later in the year.

We've put together this guide to the best Netflix shows that you can watch in the UK right now – and so you can keep up-to-date with Netflix's busy release schedule, which we'll be updating you on once a week. You can check out the box to the right for the best Netflix shows by category – comedy, drama, sci-fi, Netflix Originals, and the like – or read on below for what's coming and going on the service.

If you're more of an Amazon Prime fan, and there's a lot to love about this Netflix rival at the moment, then you can see all the best Amazon Prime TV shows in our separate guide.

A still from When They See Us, a new TV show on Netflix UK

When They See Us has been the most watched show on the platform – of all time. Image Credit: Netflix

New Netflix TV shows

There's a great selection of new shows to watch on Netflix right now, including the second season of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which is even stronger, darker and spookier than the first, as well as a new season of Charlie Brooker's sci-fi future shock series Black Mirror.

Last month our top pick was When They See Us, the hard-hitting new drama miniseries from Ava DuVernay, which is a powerful look at systemic racism in the US featuring some exceptional performances. In fact, since its release earlier this month, the show has become the most popular series Netflix has ever featured on the platform – in short, it's a must-watch. 

Netflix has also welcomed the third and final season of Jessica Jones, the season season of Dark (a German language Netflix Original series), the third season of Stranger Things – which could just be the best yet – and the final season of Orange is the New Black.

And if you just can't get enough of Stranger Things star David Harbour, you'll be happy to hear he's released a mockumentary on Netflix called Frankenstein's Monster's Monster: Frankenstein. From the trailer (below), it looks like a funny spoof, with great acting from Harbour. 

What's coming soon to Netflix?

For Netflix TV shows, there's a lot to look forward to later in the year too. 

The third season of GLOW will land on August 9, 2019. Not to mention further seasons of Bojack Horseman, The Crown, Manhunter, Lucifer and Sex Education on their way.

For fans of Jim Henson's puppetry classic, The Dark Crystal, Netflix's 10-part prequel series Age of Resistance will be landing on August 30. They've even stuck with real puppets.

More details have also been revealed about The Witcher TV show. The Netflix adaptation of The Witcher game and book will be released before the end of 2019, the company has now confirmed.

Neil Gaiman fans will be happy to hear that it looks like Netflix and Warner have agreed on a deal to bring Gaiman's fantastical Sandman horror stories to life. Early reports suggest there will be 10 episodes based on the award-winning comic books and Gaiman himself will be co-writing at least one of the episodes. Get ready to enter The Dreaming!

Here's some of the brilliant Netflix UK shows you can expect in 2019:

  • Dear White People, Volume 3 - August 2, 2019
  • GLOW, Season 3 - August 9, 2019
  • Mindhunter, New Season - August 16, 2019
  • The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance - August 30, 2019
  • Disenchantment, Part 2 - September 20, 2019
  • The Witcher - late 2019
  • Bojack Horseman, New Season - Date Unknown
  • The Crown, New Season - Date Unknown
  • Lucifer, New Season - Date Unknown
  • Sex Education, New Season - Date Unknown
  • Ozark, New Season - Date Unknown
  • Umbrella Academy, New Season - Date Unknown
  • For more, read our round up of the best upcoming TV shows and movies on Netflix

Henry Cavill as The Witcher's Geralt

Henry Cavill as The Witcher's Geralt (Image Credit: Netflix)

Netflix UK FAQ: quick questions answered

How much does Netflix cost in the UK? There are a few different plans you can choose from in the UK, depending on whether you want to watch in SD, HD, or Ultra HD (4K) – dependent on the strength of your internet – and how many separate devices you want to watch on.

Basic– £5.99 per month – With the cheapest membership option, you can watch one one screen at a time in Standard Definition, and download videos to one mobile device. 

Standard – £7.99 per month – This membership allows you to watch in HD on two screens at a time and download videos to two mobile devices.

Premium – £9.99 per month – The most expensive subscription allows you to watch in HD and Ultra HD on four screens at a time, and download videos to four mobile devices. 

How can I get a free Netflix account? Netflix offers new customers a free month of the service as a trial period – simply choose a membership type and payment plan and your first month will be free.

At the end of this period, if you choose to continue watching Netflix, you'll be charged one "low monthly fee" regardless of how much you used the service and on how many devices you watched videos on. 

Netflix will send you a reminder towards the end of your trial period – if you want to cancel your membership, you can do so at any time during this period and you won't be charged. 

Can I watch live TV on Netflix? No – you can only watch films and TV series from Netflix's rather extensive library. If you want to watch live TV in the UK, you can try services like Sky's Now TV, BBC iPlayer, or ITV Hub.

Is Amazon Prime better than Netflix? The answer to that question really depends on the shows and movies you want to watch. Check out our roundup of the best Amazon Prime Video TV Shows for an idea of what you can watch on Amazon Prime. You can also read our Amazon Prime review for more information on what the service offers.

Do you get Netflix free with Sky Q? Netflix can be accessed on a Sky Q box, but it doesn't come for free – you'll still need to sign in with a paid-for Netflix subscription. However, if you opt for Sky's Ultimate on Demand package, it will integrate Netflix billing with your Sky bill, while reducing its cost and unlocking Netflix recommendations within the Sky Q interface. If you're paying for both services, it's well worth combining them in this way as a result.

Best Netflix Original series  

Some of the best Netflix series worth watching today are ones the streaming site has produced itself – often with stellar results. There's been a lot of money pumped into creating original content, even if Netflix may get a bit pickier about what it funds going forward.

While many of the Netflix Original shows out there were committed to the dustbin of viewing habits pretty quickly, these ones are definitely worth your attention.

A still from When They See Us, a new TV show on Netflix UK

Image Credit: Netflix

When They See Us

Created by Ava DuVernay for Netflix, this hard-hitting drama follows the story of five teens - four African American men and one Hispanic - who were accused of attacking and raping a woman in New York in 1989. It's a gut-wrenching story that shines a light on the systemic racism in the US.

Just a few weeks after its release, this show has garnered a lot of media attention, as well as a lot of viewers. Netflix has revealed it's actually the most popular series that's ever been featured on the platform to date. In other words, it's a must-watch.

Season on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Russian Doll

Orange Is The New Black's Natasha Lyonne stars in this dark comedy as Nadia, who keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party in a surreal time loop – much like Groundhog Day. 

With it's cynical and witty examination of living and dying, Russian Doll switches rapidly between laugh-out-loud hilarity and devastating sadness – it's a must-watch. In June 2019, Netflix announced it would be renewing Russian Doll for a second season - more details to come soon.

Seasons on Netflix: 1 

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Maniac

A bizarre new sci-fi series based on a Norwegian TV show of the same name. It's about Annie and Owen, played by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, two troubled strangers who are brought together during some strange pharmaceutical trials. Dr. James K. Mantleray claims that a new series of pills he's created can solve all kinds of mental illness and heartbreak, but there's something much deeper and more sinister going on too. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Bojack Horseman

Yes, Bojack Horseman is hilarious. Yes, it’s the best thing Will Arnett has done since Arrested Development. And, yes, it should be the next thing you watch if you are into anthropomorphic comedy about a once great TV star who has fallen on hard times. It’s all of that but it’s also a pretty accurate portrayal of depression and should be celebrated as such.

For those who are worried it may be too dark for them, fear not - there's loads of slapstick humor, word play, and stunning animation to keep everything balanced.

Seasons on Netflix: 5

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

The Crown

Is The Crown Netflix's crowning glory? It could be, as a sumptuous look at one of the world's most famous families: the Royal family. Charting the early years of the relationship between the Queen (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip  (former Doctor Who Matt Smith), the show was written by Peter Morgan and, at £100 million, is one of the most expensive TV series ever made. Which means there's enough pomp and ceremony to keep those pining for a Downton Abbey replacement happy.

The second season is now on Netflix and is a nice improvement on the first series - it's also the last that stars the current cast, with Olivia Coleman and Helena Bonham Carter slated to appear as the Queen and Princess Margaret respectively in the next couple on seasons.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Orange is the New Black

Orange Is The New Black is back for its sixth season and is a show that consistently one of the best to watch, with its superb tale of life in a women's prison. 

It's so popular that it is now the most watched series on Netflix - although the makers have announced that the show's next season will be its last.

The show has returned for its seventh final season and things are looking pretty bleak for the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary – as well as for those who are on the outside. While the comedy is still there, it's slathered with a fair bit of drama and darkness.

Seasons on Netflix: 7

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

GLOW

The long-awaited second season of the female wrestling comedy GLOW is finally here. The Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling have returned and this time they’ve been commissioned for a full series of their trashy, hot-pink, hairspray-fuelled wrestling show led by their coked-up director (played by Marc Maron). The fantastic second season could potentially even outshine the first for its refreshing female-fronted cast and writers, and its brilliant balancing act between empowerment and exploitation. It’s a must-watch.

Keep your eyes peeled for the highly-anticipated third season, which should land on Netflix any day now.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

Best drama series on Netflix

best Netflix series

Image credit: Sony Pictures Television

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is must-watch TV and one of the reasons Netflix has risen to the popularity it has. Before Breaking Bad, Netflix was seen as a fairly decent streaming service. After it got the rights to show the final season of Breaking Bad in the UK, Netflix propelled itself to superstardom. Not bad for a show that’s ostensibly about a high-school teacher with cancer who goes on to sell meth to pay for his hospital bills. 

It goes without saying, if you haven’t yet spent time with Walter White and Jesse - do so now! But, be warned, the show is as addictive as the stuff Walter is peddling. 

Seasons on Netflix: 5

best Netflix series

Image credit: BBC

Sherlock

This contemporary BBC remake of the Arthur Conan Doyle classic is dark, funny, and intricately written, and it's brought Victorian sleuth Sherlock Holmes bang up to date for the modern age. 

With stellar performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Holmes and Dr Watson respectively, this BBC adaptation is an absolute must-watch. Storylines packed with intrigue and nail-biting tension are offset by moments of genuine humor, so even the scaredy-cats in the family will find something to love about this series.

Seasons on Netflix: 4

best Netflix series

Image credit: Channel 4 / Clerkenwell Films

The End of the F***ing World

Adapted from the comic book of the same name (mins the ***), The End Of The F***ing World is f***ing brilliant. It tells the tale of two teenagers on a journey; both are loners on the run but one of them just happens to be a bit of a psychopath. It's funny, but brutal TV. It's British and co-funded by Channel 4 and there's a fantastic edge to everything in it - and it's perfectly bite-sized, too at just under 20 minutes an episode. It's so good, it's destined to get a second season. The first ends so perfectly, though, it's actually a real shame that this will happen.

Seasons on Netflix: 1 (and it needs to stay that way)

best Netflix series

Image credit: Lionsgate Television

Mad Men

On the face of it, Mad Men is about advertising execs - lead by the ever-conflicted Don Draper - in the Sixties but it's much much more. Each episode lingers, taking time to tell its tale, but it's worth the wait. Superb television that you can get caught up in.

Seasons on Netflix: 7

Best comedy series on Netflix

That's right: Netflix has become a brilliant hub for the funnies. Whether that's Netflix's range of stand-up specials, or the TV comedies below, there are few streaming sites as sure to get a laugh out of you.

A still from the NEtflix TV show Easy

Image Credit: Netflix 

Easy

All three seasons of Easy are now available on Netflix. It's a US comedy set in Chicago  all about love, relationships and sex. There are some characters that crop up again as protagonists, but sometimes they're background characters in other stories. We like that comedian and WTF podcast creator Marc Maron is making an appearance in the third season.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Sex Education

This British comedy series sees socially awkward sixth-former Otis (who lives with his sex therapist mother) team up with the smart and rebellious Maeve, to create a sex clinic for the school's sexually frustrated students.

It's equally funny as it is heartfelt, and offers a frank and uncensored view of teen sexuality and the social quagmire that is sixth-form education. 

Don't be put off by the Americanisation of this high school comedy that's apparently set in a seemingly quaint British village – the temporal and physical ambiguity is what gives this fantastic series part of its charm. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: NBC / Fremulon

The Good Place

Comedy is in a good place right now and, funnily enough, The Good Place is a perfect example of that. Starring Ted Danson and Kristen Bell, this off-the-wall comedy focuses on a recently deceased woman who is sent to a heaven-like utopia called the Good Place completely by accident. In order to stay there she goes to any lengths to hide what a terrible person she was when living. 

Season 1 and 2 have already aired in the UK through Netflix, with new season 3 episodes being added each week in line with their US release. The fourth season is expected to land later in 2019, which unfortunately will be the last.

A great cast, clever writing and an original concept make this a must-watch.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

best Netflix series

Image credit: Objective Productions / Channel 4

Peep Show

All nine seasons of Peep Show are now on Netflix - and if you haven't seen the show, then you are in for a treat. Charting the rather mundane lives of two flatmates Jez (Robert Webb) and Mark (David Mitchell), the show is a wry look at adults trying and failing to be adults. 

All shot in first person - hence the name - Peep Show doesn't shirk from sex, drugs and political incorrectness but it does it all in such a brilliantly British way, that you don't mind at all when you are watching some of the most awkward TV moments, including one of the characters serving up a dead dog for dinner. 

Don't ask, just watch.

Seasons on Netflix: 9

best Netflix series

Image credit: FX

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Initially made on a shoe-string budget, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia first season had a cult following, but low viewing figures meant it was destined to be a one-series wonder. Thankfully, everything changed when Season 2 was eventually green-lit, thanks to some big-time star power. Danny De Vito joined for a 10-episode run that was extended because he loved it so much. 

He's still in the show that's now in its 13th season, bringing with him huge viewing figures. The antics of Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Mac (Rob McElhenney, the show's creator), Charlie (Charlie Kelly) and Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson) won't be for everyone - at its darkest the show's 'comedy' themes range from nazism to drug abuse - but stick with it and this deliciously depraved classic will reward you.

Its 13th season has finally arrived on Netflix, and we're happy to say, it's just as funny as the previous 12. 

Seasons on Netflix: 13

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Arrested Development

Arrested Development is one of the best comedies ever made. So it made sense that Netflix would want to resurrect it for a fifth season. The fourth season was funny, but it wasn’t perfect - primarily because most of the cast were too busy to get into the same room.

But the first half fifth season brings back some of that Bluth magic, which is full of in-jokes, jokes that run for entire seasons and more, well, jokes, this is essential TV.

[Update: The second half of season 5 is here as of March 15, 2019. Do the chicken dance!]

Seasons on Netflix: 5 

best Netflix series

Image credit: Fox

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Following the brilliant but immature NYPD detective Jake Peralta, this Golden Globe-winning series is a laugh-a-minute, with plenty of deadpan jokes, physical comedy, and crackpot characters. 

With around 20 episodes per season Brooklyn Nine-Nine is totally bingeable, and the latest fifth season is now available to stream on Netflix.

Seasons on Netflix: 5

Best sci-fi / fantasy series on Netflix

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Stranger Things

When it comes to TV and movies, the '80s is the nostalgia decade of the moment. Whether it's Jeff Nichols' Midnight Special that plays like a Steven Spielberg film, if Spielberg still made films like he did in the Eighties, or The Goldbergs and Red Oaks mining the decade for laughs, filmmakers can't get enough of the shell suits and Sony Walkmans.

Stranger Things is another brilliant homage to this era. Leaning heavily on Spielberg, John Carpenter and Stephen King - so much King - the story revolves around a small town, a group of friends, a missing person and a dodgy science lab. Writing anything else would give away the myriad twists in a show that is full of brilliant creepy fun.

The third season has just arrived on Netflix and it's probably the best one yet, bringing everything we know and love about the show and adding in even more spooky science, drama between the characters and heaps of colourful 80s nostalgia.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

The OA

Co-created by and starring the ever-brilliant Brit Marling, The OA consists of eight episodes that rival Stranger Things for, well, strangeness. 

Marling is a blind woman who comes back after disappearing for many years. Her sight is restored and she has a tale to tell. The whole thing has been made to make you feel uneasy and it does a great job of that – and with the second season now on Netflix, there's more to binge than ever before.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

best Netflix series

Image credit: CBS

Star Trek: Discovery

Well, this series went to places we never thought it would. Set before the exploits of the Starship Enterprise, the show is filled with Roddenberry characters. But while the original series had shades of light this is a much darker look at space exploration. Sonequa Martin-Green is great as the first officer who has a past intrinsically linked to Star Trek characters of the past – we can't wait to see where this series goes.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Black Mirror

Season 5 of Black Mirror is out now and, although we're sure we said the same thing for the fourth season, this one could be the darkest, most varied season of the show yet. 

Before Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker was best known for his snarky look at the news in Weekly Wipe and his fantastic, caustic look at 'meeja' types in London’s Shoreditch. 

Now, the show has given him superstar status. For good reason, it’s fantastic TV with each episode taking on a different dystopia topic, mostly framed around technology going very long. The third season was commissioned by Netflix and is in 4K, with most of the episodes being feature length.

Seasons on Netflix: 5

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

New season added: Dark

Dark is a German-language supernatural thriller in which the disappearance of two children in a small town brings the fractured relationships and dark pasts of the people living there to the surface. 

Adding a touch of Scandinavian crime thriller to American drama, this 10-part series has been renewed for a second season, which landed on Netflix in June 2019.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

The Umbrella Academy

Based on the comic books written by My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy is Netflix's latest Original series. 

After 43 babies are born to women who showed no signs of pregnancy, seven are adopted by billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, who trains them to save the world using their powers. 

After the family becomes estranged, they are reunited once more when their father dies and are forced to come to terms with their past and the danger that lurks in their future. 

Fronted by Ellen Page, The Umbrella Academy is flamboyant, dark, and gratifyingly violent – all the ingredients you need for a great superhero series.

Best animated series on Netflix

Netflix has made no secret of its desire to cater to all tastes – including those after some high-class animation. There's been a flurry of kids' cartoons, adult satires, and Japanese anime making its way to the service: here's our pick of the very best.

best Netflix series

Image credit: Warner Bros.

Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty has enjoyed an almost obsessive cult following since its release in 2013, and with three seasons on Netflix, there's a lot to catch up on if you haven't seen it yet. 

The series follows the crazy inter-dimensional adventures of mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his timid grandson Morty, as they navigate both the multiverse and fraught family relationships.

Part of it's wide appeal is creator Dan Harmon's masterful combination of side-splitting humor with sometimes devastating emotional depth, meaning Rick and Morty is a series you will unlikely be able to stop watching once you start. 

Seasons on Netflix: 3

Neon Genesis Evangelion

This critically-acclaimed Japanese anime has landed on Netflix, with all 26 episodes of the original series as well as two additional tie-in films, Death True and The End of Evangelion. Given how hard it's been to get hold of in recent years, the anime coming to Netflix is nothing short of a miracle.

Charting a battle between giant human mechs (piloted by high schoolers, of course) and invading monsters known as Angels, this is an anime that spends as much time looking at the internal lives of its protagonists as the flashy action sequences they find themselves in. Dark, raw, and unafraid of facing emotional trauma, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a must-watch for any anime fan.

best Netflix series

Image credit: Warner Bros.

Final Space

Another sci-fi entry here: after human prisoner Gary meets a planet-destroying alien, they must go on an interstellar mission to save Earth. Alongside a ragtag team of misfits, Gary embarks on a journey through space to find out the true meaning of 'final space', or where the universe ends.

Laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly emotional, the series was picked up for another season in May 2018.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

F is for Family

Based on the life of comedian Bill Burr, F is for Family is a funny and endearing cartoon set in 1970's American suburbia, and centres around Burr's father Frank Murphy. 

A little like an even more adult version of The Simpsons, the series is all about 70's nostalgia, with musical, costume, and cultural throwbacks interspersed with Frank's profane rants at his misbehaving children and long suffering wife Sue.

Full to the brim with laugh-out-loud moments, the series is just as heartwarming as it is hilarious - and it's back for a brilliant third season.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

best Netflix series

Image credit: FXX

Archer

Archer is back on Netflix for its penultimate ninth season, and like the previous season, the characters are playing different versions of themselves as Archer still lies in a coma.

This time Archer is a drunken co-pilot alongside Pam, who crash their plane onto the verdant Pacific island of Mitimotu, with the series paying homage to the short-lived television series Tales of the Golden Monkey and the Indiana Jones films. 

Seasons on Netflix: 9

best Netflix series

Image credit: WIT Studio

Attack on Titan

Based on the manga of the same name by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan is an action -packed anime that's set in a world where humans live in cities protected by enormous walls to protect them from gigantic humanoid monsters called Titans who devour them at any opportunity. 

When a Titan breaks through the wall of protagonist Eren Yeager's hometown, he vows to get revenge by joining a group of soldiers who battle them. Although the show has a dedicated fan following, though the second and third seasons are yet to be released on Netflix. (You can find the rest on Crunchyroll.)

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Cartoon Network

Over the Garden Wall

Now something for the kids – originally aired on Cartoon Network, Over the Garden Wall is a charming mini-series that centers on two half brothers Wirt and Greg (voiced by Elijah Wood and Collin Dean respectively) who must find their way home through an enchanted forest. 

Stalked by an evil ancient creature called 'The Beast', the two boys encounter the strange and sometimes wonderful inhabitants of the forest along their way.

With stunning animation inspired by Victorian illustrations and postcards, Over the Garden Wall is the perfect watch for adults and children alike.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Best documentaries on Netflix

A promo shot for Our Planet on Netflix

Image Credit: Netflix

Our Planet

Narrated by everyone's favourite nature expert, David Attenborough, the new Our Planet documentary is a beautiful and breathtaking look at planet Earth in all its glory. 

Produced in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, the new eight-part series took more than four years to make and is Netflix's first nature documentary. 

Although the scenes are truly wonderful, the documentary was made to address issues of conservation and show the impact climate change has on animals across the globe.

Seasons: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

The latest true crime documentary to land on Netflix is this fascinating insight into the crimes of notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy. The four-part series features present day interviews, archival footage of Bundy, and audio recordings made with the killer on death row. 

With chilling images and descriptions of Bundy's crimes, it's not a watch for the faint-hearted. But, if you can stomach it, this documentary is completely captivating.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

The Great Hack

What's your personal data really being used for? The Cambridge Analytics scandal rocked the world of social media, with huge swathes of user information being weaponized for targeted political warfare – notably for Donald Trump's election campaign and the Leave campaign in the UK – and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg even being called to Congress to testify on the matter. Here's how it happened.

best Netflix series

Image Credit: Netflix

The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

It might be one of the most famous unsolved missing person cases ever in the UK and now the story of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has been given the Netflix documentary treatment.

The new documentary is reported to contain testimonies that haven't been heard before and it's bound to reignite discussion about what really happened to Maddie.

As with all documentaries on Netflix that deal with sensitive issues, be warned before watching this one. We haven't had chance to watch it yet but imagine it'll be triggering and upsetting. If you're looking for something light, this most certainly is not it. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Making a Murderer

The world's fascination with real crime seems to be at its highest at the moment and it's all thanks to the podcast Serial. Now on to its second series, Serial highlights cases of crime in forensic detail. Making a Murderer is in a similar vein. This 10-part series looks at Steven Avery, someone who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit and is then accused of a different crime. The show has been ten years in the making and is gripping stuff.

Seasons on Netflix: 2

best Netflix series

Image credit: Duplass Brothers Productions

Evil Genius

If true crime is your thing, then you'll want to get stuck into Evil Genius this weekend. It's about the very odd story of a pizza delivery man who robs a bank with a bomb tied around his neck. And that's all we can really say without ruining some of the more baffling details. 

Described by numerous review sites as "unnerving" and "Lynchian", this isn't one for rom-com lovers or those looking for a chilled Sunday evening watch.

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: BBC

Planet Earth II

Nature buffs will have likely already watched this breath-taking documentary series when it first premiered on the BBC back in 2016, but you can rewatch it all again now the entire second season has landed on Netflix.

Following on from the super popular Planet Earth, this beautiful, breath-taking and at times brutal look at our planet and the plants, animals and people that thrive on it is made even more compelling because it's narrated by David Attenborough and the main music is composed by Hans Zimmer. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Last Chance U

ESPN might've had the world of sports documentaries well in hand with its 30 for 30 series. But that was before Netflix got the crazy idea to make one of its own. Inspired by an article in GQ magazine, Last Chance U follows student athletes who are one step away from never playing football again. On top of the pressures on the field, students face problems in the classroom where class absences and the fear failing hit harder than a defensive lineman. It's gritty, heart-wrenching and exactly the kind of series that gives you something to root for all while biting your nails.

Just in time for football season, the third season of the show – which follows a new team in Independence, Kansas – is now available.

Seasons on Netflix: 3

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Explained

Created by Netflix and Vox Media, this handy and smart series takes a look at some of the most popular ideas and tech around today and explains them in a way that's poignant in its presentation without feeling overwhelming to take in. 

From the racial wealth gap, cryptocurrency and why diets rarely work through to K-Pop and the stock market, it's an insightful look at the problems, ideas and trends around today and the stuff that could shape tomorrow. At the very least, it gives you enough knowledge to have a really good debate down at the pub. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

Best reality series on Netflix

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Tidying up with Marie Kondo

Does this item spark joy? Marie Kondo is Japanese organizing consultant, and in this series, she visits families and helps them to re-organise their lives. 

Using her KonMarie method, she instructs her students to go through their belongings, only keeping things that "spark joy". Relaxing and uplifting, this show is the perfect thing to watch before a spring clean. 

Seasons on Netflix: 1

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Queer Eye

Need a dose of feel-good TV to help cope with today's rocky political landscape? Check out Queer Eye, a show about being the best you with help from five of the coolest dudes on the planet. The show has just entered its third season and we're still loving the premise of taking people stuck in a rut and hoisting them to the self-respecting, self-loving person we all want to be. Werk.

[Update: As of March 15, 2019 the third season of Queer Eye is here! Yasss hunny!]

Seasons on Netflix: 3 

best Netflix series

Image credit: Love Productions / Channel 4

The Great British Bake Off

Everyone’s favourite baking show is on Netflix and ready to stream. If you didn’t binge on baking as you binged on chocolate eggs, head on over to the streaming site now to watch seven seasons of GBBO. For those not in the know (seriously, how?), Great British Bake Off is a baking reality show that follows wannabe bakers through a series of challenges week after week. Each time, someone is eliminated and it’s made all the more addictive by judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.

The reboot of the series by Channel 4 (with an entirely new lineup apart from Hollywood) isn't yet available on Netflix, but the rights have been acquired by the streaming giant so it shouldn't be too long now.

Seasons on Netflix: 7

best Netflix series

Image credit: World of Wonder

It's been going strong for 10 years and 11 seasons, but RuPaul's Drag Race is still giving fierce fans a heavy dose of fabulous. For those not already in the know, the elimination-style reality show sees RuPaul go on the hunt for America's next drag superstar - expect lots of glitter, drama, and fun. 

Now that the show has been picked up by Netflix, it's sister show Untucked is also available to stream. 

Season 11 has just landed, with a new episode dropping every Friday – in time for some seriously sickening bingeing. 

Seasons on Netflix: 11

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Nailed it!

If watching The Great British Bake Off makes you feel inadequate, you should try Nailed It!, the baking show for people who suck at baking. The series sees three contestants per episode take on two impossible baking challenges, with the winner receiving $10,000.

Hosted by the infectiously upbeat Nicole Byer and suave French pastry chef Jaques Torres, this show is guaranteed to make you smile.

[Update: The Christmas edition, Nailed It: Holiday is out now...perfect watching for a cosy night in.]

Seasons on Netflix: 2

best Netflix series

Image credit: Netflix

Ultimate Beastmaster

If you were a fan of Takeshi's Castle back in the day, or more recently, Ninja Warrior, you're going to love Ultimate Beastmaster. The competition sees 2 contestants from six to nine countries take on 'The Beast', a ridiculously challenging obstacle course that only the fittest will be able to take on. 

What sets this series apart from other obstacle course shows is that Netflix produces six localized versions, featuring "select television hosts, actors, comedians and athletes as commentators from the six countries competing in the show".

Seasons on Netflix: 3

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