Apple : Honor Vision: first look |
- Honor Vision: first look
- Samsung has a new chipset likely to bring cheaper 5G phones in 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Fold: what has changed for the version you'll be able to buy?
- US Open live stream: how to watch the tennis semi-finals online from anywhere
- VPN servers attacked by Chinese cybercriminals
- Wi-Fi 6: everything you need to know
- The best gaming routers 2019
- Phishing campaign targets victims with hacked SharePoint
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| Posted: 05 Sep 2019 02:03 PM PDT The Honor Vision is the first smart TV from Huawei’s Honor subdivision. While it’s competitively priced, the television’s big draw is inside: it’s the first device to run HarmonyOS, Huawei’s cross-platform operating system. Given the buildup around HarmonyOS, especially as an alternative phone operating system should the US-Huawei tensions lead to a permanent ban from Android, it’s clearly the most intriguing ‘feature’ of the Honor Vision and slightly pricier Honor Vision Pro that are available exclusively in China. TechRadar got a first look at the newly-named Honor Vision during a press tour of Honor parent company Huawei’s Shenzhen, China campus, and it looks unique - thanks to its 55-inch UHD screen, and built-in camera. Yes, the ‘Pro’ version of Honor’s TV has a lens that pokes out the top of the screen (and retracts when not in use for privacy), enabling casual video chatting in the home. It seems well suited for the Chinese market, however, it’s hard to predict whether it will appeal to consumers abroad. Here's what we thought. Price analysisThe cheaper of the two models, the Honor Vision retails for 3,799 RMB (around $530, £434, AU$787) while the camera-packing Honor Vision Pro costs 4,799 RMB (around $630, £548, AU$994). In terms of specs, the Honor Vision packs 2GB of RAM with 16GB of storage, while the Honor Vision Pro keeps the RAM the same and ups the storage to 32GB. Unfortunately, however, both Honor Vision models are only sold in China at the moment, and we’re unsure if or when it will be sold abroad. The company is waiting to evaluate its reception and gauge worldwide demand before deciding which market to move on to next, Honor told TechRadar. Chatting with an Honor employee through his Honor phone. DesignAt first glance, putting a camera in a TV seems like a weird move - but it’s actually at the center of Honor’s strategy for the Vision. As we were shown, the camera allows folks to make video calls to anyone with a Huawei account. This is actually a big usability roadblock, as it’s easiest to get an account with a Huawei or Honor phone, though you can also use it in a browser. Still, when we saw Huawei employees use the TV interface to call another employee with a Huawei phone, there weren’t any hiccups. Some features hadn’t been activated yet, like switching from landscape to portrait by rotating the participant’s phone (it stayed in landscape), but it was definitely one person on a TV contacting another person on a phone using just data. That seems a bit over-the-top to a Westerner - why would you need to video chat with a massive 55-inch screen outside of, say, a corporate environment? But one Huawei employee explained that this use case appeals to Chinese consumers because their culture strongly endorses close families living in multigenerational homes. When living apart, the Honor Vision helps those at home (older family members, generally) to easily chat up distant relations. That feature might be less appealing to Western consumers, but for the privacy-minded, the camera does retract completely when not in use. The camera’s performance doesn’t seem too impressive (Huawei hasn’t released its exact specs, aside from 1080p HDR resolution), but it’s sharp enough for casual conversation. The lens can also tilt down up to 10 degrees - a one-time adjustment on setup in case the Honor Vision has been mounted high up on a wall. The most promising tech might be the TV's NPU chipset, which enables facial recognition, body tracking and gesture detection. Those don’t have too many uses now, but they could be integrated with future apps and services. Smart TV (HarmonyOS)HarmonyOS, previously known by its codename HongMeng, is an operating system that theoretically could be used for phones, tablets, televisions, and more - much like the still-unreleased Google Fuchsia. Google’s decision to temporarily block Huawei devices from getting Android updates shocked the Chinese company into claiming its new OS - now known as HarmonyOS - could be adapted for use in its smartphones. But given how entrenched Huawei and Honor devices are in the Android ecosystem, it makes sense for the companies to endeavor to stay with Google’s mobile operating system. Especially because the HarmonyOS we see today can’t run a phone - not yet. It runs fine on the Honor Vision - at least, it runs as well as other good smart TV operating systems, with moderate smoothness and speed. Sadly, the bar is so low that a slight delay in commands is de rigueur. The interface’s home screen looks much like that of other smart TVs: a row of media categories (films, shows, etc) up top with subcategories below to browse. Click through those, and you’ll find individual media to sift through. But otherwise, the HarmonyOS-powered interface in the looks a lot like other Chinese smart TVs. Media content in each category populates downward, as opposed to the infinite horizontal scroll in Western platforms like Netflix. There’s also a notification ribbon at the top displaying notifications and messages in a scrolling marquee. PerformanceAside from all the fancy bells and whistles, the Honor Vision is, indeed, good for watching media. The 55-inch UHD screen displays in 4K, and supports 87% NTSC wide color gamut with up to 400 nits of brightness. That's a bit on the low side, obviously, but that makes sense given its price. The TV packs HDR for better color saturation as well as motion-sharpening tech like Motion Estimate and Motion Compensation (MEMC), which helps eliminate motion blur in fast-moving videos. For audio, the Honor Vision Pro has six 10W speakers (four full range, two ultra slim high-frequency units), while the regular Honor Vision only has four speakers. It also has six microphones that pick up sound from up to 5 meters away, mostly to use in tandem with the camera for video chatting. But what you can do is start screen-sharing from your smartphone to the Honor Vision through a new feature called Honor Magic Link. While you’re scrolling through photos or playing a game - or just want to use your phone as a remote control - tap your device near a special sticker to port it up on the big screen via DLNA/Miracast standards, without even requiring an app. We saw an Honor employee beam a game of PUBG to an Honor Vision, and while the 100ms latency might be too slow for any sort of competitive player, it was good enough for spectators to appreciate. The other cool feature? Want to tell a loved one you’ll be home later, or just tell a relative you’re thinking of them? You can also send messages to an Honor Vision TV - it’ll appear in the ribbon marquee, and users can see the full content in a dedicated Information Sharing Center. These messages are sent using Huawei Share, which is only available on phones with EMUI - which means this feature is limited to Huawei and Honor phones for now. Early verdictIt’s hard to forecast how the Honor Vision will do, as there are certainly cheaper smart 4K TVs available in China. Xiaomi, for example, has a big share of that market with five years’ head start selling cheap smart TVs. But as a pioneer of HarmonyOS, the Honor Vision could be something of a staging ground for the multi-platform operating system, integrating new apps and products before Huawei and Honor release additional devices running HarmonyOS. Its importance might not be appreciated until years down the line - especially if politics force Huawei to develop its OS into something that truly rivals iOS and Android.
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| Samsung has a new chipset likely to bring cheaper 5G phones in 2020 Posted: 05 Sep 2019 01:55 PM PDT Samsung has just announced a new chipset called the Exynos 980 - and given its specs and features, it could be at the heart of many upcoming 5G-connected devices. The Exynos 980 puts a 5G modem alongside all the usual brains and AI processing power, making it the company's first such all-in-one chip, according to Samsung's press release. While it might look like this chip could power next year's Galaxy S11, a close look at the specs suggest it will be more prevalent in mid-range smartphones, though it could still be an impressive piece of hardware. Connectivity is at the forefront in the Exynos 980. that's thanks to the 5G modem which will support sub-6GHz connections, such as Sprint's 5G network in the US or EE's 5G network in the UK. In interviews with TechRadar, Qualcomm didn't confirm whether the Snapdragon 855 and X50 modem combo that powered the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G enabled the phone to hook up to frequencies lower than millimeter wave (mmWave), so the new Exynos chip could connect to sub-6 networks like Sprint 5G. It also support other connections from 2G to 4G, and has the ability to combine a 4G LTE connection with a 5G connection to stack up the downlink speeds of both, which theoretically enables it reach up to 3.55Gbps. This is called "E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity." To top it off, the Exynos 980 will support Wi-Fi 6. AI is front and center in the Exynos 980 as well, with a neural processing unit (NPU) built into the chip. Instead of sending certain data to remote servers to be processed, the NPU can locally process that data. This keeps it secure.
Not a flagship chipThe Exynos 980 is a complete package, with an onboard CPU and GPU as well. But, based on the CPU, it's not going to be in the highest-end devices. It combines two Cortex-A77 CPUs with six Cortex-A55 for a blend of high-performance and high-efficiency. It uses a Mali-G76 GPU to handle the graphical needs of games, augmented reality, and the like. As capable as those Cortex-A77 CPUs may be, Samsung has relied on custom CPUs to do the heavy lifting in its Exynos 9825 (in the Galaxy Note 10) and Exynos 9820 (in the Galaxy S10) chipset, leaving two Cortex-A75 cores and four Cortex-A55 core to handle the rest. For future flagships, it's likely to keep up this type of CPU configuration. So, the Exynos 980 chipset is more likely coming to mid-range phones like Samsung Galaxy A-series. And, the new chip will let those phones feature up to 108-megapixel cameras, HDR10+ support, and encoding and decoding of 4K video at 120 frames per second. Samsung says the chip should begin mass production this year.
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| Samsung Galaxy Fold: what has changed for the version you'll be able to buy? Posted: 05 Sep 2019 01:31 PM PDT Samsung has announced that the Galaxy Fold is finally being released this week, and the company has made some changes to the foldable phone for its second attempt at a full, public launch. Back in April 2019, some tech press got their hands on the first samples of the Galaxy Fold and - after they publicized a handful of glaring flaws - less than a week later Samsung had delayed the release of its cutting edge phone, deciding it just wasn't ready for the market. The company went back to development to fix the issues and bring out a second, refined version of the handset, which is the device that's ready for release. We've tried it out at IFA 2019, and here are all of the changes that Samsung has included for its new Galaxy Fold. Change one: You can’t peel off the screen protectorYou may remember that one of the big issues with the original Galaxy Fold was the thin plastic screen protector, which had been - unbeknownst to press - integral to the design of the phone. That remains the case on the new Fold, but it's no longer terribly easy to peel off. Despite warnings within the box as you open up the Galaxy Fold that asked you not to take off the screen protector, some reviewers who had the device did exactly that and damaged their handset in the process. Samsung took its device and found a way to ensure you can't remove the screen protector. That's the lip that you can see in the photo above, which runs around the outside of the phone. It's a small rim that sits around the outside of the display now holding down that screen protector so you can’t just peel it off on day one. In fact, it means you can't even tell there's a screen protector over the device. Change two: It’s more durable than everThat's the biggest refinement, but it's not the only one. Lots of minor yet important changes have been brought to the Galaxy Fold for the proper release, and a lot of them relate to the durability of the phone. For a device that bends, you'll want it to be as durable as possible. The company has added some caps to the top and bottom of the hinge so it's less likely for dirt and dust to get caught up in that important part of the phone that's being bent multiple times a day. Samsung also added metal elements that lay underneath the screen to give the device a sturdier feel. This improves rigidity when locked into its tablet form, which makes it feel like sturdier device. Overall, lots of minor improvements have been brought in here to try and improve the durability of the device, but until it's in people's hands, we won't really know how well these improvements have worked. Change three: It now comes with 5GIt doesn't look like the US will get the 5G version of the phone according to CNET and it's unclear whether Australia will be able to buy the 4G or the 5G model, but for those in the UK you’ll be only able to buy the 5G variant of the phone. That makes sense to include the burgeoning internet technology on the device as you’re already spending a lot of money on the phone itself so you'll want it to be futureproof. We’ll be sure to test out the 5G variant of the phone once we’ve got our hands on it in the coming weeks. Those in the UK are able to buy the phone from September 18, which is exclusive to EE. We've yet to learn exactly when Samsung will be bringing the device to the US and Australia. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| US Open live stream: how to watch the tennis semi-finals online from anywhere Posted: 05 Sep 2019 01:14 PM PDT We're in to the last few days of what's been a fiery US Open, full of shocks and surprises - but the last tennis major of the 2019 season isn't over yet. The last four standing in the men's and women's draws are ready to do battle and so we've compiled this handy guide for getting a US Open live stream online or on TV, no matter where you are in the world. Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka are both out. That leaves Serena Williams ready to make up for her meltdown in last year's final. She's looking to get to US Open title number seven (7!). Ukrainian Elina Svitolina has never made a Slam final before, and nor have the other two semi-finalists Belinda Bencic and Bianca Andreescu. Williams is now odds-on to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 women's Grand Slam singles titles. On the men's side, Rafael Nadal is the clear favorite to add to his previous three titles here. He has to get past the relatively unknown Matteo Berrettini in the semis, with one of the much fancied Daniil Medvedev and Grigor Dimitrov finally able to make a Grand Slam final. For the 139th time, the best of the best from the tennis world will come together for the US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York City to battle it out for glory and to see who has the best hard-court game. This year there's a bumper prize money pot of more than $57 million up for grabs at, including $3.9 million for each singles champion. Make sure you don't miss any of the tennis by following our US Open live stream guide below. Live stream the US Open tennis 2019 from outside your countryFor your watching options in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, we have more details below - just scroll down the page. But if you try to watch your domestic coverage from somewhere outside your home country, you'll soon find a problem...geo-blocking. That's where the broadcaster prevents you from watching the feed overseas. How to watch Serena and the rest: US live stream
The best way to stream the US Open 2019 in CanadaHow to live stream US Open tennis in the UK:How to live stream US Open tennis in AustraliaThe best way to stream the US Open in New ZealandThis posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| VPN servers attacked by Chinese cybercriminals Posted: 05 Sep 2019 12:57 PM PDT Fortinet and Pulse Secure's enterprise VPN servers are currently under attack by a group of Chinese state-sponsored hackers after details regarding vulnerabilities in their products were publicly disclosed at this year's Black Hat security conference. A group known as APT5 (or Manganese) is carrying out these attacks and according to a recent report from FireEye, the group has been active online since 2007 and it “appears to be a large threat group that consists of several subgroups, often with distinct tactics and infrastructure”. The cybersecurity company says that the group has targeted organizations across a variety of industries though its main focus appears to be on telecommunications and technology companies with a special interest in satellite communications firms.
After details emerged about vulnerabilities in both Fortinet and Pulse Secure VPN servers during a talk by security researchers at Devcore, a subgroup of APT5 began scanning the internet for vulnerable servers from both companies. APT5 attacksThe CVE-2018-13379 vulnerability in Fortinet's VPN products and the CVE-2019-11510 vulnerability in Pulse Secure's VPN products are both “pre-auth file reads” that allow an attacker to obtain files from a VPN server without having to authenticate. APT5 and other cyber threat actors have exploited these two vulnerabilities to steal files containing password information or VPN session data from Fortinet and Pulse Secure's products. However, those who have observed their attacks have yet been unable to determine if the group was successful in breaching either company's devices. Security researchers at Devcore discovered the Fortinet and Pulse Secure vulnerabilites earlier this year and the company reported the issues to both vendors at the beginning of this year. Pulse Secure released a patch in April and Fortinet released a patch a month later in May. However, APT5 was able to continue its attacks as many customers from both companies have yet to patch their devices. If your organization has a VPN server from either Fortinet or Pulse Secure, it is highly recommended that you patch your device immediately to prevent falling victim to an attack by APT5 or other cybercriminal groups looking to exploit these vulnerabilities.
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| Wi-Fi 6: everything you need to know Posted: 05 Sep 2019 12:47 PM PDT What is Wi-Fi 6? In a network nutshell, it’s the next-generation wireless technology that was previously known as 802.11ax until the Wi-Fi Alliance decided to rename it more succinctly. Wi-Fi 6 supplants 802.11ac (now known as Wi-Fi 5), which most current routers and devices run. The general idea of this renaming is to make the standard easier to remember and understand. Rather than regaling you with a meaningless string of numbers and letters that most people will most likely forget, you get something more in line with phone naming standards like 3G, 4G and 5G. But what does Wi-Fi 6 really offer to the consumer aside from a new naming convention? Obviously, it provides faster wireless speeds – which is a given, really. More to the point, it’s designed to offer a much better Wi-Fi performance in device-crowded environments, as well as provide several other efficiency benefits. Want to know more about this upcoming wireless standard and what it may mean for your home or office? Read on for the complete lowdown, as well as all the latest news and rumors on this promising step forward for Wi-Fi.
Cut to the chase
This isn't just about faster speeds, but better performance in crowded Wi-Fi environments (Image credit: Netgear) Wi-Fi 6 release dateAccording to the Wi-Fi Alliance, the non-profit overseer of the Wi-Fi world, Wi-Fi 6 will come out ‘later in 2019’. By all accounts, that will most likely be towards the tail end of the year (assuming no serious slippage is encountered). A certification programme was announced back in January to make sure that Wi-Fi 6 branded devices meet the relevant specified standards, and this scheme is predicted to start in the third quarter of 2019. At this point, you may be thinking "wait a second: aren’t there already Wi-Fi 6 routers out there (although most of them are still labelled 802.11ax)?" And you’d be correct – there are indeed Wi-Fi 6 routers already on the market. Some of these routers that support Wi-Fi 6 include the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 and AX4, TP-Link’s Archer AX6000, and the Asus RT-AX88U (indeed Asus even has a Wi-Fi 6-toting mesh router offering which is imminent). However, they come with a few caveats. Remember that these early devices are based on the draft standard of Wi-Fi 6, which hasn’t yet been finalized (and won’t be until later in the year). This means that these routers might miss out on some features that fully certified Wi-Fi 6 devices are required to carry. Of course, that depends on whether the spec that manufacturers must stick to will change between now and the official launch of the new standard. From what we’ve heard, any potential changes will be minor. Still, we won’t know the specifics until the Wi-Fi 6 is officially launched. Furthermore, even if you do have a router that supports (draft) Wi-Fi 6, you’ll also require Wi-Fi 6 compatible client devices on the other end of the connection to really benefit from the new Wi-Fi standard. Early adopting pieces of hardware are even thinner on the ground, at least right now, one example being Samsung’s Galaxy S10 smartphone. That said, a host of laptops supporting Wi-Fi 6 from all the major vendors were announced back at CES 2019 and now at IFA 2019, and it shouldn’t be long until those laptops hit the shelves (for starters, take a look at the new Alienware notebooks' implementation). After the official launch of Wi-Fi 6 late in 2019, moving into 2020, you can expect a quick increase of both supporting routers and client hardware, all of which will be certified to the fully finalized Wi-Fi 6 standard. The Asus RT-AX88U router is one of the early Wi-Fi 6 contenders around at the moment (Image credit: Asus) Wi-Fi 6 routers and pricingTo give you an idea of the price of Wi-Fi 6 routers, let’s take a quick look at some of the costs of the aforementioned routers, which have already been made adhering to the draft Wi-Fi 6 spec and are not on the shelves. TP-Link’s Archer AX6000 is a Wi-Fi 6 router that currently goes for around £300 or $350 (about AU$510), while the Asus RT-AX88U is priced at about £300 or $325 (around AU$470). Netgear’s Nighthawk AX8, on the other hand, can be gotten for around £280 or $300 (about AU$435), with the Nighthawk AX4 purchased at around £200 or $200 (about AU$290), which is as inexpensive as it gets right now. We will, of course, see more budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 routers coming onto the market as time goes on and as the number of competing devices grow. As for Wi-Fi 6 client products, Samsung’s Galaxy S10 currently starts at an eye-watering £799 or $899 (AU$1,349). Intel's view of Wi-Fi 6 in a nutshell – albeit the chip giant still refers to it as 802.11ax here (Image credit: Intel) Wi-Fi 6 spec and performanceWi-Fi 6 operates over 2.4GHz and 5GHz (and more frequency bands in the future) – unlike Wi-Fi 5, which is 5GHz only – and it will be quicker than its precursor as you’d expect. Exactly what sort of speed bump we’ll ultimately get won’t be completely clear until its official release (and will vary in different scenarios anyway). In theoretical terms, Wi-Fi 6 increases peak speeds by 37% compared to Wi-Fi 5 (when using a single device). While you won’t likely get all of that gain – it’s a bit of a ‘how fast is a piece of string tied to the bumper of a moving car’ scenario – you would still achieve a sizable chunk of it, and a very significant uplift in terms of raw performance. Unlike previous Wi-Fi standards however, this new version isn’t just focused on purely enhancing headline speeds. Rather, Wi-Fi 6’s priority is to enable much better performance in crowded environments where there are a ton of wireless devices. Such environments include an apartment block, a public venue such as a stadium, and even your home, if you have a number of family members who own multiple mobile devices and PCs each. It’ll also focus on managing the connectivity strain caused by the ever-multiplying number of connected IoT (Internet of Things) devices and smart home gadgets. Wi-Fi 6 uses various technologies to achieve all this, including a key player in the form of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). This lets more folks simultaneously use the same wireless channel for far more efficient operation, not to mention better throughput and much lower latency (meaning a more responsive connection). The Samsung Galaxy S10 supports Wi-Fi 6 (Image credit: TechRadar) Wi-Fi 6 also makes use of MU-MIMO, which has already been assimilated with Wi-Fi 5 hardware, and allows for a larger amount of data to be transferred at once – not to mention, the handling of multiple client devices simultaneously. In Wi-Fi 6, the technology has been upgraded to double the number of spatial streams that can be transmitted from a maximum of four previously, to now potentially cover eight devices. Plus, it adds support for uplink – transmissions back from the client device – as well as downlink. So yes, there’s a bit of jargon involved here, with other clever bits of trickery including better beamforming for superior speeds at range, and 1024-QAM being utilized (as opposed to 256-QAM in Wi-Fi 5) for better throughput. Apart from the unfamiliar acronyms and techie-sounding stuff, the performance takeaway when it comes to congested wireless environments (where loads of devices are online) is that Wi-Fi 6 promises to enhance the average throughput per user by four times (or more). That’s quite a substantial improvement in heavy-trafficked areas, and it’s backed by the promise of increased network efficiency also by a factor of four. With more and more pieces of hardware going online – especially given the increasing popularity of smart home gadgets, connected appliances and IoT devices, in general – these improvements will be critical moving forward. If we stay with Wi-Fi 5, we’d basically become stuck in the wireless mud. There’s a further boon on the efficiency front to Wi-Fi 6, and that’s improved battery life for client devices. This is achieved with a technology called Target Wake Time (TWT), which essentially lets the router and client talk to each other to determine when the client device will need to wake up to transmit (or receive) data. As a result, the client hardware won’t have to be persistently listening for wireless signals, which in turn means less battery usage. This will be especially useful for IoT gadgets that only communicate online irregularly, as well as the likes of wearables and to a lesser extent, phones, tablets and laptops. Wi-Fi 6’s overall improvements in network efficiency (by a factor of four) that we’ve previously mentioned should help on the battery front as well, because that will cut down a little on power usage. When you add everything up in terms of faster overall Wi-Fi speeds, much-improved performance in crowded wireless environments and some power-efficiency driven battery benefits to boot, there’s quite a bit to look forward to with the next-gen Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6.
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| Posted: 05 Sep 2019 12:44 PM PDT What if we told you that the best gaming routers will make sure that your online gaming is never interrupted? If you spend a lot of time enjoying the best PC games online, you’ve most likely experienced a huge lag spike sooner or later. And, investing in the best gaming router will help avoid those spikes. The best gaming routers will prioritize network traffic for your games, thanks to a nifty little feature called Quality of Service (or QoS) that helps ensure your gaming session isn’t interrupted by your roommate downloading their own games or watching Netflix. You’ll want to keep an eye out for MU-MIMO as well, so that everyone in your home can get into some gaming without getting in each other’s way.
Now, wired connections are typically considered the best way to connect your online games, and we completely agree. Still, you’ll want to ensure your gaming router is a good router, as well. So, not only will the best gaming routers be filled to the brim with Gigabit Ethernet ports, but they’ll also be equipped with the latest Wi-Fi standards – currently Wi-Fi 5. Having multiple antennae that you can adjust to boost signal strength won’t hurt, either. Keeping the needs of gamers in mind, we here at TechRadar have gathered up all the best gaming routers on the market right now. If you’re searching for the latest router technology but you still like that old school look, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might just be an ideal fit. This is one of the best gaming routers that pairs enthusiast grade features with a simple setup, packing them into a package that’s appealing to just about anyone. Factor in the Alexa support, and you have a router that can adjust to any situation, whether you’re trying to come out on top in the latest match in Apex Legends, or you have guests that are connecting to your network. Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 V2 The Asus RT-AC5300 is one of the best gaming routers – it has a collection of advanced features, making online and network gaming as lag and frustration free as possible. This includes a straightforward yet powerful interface, as well as comprehensive QoS settings. The spider-like design is somewhat of an acquired taste, but the eight antennae serve a purpose since they can be used to direct the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, providing this router with remarkable range. Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U We know we’ve already mentioned the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 earlier, but the company added an ‘X’ to the end of this model, signifying the extreme boost in performance. It’s considerably more expensive, but that price tag is justifiable as it may be one of the highest-end and best gaming routers available. With eight ethernet ports around the back, it’s perfect for hardwiring a fleet of gaming equipment. And, the MU-MIMO and Tri-band support means that wireless connections are also top of the line. You’ll top the leaderboards irrespective of where you are in the house. Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400X If you’re a hardcore gamer, it can be maddening when your roommates are watching Netflix or downloading their own games at the same time. You should take a look at something like the Netgear Nighthawk XR500. Not only will this elite gaming router deliver a ridiculously fast 2.2Gbps speed, but with MU-MIMO support – not to mention, unique gaming features like location-based connection filtering and QoS, you can do some gaming all night without hitting a paralyzing lag spike. Just be ready for the high sticker price and make sure you’re ok with such a gamer aesthetic. Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 The Asus RT-AC5300 is a fantastic high-end gaming router that is filled with a bunch of striking features. This includes an incredibly simple yet powerful interface, on top of comprehensive QoS settings. The spider-like design isn’t for everyone, but the eight antennae are there for a reason, to help direct your Wi-Fi signal reach throughout your home, giving this router excellent range. Read the full review: Asus RT-AC5300 Tri-band Gigabit Router This router might look like it’s going to abduct a close friend or family member, but we promise the Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 isn’t as alien in function as it is in aesthetics. Brimming with the latest MU-MIMO support, which boosts speed when multiple devices are connected to the same network, this gaming router prides itself on its performance capabilities. Since it can handle several devices, while prioritizing bandwidth depending on the needs of each connection, it’s one of the best gaming routers you can purchase today. Read the full review: Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 The Asus RT-AC88U is an expensive gaming router. However, it justifies its price with crazy 802.11 wireless performance. Armed with four antennae and NitroQAM tech, which pushes speeds even further, this gaming router enables wireless performance that can break the 1GB/sec limit. There’s a catch – you’ll need to grab a NitroQAM wireless adapter, like the Asus PCE AC88, to approach these mighty speeds; but with speeds like this, it’s not hard to see why this is one of the best gaming routers available. It may look like it came straight from Battlestar Galactica – the old Battlestar Galactica – but, the D-Link DIR 885L/R is a dependable mid-range gaming router with great range and speed. If you’re looking for the best gaming router, you may want to give this one a try. It comes with a good range of ports, as well as a nicely designed UI. It also touts DD-WRT open-source firmware, making this router as versatile as it is powerful. Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article
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| Phishing campaign targets victims with hacked SharePoint Posted: 05 Sep 2019 12:21 PM PDT A dangerous new phishing campaign has been uncovered that uses compromised SharePoint sites and OneNote documents to trick potential victims from the banking sector to visit their landing pages. The cybercriminals behind the campaign have chosen Microsoft's web-based SharePoint collaborative platform to launch their attacks because the domains it uses are often overlooked by secure email gateways and this allows their phishing messages to actually reach users' inboxes. After compromising a SharePoint account, the attackers use that account to send an email to potential victims in which they ask them to review a legal assessors proposal via an URL embedded in the message. This new phishing campaign was discovered by researchers at Cofense who explained why its tactics are so effective in a blog post, saying:
“SharePoint is the initial delivery mechanism to deliver a secondary malicious URL, allowing the threat actor to circumvent just about any email perimeter technology.” Hiding in plain sightThe URL in the initial message sends users to an attacker-controlled SharePoint site where a well-made fake OneNote document made to be illegible asks the targets to download the full version using an embedded link. However, this link actually sends bank employees to the attacker's phishing page. On the phishing page, targets see a web page impersonating the official OneDrive for Business login page with a message above the login form which reads: “This document is secure, please login to view, edit or download. Select an option below to continue”. From here, users are given the option to login with an Office 365 account or with their account from any other email provider. This way if a user is unwilling to give up their Office 365 credentials, the attackers will still get access to another one of their accounts. Once a victim inputs their login credentials, they are collected automatically by the BlackShop Tools phishing kit used in the campaign and available for sale on the dark web. To prevent falling victim to a phishing attack, it is recommended that you avoid opening emails from unknown contacts and carefully scrutinize the URLs of the websites you visit.
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| macOS 10.14 Mojave release date, news and features Posted: 05 Sep 2019 12:18 PM PDT Now that macOS 10.14 Mojave has been on our Macs, bringing key iOS apps like News and Stocks to our desktops, Apple’s OS is better than ever before. But, it doesn’t stop there: macOS 10.14 is also crammed with excellent new and improved features, like the system-wide Dark Mode and boosted productivity through Finder. In the next few years, more iOS apps should be coming to the best Macs. Apple confirmed this at WWDC 2019 by announcing Project Catalyst, which makes it simpler and more streamlined for developers to bring their iPhone and iPad apps to mac. Moreover, Project Catalyst has been accessible to developers as of June 3 with macOS Catalina’s beta version, so we can expect app developers to roll out more macOS versions of iOS apps very soon. Even now, however, there’s already a lot to love in macOS 10.14. And, despite macOS 10.14 coming with its own fair share of security issues, most notoriously KeySteal, the operating system is generally safe and secure. Apple’s macOS 10.14 Mojave has been on our Macs for more than eight months at this point and most, if not all, of the concerns have been addressed. And, any lingering issues are dwarfed by the benefits this new OS brings to the table. Let’s get into all of its features, alongside any new ones that have been added, so you can choose for yourself whether or not upgrading to the macOS 10.14 is for you.
Cut to the chase
macOS 10.14 Mojave release dateApple announced macOS 10.14 Mojave back in June 2018 at WWDC 2018, during which the majority of its features were shown off. This announcement was followed by a public beta launch in July. Finally, a full launch of the operating system happened on September 24, 2018. Apple has been keeping macOS 10.14 Mojave up to date with all the latest features. The newest of these updates, macOS 10.14.4, brings Dark Mode to Safari, together with the new Apple News+ service. Past updates included a fix for the FaceTime Bug, which permitted other people to access your camera without you taking their call, and a supplemental update to improve reliability for the 2018 MacBook Air. Apple has also rolled out macOS 10.14.5, which will highly likely be one of the last major updates to the operating system before macOS 10.15 is released. This update focuses on stability, and is still very much worth downloading despite only offering more nuanced improvements. macOS 10.14 Mojave featuresNow that macOS 10.14 Mojave has been available for some time, there are a lot of new features to explore, enjoy and take advantage of. We’re going to dig into a thorough run-down of everything your Mac can do. From Finder enhancements to stricter security, the best Macs are about to become that much better. Read on to uncover all the new features macOS Mojave brings to the table, whether or not you’ve updated your computer yet, so you can take full advantage. Dark Mode Third party applications are also beginning to adopt this new theme, with changes happening automatically for any app that uses standard colors through AppKit. Even developers who don’t use AppKit are working on implementing Dark Mode on their applications. For example, in a recent bug report, Google Chrome developers confirmed that they’re working on a way to bring Dark Mode into the massively popular web browser – just as soon as they iron out some issues first. Group FaceTime Group FaceTime has an incredibly intuitive implementation in macOS 10.14 Mojave. You can start a group FaceTime chat from any group iMessage thread, and invites are sent through a ringless non-distracting notification. Once you’re in a Group FaceTime Chat, it automatically detects the person speaking, bringing them front and center so that everyone’s always focused on the person actively speaking. Stacks With Stacks, macOS Mojave sorts similar files together so that you have a cleaner, more streamlined desktop, grouping in photos with photos, pdfs with pdfs and so on. You can even preview the thumbnails in a stack using a two-finger scroll, so that you can make sure the file you’re looking for is really in that stack. Gallery View This is made even better, thanks to the incredibly detailed metadata display in the Preview pane. This feature makes it simpler than ever before to view all the information of any file on your Mac. Lastly, thanks to the addition of Quick Actions in the Preview pane, you won’t even need to leave Finder to work on files, whether you’re editing images or adding protection to files. You can even allocate Automator tasks as Quick Actions to make browsing through files even easier. Continuity Camera Across a number of different apps - Numbers and Pages, for example – you’ll be able to just Control + Click in the body of the document, and select “Take Photo” or “Scan Documents.” It’ll then proceed to open the camera on your iPhone or iPad so you can take a photo that immediately pops it right into whatever you might be working on. It’s easy to use. It’s handy. And, it’s going to be a benefit for anyone that has to save some time while doing schoolwork or that next big work project. Markup in Quick Look and Screenshots Markup is also offered in screenshots, which means that you can easily bring up any screenshot and instantaneously edit any content within. Being able to promptly crop screenshots in macOS Mojave without needing to open any third-party photo-editing software is going to be a massive time-saver. Whenever you capture a screen, you’ll see a preview image pop up, just like in iOS 12, that you can click on to preview and edit your screenshot. That's not all. Screenshots are still a quick shortcut away, but with macOS Mojave, a new easy-to-use menu includes screen-recording tools that let you capture animated content. Perhaps even more importantly, you can decide to save the screenshot to your clipboard, saving time – not to mention space – if you just have to send someone a quick screenshot, but don’t want that screenshot filling up your storage. Apps These apps leverage the muscle of the best Macs to deliver an amazing experience. Voice Memos, for example, will automatically transfer any memos you take between your iOS and macOS devices – rewarding anyone who relies on the ‘Apple Ecosystem’ for a more streamlined workflow. This isn’t a full iOS app migration. In fact, since these apps are purposely revamped for macOS, they feel like new Apps. Plus, the new Apple News+ service is available on Mac the same day as iOS. Apple did say that it would bring in more iOS apps to Macs this year, but we’ll need to wait until the later part of 2019. Security That’s not all: Safari also has gotten its own share of security enhancements. Those include shutting down cookies that follow you across websites, and making sure that Safari asks permission before it lets cookies of any kind access to your browsing data. Among these are those annoying social media buttons that inexplicably appear on every page – Facebook and Twitter can’t track your activity outside of their own websites unless you want them to. New Mac App Store Not only does it look fantastic, but it also allows you to browse through apps depending on what you’re trying to install. If you’re currently looking for an affordable alternative to Logic Pro X or Adobe Photoshop, for example, it’s organized so that you can easily find the best Mac apps to fit your needs. The new Mac App Store also gets the iOS App Store’s approach to editorializing its content. It’ll now come with a fresher and more modern interface with featured apps getting tutorials, spotlights and other such content. It really does bring the Mac App Store into the modern age. What’s even more thrilling is that a ton of third-party developers, like Adobe and Microsoft, are finally bringing their apps to the Mac App Store, so you won’t have to go through untrustworthy websites for the apps you need. macOS 10.14 Mojave specificationsIt’s too bad that, with all these new features, some older Macs will have to go without access to macOS Mojave. This is a departure from macOS High Sierra, which basically had the same system requirements as macOS 10.12. macOS 10.14 requires at least 14.3GB of hard drive space to be installed, as that’s what was required last year. To be on the safe side, keep at least 20GB of free space. Though, macOS Mojave does require more powerful hardware than High Sierra. macOS 10.13 required at least 2GB of RAM and OS X 10.8 or later – that’s not the case anymore. These are the Macs supported by macOS 10.14 Mojave.
Unfortunately, while the required models seldom change year after year, they have with macOS 10.14. If you have an older MacBook, you might have to get a newer device to enjoy this new version of the OS. Images Credit: Apple
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| Before Dark Souls and Elden Ring: FromSoftware's weird, wonderful past Posted: 05 Sep 2019 12:15 PM PDT Role-playing games have changed a lot throughout the years, transitioning from a genre that was once set in stone, to something that’s unpredictable, exciting and diverse. At the helm of changing our perception of RPGs and their potential are companies such as FromSoftware. This Japanese developer has taken gamers on a variety of treacherous pilgrimages, from the cursed lands of the Souls series to the diseased-ridden streets of Bloodborne’s Yharnam. With the fairly recent edition of the Sengoku inspired Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the upcoming epic collaboration with George R.R. Martin that is Elden Ring, it seems like FromSoftware's unforgiving game mechanics can be injected into any mould. It’s easy to forget, however, that FromSoftware has been developing games since as early as the original PlayStation, with its take on RPGs finally reaching a refined state once Hidetaka Miyazaki stepped in to direct Demon’s Souls. FromSoftware's legacy of role-playing titles is a crucial part of the company's history, reflecting its journey to becoming the master of the RPG experience. The dawn of FromSoftwareKing's Field FromSoftware originally developed productivity software, which is perhaps why its take on videogames leans towards the dark and dismal. If you can’t recall ever seeing its logo on games of the past, it could be due to the fact that it had other companies publish its titles in the West, such as Crave, Ubisoft and Agetec. FromSoftware’s debut role-playing experience, King’s Field, was actually the first RPG to launch on the PlayStation in the West. First released in Japan in 1994, King's Field is a first-person medieval fantasy, which is often hailed as the grandfather of the Souls series. While this statement in itself should be taken with a pinch of salt, King's Field has undeniable tones of ambiguity within a dark and perilous landscape, which are all vital components of FromSoftware’s signature franchise, and is why Demon’s Souls is referred to as a spiritual successor. Despite the first King’s Field title not receiving a western release, the series' second instalation eventually made its way onto the PlayStation in 1995, two years before Final Fantasy's Cloud Strife and his unwieldy sword. The game sold well enough to merit four sequels, with polarized opinions when it came to reviews. However, many of the game's faults are also regarded as its features, with mechanics being described as slow. The speed of the game is said to attribute to its immersion factor, allowing players to take in the world around them. When you compare this style of gameplay to modern FromSoftware titles, it’s clear to see that the company has always had a thing for slowing the player down, whether it be literally, or by adding consequences for haste. If we can take one thing from the King’s Field series, it’s that FromSoftware had a clear vision of what it wanted an RPG to be - a dark and fantastical adventure that should be approached with pace. Mechanically, however, King's Field feels distant from the adventures we know and love today, with more of the company's progression being portrayed by experimentation in the early 2000s. Trial and errorEvergrace During the dawn of the PlayStation 2 in the early noughties, FromSoftware began to drift away from the King’s Field formula - for better or for worse. SquareSoft’s dominance within the RPG scene had become a force to be reckoned with, solidifying its stronghold with three Final Fantasy titles on the original PlayStation. In order to tackle its competitors, FromSoftware would have to try something different enough to merit player’s time. The company’s first two titles on the new PS2 platform, Eternal Ring and Evergrace, were both still RPGs, yet they created a split in FromSoftware’s application of role-playing games. Eternal Ring is visually the same as the King’s Field series at face value, with a first-person view of a slow-paced fantasy adventure, featuring a magician as its protagonist. It’s clear that FromSoftware wanted to challenge SquaresSoft’s RPG formula, with even the game’s tagline reading “Who said Fantasies had to be Final?”. Underneath the hood, Eternal Ring began to develop complex RPG mechanics that would help convey the depth that the genre was capable of. While Eternal Ring handles like an Elder Scrolls game on Ritalin, it features a ‘build your own’ ring system that allows players to use gems to both equip spells and boost stats simultaneously. With such a vast number of combinations of gems and rings, Eternal Ring boasts a level of customization that was absent from most RPGs of the time. On the other hand, FromSoftware’s additional PS2 title Evergrace was a step into the brave unknown for the company, with mechanics that may seem all too familiar to Souls fans. Aesthetically, however, Evergrace is more akin to a Japanese anime than FromSoftwares usual affair, with the game’s protagonists featuring a get-up that’d be welcome in a Final Fantasy party.
Evergrace has something of a convoluted plot, with details surrounding the world and characters ambiguous. There are two playable characters, Darius and Charlene, who both follow a different narrative and combat styles. The main crux of the plot revolves around the characters trying to uncover the secrets of ‘The Crest’, a mysterious mark that is described as being cursed for those branded. Sounds familiar? The similarities to Dark Souls don’t end there. Evergrace is a third-person RPG that features a ‘paper doll’ form of customization, which was another way of describing how your character would wear their equipped armour and clothing. Being able to customize a character's appearance in an RPG was a novel mechanic, especially considering its absence from the big players of the genre. This mechanic wasn't just ‘style over substance’, as each equipped item also had a collection of stats, which could correlate with physical attributes. In terms of ‘levelling up’, the system implemented is somewhat vague, with stats being upgradable upon collection of a ‘blue fruit’, but the attributes themselves follow the same pattern as Dark Souls. While this is something many titles have now adopted, it seems FromSoftware knew that this system was a perfect fit for its RPGs, as it can still be found in the likes of Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Evergrace received a mixed reception amongst critics of the time, with clunky gameplay being one of the game’s setbacks. Despite this, it’s easy to see how the combat system in Evergrace could transition into the action RPG elements found within SoulsBorne titles, with the player actively trading blows of weapons and magic with an enemy. This also corresponds with a ‘power’ bar, which effectively works on a similar level to stamina, only with a depleted bar affecting how much damage can be done to enemies. It’s important to remember that despite the fact there are similarities, that's not to say the mechanics of Evergrace hold a candle to anything from the modern FromSoftware library. Instead, this comparison serves as an explanation of how the company structure its game design. The birth of SoulsDemon's Souls Throughout the noughties, FromSoftware stuck to what it knew best, focusing mainly on its Armored Core and King’s Field franchises. Despite the company’s ambitions when it came to RPGs, none of its attempts seemed to stand out amongst a sea of Square Enix hits. The transition to becoming one of the biggest names of the role-playing genre was something of a fluke, with certain internal developers taking a rather opportunistic approach to laying out their artistic visions. After the development of Armored Core 4, a team at FromSoftware began work on a project with the intention of creating an action RPG. The project faltered at the early stages of conceptualization, which lead to Hidetaka Miyazaki making a request to join the team in hopes of revitalizing the work towards making the concept a reality. So, how does this tie into the other FromSoftware games from before? Well, the team working on said project comprised of company veterans such as Shinichiro Nishida, who was one of the King’s Field writers. These veteran’s game design standards, alongside Miyazaki’s own vision, which was inspired by the likes of Bushido Blade and Monster Hunter, almost guaranteed a formula for success. Of course, the games main inspiration was drawn from King’s Field, using its art style and difficulty to mould something new. This blend of existing concepts and new visions lead to the creation of Demon’s Souls, the title which would serve as a proof of concept for how FromSoftware could create further unique RPG experiences. Yharnam wasn’t built in a daySekiro: Shadows Die Twice FromSoftware’s slow transition into creating titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne and Sekiro was a necessary step to creating their iconic formula. While FromSoftwares legacy might be flawed, but these games kickstarted ideas that had been previously unseen in the RPG genre. The company’s most recent title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice demonstrated that the formula is beginning to experiment with a different approach, which might mean that the upcoming game Elden Ring may stray even more from the beaten path. Needless to say, the company has developed its confidence when it comes to the execution of ideas, with plenty of time spent at the drawing board during their infancy. Who knows, perhaps we’ll be looking back at modern-day FromSoftware titles in the future, assessing how they influenced every changing world of RPG mechanics as we know it.
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| OnePlus 7T might get the 90Hz display without needing the ‘Pro’ label Posted: 05 Sep 2019 11:58 AM PDT OnePlus CEO Pete Lau just all but confirmed the company's anticipated OnePlus 7T will get the 90Hz display found in its OnePlus 7 Pro. The 90Hz display was well received, and it will be coming to a more affordable phone soon, Lau told CNET in an interview. To quote Lau: "The overwhelming positive feedback pushed us to bring 90Hz, which we believe will become standard on flagship phones, to our highly acclaimed premium lineup so that more people can experience the smooth scrolling display." And, Lau said the new device will be cheaper than the OnePlus 7 Pro. It will also launch very soon.
Making sense of itThese details all suggest a OnePlus 7T with a 90Hz display. OnePlus releasing an updated Pro model that costs less than the previous OnePlus 7 Pro seems highly unlikely, as it would more likely replace the previous model at the same price point. OnePlus has consistently updated its phones, adding a T to the name, since the OnePlus 3T several years ago. These phones have come with some minor changes like processor upgrades or slight design changes from their non-T predecessors. The OnePlus 7T is already expected soon, and may even launch as soon as September 26 in India, with a later launch in October elsewhere, according to one leak. Right now, eyes are on an October 15 OnePlus launch. All of the details line up well with a OnePlus 7T coming with a 90Hz display. But, that may be its only significant upgrade. It may still stick with the teardrop notch, with the pop-up camera remaining exclusively for the Pro model. There has been some speculation that both the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro could get updated to Qualcomm's faster Snapdragon 855 Plus chipset. One thing that's almost certain is that Lau was probably not talking about a new, cheap phone. OnePlus seems to have abandoned the idea of making truly cheap phones, and we wouldn't count on another OnePlus X-type device.
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| First look: Panasonic Transparent OLED TV Posted: 05 Sep 2019 11:40 AM PDT Originally displayed at the Salone del Mobile furniture and lifestyle exhibition in Milan back in the spring, the intriguing prototype now looks even more impressive with much improved black levels. The groundbreaking set has been developed in partnership with Swiss furniture brand Vitra and is a joint collaboration between Scandinavian based designer Daniel Rybakken and Panasonic Design Kyoto
On first look the set appears to be a clear glass cabinet with a stylish, inch-thick wooden frame. With pictures and ornaments positioned behind the display during the demo, only a mild filtered surface belies the fact that the objects were in fact behind a TV display. Once switched on the set magically displays content much like a regular OLED TV, with the aforementioned objects behind the display completely obscured. Somehow all the prototype’s components have been cleverly and concealed within the wooden frame which doubles up as a stand. Also housed within the frame is a lightning element, which helps to further enhance the viewing experience. Through the looking glassTransparent displays are by no means a new concept - Samsung demonstrated both mirror and transparent OLED displays as far back as 2015, only to cease production a year later, while LG have also produced see-through OLED screens that were also flexible.
Both of those examples were dogged by poor contrast and black levels however, this is something that the Panasonic concept appears to have addressed to a great degree on the evidence of today’s demo. While the picture was a long way short of delivering the true black levels we’d normally associate with a regular OLED set, the Panasonic prototype nevertheless impressed, thanks to an improved black dimming filter which helps to create greater contrast. While no pricing or firm release dates were announced, Panasonic did confirm the OLED will developed further, with a production-ready model set to be ready in time for CES 2020 in January. The Japanese company also unveiled the MegaCon, a display using a dual LCD layers to deliver black performance which rivals that of an OLED TV whilst also being capable of high brightness too. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Motorola One Zoom is Moto's attempt to make the best budget camera phone yet Posted: 05 Sep 2019 11:31 AM PDT The Motorola One Zoom is Motorola's latest, and most premium, handset in the Motorola One series, and it has its eyes set on the best camera phone crown – at least, the budget handset version. Announced by Motorola at IFA 2019, the annual tech show in Berlin, the Motorola One Zoom follows the Motorola One, One Vision and One Action, the latter two of which were released in quick succession in the weeks leading up to IFA.
The One Vision and One Action are named for their particular camera specialities, and in the same spirit the Motorola One Zoom is so named because it has a powerful 8MP optical zoom lens as part of its camera array, which facilitates 3x optical or 10x hybrid zoom (and likely a pretty impressive digital zoom range too). The other cameras on the device are a 48MP main sensor, a 16MP snapper with an ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. This is the first time Motorola has used four rear cameras on a phone. Beyond its cameras, the Motorola One Zoom sticks closer to its affordable roots. There's a 6.39-inch OLED display, 4,000mAh battery, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Snapdragon 675 chipset – a decidedly mid-range processor. You get 4GB RAM and 128GB storage in the handset, which should be enough to store all the zoomed-in pictures you want to take. So how do I buy the Motorola One Zoom?Tempted by the Motorola One Zoom? Buying it may be a little complicated. In the US, you can pick up the handset straight away, but only from motorola.com, where it'll cost you $449.99, and it'll only work with AT&T or T-Mobile. In the UK, as well as Germany, Spain, Italy and France, you can also pick up the One Zoom immediately, but you'll only be able to do so from Amazon, where it's an exclusive. This version has Amazon's Alexa voice assistant built in, so if you're a fan then this version may be tempting for you. We don't have official word on the price of this just yet, though. There's no word on an Australian release as yet either. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Lenovo's new Yoga laptops pack in punchier hardware and brighter screens Posted: 05 Sep 2019 11:30 AM PDT IFA 2019 has come with plenty of new product announcements, and a Lenovo has a suite of new products that should delight fans of its laptops. The company is launching four new Yoga laptops, with three convertible models and one standard clamshell version. And, they all have a lot to offer. The star of the show is the new Yoga C940, a traditional advancement to the revamped Yoga C930. The Yoga C940 has the usual 360-degree hinge to fold over backwards, but the speaker hinge has been improved. This again allows the speaker to face outward in different configurations of the laptop. Lenovo calls this the "Rotating Sound Bar," and offers Dolby Atmos audio through the speaker. It will come in both a 14-inch and 15.6-inch size. The 14-inch model gets access to the latest 10th-Generation Intel Ice Lake processors and Intel UHD integrated graphics, while the 15.6-inch model has 9th-Gen Intel Core i7 or Core i9 options paired with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics processor. Both units have the option of a 4K Ultra HD panel with a peak brightness of 500 nits, hitting the VESA Display HDR 400 certification. Full HD models will also be available. The larger, Full HD version still maintains 500 nits and Display HDR 400 certification, but the smaller one only achieves 400 nits and gets Dolby Vision support.
More flexible optionsLenovo is releasing two more convertible laptops as well. The company has a larger Yoga C740 (14- and 15.6-inch models) and a smaller Yoga C640 (13.3-inch) on the way. The Yoga C740 and C640 will both be powered by 10th-Gen Intel Comet Lake processors and use integrated graphics. Both models also will only have Full HD displays. The C640 can have either a 300-nit or 400-nit touchscreen. The 14-inch Yoga C740 will have a 300-nit display with Dolby Vision, while the 15.6-inch model has two options that get Dolby Vision, but one is just 250 nits and the other is 500 nits with Display HDR 400 certification. Lastly, there's the Yoga S740. The lone clamshell of the bunch doesn't fall short on short on features. The 14-inch model gets 10th-Gen Intel Comet Lake processors and Nvidia GeForce MX250 graphics, while the 15.6-inch model gets 9th-Gen processors but Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics. Both models have a 4K Ultra HD display option with 500 nits of brightness, Dolby Vision, and Display HDR 500 certification. There will also be Full HD versions, and the larger one still hits all those same visual quality specs, but the 14-inch model only musters 400 nits of brightness. Here are details on pricing and availability in North America:
IFA 2019 is Europe's biggest tech show. The TechRadar team is in Berlin to bring you all the breaking news and hands-on first impressions of new TVs, watches and other tech as they're announced. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New iPhone 11 release date, price, news and leaks Posted: 05 Sep 2019 10:59 AM PDT The iPhone 11 launch date has been set now: it's going to be September 10 in Cupertino, now the invites have gone out - and we could be getting not just the iPhone 11, but a new iPhone 11 Pro. We're not sure how that's going to play out - as the leaks are currently suggesting that the likely three new phones (including something we're colloquially dubbing the iPhone 11R, although it's not clear if that would be the name) and the changes on each of the new iPhone models seem pretty minimal since 2018's devices emerged. If you're hoping for a massively-upgraded handset, then you're probably going to be disappointed this year as the upgrades that we are hearing about aren't hugely exciting. We've got some experience sifting through these rumors - we've been at it for over a decade - and nothing we've picked up suggests anything more than that. What does that mean? Well, a similar shape and size to previous launches (with three phones mooted for unveiling at the new iPhone 11 launch) but they won't bring amazing changes just now. That said, Apple's tagline for the iPhone 11 launch was 'By innovation only' with a modernized Apple logo - so perhaps there's still a surprise or two in the works. Here's what we're not expecting this year: no 5G in the new iPhone, the Lightning connector to get dropped and a foldable phone. These are all there for the future of the new iPhone, but we're almost certain these won't be part of the iPhone 11 launch - and that could be the point when we see the iPhone Pro, if / when that appears. What we do know is that 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. What is of more interest is whether Apple will be pushing the iPhone 11R (if indeed it does call it that) as the iPhone XR is the phone that's most prominently featured on its homepage - suggesting the cheaper phone could almost be the star of the show this year. 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 up 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
Apple has confirmed its next launch event, and it's happening on Tuesday, September 10 at 10am PT. Like every year, we did some sleuthing around the possible iPhone 11 release date beforehand, so we always had a pretty good idea when was coming. This date allows Apple to ship its iPhones into retail channels well before the holiday rush - 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 - seems very likely to be a week later on Friday September 20, if previous releases are anything to go by. That prediction was bolstered by an analyst from Wedbush claiming that the three new iPhones launched in 2019 will all go on sale at the same time - the iPhone 11, 11 Max and 11R would all be on sale at the same time thanks to the production process being so much more mature this year - again, suggesting little in the way of upgrades. And it might not be just the new iPhone range that launches on this date, we may well also get the Apple Watch 5 then too. New iPhone 11 price: will it still be $1,000?
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. The addition of the iPhone 11 Pro rumor - which, it has to be noted, is based on a single tweet (one that does have some form in getting the naming right of past iPhones) - would suggest a price hike for the phones. But given analysts are suggesting that the new phones will 'lack novelty', we're not expecting the inflated cost that would bring. 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. 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' as the 'main' XS replacement, and stick with the same iPhone XR name, albeit with a small spec upgrade? As mentioned, the iPhone Pro could be added to the mix, bringing it into line with its iPads (and indeed MacBooks) in terms of their naming, but we're rather doubtful of that. That said, we've now seen the names 'iPhone 11', 'iPhone 11 Pro' and 'iPhone 11 Pro Max' listed by a case-maker, so we can't rule out the 'Pro' moniker. iPhone 11 Pro Max seems very unlikely though. But 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 camera: the biggest changeHere's the thing that we think Apple is going to push the hardest this year: 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. 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 and most leaks follow that theory. 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), one 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 same source is also 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. A strong rumor suggests that the iPhone 11 will have a feature from the Galaxy Note 10, where the videos will be able to do background defocus in real time - a real Live Video editor. Elsewhere, we've heard that the iPhone 11 could use 'new' 12MP sensors, and will offer improved photography, with the three lenses apparently working in coordination in an RGB mode. One of the lenses is also said to offer a 120-degree field-of-view. What about the front camera? Well, there we're going to get an upgraded 10MP sensor (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 also supposedly destined for the new iPhone 11, but it seems more likely that we'll see that on the iPhone for 2020 (if at all), in a bid to really show off the new iPhone's augmented reality (AR) capabilities. Sadly, the notch looks like it will be staying the same size - even though the camera tech is shrinking down, as a source says the notch is staying the same this year. This aligns with rumors that the phone chassis isn't changing size, so does make sense. New iPhone 11 designWhat 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 square bump to hold those triple-lens cameras. 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. You can also see a similar design in a video showing unofficial dummy handsets created based on leaks. Indeed, roughly 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. Earlier, a leaker took a photo of the Galaxy Note 10 Plus before it launched - 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), but it shows in the real world what the design could be like. iPhone 11 case dummies (credit: SlashLeaks) In terms of the triple-lens camera, that's on show with the dummies leaked above. It's not confirmed but this matches what we've heard so far - giving us an early look at the likely iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max. Back on the subject 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 shards 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. We've elsewhere heard that all three new iPhones might come in black, white, gold and dark green shades, while one source adds that some models might have a subtle 'rainbow' finish. 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 same resolution, with the bezels 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.
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). This is the feature that allows you to 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. Though one source adds that the LCD screen on the iPhone 11R will see some improvements, such as better anti-aliasing. We've also heard reports that the two OLED iPhones will use the same display type as the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Samsung Galaxy Note 10. Usually Samsung makes a different screen for Apple, but using this one is no bad thing, as those ranges have some of the best displays around. However, they might get an upgrade in the form of more protection, with new shatter-resistance technology rumored to be included (potentially both on the front and back glass). These specs were 'outed' in a recent tweet, but really just rounded up and confirmed all we really knew already. New iPhone 11 battery and featuresThe 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 change from Lightning. 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. Another rumor supports this theory, using the same advanced charger that Apple introduced with the iPad Pro (2018) last October. 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 reverse charging without destroying the battery life in a single day. A rumor has some actual number predictions: the iPhone 11 will pack a 3,200mAh battery (up from an estimated 2,658mAh), the iPhone 11 Max will get 3,500mAh (up from 3,174mAh), and the iPhone 11R will get 3,000mAh (slightly higher than the 2,942mAh of the iPhone XR). But it will be hard to ascertain how true these are given Apple's reluctance to share the exact capacity of each iPhone. Huawei and Samsung phones already pack so-called "reverse wireless charging" and it's been well-marketed as a key selling point - so it makes sense that Apple would want to offer it too.
The iPhone 11 Max might not get as much of an upgrade, but a rumored 15% battery boost 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. Having said though, elsewhere we've heard that the iPhone 11 Max will have a 3,969mAh battery, which really would be quite an upgrade. However, the same source says that charging will still be stuck at a slow 5W, in contrast to the 18W rumor above. What about some other smaller features? Well, another possible 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. As for power, 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 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. In terms of storage, one source says the range will offer 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities, while another points to 64GB, 256GB and 512GB. Either way, 1TB is looking unlikely. Indeed, a fairly comprehensive specs list for the three likely iPhone models can be seen below and this lacks the 1TB size. It's believed that this list is based on numerous leaks and rumors, many of which we've included above, but it's a handy at-a-glance way to see the likely key specs. 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. 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. We've also heard that Apple was working on a walkie-talkie-like feature for the phone, which would allow users to send text messages even if there was no signal. However, this has apparently been put on hold, so if we ever see it we probably won't do this year. 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 other out there rumor about 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, the Pencil could be charged on the rumored new wireless charging rear of the new iPhone - so that does make things seem a touch more believable. We've also seen case renders showing a slot for an Apple Pencil that would be smaller than the current one, so it's possible Apple will launch a more compact Pencil for use with the iPhone. We still doubt it though. The iPhone 11 might use new shatter-resistant glass. Plus, an exciting walkie-talkie-like feature has been rumored... but apparently put on hold. And a new video shows off what the iPhone 11 might look like based on rumors. New iPhone 11: what we want to seeWe were mostly impressed with the iPhone XS range last year, but that doesn't mean they're perfect - talk to any ardent Android user and they'll give chapter and verse on why the iPhone isn't anywhere near as well-spec'd 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. The notch is big... imagine if it wasn't there on the new iPhone 2. A new designWhile 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 lifeWe 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 onlyThe 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. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Ghost Recon Breakpoint beta is live – how to join, and the PC spec you’ll need Posted: 05 Sep 2019 10:25 AM PDT Ahead of the game’s October 4 release, the beta for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint has gone live. And, it’s not too late to get in on the act if you fancy some lengthy Recon sessions over the weekend. The Ghost Recon Breakpoint closed beta runs through to 11am UK time (3am PT, 6am ET) on September 9. PC gamers and those on the Xbox One and PS4 can get in on the beta action as well during that time.
How do you do that? Those willing to pre-order the game (or who have already committed) get guaranteed access. Also, those folks who have signed up for Ubisoft’s Uplay+ subscription service get the closed beta red carpet rolled out for them, too. Those are the only methods of getting into the beta now, although there is still an option to register your interest on the beta website – but presumably it’s too late to go this route by now. If you signed up and registered previously, though, you may yet receive an invitation, so keep those fingers crossed. Ghost Recon Breakpoint system requirementsAnother factor which may sway your decision as to whether you want to put your money where your mouse is, pre-order, and get into the game right now, might be how your PC will cope with the shooter. The PC requirements were recently published, with a variety of different levels of detail, from the minimum spec needed for ‘low’ settings all the way up to ‘ultra’ in 4K resolution. Here are those spec details in full: Minimum – Low Setting | 1080p
Recommended – High Setting | 1080p
Ultra Setting | 1080p
Ultra Setting | 2K
Elite – Ultra Setting | 4K
So, maxed-out graphics in 4K requires a pretty beefy rig, but that’s no real surprise. Perhaps more surprising when the specs were revealed was the demand for at least a GTX 960 or Radeon R9 280X to run bare minimum ‘low’ settings. Also notable is the fact that 16GB of system RAM is required for anything above ‘recommended’ settings (high on 1080p), which is a bit of an eye-opener (and in this case, you’ll need to be running Windows 10 as well).
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| Latest Jabra Elite true wireless earbuds could be great Apple AirPods alternative Posted: 05 Sep 2019 09:40 AM PDT If you're on the hunt for a new pair of wireless earbuds, you've probably come across Jabra's Elite range before – with their balanced soundstage and understated design, they've impressed in the past. Now the audio company has unveiled a brand new true wireless earbuds model in the line, the Jabra Elite 75t – and, with improved battery life, they could give the Apple AirPods a run for their money.
Launched at IFA 2019 in Berlin, the new wireless buds build on the success of the Jabra Elite 65t, which we awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars when we reviewed them last year. Jabra says improvements included "notably longer batter life, and a smaller, more secure comfortable fit". A snug fitBattery life has certainly improved since the Elite 65t, rising from five hours to seven-and-a-half hours. That number's bumped up to 28 hours in total by the charging case – Jabra says that it will also introduce a wireless variant of the charging case "at a later date". That battery life beats the Apple AirPods, which only offer five hours of playback from the earbuds themselves, and an additional 20 from their charging case. The fit and comfort of these true wireless earbuds has also been improved since their predecessors; Jabra says it developed a "comfort and fit simulation model based on thousands of ear scans from global users", so you can expect these buds to feel pretty snug. You can safely use the Jabra Elite 75t for soundtracking your workout, thanks to an IP55 water/dustproof rating and a "two-year warranty against dust and water" – although to take advantage of the latter, you will need to register with the Jabra Sound+ app. Pricier than AirPodsJabra hasn't revealed much about the audio quality provided by these earbuds, which leads us to believe that they could have a similar sound profile to the Elite 65t. That sound should be customizable at least; using the Jabra Sound+ app, you can change your audio settings via an equalizer, modify how much external noise you want to hear, and keep track of battery life. Thanks to four inbuilt microphones, you can take phone calls with these true wireless earbuds, as well as speaking to your device's smart assistant; simply press one of the touch sensitive housings to summon Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. The new wireless earphones will be available to buy in black and gold from mid-October, and will cost £189.99. That works out at around $230 / AU$340, which is a fair bit more expensive than the Apple AirPods – and the previous Jabra Elite model. Still, we're waiting on official costs for these territories, so those prices are just an indication of what you could be spending on these true wireless earbuds. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best 13-inch laptop 2019: the top 13-inch laptops we've reviewed Posted: 05 Sep 2019 09:35 AM PDT In the market for the best 13-inch laptop your bank account can afford? Well, you’ve come to the right spot. Having one of the best laptops is almost as essential these days as having a smartphone. But, there’s only one real reason to go for one of the best 13-inch laptops: portability. While 15-inch laptops are too large and anything than 12-inches will have you squinting, the best 13-inch laptops hit that sweet, space-saving spot. In other words, they’re ideal for getting your work done while on the go, as well as enjoying movies on Netflix at the end of the day. As with everything else, choosing one of the top 13-inch laptops for you will depend on your individual preference and needs. Do you need a 2-in-1 laptop that can turn into one of the best Windows tablets with just a flip of the display? Or do you want to skip Windows 10 entirely, and opt for one of the best Macs, backed up by macOS Mojave (or soon, macOS Catalina)? There are a few excellent 13-inch laptops to choose from. Whatever your needs are, you’ll find the ideal match on this list. Image Credit: TechRadar It’s not often that we find a 13-inch laptop that ticks all the right boxes with very little compromise. The Huawei MateBook 13 is one of those very few devices. Rocking the latest Intel Whiskey Lake processors and Nvidia MX150 graphics in a chassis that really should be too small to fit them all in, the Huawei MateBook 13 is a powerful machine that can easily slip into most backpacks or medium-sized tote bags. Even better for users who cannot afford to splurge, it’s budget-friendly. What more could you ask for? Read the full review: Huawei MateBook 13 Image Credit: TechRadar While its changes over last year’s model are subtle, there’s no doubt that the Dell XPS 13 is still one of the best 13-inch laptops money can buy. On the high end, the 4K display delivers a sharper picture across the board. But, even if you can’t afford the highest end model, the dashing design, long battery life and SD card slot aren’t going anywhere. More importantly, you’ve got a quad-core processor regardless of configuration you end up with. The Dell XPS 13 is, without a doubt, one of the best 13-inch laptops right now. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 Image credit: TechRadar One look at the HP Spectre x360, and you’ll find it to deny that it’s one of the most beautiful laptops on the market today. That gem-cut build means it’ll get your work done in style. It’s not all skin-deep, however. This stunning 13-inch laptop is packed with the latest Intel hardware as well, so you know it can get your work done. And, if that’s not enough, it can also be flipped around into tablet mode. The HP Spectre x360 really is one of the best 13-inch laptops out there. Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 Image Credit: TechRadar While the 13-inch version isn’t the most powerful Surface Book 2, it still makes for one of the best 13-inch laptops on the market. Whether you’re a professional or a creative or even a student, the Surface Book 2 will handle your daily workload effortlessly and in style. What’s more, the dynamic fulcrum hinge is much improved this time around, complementing the robust quad-core processor. And, unlike many other 2-in-1 laptops, the keyboard is removable to make it much more manageable, as well as thinner, when in tablet mode. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 Image Credit: TechRadar You may be expecting a gaming laptop, especially given Razer’s reputation. But in reality, the Razer Blade Stealth just happens to be one of the best 13-inch laptops to buy today. It’s thin, light, and packed with the latest Ultrabook-class internals – including dedicated MX150 graphics so you can play your favorite titles on the go. The 8th-generation Intel Whiskey Lake Processor makes this laptop a force to be reckoned with. Of course, that comes at a cost. However, the sheer style and build quality might be worth it. Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth Image Credit: TechRadar If you’re looking for a speedy and svelte 13-inch laptop to schlep around with you – and you don’t mind giving up some premium features, then you’ll love the Asus ZenBook 13. Coming in at just half an inch thick and weighing only 2.5 pounds, this is the ideal laptop for traveling. But, don’t think you have to compromise on power with all this portability. The Asus ZenBook 13 boasts quad-core Intel chips, 8GB of RAM and up to 1TB SSD. Its combination of power, portability and pretty easily makes it one of the best Asus laptops around. The only thing you’re missing here is a USB-C port, but it’s easy to overlook, especially on a laptop as stylish as this. Read the full review: Asus Zenbook 13 Thanks to its sleek 13-inch design, this 2-in-1 is slimmer that you would have expected, which works in your favor when using it in tablet mode. There are other excellent reasons why you must consider the HP Envy x360 (2019) when sorting through the best 13-inch laptops on the market. This one boasts a premium build, 9 hours of video playback and a performance that will get you through most of your schoolwork and project, all without burning a hole in your pocket. Read the full review: HP Envy x360 (2019) Image Credit: TechRadar The early Surface Laptop had our vote for one of the best 13-inch laptops, due to its stunning screen, competent internals and solid build quality. We are, therefore, happy to see its sequel, the Surface Laptop 2, doing everything better and taking some features to a new level. You won’t find any major changes, but the faster 8th-generation CPUs, 8GB of RAM and, most importantly, the removal of Windows 10 S all add up to making the Surface Laptop 2 one of the best 13-inch laptops right now. Read the full review: Surface Laptop 2 Image credit: TechRadar While slightly bigger than your usual 13-inch laptop, this nearly 14-inch 2-in-1 challenger has a few aces up its sleeve – including longevity, power and durability. This means that the latest Lenovo Yoga C930 will last users long enough to get through their day-to-day workload and squeeze in some entertainment at the end of each day. To round it all out, this device also has a nice display with deep colors, a great keyboard and a decent trackpad. It may not have the best graphics performance, but it definitely more than makes up for that, making it one of the best 13-inch laptops 2019 has to offer. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930 Image Credit: TechRadar The MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019) is a minor update to last year’s model, with slightly tweaked internals. However, seeing as the 2018 model took a spot on our best 13-inch laptops list, the 2019 refresh with its small improvements is just as deserving of that spot. The design remains the same, which is good news if you’re a fan of previous MacBook Pros, but with slightly more powerful components so if you’ve been looking to upgrade your aging MacBook Pro, this one affords you that chance. Read the full review: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019) Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
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| Are these Nikon's next lenses for the Z system? Posted: 05 Sep 2019 09:28 AM PDT However exciting a new mirrorless camera system seems, it's only going to succeed if people know it will eventually be supported by a broad range of lenses at the right price. To that end, manufacturers have been keen to share their plans for future optics, well before their official announcement, by way of lens roadmaps. Canon, Fujifilm and Panasonic have all released these in the past, as did Nikon at the inception of its Z system. This was updated earlier this year, detailing the company's plans for 2020 – and now a further roadmap, revealing many further lens releases throughout 2020 and 2021, has leaked out.
Or has it? Nikon Rumors, which originally punished the map, claims it was sent to them by an anonymous source – and presumably if the source is anonymous to Nikon Rumors, its legitimacy is even more questionable than when rumor sites claim to receive details from 'trusted' or 'known' sources. The roadmap that Nikon Rumors claims to have been sent So what does it tell us that we didn't already know? Well, Nikon had already made it clear it would release 20mm f/1.8 S, 50mm f/1.2 S and 14-24mm f/2.8 S lenses in 2020, but the new roadmap claims that these will be joined by Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S, Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S, Nikkor Z 28-70mm f/2.8-3.5 S and Nikkor Z 24-120 f/4 S optics. Six more are said to follow in 2021, namely the Nikkor Z 105mm f/1.8 S, Nikkor Z 28mm f/1.8 S, Nikkor Z 65mm f/1.8 S, Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S, Nikkor Z 28-280mm f/2.8-5.6 S and Nikkor Z 100-300mm f/4 S. Is it real?The lenses that are promised here make some sense. There's a good mix of primes and zooms, and no outrageous focal length/aperture combinations. This would, in many ways, be a logical way to broaden the line over the next few years. Even so, our money is on it being fake. First, while the font used for the lens names appears to be the same as that used before, the font for the years is not. The lack of a title or any other information also raises suspicions. Second, the fact that this lens roadmap goes so far into the future – almost two and a half years – with so many lenses and specific lens names already confirmed, also doesn't smell right to us. On top of that, in its previous lens roadmap, Nikon originally announced many of its future lenses without 'NIKKOR Z' and 'S' designations – yet here, every upcoming lens has both. That's particularly suspect, as Nikon claimed at the outset of the system that lenses other than the S line will be announced at a later date. If Nikon mentioned this over a year ago, why are none included in these plans that continue throughout the next two years? Finally, from their names, focal lengths and apertures, all of these lenses appear to have been developed for full-frame bodies, with no way way of differentiating them from those developed for cropped-sensor ones. Nikon doesn't have any cropped-sensor mirrorless bodies right now – but the likelihood of that remaining the case for the next two and a half years or so seems marginal, particularly in light of a patent that indicated the use of an APS-C sensor in future Z-series bodies. So, are these Nikon's next lenses? It's certainly possible – but we think not. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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