Apple : Unpatchable iOS flaw used to jailbreak older iPhones |
- Unpatchable iOS flaw used to jailbreak older iPhones
- The refined Samsung Galaxy Fold is officially available in the US
- Windows malware turns PCs into zombies
- The best Samsung watch: our top choices for Tizen smartwatches in 2019
- Best smartwatch 2019: the top wearables you can buy today
- Fitbit price cut: deals on the Fitbit Versa, Charge 3, Alta HR and more
- Google Chrome, Firefox and Cloudflare add HTTP/3 protection
- Airbus hacked through supplier VPNs
- Galaxy S10 price cut: save up to $200 at Samsung
- Best CDN providers of 2019 to speed up any website
- Motorola Razr rumor backs up what we already heard – it'll be out in 2019
- The best wireless headphones 2019: our pick of the best ways to cut the cord
- Best waterproof speakers 2019: 10 outdoor speakers for any budget
- Best Bluetooth speakers 2019: the best portable speakers for any budget
- The best PC gaming headsets of 2019
- Best dedicated server hosting providers of 2019
- iPhone 12: what we want to see
- Save 21% on Google devices, including Pixel phones, with its 21st birthday deal
- Trend Micro: Why AI could be vital to your security future
- Best gaming mouse 2019: the best gaming mice we've tested
| Unpatchable iOS flaw used to jailbreak older iPhones Posted: 27 Sep 2019 05:12 PM PDT A security researcher has released a new jailbreak which impacts all of Apple's mobile devices released between 2011 and 2017 including iPhone models from the 4S up to the iPhone 8 and even the iPhone X. However, this jailbreak differs from those released in the past because it utilizes a new unpatchable exploit called Checkm8 that exploits vulnerabilities in Apple's Bootrom (secure boot ROM) to give iOS users full control over their devices. The Checkm8 vulnerability was published by a security researcher called AxiomX who explained to ZDNet that he had worked on the jailbreak all year.
AxiomX said on Twitter that Checkm8 is “a permanent unpatchable bootrom exploit” which means this jailbreak is far more extensive and efficient than those previously released for Apple's iPhone. Bootrom jailbreakIn addition to being quite rare, bootrom jailbreaks are also permanent and can't be fixed with a patch. To fix a Bootrom vulnerability permanently would require a silicon revision and even a company as large as Apple would not want to issue a mass recall for iPhones just to modify device chipsets. This means that the Checkm8 jailbreak is permanent and will work in perpetuity on the devices that have installed it. The last time a Bootrom-based jailbreak was released was back in 2009 and many believed that Apple had managed to secure its boot-up process and make these types of jailbreaks impossible since that time. AxiomX's jailbreak is currently available on GitHub as a beta release though technical skills are required to install it as it has the potential to easily brick devices. While a jailbreak of this kind could be used to install unofficial apps on iPhones, the Checkm8 vulnerability could also be exploited by hackers to root devices but this would require physical access to a device.
Via ZDNet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The refined Samsung Galaxy Fold is officially available in the US Posted: 27 Sep 2019 03:42 PM PDT After delaying its April launch date due to serious reliability concerns, the refined Samsung Galaxy Fold is back and finally, finally up for sale in the US. The much-publicized problems centered around the folding display, which had malfunctioned when press peeled the protective plastic off the screens of their review units. Some screens simply stopped syncing on their own. In any case, the new versions have added a protective plastic lip around the edges of the screen (to keep anyone from removing the plastic cover) and heavily refined the hinge. To be safe, there are copious warnings for new buyers, especially for the plastic folding center screen, which is more fragile than typical glass screens. Press are already seeing new broken pixel issues crop up, from TechCrunch to JerryRigEverything - though the latter found the hinge to be far more durable than expected. You can pick up a brand-new Galaxy Fold for $1,980 (£1,800 / €2,000), though certain carriers are also selling it for $66/month for 30-month contracts. Yes, that’s twice the price of the flagship Apple iPhone 11 Pro and even Samsung Galaxy Note 10 - but at least the company is packing a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds in the box for good measure.
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| Windows malware turns PCs into zombies Posted: 27 Sep 2019 02:59 PM PDT A new malware campaign responsible for infecting thousands of Windows PCs worldwide has been discovered by Microsoft. The Microsoft Defender ATP Research Team found the malware, dubbed Nodersok, and explained in a blog post that it is distributed through malicious adverts which force a Windows system to download HTZ files that are used in HTML apps. Once a user finds and clicks on the HTZ files on their system, this starts a process that opens Powershell scripts, Excel and JavaScript to download and install the Nodersok malware.
According to Microsoft, the malware is fileless and utilizes living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) to tap into exiting tools and functionalities in a Windows System. Nodersok then downloads legitimate modules such as Windivert.dll/sys and Node.exe from the Node.JS framework to carry out its work. However, malicious files and executables are never written to an infected machine's disk. Nodersok malwareAfter a system has been fully infected, Nodersok can then turn it into a zombie-like proxy machine used to launch other cyberattacks and even create a relay server that can give hackers access to command and control servers as well as other compromised devices. This helps hackers hide their activity from security researchers looking for suspicious behavior. In addition to Microsoft, Cisco's security division Talos also discovered the malware and named it Divergent. Security researchers at the company found that the infected machines were being used to commit click fraud on targeted corporate networks. In its blog post, Microsoft researchers explained how they discovered the Nodersok malware campaign, saying: “The campaign is particularly interesting not only because it employs advanced fileless techniques, but also because it relies on an elusive network infrastructure that causes the attack to fly under the radar. We uncovered this campaign in mid-July, when suspicious patterns in the anomalous usage of MSHTA.exe emerged from Microsoft Defender ATP telemetry.” For those concerned about their systems being infected by Nodersok, Microsoft has updated its free antivirus software Microsoft Defender to detect the malware.
Via The Inquirer This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best Samsung watch: our top choices for Tizen smartwatches in 2019 Posted: 27 Sep 2019 02:31 PM PDT Samsung is one of the very best smartwatch makers on the planet competing against the greatest devices on the market including the Apple Watch 5 and Fitbit Versa. The company has been making smartwatches since 2013 when it introduced the square-faced and (by today's standard) woefully lacking Samsung Galaxy Gear. We've seen various iterations of its wristwear over those last five years, and the company has since come into its own with its latest series of wearables. Below we'll walk you through the very best Samsung smartwatches that you can buy right now, which includes the likes of the perennial favorite Samsung Galaxy Watch, the sportier Galaxy Watch Active 2 and even the Gear series from a couple years ago. We'll also mention the Samsung fitness trackers the company has created. Note that they're all ranked in terms of functionality, so we take into account what you can do with each watch, its design, the price and much more when curating this ranking. You should also note that we have yet to properly try the recently announced Galaxy Fit series of activity bands. We expect those wearables to feature in this list in the coming months.
The very best Samsung smartwatch we've tried is the Galaxy Watch. We've yet to fully get our Samsung Galaxy Watch Active review underway, but that device is going to have a tough time competing with the full-featured Galaxy Watch. This is undeniably Samsung's most well-designed smartwatch. It comes in two variants, which are quite dramatically different. If you're looking for the largest watch, you'll want the 46mm version that comes with a bright 1.3-inch display. Then there's also the smaller (yet thicker) 42mm variant. Both watches feature a rotating bezel that allows you to easily navigate around all of the features the smartwatch offers. It's a feature you won't get on any other smartwatch at the moment, and it works so well on the Galaxy Watch that it's one of its biggest selling points. Both feature Samsung Pay, GPS, swim tracking and a lot more. This watch will work as both a fitness device as well as a premium looking timepiece. We've tested the larger version of the watch more than the smaller one, and we've found it lasted for around four days with average usage. If you're certain you want a watch that sports Tizen software, your best choice right now is the Galaxy Watch. Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch review The Galaxy Watch Active 2 released half a year after its predecessor includes a few coveted features missing from the Galaxy Watch, including a digital rotating bezel and LTE version. It also gets a price bump to match. But it's still a slimmer pick that's great for fitness fans who want all the features of a full smartwatch. It features a 1.2-inch 360 x 360 display, which may sound small on paper, but we found it big enough to interact with and apps looked great on the screen. It features a heart rate monitor, can automatically track workouts, there's GPS and there's also storage so you can upload tracks to your watch and listen on Bluetooth headphones. If you don't want to do that manually, you can use the Spotify app on Tizen instead. While its list price increased nominally (into older Apple Watch territory), the Active 2 is still more affordable than the most expensive smartwatches on the market. If you're after a smaller watch that will suit both working out and everyday wear, the Galaxy Watch Active is a great choice. Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 review On paper, the Samsung Gear Sport doesn't sound all that different to the Galaxy Watch but if you were to compare the two watches you'll notice a lot of differences. The company smoothed out a lot of the problems with the Gear Sport, but you may be fine with them considering how discounted the price of the Gear Sport now is. A lot of what you get on the newer generation is here alongside the latest in Tizen software, so you've got access to all of the apps that you'll get on the Samsung Galaxy Watch. The screen on the watch is large and easy to navigate around. The watch can track your location when you're running, and you can upload music to your watch and listen to it through Bluetooth headphones; overall there's lots to love here. If there's a big downside, it's that the overall visual design isn't as slickly implemented. All of that said - it's still a good-looking watch that you may want to have on your wrist if you're after a high-spec device but you don't want to spend lots of money. Read the full Samsung Gear Sport review The Gear S3 isn't far off the Gear Sport either, but the watch is a touch older making it a lot harder to recommend. If you can find the Gear S3 for a lot less than the Gear Sport it may be worth getting that instead, but in our searches around for price we've struggled to find it for a suitable amount. Instead, you'll be better off buying either the Galaxy Watch or Gear Sport with a bit of extra money or checking out our full best cheap smartwatch guide for a look at the best wearables you can get right now. Read the full Samsung Gear S3 review Any other Samsung smartwatches?You may still be able to find the Samsung Gear S2 or even the original Gear, but we wouldn't recommend buying these in 2019. Instead, look to the watches at the top of this page as these older devices are unlikely to be updated in the future and may soon become obsolete. Unless you find an absolutely incredible deal, we think it's worthwhile spending extra on the above or considering a watch that doesn't run Tizen software. Best Samsung fitness trackersSamsung's Gear Fit 2 Pro is one of the best looking fitness trackers with an impactful, bright and clear 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen that wraps around the device. There aren't many fitness trackers on the market that look this good. It's comfortable to wear when you're working out, and it comes with a couple of features that make it better than its older and cheaper sibling, the Gear Fit 2. Perhaps the most important is the fact you can have offline Spotify playback on the tracker. That allows you to sync playlists to your wristwear, connect up some Bluetooth headphones and head out without your phone when you're exercising. That's especially useful as the tracker itself comes with GPS built-in as well as all of the other fitness features you'd expect like exercise tracking, and a heart rate monitor too. It's also slightly more durable than the Gear Fit 2 with military grade protection that should make it even more likely to survive what you put it through. That exact protection is MIL-STD-810G, and it may be a reason you want it more. The exact upgrades of the Pro aren't as exciting as some would have hoped, but considering the price is similar between these two devices we'd recommend going for the newer and more accomplished tracker. Read the full Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro review This is much more of what we've said above, but it's just missing a couple of those extra features and comes for a little bit less. It's older too, so it may be Samsung gives up with updating the software for the Gear Fit 2 quicker than it will for the Pro. That said, we don't know for certain that'll be the case yet. Overall, if you don't want Spotify playback or a more durable design you may find the Gear Fit 2 is a better option for your next fitness tracker. That's especially the case if you find it for the right price, but quite often we've weirdly found the Gear Fit 2 Pro is now cheaper than Samsung's newer tracker. Read the full Samsung Gear Fit 2 review
Photo illustration: TechRadar; Samsung This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best smartwatch 2019: the top wearables you can buy today Posted: 27 Sep 2019 01:50 PM PDT A smartwatch is the ultimate phone accessory - and some are even starting to work on their own. It can tell the time, of course, but it can also beam important notifications straight to your wrist, track your fitness stats and pay for your morning coffee. Today's best smartwatch models can perform a ton of tricks, like searching the internet with your voice, tracking your location with GPS or even monitoring your heart rate to protect your overall health – with our without pairing to one of the best phones on the market. Oh, and some of them look absolutely stunning, too. If you're thinking that a smartwatch is a pointlessly geeky accessory, the times have changed - these wearables fit your fashion nearly as well as their analog counterparts. The choices we've ranked below are well-made, powerful and can genuinely make you fitter through some smart nudges. We've tested the vast majority of the top-end wearables you can buy right now from the Apple Watch to Fitbits to Garmin trackers to Tizen-sporting Samsung watches. There's also Wear OS (you may have known that in its previous incarnation called Android Wear) which is Google's own wearable operating system in the vein of Apple's watchOS - you’ll see it show up in a lot of these devices. During our review process, we take into account the design, features, battery life, spec, price and more for each smartwatch, rank it against the competition and enter it into the list you'll find below. Smartwatches come and go from the ranking depending on the rest of the competition at the time, and bear in mind we may see products like the Honor Watch Magic, Garmin Fenix 6 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 appear in the list after we've tested them properly.
Our best smartwatch you can buy right now is from Samsung, and instead of opting for the expected Gear S4 name it's called the Galaxy Watch. Following on from the Gear S3 series and the Gear Sport in 2017, the latest Samsung Watch is much improved. We've tested out the larger 46mm version of the watch and it comes with a phenomenal four day battery life even when you're using it extensively. That's impressive considering a lot of other watches on this list last a day or so from a single charge. The rotating bezel remains a highlight of navigating around the Tizen OS on the watch, and the interface is one of the easiest to pick up that we've seen on a smartwatch. Apps available on the watch are more limited than Wear OS or watchOS - two rival smartwatch operating systems - but it still offers the core basics and Samsung had provided a watch that's good at fitness as well as sporting a great design and lots more functionality too. Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch review What's next? Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Active 2 at the start of August, and we're hoping to have a full review of that smartwatch soon. Apple hasn't taken the top spot in our best smartwatch list, but this is the best device you can get if you own an iPhone. It works seamlessly with Apple's phones, and it's well worth considering if you plan to stick with the iPhone range for at least a few years. There aren't many huge upgrades over the Apple Watch 4, but the main change is it comes with an always-on display for the first time. That means you won't have to raise the watch to see your key stats, and instead it'll display most of the information you need on a dimmed screen. The design is similar to the Apple Watch 4 - a look that we loved - so you'll get a larger display than earlier iterations of the device, and it comes in either 40mm or 44mm sizes. All of the fitness features you'd expect come on this watch, and that includes a variety of top-end features such as the ECG monitor, GPS tracking, impressive heart rate monitoring and more. If you're looking for the very best Apple Watch, this is it... it's just not our favorite smartwatch money can buy. Read the full Apple Watch 5 review Samsung shrank the best parts of the the Galaxy Watch into this sportier smartwatch that's slimmer, lighter and, arguably, more comfortable - then released a second version months after the first that included a few coveted features, including a rotating digital bezel and LTE version. Overall, not much has changed - which isn't a bad thing, as it's still a quality smartwatch at a decent price. Galaxy Watch Active 2 features a 1.2-inch 360 x 360 display that is bright and beautiful yet small enough to be strapped around your wrist than a lot of the other devices in this list. It still comes sporting all of the top-end fitness features you'd expect from Samsung's Tizen watch range, with 39 workout modes, a heart rate and ECG sensor, and health app with stress and sleep monitoring. While it's still more affordable than the leading Apple Watch, the price was bumped up from the original Watch Active, shrinking its value compared to the competition. It's certainly not a cheap smartwatch, but when compared to the original RRP of the Galaxy Watch you may prefer to opt for this version that's remarkably similar. Read the full Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 review Fitbit is one of the biggest names in fitness tracking tech, but until late in 2017 the company hadn't gone anywhere near smartwatches. The company has now released two smartwatches, and both feature on this list but first we're starting with our favorite that was announced in March 2018. That favorite from Fitbit is the Versa that is a touch smaller than the other one (that's the Ionic) but it comes with Fitbit Pay for contactless payments, 2.5GB of storage for music and battery life that'll last around three days. It doesn't have GPS for tracking your runs and the design doesn't feel as premium as some of the other watches on this list, but we really like the Fitbit Versa and it's one of the more affordable choices on this list. Read the full Fitbit Versa review What's next? Our Fitbit Versa Lite review is now in, and it may be worth a look if you're looking to buy the Fitbit Versa. It isn't as feature-packed, but it's cheaper than the original Versa. Fossil has developed a lot of expertise in the wearable tech space over the last few years, and this has all culminated in the best smartwatch the company has made so far. The Fossil Sport is a top-end watch with a lower price tag than the two devices above in this list. It features GPS, a lightweight - yet premium - design and at least two days of battery life from a single charge. Fossil has packed a Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset inside, which is the latest update from Qualcomm that offers a smoother experience than you'll get on a lot of older Wear OS watches. It doesn't sport any truly unique features, but the overall package of the Fossil Sport may be the best watch for you. That'll especially be the case if you're looking for a fitness watch that comes with Wear OS software and won't look odd on your wrist when you're going about your day. Read the full Fossil Sport review One of the cheapest devices on this list, the TicWatch E2 is from a relatively small brand called Mobvoi but it has made a big splash with its latest couple of smartwatches. The E2 is waterproof, comes with great battery life and it's all available for an affordable price. You probably won't fall in love with the design of this watch - it's not particularly premium - but we like the look considering how much it costs. For health, the watch comes with built-in GPS, an accurate heart rate sensor and sleep tracking. All of the fitness features you'd expect are here, but make sure you note that it won't be able to do contactless payments as there's no NFC onboard. Read the full TicWatch E2 review Don't like the design? There's also the TicWatch S2. That's a remarkably similar watch to the TicWatch E2, but it comes with a slightly more rugged look for adventurers who want a watch that can take a beating. Check this out if you're happy to spend a bit extra. One of our favorite Wear OS watches is the TicWatch Pro, which you can use with either an iPhone or with your Android phone. You may not have heard of TicWatch before, but the latest from the company it a top-end watch with a unique dual-screen feature. There are two displays on this watch - one layered on top of the other. On the top is a transparent LCD display that can display the time, your heart rate and more when the battery is low. Below that is a bright and bold full color OLED screen that will give you all of the benefits of Wear OS. That means you can have a normal smartwatch, which we found would last around two days, and then have the time and some other features still available when your battery is running low. Plus the low power mode also lasts for a whole 30 days too. In terms of smartwatch features there's GPS, NFC for Google Pay, Bluetooth for listening to music and the top Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset in here running the watch as well. Then there's the price, which undercuts a lot of the other watches on this list. Read the full TicWatch Pro review This is remarkably similar to the Apple Watch 5 that we've spoken about above, but it's easy to forget how much of a big change 2018's addition was for the Apple Watch range. The Series 4 comes with a larger display than preceding smartwatches, and thanks to the release of the Apple Watch 5 it's now much cheaper. It comes in either 40mm or 44mm sizes, and the screen on both of these versions is much larger than you'd get from a lot of other watches. The most exciting tech here is the fact there's an ECG feature within the heart rate tracker. It can test your heart to see if you're at a high risk of atrial fibrillation, which will allow you to seek help earlier if your health is in danger. There are tons of fitness features, the latest watchOS onboard and more. Just note that this won't work with an Android phone, so it's only an option for those who have an iPhone. Read the full Apple Watch 4 review The Fitbit Ionic was always going to be a tough move for the brand, trying to enter the world of smartwatches from fitness bands. The effort succeeds in some places: namely fitness, as you might imagine, where you can track all manner of things, from running to weight lifting to swimming. There's also dedicated bodyweight coaching sessions in there, and you can pay for items on the go using Fitbit Pay. When it first launched, the price was super high and it was a bit too expensive to wholeheartedly recommend. The good news is the price seems to have dropped in recent months so you can get it for at least $70/£70 cheaper than the RRP. If you're a Fitbit fan looking to do more than you get on an average band, this is a nice option. Read the full Fitbit Ionic review What's next? Rumors about a new Ionic are few and far between, but we've put together a guide on what we want to be improved if it releases a Fitbit Ionic 2. The Apple Watch 3 (or Apple Watch Series 3, if you're picky) was once the very best smartwatch, but it has since been bumped down by the Apple Watch 4 and 5. The Apple Watch 3 is essentially just the Apple Watch 2 frame with some new innards... but they made a huge difference. The main highlight now is that the price is so low that it's the equivalent of many other popular, affordable smartwatches. The LTE connection was the headline event at the time of release, although that's not really as useful as some might hope. It's water-resistant so you can swim with it and you won't have to worry about getting it wet in the rain when you're out for a jog. There's GPS onboard to make running that little bit easier, plus it you can now upgrade to the latest watchOS too. Read the full Apple Watch 3 review Photo illustration: TechRadar; Misfit; Mobvoi; Apple; Fitbit; Samsung This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Fitbit price cut: deals on the Fitbit Versa, Charge 3, Alta HR and more Posted: 27 Sep 2019 01:25 PM PDT If you're looking to score an affordable smartwatch deal before Black Friday, then you've come to the right place. We've collected the best Fitbit deals from Walmart and Amazon that are happening right now. You find discounts on popular models that include the Fitbit Alta HR, Charge 3, and Ionic smartwatch. Thanks to the recent release of the Versa 2, you can also now find the best-selling the Fitbit Versa on sale at Walmart for $169. That's a $30 discount and the best price we've found for the activity tracker. Fitbit deals:You can find more Fitbit Versa offers with the best Fitbit Versa prices and sales that are currently available. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Google Chrome, Firefox and Cloudflare add HTTP/3 protection Posted: 27 Sep 2019 12:30 PM PDT Cloudflare, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have all added support for the next major iteration of the HTTP protocol, HTTP/3. Cloudflare announced that beginning today, customers will be able to turn on HTTP/3 support for their domains by enabling an option in their dashboards. Now when users visit a Cloudflare-hosted website using an HTTP/3-capable client, the connection will be automatically upgraded to the new protocol. When it comes to browsers, the experimental version of Google Chrome, Chrome Canary added support for HTTP/3 earlier this month though to enable it, users will have to use a Chrome command-line flag. Mozilla also announced that it would roll out support the new protocol in an upcoming Firefox Nightly version later this fall.
While neither Chrome Canary or Firefox Nightly are intended for average users, both of these experimental releases can be utilized by experienced users that want to test out HTTP/3 for themselves. HTTP/3HTTP/3 is the next major version of the HTTP protocol which allows content to move from servers to clients. HTTP/3 differs from previous versions of HTTP because it uses the QUIC protocol instead of TCP and also includes built-in TLS support for encryption. To create the QUIC protocol, Google engineers combined the reliability of TCP with the speed of UDP to create an entirely new protocol. QUIC stands for Quick UDP Internet Connections and the protocol takes the best features of TCP and UDP to build an even faster layer 4 transport protocol. However, the big news here is that Cloudflare is making HTTP/3 generally available to its customers. The content delivery network (CDN) is a huge force on the web and is used to power around 10 percent of all internet sites. By rolling out HTTP/3 support to all of its customers, Cloudflare is helping the new protocol gain adoption faster.
Via ZDNet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Airbus hacked through supplier VPNs Posted: 27 Sep 2019 11:15 AM PDT Aerospace giant Airbus has been hit by a series of cyberattacks by hackers who targeted VPNs used by its suppliers in an effort to steal sensitive company data. Over the course of the last 12 months, the European company has been the target of four major attacks. Airbus is a particularly tempting target for hackers because of its cutting-edge technologies and the fact that it is one of the world's largest commercial plane manufacturers as well as a military supplier. The company admitted in January that it had suffered a security incident that “resulted in unauthorized access to data” but those familiar with the attacks revealed that Airbus was the focal point of a much larger operation carried out over the last year.
In an attempt to gain access to Airbus' sensitive data, hackers targeted Rolls-Royce which manufacturers engines for the company, the French technology supplier Expleo and two other unnamed French contractors. Supplier VPNsThe cyberattack against Expleo was discovered at the end of last year but an anonymous source revealed to AFP that the company's systems had been compromised long before, saying: “It was very sophisticated and targeted the VPN which connected the company to Airbus”. While a VPN can be used to protect your privacy online and hide your browsing activity from ISPs and governments, they are also used by company's to give third-party suppliers remote access to their systems as was the case with Expleo, Rolls-Royce and the other contractors who were targeted in the attacks against Airbus. According to several sources, the hackers went after Airbus' suppliers in an attempt to obtain technical documents related to the certification process for different parts of the aerospace company's aircraft. Additionally, several stolen documents were related to the engines of the Airbus A400M which is a military transport plane. Those behind the attacks have yet to be identified but many suspect Chinese hackers were responsible as they have a track record of stealing sensitive company data. The state-sponsored hacking group APT10 as well as the Chinese hacker group JSSD could potentially be behind these attacks but no hard evidence has been discovered to link either group to the attacks.
Via Computer Weekly This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Galaxy S10 price cut: save up to $200 at Samsung Posted: 27 Sep 2019 09:56 AM PDT If you're looking to snag a discount on the Samsung Galaxy S10 phone, then you're in luck. For a limited time, you can save up to $200 on the Galaxy S10 phone, either unlocked or on a carrier plan. This deal requires no trade-ins or long-term contracts, and the savings will be instantly applied at checkout. You can also save up to $200 on the Samsung Galaxy S10e and the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. See more Galaxy S10 offers with our roundup of the best Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e and S10 Plus prices and deals. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best CDN providers of 2019 to speed up any website Posted: 27 Sep 2019 09:38 AM PDT A content delivery network (CDN) works to accelerate almost any website by caching its files in servers around the world. Whether your visitors come from Europe, North America, Asia or anywhere else, content is automatically served from the nearest location for the fastest possible speeds. If you're new to the technology then it might seem intimidating, and there's no doubt that prices can be high, but don't let that put you off. A CDN is not just for massive corporations. You can set up the simplest services in less than five minutes, and if you choose your plan wisely, it might not cost you anything at all. Whatever your website, from a simple blog to a sprawling site for a big business, we've picked out some of the best services around to help point you in the right direction. If you find anything that looks interesting, give it a try – you can explore many of these CDNs for free, without handing over payment details or signing up for any contract.
Cloudflare is a hugely popular American content delivery service which combines novice-friendly ease of use with expert-level features and functionality. Setup is simple, with no need to edit your code. Just update your DNS nameservers to use Cloudflare and the service kicks in automatically, caching content and serving it to visitors from their nearest location. But there's much, much more. Web filtering can block bots, limit content spam, keep you safe from hackers or detect and mitigate DDoS attacks. Smart image optimizations can reduce image file sizes by up to 35%, further improving speeds. There's wide support for standards like IPv6, HTTP/2 and SPDY, clever page rules to help you manipulate traffic, and a REST API allows developers to take full control of what the service is doing. Cloudflare's free plan allows you to see what the service can do, without making any commitments. It's very usable, with unlimited bandwidth and no annoying restrictions to try and force you to upgrade. Upgrading to the Pro plan costs a reasonable $20 (£16) a month, and adds the image optimization rules, extra configurability and improved support. Whatever you choose, Cloudflare delivers great performance. As we write, the benchmarking site CDNPerf ranks Cloudflare at eight place for worldwide HTTP request response times out of a field of 20 top CDNs. Fastly provides CDN tricks for some really big organizations, including the likes of Spotify and Reddit, and the firm lives up to its name, delivering impressively fast performance levels. Going by the rough guideline of CDNPerf’s rankings, it’s the second fastest CDN for the UK, and worldwide speeds are mostly good, too. Perhaps Fastly’s strongest point, however, is just how configurable the service is. For example, there’s diverse support for different types of video caching, and tons of low-level controls for those who want to get stuck into the likes of manipulating HTTP headers to customize how content is served. Of course, some know-how is required to set up everything, and novices to the CDN world will doubtless be confused by all the options on offer. But for those who need this level of flexibility and configurability, it’s priceless to have. Speaking of the price, Fastly operates a pay-as-you-go model with a minimum charge of $50 (£37) per month. In addition, you can test up to $50 of traffic for free. KeyCDN is an easy-to-use budget CDN that might be a good pick for first-time users. Getting started couldn't be much simpler. Sign up with your email address and you get an immediate 25GB to play with, no payment details required. A well-designed web dashboard enables creating your first zone with the minimum of clicks, and there are guides to help you integrate the service with WordPress and other apps. Worth mentioning is that as of late November 2018, KeyCDN fully supports IPv6. More experienced users will appreciate options like Origin Shield – this allows you to specify a KeyCDN server to be the source for updates rather than the origin, reducing your server load. You're able to manipulate headers, cache or strip cookies, or set up a custom robots.txt. Once the service is running, a capable set of reporting tools enable watching CDN performance in near real-time. Also, all customers have access to Image Processing feature, which is great for image optimization. KeyCDN's standout feature has to be its low prices. Bandwidth charges start at $0.04 (£0.032) per GB, less than half the price you'll pay with some of the high-end competition. The minimum usage is a tiny $4 (£3.2) per month and the minimum payment is $29 (£23.3). The company doesn't even try to cash in on the extras, for example offering shared SSL and custom Let's encrypt SSL certificates for free. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these low prices don't get you leading-edge performance, but there's still plenty of power here and you do get a lot for your money. MetaCDN is an Australian company which combines the CDNs of Amazon Cloudfront, Fastly and Verizon's EdgeCast into a single speedy service. Why? It's all about performance. When a visitor accesses your site, MetaCDN has three networks and more than 120 locations to choose from – way more than anyone else. In other words, there’s a much greater chance any visitor will have a server near them. This matters because every CDN delivers its best performance in different areas. EdgeCast scores highly in North America, for instance, but Fastly is quicker in the UK. MetaCDN automatically chooses the best network for every visitor's location, giving you the best of all worlds. This approach does have a catch. When you sign up with a single CDN, you can get access to all its individual settings and options, but combining three means you only get settings which apply to all of them (for obvious reasons). Which essentially means MetaCDN has barely any configuration options at all. (Check the Support site to get a rough feel for how the system works.) Still, MetaCDN is nicely user-friendly and it could be a good pick if speed is your top priority. Pricing is complicated (although not bad for access to enterprise-level CDNs) and there are three plans, Basic, Lite and Pro. The most popular one, Lite, is $50 on a monthly basis (you can also choose a yearly rate, for a $39 a month). This CDN provider focuses mainly on the West, with 14 points of presence (PoPs) in North America, and nine in Europe. There are only five PoPs in Asia, and two in Australia and South America (Brazil). StackPath is user-friendly, complete with a straightforward web console to manage your settings, and if you do get stuck, there’s extremely efficient technical support available via either live chat or phone. Performance seems good in the US and UK, and indeed Europe, but further afield you may see things tail off a bit, which is hardly a surprise given StackPath’s aforementioned focus on Western nations. Another strength here comes on the security front, with this CDN giving users free shared SSL (or the option to use your own SSL certificate, if you prefer). There’s also anti-DDoS technology and a capable Web Application Firewall. All in all, this is a tempting offering with a baseline plan that charges $10 (£7.6) for up to 1TB of bandwidth per month. The first month is also free. Update: The service has been now integrated with StackPath - "Everything you love about MaxCDN is being integrated into the new StackPath CDN service." MaxCDN is actually owned by StackPath now (the previously mentioned CDN), but provides a standalone service of its own which is well-suited for novices. You get 24/7 tech support with speedy responses promised (and indeed these claims stood up to our testing), and it’s easy enough to set up, and indeed use going forward. You don’t get as many settings to play with as some of the more advanced services, but that’s hardly surprising when trying to keep things more user-friendly. Another definite benefit is a range of useful reports, and a solid core network. MaxCDN offers eight edge locations in the US, five in Europe – and you can add additional locations in Asia (and Australia), but you have to pay extra for those. Overall, though, pricing is a strong point, starting from $9 (£6.75) a month for a 100GB account, with a clean pricing structure which isn’t confusing in the slightest (often not the case with CDN offerings). Performance is, generally speaking, solid enough, and this CDN does pretty well for speeds in the UK and US. Amazon CloudFront is the CDN facet of AWS (Amazon Web Services), so it’s certainly part of a heavyweight operation. And indeed CloudFront offers a raft of advanced features as you might expect, and you can customize all manner of things such as enabling automatic GZip compression for better speeds. Another strength here is the in-depth analytics on tap, showing you details of your visitors’ device type, OS and so forth. There’s also the handy ability to set up alerts, meaning you can be warned when data transfer usage goes above a certain level. The downside to all the options on offer is that relative novices to the CDN world may find CloudFront’s control panel a little intimidating, at least initially. The other slight sticking points are that calculating pricing can be a rather tricky matter, and if you aren’t an experienced user familiar with CDN basics, tech support isn’t free – if you need help, you’ll have to fork out for it. Prices vary depending on region, but the good news is there’s a free tier (which gives you 50GB of data per month for one year). Performance levels are fairly average, too, but there’s no denying the power and configurability that Amazon offers to the slightly more tech-savvy user. As you’re doubtless aware, Microsoft Azure is a big old stack of integrated cloud tools for building and managing applications and services, with a wide range of coverage including a CDN offering, which is what we’re focusing on here, naturally. Note that this doesn’t use Microsoft’s own edge servers, but rather three plans that use other CDN networks: Standard Akamai, Standard Verizon, and Premium Verizon. We fully discuss these various plans in our review of Microsoft’s CDN service, linked below, but suffice it to say that in terms of pricing – which can be somewhat confusing to work out – this isn’t the cheapest offering around. Still, those who want integration with other Microsoft technologies and services may well find the price worth paying. You get a web dashboard which is absolutely crammed with features, although as ever, this means it’s not particularly easy to use for beginners (and the setup process is pretty involved, too). Performance levels are impressive, and at the time of writing, according to CDNPerf, Azure CDN is the third fastest content delivery network in the US and fourth worldwide. This has to be a tempting prospect if you’re using other Azure services, or if you’re a developer who will appreciate the likes of .NET or PowerShell management features. You can create a free account and get started with 12 months of free services. CDN77 is a big-name player in the content delivery game, with some heavyweight clients signed up including the European Space Agency. It has an expansive CDN network with 35 data centers across the globe, with many of those in Europe and the US, but there are also locations in South America, Asia and one in Australia. The web console interface is very streamlined and keeps any jargon to a minimum, making it suitably user-friendly for novices to the CDN world. The flipside of this is that there aren’t a huge amount of options, although you can do some tweaking of various settings. In terms of performance, CDN77 is solid enough, and it ranks as a lower-to-mid pack player that’s unlikely to disappoint, but certainly isn’t the fastest CDN network we found when reviewing these various services. You get a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate, and CDN77 is pretty good value for money overall in terms of its per-GB pricing, although it’s not the cheapest outfit we’ve highlighted here. Pricing starts at $0.049 per GB of data for US and European locations, with Asia and Latin America being more expensive. If you want to test the waters, there’s a 14-day risk-free trial, and you don’t need to supply any payment details for this. If you need a powerful CDN, look no further than Leaseweb, an enterprise-level operation which is still suitable for regular business users – just about, although we should say upfront that it isn’t cheap, as you might imagine. Pricing starts at $113 (£88, €99) per month for an entry-level plan with a 2TB data allowance, the good news being that even with this ‘basic’ subscription, you get all the same security and CDN features as the heavyweight enterprise plans. That includes a smartly designed console for overseeing your CDN needs, complete with an extensive raft of potential settings and tweaks, featuring many options you don’t get with your average service (like the ability to set the cache-control header, or determine how long to cache 404 responses). There’s also an in-depth statistics section which displays graphs and charts showing many interesting stats, such as visitor and traffic breakdowns, cache performance and the top file types which are seeing action. The one somewhat bleak spot is Leaseweb’s performance, which seems somewhat off the pace going by CDNPerf’s findings, although it’s difficult to gauge exactly what results you’ll get in practice. Users who want a powerful range of features in their CDN could give the 30-day trial a go to find out.
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| Motorola Razr rumor backs up what we already heard – it'll be out in 2019 Posted: 27 Sep 2019 08:37 AM PDT The Motorola Razr release date may stick to the end of 2019 – but barely, according to two recent reports. And you may not be able to buy the phone until 2020. Last month, we heard that the rumored foldable phone would debut in December, and now a source close to the matter repeated this end-of-2019 release date to the to CNET.
This doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to pick up the Motorola Razr in 2019, according to the source, just that it'll be unveiled to the public and press before then. It could mean the handset will launch in late 2019 and be available to buy in 2020. Motorola was eyeing a mid-2019 release date for the foldable phone, which had to be pushed back, and it's not clear if Motorola has decided on a final release date or if it's still perfecting the device. In light of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which was delayed repeatedly due to the fact it kept breaking, and the Huawei Mate X, the release date of which was pushed back to avoid imitating Samsung's problem, it makes sense that Motorola plays it safe with the new foldable phone. It's worth bearing in mind that the Motorola Razr hasn't been confirmed by any means, as Motorola has never mentioned it by name, but we've heard enough rumors to suggest it's real and that it'll be out soon. Take this rumor with an especially big pinch of salt, though – while it does back up a previous rumor we've heard before, it's possible the source is actually the same person, since both release date news comes from an anonymous source speaking confidentially to news sources. We'll know for sure by the end of 2019, whether we see the Motorola Razr foldable phone or not, so stay tuned for news on the mythical Moto handset. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best wireless headphones 2019: our pick of the best ways to cut the cord Posted: 27 Sep 2019 07:56 AM PDT Best Wireless (Bluetooth) Headphones: Welcome to TechRadar's guide to the best wireless and Bluetooth headphones you can buy in 2019. Now sure, a few short years ago, we may have tried to dissuade you from buying a pair of wireless headphones (the technology had issues with wireless connectivity over Bluetooth and sound quality took a dive as a result) but these days, you can't go wrong by buying a wireless pair of headphones. Thanks to advancements in Bluetooth (thanks, aptX), the best wireless headphones not only stay connected to any phone, from the best smartphones to the best cheap smartphones, in every situation. But they sound just as good as their wired counterparts, too.
Yes, a wireless pair of headphones might cost a bit more than a similar wired model, but wireless headphones offer greater freedom of movement and, because they don't use an aux cable, make great companions for jack-less phones like the iPhone 11 and Pixel 3 that simply lack a 3.5mm aux port to connect with. Whatever your reason for upgrading, we're here to help you pick out the best wireless headphones, regardless of your budget. What you'll find below are the top headphones we've reviewed – some of which come with neat features like noise-cancellation – all vetted by our staff so you can shop with confidence. Can't decide which headphones to buy? Check out our guide video below: The best over-ear wireless headphonesImage credit: TechRadar For the last three years, the Sony 1000X series of headphones have been our favorite wireless headphones on the market. They sound great thanks to a combination of superb wireless codecs - aptX and Sony's proprietary LDAC tech - and keep outside noise at bay thanks to Sony's ever-improving noise-cancellation algorithms. While the Sony WH-1000XM3 might not be a massive improvement over last year's WH-1000XM2, they're still a cut above their rivals, the Bose QC35 II, in nearly every way: they sound better, they block out noise better and have better features like Quick Attention mode that lets in all outside noise without taking off the headphones. (The latter is perfect when giving a drink order on a plane or speaking to a coworker for a brief moment before diving back into your work.) Great-sounding and feature-packed, these impressive Sony headphones are great travel companions and all-around excellent wireless headphones. Read the full review: Sony WH-1000XM3
Bose has really outdone itself with the Headphones 700 – and a big part of these cans’ appeal, is the sophistication of the noise cancellation they offer. As an alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM3, these headphones sound fantastic, with a vibrant, lively character and well-balanced soundstage and offer the same great noise-cancellation you'd expect from Bose. They don't have the same dexterity as the WH-1000XM3 and the battery life is also 10 hours less than Sony headphones despite costing more, but they're still well-worth considering when looking for a pair of wireless headphones. Read the full review: Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 Image credit: TechRadar Offering class-leading battery life, terrific style and plenty of personalization when it comes to sound profiles, the Elite 85h is easy to recommend. That said, purists will bemoan the lack of high-end codec support and there are punchier headphones on the market at this price point. When you consider that Jabra’s Elite 85h headphones are the company’s first attempt at premium wireless ANC headphones, the result is quite commendable. We can’t wait to see what the company’s next premium ANC headphones will accomplish. If you want an alternative to Sony's WH-1000XM3, this is it. Read the full review: Jabra Elite 85H Image credit: TechRadar Bose took the already-excellent QC35 and updated with Google Assistant. The headphone is identical in every way save for the new Google Assistant button. This means you still get the class-leading noise cancellation Bose is known for, good sound quality, and incredible comfort. Said simply, they sound great and their battery life is long enough for all but the longest of flights. If you're looking to save some money, however, consider the original Bose QuietComfort 35. They can also be found for far cheaper these days, and if you're not fussed about having Google Assistant built into your headphones then you can save yourself some money while you save up for QC35 II. Read the full review: Bose QuietComfort 35 II Image credit: TechRadar The Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless are the best-sounding wireless headphones you can buy, period. Sound is spacious, detailed, and makes you want to rediscover your music library. Their bulky design and average noise isolation make them terrible for travel but if you’re looking for the best sound from a wireless headphone, this is it. Just be prepared to shell out for them. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Image credit: Audio-Technica Audio-Technica has a long history of producing high-quality headphones, microphones, and turntable accessories, and with the release of the ATH-M50xBT, it delivers studio-quality audio without the cord. The ATH-M50xBTs are designed for really high-end audio performance, with 45mm drivers and a frequency response range of 15-28,00 Hz, and it shows - we were very impressed with the warm, well-rounded sound. The ATH-M50xBT headphones also performed well in terms of battery life and Bluetooth connectivity, however the microphone isn’t particularly strong, and you may struggle to make phone calls using them - still, that’s probably not the reason you would purchase a pair of studio grade headphones in the first place. Read our full review: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Image credit: Sennheiser The Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC headphones are proof that you don't need bottomless cash reserves to get decent noise-canceling. Sure, they're not as powerful as the Sony WH-1000XM3 or sound as beautiful as the Amiron, but these are decent all-around wireless headphones at a good price. Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC Image credit: TechRadar The AKG N60NC Wireless sound like a pair of headphones that should be much more expensive than they are. At their mid-range price point the headphones offer fantastic value for money, with great sound quality and a level of noise-cancellation performance that's on a level with the much more premium entries on this list. Our biggest issue with these headphones is the fact that they're on-ear rather than over-ear, meaning that we found that they got uncomfortable over longer periods. Regardless, the benefit of this is that this is a fantastically compact pair of headphones, and if you're willing to make the trade-off then these are great for the price. Read the full review: AKG N60NC Wireless Image credit: TechRadar The Grado GW100s sound great with a wide soundstage, clear highs, smooth mids, and extended bass frequencies. They also sport a kitsch, retro design that recalls Grado’s humble beginnings in 50’s Brooklyn. Although the Bluetooth connection works very well, the need for a wireless pair of open-back headphones can be unclear; particularly if the design makes them unsuitable for commuting or listening in communal areas. Saying that, having the option to listen wirelessly is undeniably convenient when you’re pottering around the house, and you can use these cans with an AUX cable if you're something of an audiophile who prefers a wired connection. Overall, we feel the Grado GW100s are designed for a fairly niche market of audiophiles who crave a wide, natural sound, and who do the majority of their music listening at home. If that sounds like you, you will probably love the Grado GW100s. If not, you may want to look at closed-back models instead. Read the full review: Grado GW100 Wireless headphones review Image credit: Microsoft Overall, Microsoft’s Surface headphones are surprisingly good, with a stunningly warm sound, and generous bass frequencies, which means your music will sound great whether you’re listening to subby hip-hop or acoustic singer-songwriters. One criticism of this warm sound is that it can take some of the attack away from lower-mid frequencies, which some users may find a bit underwhelming. However, if sharp trebles and mids tend to give you listening fatigue, these could be the perfect headphones for you. The calling card of these headphones is the active noise cancellation, which we felt worked really well, and we loved how easy it was to control this using the inbuilt dials on each housing. Although we were initially unconvinced by the high price (particularly when you can buy quality cans from heritage audio brands for less), the features work so seamlessly that it feels justified.
The best in-ear wireless headphonesImage credit: TechRadar Here's where things get a bit murky - the term 'wireless headphones' is often used interchangeably with 'Bluetooth headphones' - i.e. headphones that don't use a 3.5mm jack to connect to your phone, but still have a wire running between them. While we contemplated leaving these off our list entirely, Bluetooth headphones are still well-worth considering - even if it means having a wire wrapped around your neck. That being said, if we had to pick a pair of Bluetooth headphones to go with, it'd be the NuForce BE Sport4 headphones: They're an incredible value for a pair of wireless headphones that sound good, last all day, have a bulletproof build and incredible noise isolation. While they're not the most dynamic or resolving headphones, NuForce shows us that the future of Bluetooth is a bright one. Read the full review: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 Image credit: TechRadar When you think of noise-cancelling headphones you probably picture bulky over-ear cans like the Bose QuietComfort 35 or the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless, but three years ago Bose turned its noise-cancelling chops to in-ear headphones, and the result was the excellent Bose QuietComfort 20i. Soon after that came the Bose QuietControl 30 (QC30, for short). These neckbuds offer the best noise cancellation of any in-ears we’ve tried and are comfortable enough to wear around your neck for long flights. Add to that the fantastic wireless capabilities of these headphones and you have the recipe for success. While we'd love to see a true wireless pair of headphones from Bose, the QuietComfort 30 are a tried-and-true stopgap that you'll enjoy all the same. Read the full review: Bose QuietControl 30 Image credit: TechRadar If you don't mind rocking a neckband, the Moto Surround hits all the high notes in terms of price, performance and battery life. After spending some time with the RHA MA390 Wireless, we came away extremely impressed with the package RHA has come up with. The headphones are built extremely well, have a vibrant sound signature, and are hardy enough to take anywhere -and all at an affordable price. It’s main rival, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless, are also excellent, however we give the nod to the RHA MA390 for its more dynamic sound and better build quality. Read the full review: RHA MA390 Wireless Image credit: Beats / Apple Audiophiles may complain about the sound performance of Beats headphones, but the inclusion of Apple's proprietary W1 chip has been a boon for the strength of their wireless connectivity. The Beats X make up for their overly bassy sound with a rock solid connection and a pairing process that, on iOS devices at least, is as painless as it's possible to be. Functionally that makes these wireless earbuds a joy to use, just don't expect the most detailed or broad soundstage. If you’re shopping for a no-fuss pair of earbuds that charge in 5 minutes and don’t mind spending a little extra money on them, the Beats X are for you. Read the full review: Beats X The best true wireless headphonesImage credit: RHA Although the TrueConnect is RHAs first true wireless headphone, the company showed they did their research and development by making it one of the best true wireless headphones on the market today. The combination of sound quality, battery life, and wireless reliability means these are a pair of headphones you can rely on everyday. The Jabra Elite 65t set the standard for what true wireless headphones should be and, regardless of what RHA has done here with the TrueConnect, they’re still great headphones. Compared to the RHA TrueConnect, the Jabra has more features with its useful ambient noise mode to help with situational awareness and an app that lets you tailor sound. The RHA doesn’t have either of those features but we didn’t miss them, thanks to better sound quality and wireless reliability. The RHA also feels more like a premium product than the all-plastic Jabra. All said, if you’re shopping for a pair of true wireless headphones, the $170 (£150, about AU$265) RHA TrueConnect should be at the very top of your list. [Looking for a more stylish design? It comes at a price, but the Earin M-2 true wireless earbuds look as good as they sound.] Read the full review: RHA TrueConnect Image credit: Jabra You might have expected to see the Apple AirPods on the list. While Apple's true wireless earbuds are fine for certain folks - cough, iPhone users exclusively - they're not the best for everyone. If you're looking for an egalitarian pair of true wireless earbuds, you can do no better than the Jabra Elite 65t. Not only are these competent Bluetooth buds for use around town, with a long-enough battery life and good sound quality, but they are easily some of the best true wireless earbuds on the market, offering a perfect balance of usability, features, and sound quality. If you’re in the market for the ‘ultimate’ set of true wireless headphones and don’t mind paying for them, then they are a strong choice. Read the full review: Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Image credit: Optoma The NuForce BE Free5 wireless earbuds show just how accessible truly wireless headphones can be nowadays. For around $100 (about £75, AU$134) they feature a more polished design than the more expensive BE Free8, and even sound better to boot. However, we found the left earbud would drop out briefly more than we’d like, and we hope NuForce can address this issue. The connection dropouts combined with the frustrating controls keep it from claiming the top spot on our list, but the BE Free5 offer undeniable value in the truly wireless headphone market,, making them a great option for your first pair. Read the full review: Optoma NuForce BE Free5 Image credit: TechRadar The second generation Apple AirPods, the AirPods (2019), aren't quite the AirPods 2 we were hoping for, but they still some cool features. They still feature the iconic design of the original AirPods (a good or bad thing depending on your point of view), and sound quality hasn't changed at all. The bulk of the upgrade comes from the new H1 headphone chip, which improves connectivity and battery life, and allows for a new ‘Hey Siri’ voice activation feature. The AirPods (2019) also come with an optional wireless charging case means you can use a Qi-compatible charging mat to power the case, rather than sticking a cable into the Lightning charging port in the bottom of the case. Like their predecessors, they are super easy to pair, but they are very much optimized for using with iPhones – and they aren't exactly cheap.
Image credit: TechRadar Apple AirPods undeniably popularized the true-wireless format. They work seamlessly with an iPhone, sound good in terms of their form factor, and have excellent connectivity and battery life. Even though they are around three years old, the original AirPods still hold their own in the true wireless earbud arena, and the upgraded AirPods (2019) aren't actually very different. Apple has now stopped selling the AirPods, but many stores are still trying to sell off their remaining stock – head to our round up of the best Apple AirPods prices, sales, and deals for up to date information on any discounts. Image credit: TechRadar From the minds behind the Ticwatch Pro, Ticwatch S and Tichome Mini , the TicPods Free have been cited as a more flexible alternative to the AirPods, coming in a range of colors, and enabled for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, as well as Siri. When we tested them, we thought the audio quality was impressive, and although guitars sometimes sounded a little distorted, it’s a small price to pay for the amount of sonic power you get with these in-ears. These in-ears are unlikely to appeal to true audiophiles but if you’re a casual listener, the TicPods Free will do just fine, and for a great price. Read the full review: TicPods Free review Image credit: Sony Sony’s first pair of true wireless headphones, the Sony WF-1000X, were divisive -some users thought they didn’t offer enough bass, while others said they had too much. Some said they cut out or unpaired periodically. Others simply never had that problem. Criticisms came from all corners of the internet and the only reasonable conclusion one could make after sifting through all of the noise was that Sony’s headphones just couldn’t please everyone. Now, Sony’s second-generation true-wireless headphones – the Sony WF-SP700N – are here to try it again. These true wireless headphones are better tuned for the low-end and they’re stable in almost every situation. They still offer very modest active noise-cancellation tech and a sweat-resistant PX4 rating, and the new charging case is aesthetically pleasing if not radically different in functionality from before. Read the full review: Sony WF-SP700N Image credit: TechRadar Let’s get one thing out of the way – the B&O Beoplay E8 are one of the nicest-looking and most expensive wireless earphones you can buy. At $299 (£259, AU$449, AED 1,199) you can throw in a bit more cash and splurge for one of our favorite noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 35 $349 (£259, AU$499, AED 1,449), which give you better battery life and a richer sound. But if you’re looking for a something to take to the gym and have the cash burning a hole in your pocker, then the Beoplay E8 might be just what you’re looking for. While they don't feature noise-cancellation, you will find a longer-lasting battery life of around four hours alongside Bluetooth 4.2. The E8 come with a stylish carrying case, and you can tweak the sound to your liking using the accompanying Beoplay app on Android and iOS. Even without tinkering around with ToneTouch, the E8 sounds crisp and clear. Bass feedback will depend on how snug you’re wearing the E8s, but was acceptable for earphones of this size. If you’re able to look past the price point, then then Beoplay E8 is a great investment. It’s super compact, offers great audio, and looks great – what more could you ask for? Read the full review: B&O Beoplay E8 Wireless Earphones Image Credit: TechRadar Cambridge Audio is well-known for its good quality audio equipment. However, untul recently the company hasn’t ventured into the world of true wireless earbuds. Enter the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s: with an outstanding 45 hours of battery life, these buds combine the brand’s award-winning engineering with the convenience of truly wireless listening. For a pair of true wireless earbuds, the sound quality offered by the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s is sensational. In fact, it rivals some of the best over-ear headphones, which is all but unheard of for buds of this size. They may not have the noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds, but they are $100 (around £80) cheaper – and have a superior battery life. They certainly outperform the Apple AirPods, in all respects apart from the lack of wireless charging case. This is a small price to pay for that exceptional audio quality, though, and we think they represent much better value for money, too. Read the full review: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Additional resources:
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| Best waterproof speakers 2019: 10 outdoor speakers for any budget Posted: 27 Sep 2019 07:24 AM PDT If you're planning on spending a lot of time at the pool or beach this year – or plan on taking your music anywhere outdoors on a camping trip – you're going to want one of these best waterproof speakers along for the ride. While no one ever really intends to get their portable speakers wet, accidents and bad weather happen, and when they do the last thing you're going to want to worry about is whether or not your speaker still works. Thankfully, there are a number of impressive IP67 (Waterproof) speakers out there, so even if you're not planning on taking a swim with your Bluetooth speaker, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase can withstand an accidental dip. With that said, we've gathered up the best ones for you - not only are these devices rain-friendly, pool-friendly and spill-friendly, they're also the best outdoor speakers you can buy right now. Stick with us and we'll be sure to find the best waterproof speaker that works for your budget and requirements. Waterproof vs Water-Resistant speakerWhile waterproof and water-resistant aren't synonymous, they roughly translate to "water won't ruin it". Waterproof is the better of the two, as it usually carries an IP67 rating that means it can withstand to float in around a meter of water for a half-hour before it bites the dust. Water-resistant, on the other hand, means it could survive a splash or two, but it's not the kind of thing you'd just want to casually throw in the pool. Of course waterproofing isn't the only thing we looked for when picking out this list of the best outdoor speakers. We also considered factors such as sound quality, price and feature set, all of which helped establish a set of criteria that we could measure all speakers against. What you see below is the result of that effort – our definitive list of the 10 best wireless portable waterproof speakers. Outdoor speakers FAQ: quick questions answered
The best waterproof speakers of 2019Image Credit: Ultimate Ears The original UE Wonderboom has been at the top of our best outdoor speaker list since its debut and for good reason: It’s rugged, plays louder than its diminutive sound suggests, and could be paired to other UE Wonderboom speakers to amplify sound. And although the UE Wonderboom 2 looks nearly identical to the original, Ultimate Ears packed in a slew of upgrades that make the Wonderboom 2 even better, like the increased battery life (up 30% compared to the original), better bass response, and the new Outdoor Boost feature that helps the speaker get even louder than before. Combined, these seemingly minor upgrades not only keep the UE Wonderboom 2 on our list of the best outdoor speakers for another year, but they help to make it one of the best portable speakers you can buy period. Read the full review: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Image credit: Denon If you want a waterproof speaker that doesn't look like a waterproof speaker, get the Denon Envaya DSB-250BT. It'll fit into a classy living room but has IP67 water resistance, letting it withstand a full-on dunk. This is also the best-sounding speaker of its size, with meaty bass and audio balance you might expect from a hifi master like Denon. There's an Envaya Mini if you want something smaller, too. Any complaints? To make the water resistance work, the speaker has rubbery panels instead of clicky buttons, and they aren't half hard to depress sometimes. But if that isn't a minor quibble, what is? Read the full review: Denon Envaya Image credit: JBL The JBL Charge 4 may seem like a boring update on paper, but it’s still one of the best outdoor speakers around. For the money, you get a speaker that sound great, is tough as nails, acts as a charger for your phone, and lasts all day. For the money, the JBL Charge 4 is a definite no-brainer. For just $150 (£160, AU$200), you get a speaker that lasts all day, sounds great, can put up with all kinds of abuse, and tops your phone up in a pinch. Yes, there are better sounding speakers but you’ll have to spend much more money. (One of our favorite speakers, the UE Megaboom 3, sounds worse and costs more money.) Read the full review: JBL Charge 4 Image credit: Anker You might not have ever heard of Anker before, but it's sweeping Amazon as one of the highest-rated electronics manufacturers. Its flagship waterproof speaker, the Anker Soundcore Flare, combines the best features of its competitors into an affordable package that’s tough to beat. For the price, the Flare offers good sound, a tough waterproof build and excellent user experience. The LED light show is a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it's certainly fun and can be disabled entirely. While other outdoor speakers may sound better, you’re going to have to spend much more money. Read the full review: Anker Soundcore Flare Image credit: Ultimate Ears The UE Boom 3 is one of the best outdoor speakers money can buy in 2019. This is a speaker that can get loud and not distort at higher volumes; be light enough to carry on the move but remain durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. It's waterproof as well as dust-proof, and has a one-touch mix button that lets you pull up your favorite playlists without needing to pick up your smartphone. There are certainly more detailed speakers out there (see: Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin down below), but at a price that's relatively affordable to all, the UE Boom 3 hits all the right notes for the third year in a row. Read the full review: UE Boom 3 Image credit: TechRadar If you still don’t know about Fugoo, you’re certainly missing out on some of the best outdoor speakers in the world. The Fugoo Style not only offers the longest battery life of any speaker on this list (40 hours!), but it also comes in at a tiny one pound. Fugoo’s design philosophy is to offer different ‘jackets’ (Style, Tough or Sport) to fit around its ‘core’ speaker to fit different styles. The Fugoo Style waterproof speaker offers a great blend of size, sound fidelity and battery life for an affordable price. Read the full review: Fugoo Style
Image credit: Ultimate Ears The UE Megablast is at the very peak of Ultimate Ears’ line of waterproof speakers. Its larger size means that the Megablast can get loud and can last up to 20 hours at a sensible volume. Bass is stronger and richer than its smaller UE Boom 3 and Wonderboom 2 brothers, and this is the speaker for anybody who wants to really blare their music at a party. For people who want to save some cash, however, the other Ultimate Ears speakers cost much less and sound nearly as good. Still, it's not a bad option if you want a personal assistant with you at the beach. Read the full review: Ultimate Ears Megablast Image credit: JBL In terms of sheer audio prowess, the JBL Boombox was a pleasant surprise – it's a monstrous outdoor speaker that not only gets loud, but stays pretty crisp when pumping the volume. It’s heavy, and not the easiest thing to carry around, but it’s rugged enough to handle any pool or tailgate party. That said, we can’t recommend the Boombox as a speaker for the home. You can find comparable sound in form factors that take up less real estate, but if your plan is to hit whatever patio, pool, beach or tailgate party you can find, then this one should be in the running to play the tunes. Read the full review: JBL Boombox Image credit: Tribit If you believe the old adage about getting what you pay for, you might not expect much from the Tribit XSound Go’s sound quality. Thankfully, that adage has never been less applicable: the speaker gets loud enough to fill up a medium-sized room, and at full volume, there’s only a little distortion on the highs. Honestly, the Tribit XSound Go shouldn’t sound this good for the price, but it does. The speaker impressed with balanced sound, is near distortion-free at high volumes, and lasts and incredible 20+ hours of playtime at medium volume. Plus, the speaker is IPX7 water and dust resistant so it’ll put up with a day at the beach or pool without a problem. While it’s design may be forgettable, you won’t care once you hear how good the XSound Go sounds. Read the full review: Tribit XSound Go Image credit: Braven Last on our list is the Braven Stryde 360 that, in all fairness, is a solid outdoor speaker that is average in just about every way. Sound quality is good but the speaker struggles with bass response. Battery life is an average 12 hours and its design doesn’t particularly stand out. For the price, there are better options - see: any of the speakers above - but if you've gotten this far and still haven't found what you're looking for, the Braven could be it. Read the full review: Braven Stryde 360
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| Best Bluetooth speakers 2019: the best portable speakers for any budget Posted: 27 Sep 2019 07:14 AM PDT Best Bluetooth Speakers Buying Guide: Welcome to TechRadar's expert round-up of the best portable and outdoor speakers you can buy in 2019 If you don't have one already in your AV arsenal, a Bluetooth speaker is a must-own piece of technology. They're the best way to take your tunes with you to picnics, beaches and outdoor adventures, and some of the best ones sound just as good as almost any indoor speaker that you'd buy. However most of us can't afford a new speaker for each occasion, which means we need to look for one that'll serenade us from the bedroom to the beach and everywhere in-between. That's why we've put together this buying guide, which will help you find the right Bluetooth speaker for your needs (and your budget). UPDATE: There's a new king in town: The Sonos Move is the very best Bluetooth speaker in the world today. Read our full Sonos Move review here. Best Bluetooth speakers at a glance
How to pick out the best Bluetooth speakerThere are so many new speakers on the market these days with great designs and the latest tech built-in that it can be tricky to figure out which one you need. Although it may seem like the choice is endless, there are plenty with unique selling points that'll suit you. First up, some speakers are built with ultimate durability in mind, others are weather and waterproof for camping and tunes by the pool; however, some aren't fit for the outdoors and would look pretty inside your home instead. If you're having trouble figuring out which speaker might be best for you, start by picturing where you're going to use it and find a speaker that matches that setting. That means if you're a beach person, water and dust-proofing in your outdoor speaker are key. Or, if you're a party person, you might want the ability to connect two speakers together or a speaker with multi-point pairing that allows multiple devices to connect at a time. Battery life, sound quality, and design are paramount for all speakers, and we've done our best to take these in the utmost consideration when creating our list. That said, here are 10 of our favorite portable wireless speakers right now, ranked by their price-to-performance ratio, that will surely work for you. Here’s the thing about the Sonos Move – it’s so good, you might want to consider it not only as your on-the-go party station, but also as your main in-the-home speaker too. With two quality drivers, a solid app that unlocks playback from hundreds of wireless sources, multi-room capabilities and smart audio-tuning tech which tweaks the output based on the speaker's immediate surroundings, the Sonos Move is engineered well beyond your average Bluetooth speaker. It's a versatile speaker, one that stands solidly alongside the built-for-home Sonos speakers that the company made its name on. It’s not perfect – it’s heavy as a byproduct of its incredible sound, it’s expensive due to its rich feature set, and it sadly can’t be used as rear channels for a home cinema set-up. But if you’ve got the money, it’s hard to fault the Sonos Move when it comes to hunting down the very best Bluetooth speaker in the world. Read our full Sonos Move review The UE Boom 3 (Image credit: Ultimate Ears) While we weren't as impressed with the UE Boom 3 as we were with its predecessor, this is still one of the best Bluetooth speakers money can buy in 2019. This is a speaker that can get loud and not distort at higher volumes; be light enough to carry on a camping trip but remain durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. It's both water- and dust-proof, and now has a one-touch mix button that lets you pull up your favorite playlists without ever picking up your phone. There are certainly more detailed speakers out there, but at a price that's relatively affordable to all, the UE Boom 3 hits all the right notes for the third year in a row. Ultimate Ears now lets you customize your UE Boom 3, so you have even more options when it comes to color and pattern combinations. Read the full review: UE Boom 3 Image credit: Bose SoundLink Revolve The Bose SoundLink Revolve is an excellent sound speaker for folks looking for true 360-degree sound. It’s great for sharing music during a party or for moving around the room without losing audio fidelity. However, the Bose SoundLink Mini II sounds slightly better and is slightly cheaper to boot. On the debit side, it’s also not fully dust or waterproof so you’ll want to think twice before bringing the Revolve to the beach. For half the price, the Wonderboom is a great speaker that is completely dust and waterproof and while it can’t match the audio fidelity or features of the Bose, it's still great for on-the-go listening. If bass is your game, the JBL Charge 3 is an excellent fully waterproof speaker that sounds great, but is big and heavy along with it. Read the full review: Bose SoundLink Revolve Image credit: JBL For the money, the JBL Charge 4 is a definite no-brainer. For just $150 (£160, AU$200), you get a speaker that lasts all day, sounds great, can put up with all kinds of abuse, and tops your phone up in a pinch. Yes, there are better sounding speakers but you’ll have to spend much more money. While the JBL Charge 4 only offers minor updates to the previous generation, it remains an excellent value in wireless speakers - and is one of the best waterproof speakers around. Read the full review: JBL Charge 4 Image credit: Anker Anker has a history of making excellent budget wireless speakers. While we weren’t entirely impressed with the Anker SoundCore 2’s sound, we couldn’t be too mad since the speaker was so affordable. So what happens if you can stretch your budget? For around $20 more you get the Anker Soundcore Flare, an excellent waterproof Bluetooth speaker that can stand toe-to-toe with the competition. The Soundcore Flare is an amazing value in the sub-$100 wireless speaker segment. Competitors like the UE Wonderboom (listed above) give the Flare a run for its money in terms of build quality but we give the Flare the slight edge with sound quality. We recommend the Flare for anyone looking for a wireless speaker that can do it all without breaking the bank. Read the full review: Anker Soundcore Flare Image credit: Bose The Bose SoundLink Mini II is relatively ancient, having been released in June 2015. However, writing off the SoundLink Mini II because of its age would be a mistake, as it remains one of the best sounding wireless speakers. That said, it punches way above what its size would suggest, producing deep bass, sparkling highs and a lush midrange. While most wireless speakers sound OK, the Mini II proves that small speakers don’t need to compromise on sound, and other Bose conveniences like a charging pad. Read the full review: Bose SoundLink Mini II Image credit: Ultimate Ears The original UE Wonderboom has been at the top of our best waterproof speaker list since its debut and for good reason: it’s rugged, plays louder than its diminutive sound suggests, and could be paired to other UE Wonderboom speakers to amplify sound. And although the UE Wonderboom 2 looks nearly identical to the original, Ultimate Ears packed in a slew of upgrades that make the Wonderboom 2 even better, like the increased battery life (up 30% compared to the original), better bass response, and the new Outdoor Boost feature that helps the speaker get even louder than before. The UE Wonderboom 2 is a fantastic rugged and waterproof speaker you’ll actually want to take with. Its small size doesn’t mean small sound, however, as the speaker gets extremely loud and sounds great. While it can’t match the bass response of larger speakers like the UE Boom 3 or the Bose SoundLink Revolve, the improved bass adds warmth and intensity to music that the original was lacking. All said, for $100 (£90 AU$129), the UE Wonderboom 2 is still one of the best waterproof speakers you can buy - and our recommended option for those looking to bring their speaker to the beach or pool. Read the full review: UE Wonderboom 2 Image credit: Tribit The Tribit XSound Go shouldn’t sound this good for the price, but it does. The speaker impressed with balanced sound, is near distortion-free at high volumes, and lasts and incredible 20+ hours of playtime at medium volume. Plus, the speaker is IPX7 water and dust resistant so it’ll put up with a day at the beach or pool without a problem. While its design may be forgettable, you won’t care once you hear how good the XSound Go sounds. In terms of competition, you’ll have to spend a lot more for better sound quality. The UE Wonderboom is an excellent outdoor speaker, but will cost twice the money and doesn’t last as long as the Tribit. However, the UE Wonderboom does offer 360-degree sound and multi-speaker pairing if that matters to you. The JBL Flip 4 is also a good alternative if you want more bass emphasis and 360-degree sound but, if you're on a budget, you can't beat the XSound Go. Read the full review: Tribit XSound Go Image credit: Sony The SRS-XB501G is a big speaker that offers a light show, tripod mount, big sound, and Google Assistant. This is a speaker that you can truly use on the go and in the home after a day of partying. On the go, the speaker is brilliant, playing loudly and for up to 16 hours. But at home, it’s dated design and average voice detection are compromises compared to dedicated home speakers. Competitors like the LG PK7 sounds slightly better and has a light show that actually reacts to your music, however it doesn’t have the Google Assistant built in. If you’re looking for an actual portable speaker that you can fit in a bag that also supports Google Assistant, the JBL Link 20 is a good choice. Just don’t expect it to pump out as much bass or offer as wide of a soundstage. To that end, the XB501G is a good all-around compromise that fills multiple purposes. It's not the best wireless speaker, nor the best smart speaker, but it's a solid entry in both categories and one of a select few to exist in both camps. Read the full review: Sony SRS-XB501G Image credit: Denon The newest speaker in the Denon Envaya line is one of the first speakers to absolutely blow us away in 2018. It offers powerful, room-filling sound that will sound great to most ears, plus comes with an IP67 rating, make it both dust and waterproof. It's also built like a tank, making it one of the most durable speakers we've ever laid our hands on. Despite a nearly flawless performance, the Envaya isn't perfect: While sound quaity is full, powerful and rich, it doesn’t have the treble bite some like and the buttons located along the side can feel stiff and difficult to operate. These are ultimately minor complaints, however, and the Denon Envaya remains a great Bluetooth speaker – easily one of the best you can buy this year. Read the full review: Denon Envaya (DSB-250BT)
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| The best PC gaming headsets of 2019 Posted: 27 Sep 2019 07:09 AM PDT Full immersion into a game requires more than just one of the best gaming PCs. It also requires great visuals and fantastic audio. And the best way to get great audio with a PC set up is through the best PC gaming headsets. Whether it’s to hear over the fans blasting away inside your PC or the fact that gaming monitors usually come without speakers, you’ll want to look into a quality pair of cans. Maybe you want a little privacy or want to avoid waking the neighbors or roommates. Either way, quality audio is of the utmost importance for an immersive gaming experience and one of the best headsets is your best way to get there. And for that immersion, to experience every detail inside the worlds of the best PC games, it’s not just about sound quality but also a good sound stage. Whether you're playing Gears 5, reveling in the sounds of chainsaws and explosions or taking in the subtle atmosphere of Journey (it's on PC now!), the best PC gaming headsets can take your game to the next level. We’ve rounded up the best gaming headsets here, loaded with all the bells and whistles you could ask for, and we even included our exclusive price comparison tool, so you know you're getting the best headset deal out there. Best gaming headsets at a glance
HyperX Cloud Revolver S When we first sat down to review the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were a tad conflicted. On one hand, it boasts incredible 7.1-channel surround sound, delivered through Dolby's trademark digital signal processor. On the other, it's extremely expensive when compared to other similar headsets. Fortunately, as one of Kingston's most subdued pair of cans we've ever seen (or heard), the pure comfort and top-notch sound more than make up for its high price and weirdly placed detachable mic. And that’s why it tops our list of the best PC gaming headsets. Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S SteelSeries Arctis Pro SteelSeries is known for offering impeccable audio, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes things to the next level. This headset doesn’t just offer up immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro also serves you well when listening to your favorite music. One of the best PC gaming headsets to date, this one’s a little on the pricey side, but when you consider just how comfortable and exceptional sounding this headset is, well, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today. Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Astro A50 Wireless For years, the Astro A50 has been one of the best gaming headsets, known for premium comfort and audio quality. And, the 2019 model improves it on almost every level. Not only is the sound quality still there in full, but it looks better, with a full-black design, rather than the clashing colors of past models. The docking station is also smaller and less of an eyesore. Just keep in mind that this is still a pricey headset. Read the full review: Astro A50 Wireless Beyerdynamic Custom Game While it’s more expensive than we’d like, the Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best PC gaming headsets we’ve used in some time. It doesn’t feature flashy surround sound or wireless functionality, unfortunately. However, this headset does excel in two of the most important categories: sound and comfort. Seriously, once you put it on and experience your games in headphones this amazing, there’s no looking back. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Custom Game Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset Usually when you're purchasing anything, including gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for. You don't go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away, at least not usually. Well, Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head. The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best PC gaming headset you can get today. Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound and mic quality that rivals headsets that are double the price. Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. If you don't mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50. Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Compromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually enjoys making them. Luckily, you won’t have to with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. With it, you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset. And, when you add the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity to the mix, you have a formula for one of the best PC gaming headsets we've ever had the chance to use. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet. Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition Creative has made a name for itself over the years for crafting sublime audio products – and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. Instead of just sitting back and iterating on the same winning formula of its previous products, Creative gives the Sound BlasterX H7 a full overhaul, resulting in a PC gaming headset that looks just as great as it sounds. If you’re looking for a comfortable, solid and meaty-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition is one of the best PC gaming headsets you can get. Read the full review: Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset The Logitech G Pro gaming headset touts raw performance over your traditional ‘gamer aesthetic’, and it’s comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. This headset doesn’t provide much else, but it doesn’t need to. The Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset focuses squarely on providing outstanding quality, rather than filling out a sheet of bells and whistles. If value is what you’re searching for, the Logitech G Pro may be the best PC gaming headset for you. Read the full review: Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset Anyone can simply just listen to their games, but with the Razer Nari Ultimate, you can feel them as well. This gaming headset has haptic motors in the ear cups that make your ears vibrate. That’s more than enough to make this at least a curious headset, but when paired with the long battery life, amazing sound quality and comfortable build, it’s clearly one of the best gaming headsets out there. Do yourself a favor and turn off the haptic feedback, even when you’re listening to music. Read the full review: Razer Nari Ultimate Astro A20 If you're searching for one of the best PC gaming headsets, but the $300 price tags on those high-end cans make your stomach turn, you should take a closer look at the Astro A20. Boasting solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the superb 15-hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary qualities that you might want in its price range. Sure, it doesn't come with surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life. Read the full review: Astro A20 With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards. The Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 joins their ranks. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. It’s even compatible with other gaming platforms, so you won’t have to switch between different headsets. It’s a little pricey, but considering how good this headset sounds and how flexible it is, we’d say it’s worth it. Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 HyperX Cloud Flight The HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset that boasts up to 30 hours of battery life. This means you can likely get two full days of gaming in between full charges. There is a catch, however – unlike the Cloud Flight’s competition, namely the Astro A20, this gaming headset only offers stereo sound, ditching any surround sound capability. You can thankfully get circumvent that by messing around with the Dolby Access app, though, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this a non-issue, making this one of the best PC gaming headsets in 2019. Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight Corsair unveiled one of the best PC gaming headsets late last year with the Corsair HS50, and now, it has taken it to the next level by making it wireless and flourishing it with virtual surround sound capabilities. These features on their own might make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, you get a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup. Read the full review: Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless It wasn't that long ago that Corsair was only known for PC components. However, over the last five years or so, it has possibly become better known for its gaming peripherals. With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, it's not hard to understand why. While at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and – perhaps most importantly – RGB lighting. Plus, if you've already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in perfectly, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine. Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament If you're the type of gamer who likes to let the world know you're playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament may just be the best PC gaming headset for you. Not only is it extremely comfortable to wear, but its 50mm drivers mean that sound quality is always top notch – even if it could have a bit more bass in the mix. You really do have to like the 'gamer aesthetic' however, as its plastic build and orange highlights personify the style. Still, if you can get past or embrace the looks and the price tag, there's a lot to love about the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament. Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article Image Credits: TechRadar
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| Best dedicated server hosting providers of 2019 Posted: 27 Sep 2019 06:58 AM PDT Opting for a dedicated server means that you get an entire server to yourself. There's no sharing of CPU time, RAM or bandwidth, which means your website stays responsive at all times. Shared web hosting can appear to be amazing value, with feature-packed products available for just a few pounds every month. But the reality is often very different, and they're not always the bargains they seem. Very low prices probably mean the host is cramming more customers onto each server, for instance. Performance will be poor as there aren't enough resources to go around, and the extra load could mean more server problems and downtime. Dedicated hosting implies that you also get far more control over how the server is configured. You can add and remove software, install updates or tweak all settings, allowing you to optimize the server for your specific needs. Best of all, dedicated hosting contracts often come with fast and knowledgeable support. The best providers will even monitor your server for issues, like failed services, and can often fix them before you've realized there was a problem. This kind of power doesn't come cheap, and although there are some good signup deals around, you can easily spend $50-$140 a month and more on just a basic package. With that kind of investment, it's important to make the right choice. In this article, we're going to highlight five top dedicated hosting providers who you might want to check out first.
German-based 1&1 (as October 2018 called 1&1 IONOS) is well known as a budget hosting provider, but the company doesn't just offer value for website newbies: its dedicated server range starts at a very low $45 a month for the first six months, then $65. As you might imagine, 1&1 has had to cut a few corners to hit that price point. The cheapest plans are relatively basic, with limited hardware, although network bandwidth got an upgrade with 1Gbit/s. Features like SSD drives and server management (1&1 updates, monitors and manages the server for you) cost extra. Oh, and there's also a setup fee of at least $50. But there are plus points, too, including unlimited bandwidth, bundled Symantec SSL certificates, and the Plesk Onyx server control panel thrown in for free. Overall, even the most limited 1&1 dedicated server plan has enough power to handle many tasks. Additionally, you get a personal consultant free of charge. Demanding users have plenty of paid upgrades to explore, including a faster CPU, more RAM and storage, a bundled backup service and more. Some of these add-ons include more than you might expect, too. Paying $14 a month for management doesn't just mean 1&1 will look after server admin: you also get a website builder, simple analytics, a photo slideshow service, automatic backup and restore for WordPress sites, and more. Sounds like a good deal to us. Hostwinds is a capable hosting provider which crams a huge range of features into all its products, from the most basic shared hosting plans to its enterprise-level cloud-based range. Its dedicated server range may start at just $79.50 (£57) a month, for instance – $106 (£76) on renewal – but even these baseline products include features that are premium extras elsewhere. All systems have 1Gbps ports, for instance (some providers start at 100Mbps). Every server is fully managed, ensuring you're not wasting time running operating system updates or other basic maintenance tasks. Hostwinds monitors your server to detect problems as soon as they crop up, and automatic nightly backups ensure you can quickly recover from even the worst of disasters. Storage is extremely configurable, too. Some servers have four drive bays available, and they can be equipped with any mix of 1TB to 3TB SATA drives, or 120GB to 1TB SSDs. That's considerably more flexible than providers like 1&1, where you can only use SSD drives on some products, and even then they're often available in fixed configurations only (1TB SATA or 800GB SSD, for instance). There's more good news with the choice of operating system. Not only do Linux fans get a choice of CentOS, Debian, Fedora or Ubuntu, but Windows users can choose Windows 2008, 2012 or 2016 Server for a low $25 (£18.8) – we've seen charges of up to $50 (£35.70) elsewhere. Put it all together and the Hostwinds dedicated range is refreshingly honest. Servers aren't crippled by low specifications to hit a price point, and yet final costs remain low, with most updates very fairly priced. Well worth a look for anyone who needs a reliable, highly-specified server for a low price. Opting for dedicated rather than shared hosting will speed up your website in itself, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. A2 Hosting's managed server plans blend multiple tricks and technologies to try and ensure you see the best possible performance. This starts with a powerful set of server components: OPcache and APC may speed up PHP processing by 50%. Memcached holds key MySQL data in RAM for faster retrieval, while mod_pagespeed uses multiple tricks to optimize site content. SPDY and HTTP/2 accelerate page loads even further, and support for technologies like edge side includes and websockets allow more fine-tuned optimizations of your site. A2 Hosting plans also include Cloudflare's free CDN and its Railgun Optimizer, which "compresses previously uncacheable web objects up to 99.6%" and may result in an average 200% performance increase. In reality you might not see anything like that – the boost will vary greatly, depending on your site – but it's still a technology worth having. Elsewhere, performance-boosting add-ons include RAID 1 SSD storage of up to 2 x 1TB. An optional Turbo Boost feature costing from $35 a month replaces Apache with the LiteSpeed server, apparently bringing up to 20x faster page loads, and another add-on can cache the HTML contents of a page, then speedily reload it later without needing to run PHP. We were happy to see cPanel is thrown in, too (it's often a chargeable extra with other hosts). These kind of professional features come at a cost, with even the most basic Sprint plan priced from around $99 a month. But if speed is your top priority then this company could be worth a try, especially as A2's ‘Anytime Money Back Guarantee’ will refund your fees if you cancel within 30 days of your order. It may not have the profile of the big-name competition, but OVH is a hosting giant, with more than a million customers using 25+ data centers around the world. The OVH dedicated hosting range stands out for its long list of data centers, with hosting available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Poland, Singapore and the UK. Some of these locations offer cheaper hosting than others, and, unusually, OVH passes the savings on to you. For example, one of the UK server costs $86, but switching to Poland cuts the minimum cost to $79. Experienced users will also appreciate the many advanced options that OVH makes available. You don't just get access to SATA or SSD storage, for instance – the company also supports SAS and the supercharged NVMe (non-volatile memory-based storage, potentially five times faster than SSD). If you really know what you're doing, you could buy several servers, link them together in a private cloud, and maybe add a load-balancing IP to spread peak-time demand or keep your website running if one server fails. Novice users are likely to be confused by over 50 available server configurations, and figuring out exactly what's available can take a little time and effort. But the range of data centers alone could make OVH an interesting choice for many users, and if you're the demanding type, its array of expert-level extras are also worth a closer look. Liquid Web is a popular provider of high-end business hosting products ranging from managed WordPress and WooComerce plans, to cloud VPS, dedicated servers and private clouds. The company's dedicated offerings may look expensive, with a starting price of $199 a month, but they're also far better specified than most of the budget competition. Even the cheapest dedicated server includes two speedy 240GB SSD drives, for instance. There's also a 1TB SATA backup drive provided, making it easy and convenient to run regular backups. The plan includes a dedicated IP. Support for Cloudflare CDN should boost your website speeds, and your server can be hosted in one of three data centers (Arizona, Michigan, or the Netherlands). Although, the special entry plans are only hosted in Michigan. Most importantly, all dedicated servers are managed by Liquid Web's professional support team. They monitor system health, proactively respond to notifications (for example, they’ll restart a failed service), alongside taking care of installing and updating the operating system. If you have any difficulties, support is available 24/7/365, and the company guarantees a 59 second response time via phone or chat, 30 minutes via ticket and email. Factor in the wide range of optional add-ons – load balancers, firewalls, VPN – and the range has more than enough power for almost any purpose. If you're managing a heavy-duty website, Liquid Web needs to be on your shortlist. You might also want to check out our other website hosting buying guides:
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| iPhone 12: what we want to see Posted: 27 Sep 2019 06:53 AM PDT The iPhone 11 range includes a trio of well-rounded handsets, but in many ways they’re a conservative, safe upgrade from the iPhone XS. As such we’re hoping for big changes from the iPhone 12, and these being Apple handsets we’re already hearing whispers about them. These include the possibility of 5G support, new cameras, a new design, a higher refresh rate and more. So if every rumor proves right then the iPhone 12 could be the big upgrade we’re hoping for. You’ll find everything we’ve heard so far below, along with information on the likely release date and price of the iPhone 12 range, and a wish list of the things we most want to see from the 2020 iPhone models. Cut to the chase
iPhone 12 release date and priceWhile there aren’t any iPhone 12 release date rumors yet, we can take a good guess at when it will be announced, as Apple unveils new models at a similar time each year. As such, we can be fairly sure that the iPhone 12 range will be announced in September 2020. More specifically, it might land on the Tuesday or Wednesday of the first or second full week of September, meaning September 8, 9, 15 or 16. Following that, pre-orders are likely to open the following Friday, with the phones probably going on a sale a week after that. As for pricing, it’s likely to stay broadly in line with the current models. For reference, the iPhone 11 starts at $699 / £729 / AU$1,199, the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999 / £1,049 / AU$1,749, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 / £1,149 / AU$1,899. Having said that, one report suggests that the cost of materials for the iPhone 12 range might go up, which could mean even higher prices at retail. iPhone 12 news and leaksApple could be making some big changes to the design and screen for the iPhone 12 range, including getting rid of the notch. Or at least, one of the upcoming phones might lack a notch according to analysts, with the front-facing camera potentially set to be embedded under the screen instead. If this happens we’d expect it to be the most expensive iPhone 12 model that has this feature – likely the iPhone 12 Pro Max, or whatever it launches as. It might not just be the camera that’s built into the screen either, as Apple is also rumored to be equipping its next phones with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. This would be a big change for the brand, since current models don’t have a fingerprint scanner at all. That said, if the camera really is in-screen then it might not be possible to have all the Face ID sensors, so it could be that this fingerprint scanner will replace Face ID, though we're not convinced Apple would go that far. One or more 2020 iPhone models might also have a 120Hz refresh rate, up from 60Hz on current models. This – which has been rumored by a reputable leaker - could make interactions feel smoother. Some phones already have higher refresh rates than 60Hz, as do some iPads, so this isn’t unbelievable. The screen sizes could be changing too, with respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo saying that the iPhone 12 Pro Max could have a 6.7-inch screen (up from 6.5 inches on the iPhone 11 Pro Max), and the iPhone 12 Pro could have a 5.45-inch screen (down from 5.8 inches on the iPhone 11 Pro). He adds that the standard iPhone 12 will apparently stay at 6.1 inches, but will get upgraded from LCD to OLED. That’s a claim we’ve heard more than once, and would mean all three 2020 iPhones would have an OLED screen. As for the design, we might get more than just a notch removal, with Kuo also saying that he expects the metal frame to be more like the iPhone 4’s frame, suggesting it won’t be curved like on current models. He also says that overall the design is likely to be “significantly” different to current iPhone models. Another big change could take the form of 5G, which has been widely rumored for the iPhone 12. Kuo even says that he thinks all three models will support 5G. We fully expect at least one of them will, given that multiple sources have suggested as much and that a number of other phones already support 5G. The iPhone 12 might also get a camera upgrade, with a laser-powered 3D camera rumored for inclusion. This would be on the back, and while only one rumor mentions lasers, another also talks about a depth-sensing snapper, so this might well be something we see in some form. Finally, there’s an outside chance that Apple could add a fourth handset to its line-up in 2020. By the sounds of things this could be a lower-end option, but we’d take its existence with a serious side of salt. What we want to seeThe iPhone 11 range is a strong but safe upgrade for Apple. For the iPhone 12 we want to see bigger, riskier changes, such as the following. 1. A new designPerhaps the thing we want most from the iPhone 12 is a new design. Apple has been rolling out basically the same design for several years now, ever since it refreshed the look with the iPhone X. Sure, some things get tweaked, but the core is the same. And it’s starting to look a bit dated. That’s thanks mostly to the large notch, which might be necessary for all the camera components needed for Face ID, but which we’d like to see shrunk or removed if possible. Beyond that, we’d really like a whole new look. There’s not too much wrong with the rest of the iPhone 11 Pro’s design, but it certainly feels overly familiar at this point. 2. An in-screen everythingWe’d like the iPhone 12 to have an all-screen front, and one way to achieve that is to move the front-facing camera under the display. If Apple can effectively achieve that, it’s sure to impress. While it’s on, we’d like Apple to re-add a fingerprint scanner, for those times when Face ID isn’t working quite as slickly as it should. But we want this in the screen too, or better yet, make the whole screen one big fingerprint scanner, as it has been rumored Apple might be planning for a future phone. 3. A higher refresh rateOne way some companies are further improving their displays is by upping the refresh rate from the standard 60Hz. The OnePlus 7 Pro for example has an optional 90Hz refresh rate, while the Razer Phone 2 goes up to 120Hz. This can help make interactions with the handset and animations feel silky smooth, so we’d like to see Apple offer a higher refresh rate of its own. It’s not out of the question, especially as some iPad Pro models have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Indeed, exactly that refresh rate has been rumored for the upcoming iPhones. 4. Further battery boostsFor the first time in years, with the iPhone 11 range it feels like Apple has really prioritized battery life in its phones, but we want the company to go even further with the iPhone 12. Or at the very least not go backwards. We’re still waiting on an iPhone that can comfortably last two days, and we’d like the iPhone 12 (or at least the iPhone 12 Pro Max) to be it. 5. 5G supportApple is behind when it comes to 5G, as none of the iPhone 11 range offer it, while rival handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G do. Apple’s lack of support isn’t a big deal right now, as 5G coverage is still very sparse in most countries, but by the time the iPhone 12 launches it will be more widely available and a large number of other handsets will support it, so it will be time for Apple to jump on board. The good news is that it’s heavily rumored that 2020’s iPhones will support 5G, so this is one thing we’re likely to get. 6. A lower priceWe ask for this every year with new iPhones and this year we actually kind of got it, with the base iPhone 11 starting at less than the iPhone XR did. So it’s actually not impossible that we could see an even lower price – or a reduced price for the rest of the range – with the iPhone 12. We wouldn’t count on it, but Apple’s more affordable phones are typically its best-selling in recent years, so there should be some incentive to cut costs where possible. 7. Exciting new featuresWe’re talking things that we haven’t even thought of. Things that we’re hoping Apple’s brightest minds are currently dreaming up in the company’s labs. Because a tweaked design and improved specs are expected, ordinary, and no longer enough.
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| Save 21% on Google devices, including Pixel phones, with its 21st birthday deal Posted: 27 Sep 2019 06:39 AM PDT Google is turning 21 (they grow up so fast!) and to celebrate, it's knocked 21% off almost everything in its European stores. There appear to be a few exceptions, but in the UK it looks like everything except Google Stadia pre-orders is included. To claim your discount, just pop your chosen items in the basket (the Google Pixel 3, Pixelbook, Nest Hub Max and Google Home are all included), then enter the code B-GOOGLE21 at the checkout.
Despite Google being an American company, this deal seems to be available exclusively in Europe. The exact terms and conditions vary a little between countries too – as 9to5Google notes, the Google Pixel 3a seems to be exempt from the deal in France, but is included in the UK. The promotional code is different in each country, too. A gift for youThis deal ends at midnight 27 September, and some of the more popular items in the UK store might sell out early, so move quickly if you've had your eye on something. Some of these products might not be discounted so heavily even on Black Friday. Also bear in mind that it won't work in conjunction with any other codes, so you can't stack deals and save even more. It's generous, but not that generous. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Trend Micro: Why AI could be vital to your security future Posted: 27 Sep 2019 06:30 AM PDT With businesses of all sizes keen to ensure they don't become the next big-name security attack victim, the need to stay on top of your data could be central to staying safe from the latest threats. “Every business should be aware of the data they have that are critical, and the processes they have that are critical," Robert McArdle, Trend Micro Director FTR - CyberCrime Research told TechRadar Pro at the company's recent CloudSec event in London. “It’s about understanding the risk you have - accepting what you can do, and making sure you can understand the risks.”
McArdle notes that as cybercrime has become more professional and business-like in recent years, the tactics used by hackers are adapting to how their victims operate, keeping them one step ahead of the game. As more companies look to save money and resources by outsourcing a growing number of processes, they may in fact be opening themselves up to a wider threat landscape. “The strange thing about this as a service model, if you want to call it that, is that the people who have almost the most experience of all of this is the criminals," he says. "Cybercrime is almost entirely an 'as a service' model, and they've been doing it like that for years.” “So they're long ahead of the curve in terms of folks figuring out how to target each other's as a service models to take over - they have more experience than your typical company has in this space.” “For those more targeted professional criminal groups, going further up that chain gets them enormous bang for their buck,” he adds. “They're not so much going to target the Amazons of this world with their huge security departments - but when you look at, for example, applications or libraries that people incorporate into their products, these might be poorly secured instead.” CollaborationThe same goes for the rapidly expanding area of IoT security. As more and more companies expand into the wider world and utilise the data-gathering potential of the IoT, they again may be opening their systems up to more threats. McArdle notes that with the exception of well-developed smart devices and tools such as Amazon's Echo and Alexa services, "there's almost no security at all for the long term". The need for collaboration is key, he says, noting that Trend Micro is partnering with providers, including car manufacturers in Asia, to get security at a chipset level in new products to ensure they stay protected. "It shouldn't be the case that (manufacturers) have to worry about security when it's not their core business," he says, emphasising the need for more embedded security to ensure a thorough level of protection. Additional security could also be on the way thanks to the significant developments being seen in the field of AI security, which utilises the power of artificial intelligence to boost protection for businesses. McArdle notes that when it comes to security, AI is not particularly new at all, as Trend Micro has actually held AI patents for 15 years, but the technology is being deployed more and more, particularly in terms of file scanning and endpoint security. AI could be a major boost for defensive security, he adds, noting that there's no way humans could manually check every attack targeting a business. The technology could be key to building cyberdefences at scale, particularly as the number of cyberattacks continues to grow. “You can't just do in a dumb way," he says, "you have to have some sort of method that learns based on what your network looks like, and what's coming in on a regular basis and is able to say, ‘that looks weird’”. However the criminal side may also be utilising AI, with McArdle saying he anticipates a jump in the number of attacks in the next couple of years. The technology is not widely used now due to the effectiveness of current models, as well as current systems being incredibly easy to detect when gathering huge amounts of data to launch a malicious AI system. But there is also a human element too, as many computer science students entering higher education now are getting formal AI training immediately, before securing a well-paid security job - as opposed to script-kiddie hackers learning about the possibilities of AI and cybercrime when much younger, then choosing a criminal career for the lucrative payoffs. So to ensure your business stays protected, get security into your digital transformation plans now - and that, along with AI implementation, could be the difference. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best gaming mouse 2019: the best gaming mice we've tested Posted: 27 Sep 2019 05:58 AM PDT For any of the PC games you want to play, getting the best gaming mouse possible will feel like night and day. If you really want to get the most out of that best gaming PC, then a gaming mouse can be the final piece in your rig to help you reach your gaming performance potential. One thing to keep in mind though is that just because a mouse is more expensive, doesn’t mean it’s always better. For example, with the SteelSeries Sensei 310, you can get a great-looking mouse with a first-rate sensor for less than the cost of a new AAA game. Your gaming mouse is incredibly important to your gaming experience in 2019, and you want to get one that will last and get the job done. Sure, you can pick up the most expensive gaming mouse of 2019, but really, what's more important is to grab one with good value. And, if you're buying a gaming mouse in 2019, you can't forget about picking up the best gaming mouse pad – if your mouse pad doesn't have RGB lights, what are you even doing? But, look, we know there are hundreds of gaming mice out there these days, from a ton of different manufacturers. It's hard out there to find the best gaming mouse – but we're here to help. We've gathered up all the best gaming mice we've reviewed over the last year or so in one place, so you don't have to worry about picking up a mouse that sucks. Plus, we've included our exclusive price comparison tool, so you know you're getting the best gaming mouse deal. Best gaming mice 2019 at a glance:
Image Credit: TechRadar When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players) and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech. Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 710 There are a couple reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here. Read the full review: Razer Viper Image Credit: Corsair The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life and doesn’t at all suck, for less than $50. The ergonomics unfortunately favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about. Read the full review: Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless Image Credit: Logitech Aesthetically, you generally have two main choices when you’re in the market for the best gaming mouse: a high-performing mouse that looks like it would fit in the office, or a mouse that lives and breathes that “gaming life.” The Logitech G502 fits squarely in the latter category, with its robotic design. But, if that doesn’t intimidate you, then you get adjustable weights, a jaw-dropping 16,000 DPI sensor and superb performance as well. It’s not ideal for users with bigger hands, but other than that, this one has definitely earned its spot in the best gaming mouse list. Read the full review: Logitech G502 Hero If you’re in the market for an affordable mid-range gaming mouse, then the Roccat Kain 120 AIMO may just be the best gaming mouse for you. To start, it’s got a great design and solid build, as well as a decent number of customization options that let you personalize it according to your gaming style and needs. Of course, it’s exceptional to use as well, satisfying, responsive, and very reliable. This new offering from Roccat will without a doubt give you that gaming edge. Read the full review: Roccat Kain 120 AIMO Image Credit: Cooler Master If you’re searching for the best gaming mouse that’s both economical and functional, then the Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 is an ideal addition to your gaming rig. It won’t win any beauty contests, but packing quality Omron switches and a relatively sensitive sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI makes it a good purchase. Those make it easy to ignore the unappealing design – particularly if you use a claw grip. Read the full review: Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 Image Credit: TechRadar Have you been getting into the World of Warcraft: Classic lately? Then you’ll want to look into the Razer Naga Trinity. Razer’s Naga mice have always been fan favorites in the MMO community, and the manufacturer has taken things to the next level with Naga Trinity. With it, you’re getting three easily swappable side plates, allowing you to configure your mouse however you see fit. Add the insane 16,000 DPI sensor and Razer Chroma RGB lighting to the mix, and you’ll be topping the DPS meters in no time. Is there any doubt that the Razer Naga Trinity belongs on the list of the best gaming mouse? Read the full review: Razer Naga Trinity Image Credit: TechRadar If you catch yourself rolling your eyes at some of the gaming mice out there in 2019 that sport ridiculous, over-the-top designs, then you should take a look at the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB. Boasting extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting – not to mention, an impressive 16,000 DPI sensor – you’re scoring the best gaming mouse for an outstanding price. Plus, it’ll fit right into any office, at least once you turn down the lighting effects to show off its more accessible design. Read the full review: HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB Image Credit: Corsair Most of the best gaming mice on the market are either too small or too light, or even a bit of both, leaving gamers with big hands with few options. To make matters worse, some of the big mice out there come loaded with gratuitous buttons and weird shapes that make them more like asylum-seekers from an alien robot planet. The Corsair Ironclaw is just the opposite. It’s an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users, with a design that won’t make you want to squirrel it away in your desk drawer every time company comes around. It’s quite tough as well, so it can handle quite a bit of heavy use, making it the best gaming mouse for you. Read the full review: Corsair Ironclaw RGB Image Credit: Michelle Rae Uy When you take stock of all its amazing features, it might shock you to learn that the Gigabyte Aorus M5 is only $69. This stunner is among the best gaming mouse of great value that we’ve tested this year. It’s also very customizable, not to mention boasts great ergonomics and fun RGB lighting. As far as features that will give you the gaming advantage, it boasts an adjustable weight distribution system, on-the-fly DPI adjustments and Omron switches tested for 50 million clicks, to start. If you’re looking for a mouse that gives you more bang for your buck, this is it. Read the full review: Gigabyte Aorus M5 How to choose the best gaming mouseWhile you’ll definitely find the best gaming mouse of your gaming dreams, doing so might take some time and effort. That’s expected; there’s a ton of complicated technical jargon that goes into the best gaming mice – terms like polling rates and DPI ratings that a regular buyer may not be familiar with. For the record, you’ll want a higher number of both, even though these two terms mean very different things. For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, when you come across the term DPI, that is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available, but you still want accuracy and precision, then opt for the best gaming mouse with a higher DPI rating that can toggle to a lower DPI, in case you get a bigger desk. Meanwhile, a high polling rate means you’re getting faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, and it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second. Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to keep in mind are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting. Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
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