Apple : Cryptic tweet by Raja Koduri points at Intel Xe June 2020 release

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• Cryptic tweet by Raja Koduri points at Intel Xe June 2020 release
• Bears vs Raiders live stream: how to watch today's NFL London Game from anywhere
• Inter vs Juventus live stream: how to watch today's Serie A football in Milan online from anywhere
• The most important PC games of all time
• Patriots vs Redskins live stream: how to watch today's NFL 2019 football from anywhere
• Google Pixel 4 release date, price, news and leaks
• AI is emerging as “hottest” area in public policy in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
• Microsoft showcases an AI solution for wellbeing of horses
• New Microsoft patent shows off a floor mat for your virtual reality experiences
• How to watch Arc de Triomphe 2019: live stream horse racing online from anywhere
• Du is seeing a slower shift of consumers from 4G to 5G compared to 3G to 4G
• Preview: TCL foldable phone concept
• Best camera phone in the Middle East for 2019: The top smartphone snappers
• The Pixel 4 may introduce 'raise to talk' for Google Assistant
• Ms. Marvel confirmed as a playable character in Marvel’s Avengers
• MWC 2020: what we want to see
• Pokémon Go updates: all the news and rumors for what's coming next
• Pokémon Sword and Shield release date, trailers, and brand new features
• Sword and Shield livestream reveals new Galarian Pokémon
• New Zealand vs Namibia live stream: how to watch today's Rugby World Cup 2019 match from anywhere

Cryptic tweet by Raja Koduri points at Intel Xe June 2020 release Posted: 06 Oct 2019 11:12 AM PDT We might start seeing Intel’s Xe graphics cards in the summer of 2020. At least, that’s what Raja Koduri, Intel chief architect, was hinting at in his tweet on October 3. The reigning processor (CPU) manufacturer is entering the discrete graphics cards market with its forthcoming Intel Xe cards, and for the first wave of these Xe graphics cards, it’s already committed to a 2020 schedule. Raja Koduri teases an Intel Xe date Raja Koduri’s tweet, which Tom’s Hardware reported on, is a photo of what we’re assuming is the rear of his Tesla Model S bearing a custom license plate with the words ‘THINKXE,’ ‘June’ and 2020’ on it. And, it seems to confirm Intel’s target date. Intel is no stranger to cryptic messages such as this, having teased the Coffee Lake chips’ release date with a coffee cup bearing the word ‘October’ and the numbers ‘10’ and ‘2017’ a couple of years back. Seeing as this photo came straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, we’re going to take it as gospel. However, whether or not it’s the date for the unveiling or the release itself, we have no idea. We’re betting on a release, but since Computex is a June affair, it might be that the manufacturer will announce it at the event and release it a few days later. Intel says it's targeting the mainstream market with graphics cards Intel Xe graphics to take strain off Tiger Lake CPUs with Display State Buffer (DSB) Intel Xe graphics card won’t be a $200 Nvidia GeForce RTX killer A third contender in the GPU race Just when AMD has finally caught up to Nvidia in the graphics cards game, Intel is throwing its chips – or rather, graphics cards – in the pot, which could only mean good things for us. These Intel Xe graphics cards, which will be based on the Gen 12 graphics architecture, will come in two variants – one for consumers and the other for the data center. They will also be comprised of everything from entry-level mobile graphics to gaming GPUs to general purpose GPUs for exascale supercomputers. How Intel’s cards will measure up against their AMD and Nvidia rivals, we’ll have to wait and see. But, with Raja Koduri himself sharing weirdly specific, albeit enigmatic, information regarding the cards, we’re sure we’ll start seeing leaks churning through the rumor mill in the next few months leading up to June 2020. Intel tells us why PC gamers are so important to its business This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Bears vs Raiders live stream: how to watch today's NFL London Game from anywhere Posted: 06 Oct 2019 10:56 AM PDT The NFL has arrived in London for the 2019 NFL London Games and this weekend we’ll get to see the Chicago Bears go up against the Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. We’re here to make sure you catch every minute of today’s game - see how to get a Bears vs Raiders live stream regardless of where in the world you are. The Chicago Bears started this year’s NFL season with a 3-10 loss against the Green Bay Packers but the team has turned things around since then. In week 2 they defeated the Broncos 16-14, in week 3 they beat the Redskins 31-15 and last weekend they triumphed over the Vikings 6-16. The Bears are currently in second place in the NFC North just behind the Green Bay Packers but will the team be able to secure a win against the Raiders so far from home? The Oakland Raiders are going into today’s game 2-2 after defeating the Broncos in week 1 and the Colts in week 4. Last weekend’s 31-24 victory against the Colts was one of the most surprising wins so far this season. However, the team will have to take on the Bears without linebacker Vontaze Burfict as he was suspended for the remainder of this season after hitting the Colts tight end Jack Doyle with his helmet during last Sunday’s game. Whether you’re a Bears fan in Chicago, a Raiders fan in Oakland or just want to tune in to catch all the action when the NFL comes to London, we’ll show you how to live stream the Bears vs Raiders from anywhere in the world so you don’t miss a single play. See our guide to discover how to stream every single NFL game live Watch the Bears vs Raiders game online from outside your country (or in a blackout) Watching this game from the US, UK, Canada or Australia? We'll tell you how to catch the NFL game further down in the article. But if you're somewhere else in the world - or if a coverage blackout is stopping you from watching in the US - then there's still a way you can live stream Bears vs Raiders online (and you don't even have to slum it with a grainy, illegal feed you've found on Reddit). Instead you could use a VPN - or Virtual Private Network - to change the IP address to one in a different state or country which does have a stream. And it's not even hard to do. How to watch the Bears vs Raiders in the US Can I watch with the NFL Game Pass? Well it's a no and a yes. The NFL Game Pass in the US will only let you watch a replay of the game, but not the live action. Interestingly, it's a different story with an International NFL Game Pass where all 256 regular season games are being shown absolutely live...shame you can't officially get access to that if you and your laptop's IP address is in the US. Other ways cord cutters can stream NFL live online Sling TV $40 per month - Sling TV splits its live NFL options across its $25 a month Blue plan and $25 a month Orange plan. By combining the two, you get a $10 dollar discount and access to Fox, NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network.   Hulu with Live TV $40 per month - Hulu with Live TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN but does not come with NFL Network. FuboTV $35 for the first month - FuboTV gives you the first month at a discounted rate but after that the price increases to $45 a month. The service includes CBS, Fox, NBC and the NFL Network but does not come with ESPN. DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and for $5 extra you can add the NFL Network. However, with this service you can only watch football on local TV stations live. YouTubeTV $40 per month - YouTubeTV gives you access to CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN but just like with Hulu with Live TV, there is no NFL Network. How to watch the Bears vs Raiders in the UK Get a NFL live stream in Canada for Free Live stream Bears vs Raiders in Australia This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Inter vs Juventus live stream: how to watch today's Serie A football in Milan online from anywhere Posted: 06 Oct 2019 09:27 AM PDT The two teams leading the pack in Serie A go head-to-head this evening as Juventus travel to the San Siro to face league leaders Inter. It's a potential title six-pointer that no football fan will want to miss - read on for our full Inter Milan vs Juventus live stream guide to find out how to watch the game from anywhere in the world. As an added edge to proceedings, earlier this week Juventus launched a new appeal to have the 2005-06 Serie A title stripped from Inter Milan. Juve had finished top that year but were disqualified because of their role in the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal). Inter suffered their first defeat of the season to a Luis Suarez inspired Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the Champions League on Wednesday. All eyes will be on Antonio Conte's side to see how much the defeat will have dented the confidence of a side that is yet to drop a point in Serie A after their first six matches. They come up against a Juve team fresh from an assured win in Europe over Bayer Leverkusen, a game which saw Cristiano Ronaldo get himself back on the scoresheet. Inter will be without the suspended Manchester United loanee Alexis Sanchez folllowing his red card against Sampdoria last week, but there are arguably bigger problems for their opponents. The Old Lady's defence is decimated with Mattia De Sciglio, Danilo and Giorgio Chiellini all carrying injuries. It's set to be a fascinating game and one you can watch live (and, indeed, every televised Serie A match) no matter where you are in the world. To find out how, read on and we'll tell you the best ways to live stream Inter Milan vs Juventus. What about English football? Here's how to watch a Premier League live stream How to live stream Serie A from outside your country Keep on scrolling if your a citizen of the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand or Canada - we'll tell you your broadcasting option (spoiler alert, it's ESPN+ in the US). But the minute you try to watch the game on those networks from outside your borders, you'll discover that you can't. The stream will be geo-blocked. The only legal way we know of getting around this is to use a VPN, which certainly beats watching some dodgy feed you've found online. Check out our guide to live streaming all the best sport from anywhere How to watch Inter Milan vs Juventus soccer in the US And if you have ESPN+ but are trying to watch the match from overseas, then using a US VPN allows you to watch all your domestic sports coverage from abroad. - Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites How to stream Inter vs Juventus live in the UK  How to live stream Inter Milan vs Juventus soccer in Canada How to live stream Inter vs Juventus in Australia How to watch Inter Milan vs Juventus in New Zealand Catch all your favorites with our guide to the best sports streaming sites This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The most important PC games of all time Posted: 06 Oct 2019 08:44 AM PDT As part of TechRadar's PC Gaming Week 2019, we've thought long and hard about what the most important PC games of all time are. So, what makes a game ‘important’? For many, it’s a totally subjective argument based on which games have made the biggest impact on your gaming life.  However, there are some games that have done more than gained legions of fans - this is the software that’s shaped the ebb and flow of the industry. From graphical milestones to the creation of a entirely new genres, these are the games that elevated PC gaming with every release. That's why we’ve gathered together ten of the best, highlighting just why they have been so influential in shaping the course of PC gaming. Sid Meier’s Civilization (1991) It’s impossible to overstate just how influential Civilization has been on strategy games, world-building sims and PC gaming in general.  Alongside SimCity and Populus, MicroPose’ seminal piece of software took something as vast as building and nurturing numerous empires through time and somehow made an interactive experience with untold control at your fingertips.  The original MS-DOS versions looks positively antiquated today, but it’s been remade and remastered multiple times over the years so it’s far from lost. While its sequels would go onto refine its sim systems and mechanics, the original remains the blueprint that made the biggest impact of all. Doom (1993) There have been so many seminal shooters over the years, but very have had the impact that id Software’s 1993 release enjoys.  Shooters existed prior to its arrival, but Doom pioneered so many the principles we still see today. Playing in first-person perspective; open-ended levels full of secrets; spatially open environments; copious amounts of gore and ultraviolence. It didn’t rewrite the FPS handbook, it authored the first edition. There’s a reason it’s been ported to every platform imaginable - even today, its huge arsenal of weapons and bestiary of hellish enemies remain steadfast in their relevance.  You can see Doom’s DNA in every shooter that followed, and you will for decades to come. Diablo (1996) The role-playing game has taken many forms over the years, but only one decided to shed the layers of multi-genre influence in the way Diablo did in 1996.  Blizzard’s top-down creation stripped away all the detritus and firmly put the ‘action’ back in action-RPG.  Diablo is all about the combat, and what glorious combat it is. It banished the steep difficulty spikes that had made the genre so impenetrable and instead focused on upping the creativity of its dungeons.  Quests and level layouts were procedurally-generated (a gameplay mechanic that still feels fresh today, never mind over 20 years ago), while the introduction of multiplayer enabled players to team up or go head to head for fantastical glory. Tomb Raider (1996) In the same year that Diablo was rewriting the rules for RPGs, a small British studio by the name of Core Design introduced the world to a game (and a lead character) that brought 3D platforming kicking and screaming into a new era. With her dual pistols and pointy polygonal assets, Lara Croft’s first adventure as the titular Tomb Raider has had just as much impact as Mario’s first foray into 3D space.  Platforming no longer consisted of floaty leaps, but required a careful combination of timing and precision. Environmental puzzles were deep, elaborate and multi-faceted. And the gunplay? Well, few games escalate with quite the imagination of Tomb Raider. Wolves? Nah. Raptors? Nah? A T-rex? Oh, go on then. Half-Life (1998) Doom was the game that defined what a first-person shooter was to an unsuspecting PC gaming community in the early ’90s, but Half-Life would revolutionise that concept by the time the decade had drawn to a close.  Even if you disregard how its popularity eventually led to the creation of the revolutionary delivery platform Steam, Half-Life showed shooters could be something more than just bullets, blood and baddies.  It was the thinking man’s FPS, a game that was unafraid to place a dystopian sci-fi story first and foremost. It popularised the concept of using environmental puzzles, and wantonly spliced genres in a way we’d never seen before.    Baldur’s Gate (1998) The humble RPG has gone through many regeneration over the years, and the one it took in the form of Baldur’s Gate remains its most quintessential.  With Canadian studio Bioware at the helm, it was the first RPG to use the now legendary Infinity Engine, which gave the game an instantly recognisable 2D art style. (A style so popular Obsidian designed 2015’s Pillars of Eternity around that much-loved look.)  With its Forgotten Realms setting and Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, it would take until Bioware rewrote the rules yet again with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for Baldur’s Gate to feel anything less than compulsory playing. Deus Ex (2000) The consequence and choice of the Human Revolution and Mankind Divided might not seem that remarkable today, but at the turn of the millennium the sheer influence you as a player had over the world you inhabited in Deus Ex was invigorating and startling in equal measure.  Sure, you could pull out a gun and shoot NPCs or sneak around dangers if you so wished, but it was depth to which those actions played out that struck home the most.  From the freedom of exploration you were afforded to the breadth of dialogue choices only found in traditional RPGs, this mechanical cross-pollination made Deus Ex a unique prospect that few titles have matched since. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002) While the likes of Baldur’s Gate were delving deep into classic D&D rulesets, Bethesda was working on a very different but equally immersive action-RPG of its own.  When it arrived in 2002, Morrowind brought the series into the third dimension and with a more powerful engine at its disposal, and it doing so it created something intrinsically unique.  With its Dwemer factories buried deep into the ground, and its fungal fauna rising high into the sky, not even Oblivion or Skyrim could match TESIII for sheer creativity. Free of the technical constraints that dogged Daggerfall, Morrowind was a virtual world that influenced every action-RPG that would follow in its footsteps. World of Warcraft (2004) While its been through myriad overhauls since its 2004 inception, World of Warcraft set in stone what a robust and commercially successful MMO (massively multiplayer online) could and should be.  Pulling from the deep and rich lore of the Warcraft series, WoW broke from the traditional real-time strategy of its forebears and focused on an action-RPG template.  Set in a cartoonish depiction of Azeroth, World of Warcraft managed to bridge the gap between a shared online space and a narrative experience that engrossed each player individually. And, while it may not be the subscriber powerhouse it once was, its place among the MMO greats will never fade. Minecraft (2009) Much like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Doom, Minecraft has been ported to just about every modern platform there is, but that hasn’t detracted from the sheer impact it’s had on PC gaming as a whole.  From its earliest origins in the late ’00s, to the latest innovations from the Bedrock Edition update, Mojang’s creation suite has inspired a generation of gamers to start thinking with blocks. From the test of Survival mode to the unbridled depth of Creative mode - and let’s not forget the incredible mods and texture packs it’s spawned from the community - Minecraft has become less of a game and more of an ongoing phenomenon - and one that’s likely going to shape the developers of tomorrow. Its also become the best selling PC game of all time, and we take an in-depth look into the history of Minecraft for PC Gaming Week. Welcome to TechRadar's PC Gaming Week 2019. We're celebrating the most powerful gaming platform on Earth with in-depth articles, exclusive interviews and essential buying guides that showcase everything PC gaming has to offer. Visit our PC Gaming Week 2019 page to see all our coverage in one place. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Patriots vs Redskins live stream: how to watch today's NFL 2019 football from anywhere Posted: 06 Oct 2019 08:15 AM PDT We’ve reached week 5 of the 2019-2020 NFL season and this weekend we’ll get to see the New England Patriots face off against the Washington Redskins at Fedex Field in Landover, Maryland. We’re here to make sure you catch every minute of today’s game - see how to get a Patriots vs Redskins live stream regardless of where in the world you are. The defending Super Bowl champions have done an excellent job so far this season and the Patriots are going into today’s game 4-0. So far the team has defeated the Steelers, the Dolphins, the Jets and the Bills but can they keep up the momentum? Patriots quarterback Tom Brady could be losing his touch as he threw for just 150 yards during last week’s game against the Bills while the team’s kicker Stephen Gostkowski is out of commission for the rest of the season as he will soon have surgery for a left hip injury. Could the Redskins end the Patriots undefeated streak in today’s game? Probably not, as the Redskins are going into their game against the Patriots 0-4 after losing every game so far this season. They came close during week 1 when they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by just five points and then again in week 2 when they lost to the Cowboys by 10 points but so far the Redskins seem quite down on their luck this season. However, in a conference call this week, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said that the all of the Redskins quarterbacks are pretty good and that the team will need to watch out for Dwayne Haskins, Case Keenum and Colt McCoy. Does Bill Belichick know something about the Redskins we don’t? Whether you’re a Patriots fan in New England, a Redskins fan in Washington or just want to tune in to catch all the action at today’s game, we’ll show you how to live stream the Patriots vs Redskins from anywhere in the world so you don’t miss a single touchdown. See our guide to discover how to stream every single NFL game live Watch the Patriots vs Redskins game online from outside your country (or in a blackout) Watching this game from the US, UK, Canada or Australia? We'll tell you how to catch the NFL game further down in the article. But if you're somewhere else in the world - or if a coverage blackout is stopping you from watching in the US - then there's still a way you can live stream Patriots vs Redskins online (and you don't even have to slum it with a grainy, illegal feed you've found on Reddit). Instead you could use a VPN - or Virtual Private Network - to change the IP address to one in a different state or country which does have a stream. And it's not even hard to do. How to watch the Patriots vs Redskins in the US Can I watch with the NFL Game Pass? Well it's a no and a yes. The NFL Game Pass in the US will only let you watch a replay of the game, but not the live action. Interestingly, it's a different story with an International NFL Game Pass where all 256 regular season games are being shown absolutely live...shame you can't officially get access to that if you and your laptop's IP address is in the US. Other ways cord cutters can stream NFL live online Sling TV $40 per month - Sling TV splits its live NFL options across its $25 a month Blue plan and $25 a month Orange plan. By combining the two, you get a $10 dollar discount and access to Fox, NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network.   Hulu with Live TV $40 per month - Hulu with Live TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN but does not come with NFL Network. FuboTV $35 for the first month - FuboTV gives you the first month at a discounted rate but after that the price increases to $45 a month. The service includes CBS, Fox, NBC and the NFL Network but does not come with ESPN. DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and for $5 extra you can add the NFL Network. However, with this service you can only watch football on local TV stations live. YouTubeTV $40 per month - YouTubeTV gives you access to CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN but just like with Hulu with Live TV, there is no NFL Network. How to watch the Redskins vs Patriots in the UK Get a NFL live stream in Canada for Free Live stream Patriots vs Redskins in Australia This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Google Pixel 4 release date, price, news and leaks Posted: 06 Oct 2019 07:44 AM PDT The Google Pixel 4 is one of the most anticipated phones of 2019, and like all upcoming handsets, we've already heard a ton of leaks and rumors about it.  The Pixel 4 hasn't exactly been kept under wraps – Google showed us the design itself, in a bid to bypass months of speculation – but there's no stopping the rumor mill. Even so, there's much we still don't know about the upcoming device. Or devices plural, since we're expecting to see a Google Pixel 4 XL and possibly a Google Pixel 4 XL 5G too. We don't know exactly how many devices are in store for us, but we do know the release date: October 15, according to Google's official announcement. Indeed, the end of the year is 'big phones launch season', with the iPhone 11 and the Huawei Mate 30 Pro already unveiled. Latest leak: A leaked render has given us a close look at the Google Pixel 4 in orange. Plus, we've also seen leaked promo videos showing off Motion Sense and new Google Assistant features, while a leaked specs list points to camera improvements. These are the best camera phones you can buy This is what we thought of the Pixel 3 This is what we thought of the Pixel 3 XL Since its launch in 2016, the Pixel line has become a reliable tent-pole in the smartphone release calendar. Offering a suite of features with an almost unmatched level of software polish, and impressive cameras too, the handsets have done a lot to earn the adoration of the tech community at large. That's not to say the competition is resting however, and Google in 2019 really needs to keep on its feet if the Pixel line is to meet expectations with its next iteration. Could it reach the top of our list of the best Android phones, or best camera phones as the Pixel 3 did before it? Only time will tell. Read on for the most up-to-date list of rumors regarding its design and pricing, and a full breakdown of what we’d like to see feature-wise from Google's upcoming pocket rocket. Cut to the chase What is it? The next photo and AI powerhouse from Google When is it out? October 15, 2019 What will it cost? Possibly close to $1,000/£1,000 Google Pixel 4 price and release date For years now, Google has opted to release its Pixel lineup in the latter half of the year, after the usual roller coaster of smartphone releases from the first half of the year has died down. Google has officially announced when the Pixel 4 will be unveiled: October 15. It's likely that Google will take the opportunity to launch a few other hardware options at the same time, such as the long-rumored Pixel Watch. Four new Google phone models have been listed by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), which is something we'd expect to happen close to launch, adding more evidence to an October announcement. Following the announcement, it's likely that the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL release date will be in early November, if past years are anything to go by. In terms of the Google Pixel 4 price, the cost of Pixel handsets have been climbing for years now.  With the extra features now included and the general emphasis on a premium fit and finish, the Pixel 4 - or at least the XL model - could be the first of the line to break the $1,000/£1,000/AU$1,500 mark. We'll probably also see multiple different storage capacities offered at different prices.  Indeed, a store listing puts the Google Pixel 4 at €825.33 (roughly $905 / £730 / AU$1,340) for a 64GB model and €947.10 (around $1,040 / £835 / AU$1,540) for a 128GB one, while it states that the Pixel 4 XL is 1,015.98 (around $1,115 / £900 / AU$1,650) for a 64GB model and €1,132.83 (roughly $1,245 / £1,000 / AU$1,840) for a 128GB one. We would however take these prices with a pinch of salt - they might be wrong, and even if they're not it won't be an exact conversion for other regions. More information will arrive closer to the launch, so watch this space. Google Pixel 4 leaks and rumors We've heard a few leaks and rumors about the upcoming Pixel 4 smartphone, so we've collected them below so you can find out what we know. Google Pixel 4 design We know what the Google Pixel 4 will look like (on the back at least), thanks to Google itself posting a tweet with a picture of its upcoming handset. It confirms that the Google Pixel 4 design will feature a large, square camera bump on the rear - which we'd seen in multiple rumors before Google posted its tweet. On closer inspection, it appears the bump houses two cameras - which would be a first for the Pixel line of phones, which have stuck to just a single rear snapper to date - along with a camera flash below them (with a sensor to its right) and another sensor at the top of the square. Another key point we can glean from the official Google Pixel 4 image is the lack of a fingerprint scanner. Every Pixel handset to date has had a rear fingerprint scanner, which points towards the Google Pixel 4 coming with an in-display scanner. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL may not have fingerprint scanners at all though, if Google opts to go all-in on face, retina or voice recognition instead, as has also been rumored. While the front design isn't totally clear, it's also rumored that the Pixel 4 range might have a full bezel at the top, rather than a notch or punch-hole. You can see a close look at the likely bezel (along with the square camera block) in the leaked photos below. That full bezel is a claim that someone else who seemingly snapped a Pixel 4 in the wild also makes (though the front isn't visible in the photo). It's also an idea that Google itself has virtually confirmed, so this looks likely. And yet more people have seemingly photographed the phone, with another source catching the front, complete with that top bezel but seemingly almost no bottom bezel. Better yet, what appears to be the Google Pixel 4 XL has also been caught on video, as you can see below. The phone is shown from all angles, highlighting the top bezel, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone port, and the glass back that's all one color, rather than two-tone as we saw on past Pixel handsets. This single-hue, single-finish rear is supported by another release by noted leaker @evleaks showing the front and back of an alleged Pixel 4.  We've also seen leaked renders of the Pixel 4 XL, giving us a close look at the possible bezel. We've since also seen the Google Pixel 4 XL in more videos and live photos and they all match the design above - so this is looking very likely to be accurate. You can see what's apparently the Pixel 4 XL in a real photo below, the source of which said it has a matte finish on both the frame and glass back. Another Google Pixel 4 XL leak with case renders supports this top-bezel design and gives more angles to see the phone's potential design. Sadly, if this render is true, there's no return of the 3.5mm audio jack that we surprisingly saw in the Google Pixel 3a.   Whatever design the phone has, it might come in some new colors, as a mint green shade has leaked alongside the expected black and white models. We've also seen images showing off a new coral color, the latter of which has now appeared on a billboard as you can see below, as well as in a leaked render (also below). We also have an idea of what this shade will be called, with multiple sources pointing to the name 'Oh So Orange' - and saying that it will be joined by the existing 'Just Black' and 'Clearly White' shades. Google Pixel 4 camera A site claims to have got hold of a Pixel 4 unit early, and suggests that it has a very good camera - outperforming the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus in their tests, with more natural but less vibrant colors. They added though that it struggled to focus on close up shots. Leaked Pixel 4 XL images meanwhile a dual-lens camera on the front, and a triple-lens camera on the back. We don't know for sure what specs the camera will have yet, but rumors suggest it will include a 16MP telephoto lens and improved color capture. Elsewhere we've heard that the Pixel 4 could have both a 12MP main lens and a 16MP telephoto one, as well as a "DSLR-like attachment." There's also a chance that the Pixel 4 could have an improved zoom, possibly offering up to 20x zoom. We're basing this theory on a zoomed-in photo posted on Instagram by Claude Zellweger (Google's design director), in which he says "20x zoom #Pixel" in a reply to a comment. However, in another comment he clarifies that the shot was taken on a Google Pixel 3a using a mix of zooming and cropping. So it doesn't sound like this is a new feature, but it could be hinting at one. We're not convinced, but you never know. Other rumors point to an 8x zoom, though it's not clear whether or not that's all going to be optical. There's also talk of a new Motion Mode to help you take the best action shots without blur, and an improved night mode, one which a leaked marketing video further suggests. And despite the images above, another leak, this time in the form of case renders, suggests the Pixel 4 might have a notch, one housing two cameras. The renders also show a big bezel below the screen housing a speaker, and the same square camera on the back as the leaks above. There's also alternatively a chance the Pixel 4 might arrive toting the punch-hole design used by the Honor View 20 and then brought into the mainstream by the Samsung Galaxy S10 line. At least, that's what an image for a screen protector seemingly designed for the phone shows, along with stereo speakers and virtually no bezel. We've also similarly seen a leaked image below, supposedly showing the Google Pixel 4 XL with a dual-lens camera cut into the top right corner of the screen - although as we now know the rear design it suggests is incorrect, it pours cold water on the rest of the claims made here. Image Credit: SlashLeaks Indeed, it's since been rumored that three Pixel 4 designs were in the works before Google settled on the one with the square camera block, so the images above may have once been in consideration. The design that won out seemingly involves a full top bezel on the front, and just one selfie camera - at least in the base Pixel 4. In a seeming bid to get ahead of leaks, Google announced two new features, the hand gesture control Motion Sense and Face Unlock (detailed below). Both require a full suite of sensors located in the big top bezel, though that seemingly edged out the second selfie camera. We've also seen what might be the Pixel 4's new and improved camera app, which sports an expanded photo-taking view, a horizon-leveling feature, and more. Plus, there's been mention of a 'Pixel Neural Core', suggesting that neural networks will play a big role in photo processing. Google Pixel 4 display In screen news, the latest leak suggests that the Pixel 4 XL will have a 6.23-inch 1440 x 3040 screen with 540 pixels per inch and a 19:9 aspect ratio. That would make it marginally smaller and sharper than the Pixel 3 XL. Previously we've heard that the Pixel 4 could have a 5.6-5.8-inch screen, while the Pixel 4 XL could have a 6.2-6.4-inch one (compared to the 5.5-inch Pixel 3 and 6.3-inch Pixel 3 XL). That same source says the Pixel 4 will be roughly 147.0 x 68.9 x 8.2mm (or 9.3mm thick including the rear camera bump), and the Google Pixel 4 XL will be around 160.4 x 75.2 x 8.2mm (rising to 9.3mm at the camera bump). Another source claims that the Pixel 4 will have a 5.7-inch screen and the Pixel 4 XL will have a 6.3-inch one. That matches the leak above, but this source adds that the phones will have a 90Hz refresh rate, allowing for smoother scrolling than most handsets. This would apparently be marketed as 'Smooth Display' and it's a feature we've heard about more than once. Google Pixel 4 specs We've seen a Geekbench benchmark possibly for the Google Pixel 4. It lists a top-end Snapdragon 855 chipset, along with 6GB of RAM - up from 4GB in the Pixel 3 range. It also, unsurprisingly, lists the phones as running Android Q. The benchmark includes a single-core score of 3,296 and a multi-core one of 9,235, which are solid but unexceptional results for a top-end phone. Of course, this would be pre-release hardware and software, so results at launch might be better. We've heard from multiple sources, in fact, that the Pixel 4 could launch with 6GB RAM. So far all the Pixel phones have had 4GB RAM, so this would be a long-overdue step up in terms of processing power. Another source has pointed to the same specs, along with 64GB or 128GB of storage, and a 2,800mAh battery for the standard model and a 3,700mAh one for the Pixel 4 XL. Elsewhere we've also seen the Snapdragon 855 mentioned. Google Pixel 3a XL However, there might be a model that comes with as much as 8GB of RAM - along with 5G, as exactly that has also appeared on a benchmark. Elsewhere, we've seen evidence that there could be a third Pixel 4 model, which could be the Google Pixel 4 XL 5G benchmarked above, though there's an outside chance that it could be a Pixel 4a or something else. In more unusual news we've heard that the Google Pixel 4 might have capacitive buttons rather than mechanical, clickable ones - however the image Google has shared appears to go against this, with raised buttons on the side of the handset suggesting mechanical ones. It's possible that this change would be made to allow Active Edge (the ability to launch Google Assistant by squeezing the frame, as found on previous Pixels) to work along the full length of the phone's frame, and it could also help improve the design of the phone. Though notably image leaks still show physical buttons, so take this with a pinch of salt. The same source added that the Pixel 4 will have front-facing speakers and a punch-hole camera. Finally, code added to the open source foundation of Android suggests that the Google Pixel 4 might have improved dual-SIM support, letting you use both a normal SIM and an eSIM at the same time. Throughout the year more leaks will continue to arrive, so keep checking back here for all of the latest developments. Google Pixel 4 Motion Sense In an apparent bid to get ahead of leaks, Google itself revealed two big features coming to the Pixel 4, one of which is a type of hand gesture control called Motion Sense. Motion Sense uses the Google Pixel 4's whole new suite of sensors alongside its front-facing camera - specifically Soli, a motion-sensing radar concept - to track hand gestures for theoretically easy, no-touch controls. Ostensibly, these will be used to perform simple actions like skipping music tracks and swapping apps. Indeed, leaked promo videos have shown a hand swipe above the screen being used to turn off an alarm, silence an incoming call and skip to the next song. However, it seems Motion Sense won't work everywhere, with an early store listing stating that it will work in the US, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, and most European countries (likely including the UK), but not Japan. Since then a list of 38 supported countries supposedly found in the Motion Sense app itself has been unearthed, and this list specifically includes the UK and the US but oddly doesn't include Australia, so right now we're not certain whether Australia will support the feature. The reason you can't use it everywhere is that Google needs permission from many countries to enable the Project Soli radar technology that it requires. It also initially won't work in all apps, with the same source as the country list above also finding a list of 9 initially supported apps, namely Amazon Music, Deezer, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, Spotify Stations, YouTube Music and YouTube. Google Pixel 4 features The arrival of the Pixel 4 could well coincide with a major update to Google Assistant: a 'raise to talk' feature is one upgrade we've heard is in the pipeline. We've also heard rumors that Google Assistant on the Pixel 4 might be able to take over when you're placed on hold on a call, then alert you once a human answers. Another Assistant upgrade looks to be coming in the form of 'Continued Conversations', a feature shown off in leaked videos, which allows you to ask it follow-up queries without saying "Okay, Google" again. This feature also allows it to remember context, so it will know if your follow-up relates to the previous thing you asked. Face Unlock has also been confirmed by Google and seems to do what it says - though achieved through multiple sensors, including a dot projector, IR camera, and flood illuminator. For the privacy-concerned, Google assured in its blog post that all processing would be done on the Pixel 4 and no images or recognition data would be shared through its services. A site meanwhile claims to have used the feature and says that it works quickly and reliably, even in low light. It adds that there's apparently no fingerprint scanner. Another feature we're expecting to see in the Google Pixel 4 is close integration with Google Stadia, Google's upcoming cloud gaming service. Google has already announced that the service will work on all its smartphones from the Pixel 3 onwards, so the Pixel 4 is definitely included, and we could definitely see certain features that make it a great mobile platform to game on. What we want to see Not much is known yet about the Google Pixel 4, but we know what we’d like to see - our suggestions can be found below. 1. Multiple rear cameras Since the beginnings of the Pixel line back in 2016, Google has not only defined what is possible with a single camera sensor, but for smartphone cameras overall. With tricks such as super-res zoom, night shot and more, the Pixel 3 in particular outcmatched the likes of Huawei, Apple and Samsung in 2018, all seemingly without breaking a sweat. The competition isn't resting on its laurels however, with the Huawei P30 Pro in particular turning up the heat. We wouldn't be surprised if a left-field, potentially game-changing software feature is added to the Pixel 4, but to really exceed expectations a second, third or even fourth sensor on the rear would give it an edge.  Ultra-wide-angle, telephoto zoom, monochrome, there are lots of options, so we would like Google to experiment with the options available to it - the results could be spectacular. 2. No notch The Google Pixel 3 XL. Image Credit: TechRadar To anyone watching smartphone design evolve, 2018 was the year of the notch. No matter the size of the display, every manufacturer followed the trend set most strongly by the Apple iPhone X with a slew of copycat efforts. Google's Pixel 3 XL is a particularly infamous example of egregious notch design, as it's larger than most. We would like to see the firm completely avoid the notch this year, without resorting to the large bezels of the standard Pixel 3, either by using a pinhole camera in the display or with a sliding mechanism. 3. More RAM Despite generally providing a solid software experience for those using it, the Google Pixel 3 line wasn't without controversy, particularly with regards to RAM management. Many users reported that in the first weeks of use, the camera app in particular used up so much available memory that any other apps then open would be force-closed. In a budget phone with only a smattering of RAM available, this might have been forgivable, but for a flagship it certainly is not. For the Pixel 4 we would like to see at least 6GB of RAM, along with a suitably powerful chipset - hopefully this then will remove any accusations of poor performance. 4. Stereo speakers The humble stereo speaker, usually front-facing, has faced an odd existence. Although popular with fans on any handset graced with their presence, they tend to be the first victim of space-saving measures. Case in point, 2019 has seen the elimination of the feature from many popular handsets, with it sometimes being replaced by a speaker underneath the display. But for the quality of audio offered, and the improved listening experience, we would like to see stereo speakers remain on the Pixel 4 as they did on the Pixel 3 - standing out from the competition in all the right ways. 5. Longer battery life Packing in huge batteries has become the done thing for most flagships in 2019. Nearly all sport packs the size of which would have been unheard of only a few years ago. Google though - claiming improved efficiencies with each passing year - has so far not massively improved the size of the battery packs included with its devices. And although early signs are promising that the new Snapdragon 855 is significantly more efficient than its predecessor, the Snapdragon 845, we would like to see Google go the whole hog. We want to see a Pixel which can measure its life in days, rather than hours. Here’s hoping that Google can deliver on this. 6. Stadia-sized ambitions Image Credit: Google Earlier in 2019, Google 'surprised’ the world with the announcement of its game-streaming platform ‘Stadia’, which utilizes compression technology in an attempt to make a service accessible to all. It has been promised that the service will reach a plethora of devices, mobile, console or otherwise. The question of mobile is a little more complex however, for although expanding the service to all Android devices will likely be a future ambition, for the moment the word is that availability will be restricted solely to Pixel devices. With this in-mind, we’d like to see Google take this concept as far as it can go - but what would this mean? In practice, what we want is improved focus on network performance (to combat potential latency issues) and, more importantly, a dedicated peripheral. This would ideally be in line with what Xiaomi has helped to pioneer with its Black Shark gaming handsets - touch controls are not suited to complex control systems and a dedicated peripheral would help to bridge the gap. 7. More color options In most settings, from the boardroom to the bedroom, black or white options are a solid choice for phones. They add a touch of class and don't stand out in a crowd. The Pixel line certainly caters to this subset of the population, however in the past it has taken slightly wild strides, mostly notably the original 'Really Blue' model (which was indeed very blue).  In the vein of this original, we'd like to see the Pixel 4 come in more than one slightly unconventional color, following the example set by the iPhone XR and the Samsung Galaxy S10e. Whether green, blue, yellow or whatever else, the new option needs to stand out from the similarly colorful opposition. 8. A sturdier construction The Google Pixel 3. Image Credit: TechRadar The Pixel 3, in no uncertain terms, is a better constructed phone than its predecessor. Boasting tight lines and a glass rear, it has really been a match to the likes of the various iPhone models released in 2018. No amount of truth twisting could lead to accusations of it being damage-proof however - quite the opposite in reality. The stone-like finish applied to the glass on the rear has shown the tendency to scratch easily, far more so than might have been expected.  This meant that those shelling out hundreds for their shiny new Google devices found that it didn’t take long before they regretted not slapping a case on instantly. As such, whether via an all-metal build or through something a little different (even a different kind of glass or treatment) we would like to see Google embrace a little utilitarianism into its design, creating something which anyone can use at any time, any day. Mobile gaming is going to change with Google Stadia This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AI is emerging as “hottest” area in public policy in Saudi Arabia and the UAE Posted: 06 Oct 2019 07:06 AM PDT There is an open debate about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Sceptics of AI question how much AI is a “threat” to our privacy, way of life and how much it can ultimately deliver.  “It’s healthy to approach with a certain sense of humility. People have been talking about the rise of artificial intelligence since Stanford Professor John McCarthy coined the term in 1956,” Sam Blatteis, CEO of The MENA Catalysts, a public policy consulting firm for government innovation arms and high tech multinationals, told TechRadar Middle East.  However, Blatteis said that, “there are those who believe that the disruptive potential of AI will have nothing less than the social impact of the industrial revolution, Henry Ford’s assembly line, the invention of flight, and the Internet.” Blatteis is the former Google Government Affairs head for the Gulf countries.  “Many believe there may not be a single technology that will shape our world more in the next 50 years than AI,” the MENA Catalysts CEO added, explaining that the potential of AI is not a gimmick at all. Rather, it has rapidly evolved into the hottest area in legislation in the Gulf.  The Middle East Public Policy firm added that Saudi Arabia recently unveiled a new National Center for AI, a national AI regulator, and a National Data Management Office. The country is already delivering its first AI college. Meanwhile, the UAE is rolling out a wave of AI-focused research institutes, university degrees, boot camps, and already has a Cabinet position for AI to boot. Governments release national AI plans  Blatteis said that “globally, 42 top international governments have released multi-million dollar (and sometimes, billions of dollars) AI plans since 2017 with new budgets, authorities, and headcount to back them up —and this is just the beginning.” This is the first time governments around the world are simultaneously releasing national plans to develop the same field, The MENA Catalysts CEO said. When asked whether AI will eliminate or create jobs, Blatteis said that “looking throughout history, a technology commonly creates more and better-paying jobs than it destroys. The state of AI development is constantly evolving. It [AI] is a field of research. Would we regulate biochemistry or mathematics? We’re still learning what we’re dealing with here, and I’m cautious about regulating something before we understand it”, the expert said. The challenges are, Blatteis said, the rise of Big Data and AI are rendering society’s privacy tools almost obsolete overnight, including the traditional “notice-by-consent”, “opt-out” of a service, and anonymisation of personally identifiable data. Things like full names, dates of birth, and drivers’ license numbers.  Legislation will be key “How we legislate AI will become one of the defining themes of the next five years,” the CEO of the MENA Catalysts said. “We need to set strategic ‘rules of the road’ from the start — not to over-regulate, but to provide regulatory predictability to attract expertise, ideas, and capital.”  Blatteis said that equally important, “long-term, we have to reinvent education. The world of commerce and business has changed rapidly, but that education outcomes are not keeping up,” he said.  “If the Gulf is to develop knowledge industries of the future, education here must be reimagined. We have to think about how we can ‘hack education’ to reprogram our education system, change course and plot a new education strategy. We should be teaching physics to kindergartners, robotics and computer programming in every school. There are many bright teachers but not one is trained to teach about the future. The basis of AI and computer programming has become a realm of creativity and wild ideas in a bid to achieve the Gulf’s long-term plans beyond the usual m-Government, e-Government and general ICT plans,” Blatteis said. Dubai’s ambition is not just to bring advanced technologies and automating tasks Machine learning needs human involvement to work effectively Regulation and education are biggest barriers to digital transformation This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Microsoft showcases an AI solution for wellbeing of horses Posted: 06 Oct 2019 07:06 AM PDT When technology vendors are trying to solve consumers and enterprises problems using artificial intelligence, Microsoft has gone one step ahead and has come out with a solution for horses. Known as ‘Digital Horse’, a collaborative project between Microsoft and its partners to promote the wellbeing of horses and increase their lifespan. Speaking to TechRadar Middle East, Sayed Hashish, General Manager for Microsoft UAE, said the project is part of efforts such as AI for Good, AI for Earth, AI for Cultural Heritage to preserve and enrich the cultural heritage around the world. Using machine learning, computer vision, advanced analytics, cognitive reasoning, the Internet of Things and augmented reality, he said the solution creates an ecosystem that allows 24/7 monitoring of animals – from health and nutrition to sleeping and training. Through these technologies, he said:  “We will also be able to address the planets biggest challenges around the earth, managing the earth resources, around the oceans and looking after our oceans, around the quality of air and pollution, around deforestation. “We have a lot of good examples of how we are using artificial intelligence to protect wildlife including, for example, some of the projects that we are doing in Africa, using AI to combat poaching of animals and what we are doing now in Central Asia with the snow leopard, it is an endangered animal,” he said.  Using data to solve issues Similarly in this part of the world, he said that the horse is part of the regional heritage and it is powerful as it is. It is a fragile animal and gets injured very easily, he said, especially with hot climates. Even though the solution is tested in other parts of the world, it is now tested in the UAE data centres. Hashish said that sensors and cameras are fixed on the stable, apart from the sensors that are put on the animal itself to capture data and added that the data goes in the back-end of the Azure cloud to recognise whether the horse is moving in the right manner combined with the right temperature. “Once the solution is run and widely adopted, I'm sure that the amount of data that we get would also get us to take it to the next level to understand how we can get better at truly looking after them. I think it is a journey we are starting,” he said. When asked whether any takers for the AI solution, he said that there are a lot of people that are interested but did not reveal the names. Dubai’s ambition is not just to bring advanced technologies and automating tasks Machine learning needs human involvement to work effectively Regulation and education are biggest barriers to digital transformation This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

New Microsoft patent shows off a floor mat for your virtual reality experiences Posted: 06 Oct 2019 06:30 AM PDT Trying to roam through vast computer-generated worlds from your not-very-vast living space poses a number of challenges for virtual reality – and a new patent filed by Microsoft promises to offer some assistance in keeping you from colliding with real world objects. The patent, spotted by Variety, details a floor mat that marks out a boundary for a gaming space. Your VR or AR headset could use the boundaries of the mat to work out where you are, and provide haptic feedback under your feet to help you stay within those boundaries. As well as keeping you from knocking the television over or standing on the cat, the mat could also buzz your feet to provide in-game feedback as well. There are all sorts of possibilities that developers could make use of. It's time to talk iPhone 12 Google Assistant upgrades are coming Get the latest on Project xCloud Pressure sensors inside the mat could be used to help work out a user's position in three-dimensional space, the patent suggests, reducing the reliance on cameras and sensors on board the VR/AR device itself for tracking position. One other idea floated by the patent is having a dedicated 'starting point' in the middle of the mat – once the user stands in this position, a particular game or experience (or whatever it is) could launch into action. If you've got enough space in your living room, you could even interlock a few of these mats together like tiles, and cover a wider area, Microsoft suggests. As always with patents, there's no guarantee that this will ever turn into an actual product you can go out and buy. These sorts of filings do give us an indication of the sorts of tech companies are thinking about developing though. It's also an indication that Microsoft could still be thinking about virtual reality in relation to consoles, even though there's no VR headset to go with the current generation of Xbox One gaming machines. Perhaps a mat like this will be available as an option extra for the upcoming Xbox refresh. Why Oculus isn't worried about PS5 or Xbox Scarlett – and why it should be Via Engadget This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

How to watch Arc de Triomphe 2019: live stream horse racing online from anywhere Posted: 06 Oct 2019 04:56 AM PDT Racing fans from around the world are descending on Longchamp in Paris this weekend for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - Europe’s richest flat race, boasting a prize-money pot of €5 million. You can watch the whole race no matter where you are in the world - and for free - by following our Arc de Triomphe live stream guide. A Group 1 race, open to thoroughbred horses aged three and over, 'the Arc' has been dominated in recent years by trainer John Gosden's Enable. The thoroughbred returns to Paris once more this year with Frankie Dettori as jockey in a bid to win the race for a record third consecutive time. Enable is being well backed by the bookies to pull off the feat, and the clear favourite will have to fight off the challenge of a smaller than usual field of just 11 other horses this time out. The five-year-old's main rivals this year both appear to come from Aidan O'Brien's stable with his pair of Japan - drawn next to Enable in stall 10 - and Magical both also strongly tipped. The great news once again for viewers in the UK is that the Arc will be shown live on free-to-air ITV. However, if you live outside the UK, keep reading as we’ll show you how to stream the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe live from wherever you are in the world. Rugby fan? See how to get a Rugby World Cup live stream How to live stream Arc de Triomphe 2019 for free: UK stream If you’re in the UK and you have a TV license, you can watch the Arc live on ITV. Coverage starts at 1.10pm on Sunday, with two hours of build-up and undercard racing before the main event at 3.05pm.  If you prefer to watch the racing on your computer, you can stream it on ITV or on your mobile devices via the ITV player app.   The other way to watch ITV online is to go via TVPlayer.com – we actually prefer this option as the stream tends to be better quality and more robust. It's also a faster site, more responsive and quicker to get up and running. It's still free, too. Stream the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 2019 from outside your country If you're a racing fan and are away from the UK this weekend, don’t despair - you can still watch the Arc on ITV from anywhere in the world.  Simply download and install a VPN to change your IP address to one in the UK and head over to ITV’s website or TVPlayer.com.  From there you’ll have to sign up for a free account to stream the race on your computer or from your favourite streaming device. Here's how to live stream the Arc de Triomphe 2019 with a VPN: This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Du is seeing a slower shift of consumers from 4G to 5G compared to 3G to 4G Posted: 06 Oct 2019 04:40 AM PDT Despite the rollout of the fifth generation of cellular technology (5G) in the UAE, Dubai-based telecom operator du is witnessing a slower shift of consumers from 4G to 5G compared to 3G to 4G. Saleem Al Blooshi, Chief Technology Officer at EITC, the parent company of du, told TechRadar Middle East that they are creating the supply [infrastructure] this year and the demand will start happening next year. “Right now, we are covering 8% of the populated area of the UAE with 5G and 15% by the end of the year. We expect to cover 100% of the UAE in the next three years. We expect 5G smartphones to overtake 4G by 2022,” he said. However, he said that there are some challenges in the rollout of 5G such as space availability in the towers and power consumption on 5G as it is very power-intensive at this stage. “5G requires four times the power of 4G. However, the main challenge is the availability of handsets. We created the supply but there is no demand for 5G,” he said. When 4G was launched, he said that there was a requirement from the end-user for video application. “When a consumer moved from 3G to 4G, there was a 180-degree different experience. From 4G to 5G, there are no use cases that demand the 5G infrastructure.  The potential use cases of 5G are augmented reality, VR and video streaming that requires high bandwidth,” he said. No business models  Technically, Al Blooshi said that all the components for 5G are available but there are no business models. “There is no clarity in the business model. Will the operators provide the AR and VR content or will the technology providers or the content providers,” he said. However, Al Blooshi said that du is in talks with different content providers in the country. “2020 will be the year for creating a demand for 5G. Based on the acceleration of the demand, the infrastructure rollout will also gain speed. By end of the year, there will be 800 base stations for 5G and it is expected to more than double by the end of next year,” he said. Samsung will be launching its 5G handset by the end of this month. Al Blooshi said that the demand for 5G handsets from Huawei, Oppo and ZTE is not that high and has already started rolling out its 5G router to accelerate its fixed-line services where fibre optic is not available but the intake is not that high as fibre optic cable is always across the UAE. Wi-Fi 6 and 5G crucial for digital transformation UAE telco du to launch IP-based video calling service this year This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Preview: TCL foldable phone concept Posted: 06 Oct 2019 03:00 AM PDT TCL will launch its first foldable phone in 2020, but it gave us a glimpse of a concept device in October 2019 to whet appetites and give us an idea of what the firm is planning. While the foldable phone we got hands on with is unlikely to look exactly like the handset we'll see launch next year - it may even fold in a different way - it does show us TCL is edging closer to a final product. Back in February, we saw a few of TCL's foldable concepts behind glass at MWC 2019, but they weren't ready to be handled. Fast forward seven months and here we are, with TCL's foldable phone concept in our grasp. Foldable phones: all the rumored and confirmed handsets Samsung Galaxy Fold review Hands on: Huawei Mate X review TCL foldable phone release date and price This is a concept phone, so there's currently no firm release date or price for the device - in fact the handset we handled won't actually go on sale, it'll be an updated version of what we saw. We do know TCL will launch its first foldable phone in 2020, and it will be cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X which hover around the $2000 mark. That's not to say TCL's foldable phone will be cheap, it will be affordable in context when compared to the current offerings on the market. TCL foldable phone concept design and display The TCL foldable concept is a working smartphone, but it's not perfect. Completely close the handset and it turns itself off (but can be easily switched back on) and the interface is a little sluggish under finger. However, it's nothing to be alarmed about. That's the point of concept devices, to test out the hardware and software and find fixes before launching a consumer ready version. TCL is very open about its plans for its foldable device. It has no desire to be 'first' to market, and would rather take its time to ensure everything is working correctly, and also to learn lessons of those who have launched before it to avoid any mistakes competitors make. The well-publicized issues with the Samsung Galaxy Fold have made TCL go back and perform more research, development and testing in the hope of avoiding similar setbacks. It clearly still has a way to go, but we're impressed with the progress so far. The butterfly hinge on its foldable phone feels robust, and moves smoothly. The bezels around the flexible display are slender, and there are four cameras on the rear, providing a wide scope of shooting options. The screen is bright and clear, although doesn't appear to be anything higher than a Full HD resolution (we're yet to be given any firm specs for this particular device). Open it out fully and there is a faint crease down the center of the screen where it folds - to be expected, but it can detract a little from what's on the display. Takeaway TCL is making good strides in the foldable phone market. The marked improvements over its MWC showing to this concept are clear, and it is on track for a 2020 launch. It will be interesting to see how much it can undercut the current foldable phone incumbents by, and just what design and feature set it will opt for. We're told we'll learn more about its foldable phone proposition during either CES 2020 in January, or MWC 2020 in February. In short, there's not too long to wait. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best camera phone in the Middle East for 2019: The top smartphone snappers Posted: 06 Oct 2019 02:40 AM PDT Choosing the best camera phone in 2019 is nearly like picking the top smartphone overall, now that photographic capability has become such an important feature in handsets, and smartphones with amazing cameras are popping up left, right and center from brands like Google, Huawei and Samsung. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are Apple's newest smartphones, and they're clearly vying for top spot – but in 2019, when Apple's competitors have overtaken it, and iPhone are no longer top dog for smartphone photography, where will they place in our rankings? We've got the handsets in for testing, and you can expect a verdict very soon. Our testing is more thorough than simply looking at a specifications list, or picking whatever handset is newest – so much of a camera phone's quality is determined by software optimization as much as sensor and lens power. At TechRadar we put all smartphone cameras through rigorous testing in different lighting conditions, scenarios, and subjects, to work out how each camera performs at different tasks. Beyond the specs and capabilities of the camera itself, there are a number of aspects about the phone you’ll also want to consider. For example, getting a high-storage option or one that supports a microSD card will be helpful if you capture lots of 4K video, and battery size and screen quality help you in various ways too. So to help you, we've compiled this list of the best camera phones, that we've tested extensively, to help you when it comes to choosing your next camera phone. Of course, we could well see new entrants to this list before the year is out. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10 Plus have recently been announced, and we expect to see the iPhone 11, Google Pixel 4 and Huawei Mate 30 Pro all launch in the coming months. Best camera phones 2019 at a glance: Huawei P30 Pro Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus Huawei Mate 20 Pro iPhone XS / iPhone XS Max Samsung Galaxy Note 9 The Huawei P30 Pro has been meticiously engineered to be the best cameras phone. How? Two ways: it's the best low-light performer we've tested and its 'periscope' telephoto lens takes astounding optically zoomed-in shots at a distance. There were a lot of cameras to test on this phone, including four on the back: a 40MP main lens, an 8MP telephoto lens, a 20MP ultra-wide lens, and then a ToF (time-of-flight) camera to sense depth for portrait photos. The Huawei P30 Pro camera also uses an RYYB (red yellow yellow blue) sensor instead of the industry standard  RGB (red green blue) sensor to capture more light, and it shows. The snaps we took for our review had more detail and less shadow than the competition, yet they didn't look completely overexposed. It's a fine balance that few phone manufacturers get right with their tiny cameras and limited software. It's all amazing for a smartphone, but not entirely perfect. We did notice some purple fringing in areas, and the camera software controls aren't always responsive when switching between ultra-wide, 5x zoom, 10x zoom and digital 50x zoom. But the fact that you can get insanely close to objects with a 50x zoom and also shoot at night as if all of the lights were on really sets a new bar for camera phones in 2019.  Read our full review: Huawei P30 Pro The Galaxy S10 Plus, along with the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10e, debut cameras new to Samsung owners. In addition to an improved regular camera and a 2x optical telephoto lens on the S10 and S10 Plus, there's also a 123-degree ultra-wide lens on the back of the trio of phones. We found the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus to be extremely versatile and fun to shoot with. This is mainly down to its best-in-class camera software. It's feature-packed with modes like Color Point. It's a Live Focus (bokeh) mode that masks the background in grayscale, while letting your subject pop. You can change this in post (to become a blur or a swirling blur) and slide the intensity up and down. It's our favorite new camera mode of 2019. Where does it fall short? Samsung's photos apply aggressive smoothing to mask noise in low-light, preventing it from topping the Google Pixel 3 and Huawei P30 Pro. You're not going to get the very best shots next to those phones, but we've still consider them really good and the huge 6.4-inch display to be the best. Note: the Samsung Galaxy S10e has the new ultra-wide lens, but lacks the telephoto lens, while the standard S10 lacks the dual-front facing camera of the Plus (though we didn't see much difference between portrait selfies on the Plus and the normal S10). Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus With three rear cameras the Huawei Mate 20 Pro offers a highly versatile camera phone experience. The P20 Pro ushered in this era of great Huawei cameras, and the Mate 20 Pro inherits its 40MP wide-angle f/1.8 lens and 8MP, f/2.4 3x telephoto with OIS and then builds on it further. Rounding out that trio of rear-facing cameras is the new star, an ultra-wide 16MP, f/2.2 lens. It expands the Mate 20 Pro's feature set, letting you take a wider array of photos from limited positions.  Even for casual shooting, it makes life easier when trying to fit a bunch of far-flung elements in the same photo. The Mate 20 Pro's overall low-light performance is superior to that of most other smartphones we tested, especially with its seconds-long-exposure Night Mode.   The phone's 3x telephoto does a great job of snagging distant shots, and the hybrid 5x zoom adds a digital blend to give you a bit more reach. It’s not perfect, but in our comparative testing, it outdid some digital-only zooms like on the Google Pixel 3. There's a host of other features in the camera app on the Mate 20 Pro too, allowing you to really fine tune and tinker with the photography experience. Read our full review: Huawei Mate 20 Pro Apple's latest iPhone duo boast powerful dual rear cameras, but it's not just the specs that appeal about the firm's mobile photography experience - it's also the ease of use of their smartphone snappers. The iPhone camera app is well known for being a simple, clutter-free interface, focused on taking great snaps every time with minimal controls, modes and settings for the user to worry about. It means that you don't quite get the same breath of shooting options as you do on the likes of the Samsungs and Huaweis, but the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max boast Apple's best smartphone snappers to date, with improvements to their low-light capabilities. If you want a phone to pull out and take a quick snap with minimum effort, the new iPhones are some of the best camera phones around. Apple has popularized the blurred background Bokeh effect, and Portrait Mode is one of the best implementations of the technology we've used on a smartphone, with a range of studio lighting effects adding extra pizzazz to your compositions. Both the iPhone XS and XS Max have exactly the same dual 12MP rear cameras, with the only differences between the two being screen size, battery size and their physical size. The 6.5-inch display on the iPhone XS Max gives you a huge viewfinder when it comes to snapping photos, but it comes with an equally huge price tag, with the still-expensive iPhone XS producing the same results in a smaller form factor. Read our full reviews: iPhone XS | iPhone XS Max The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 builds on the strong camera offering of the Galaxy S9 Plus, with a number of small enhancements making it even better. The result is a handset which is comfortable shooting in any scenario, including in low light, for some truly impressive shots. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 camera identifies and adapts to various subjects with a new scene-optimizer feature. It adjusts the white balance and color based on 20 subjects as varied as sunsets, flowers, food, birds, text and so forth.  Compared to even the six-month-old S9 Plus, the Note 9 camera captures more detail, but you'll have to squint to see the differences. As this is a Note device, you get Samsung's S Pen stylus included with the handset, and you can use the button on this as a remote shutter key.  It means you can set the Galaxy Note 9 down on a surface and walk away from it and still snap a shot using the S Pen. It's a relatively minor perk, but one we enjoy using. One slight mark against the Note 9 is its lack of HDR video recording, but for many this won't be an issue. Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Pixel 4 may introduce 'raise to talk' for Google Assistant Posted: 06 Oct 2019 02:30 AM PDT Right now you can get the Google Assistant to start listening to you with a button push, or by saying "hey Google", or by squeezing the sides of your phone – but the Pixel 4 series is being tipped to introduce a new way of activating the app. According to 9to5Google, a new 'raise to talk' option is in development, where you only need to lift up your phone and start talking to use Google Assistant. The voice interaction will need to happen right after you lift the phone, apparently, and the necessary voice match processing is carried out on the device itself – so other people won't be able to get at the feature just by picking your phone up. Apple will fix your busted iPhone 6S New privacy features rolled out by Google What to expect from MWC 2020 However, it's not certain that 'raise to talk' for Google Assistant will be ready in time for the Pixel 4 launch on October 15 – it might be that the functionality gets pushed out as an update at a later date. Counting down the days We know that an improved Google Assistant is on the way, because Google showed off some of its features – including a more intuitive way of continuing a conversation with the app – at the Google IO event back in May. The upcoming update will also enable the Google Assistant to answer some queries and deal with some commands even while offline, according to reports. It seems that Google sees software as one way to really make its Pixel phone series stand out. We've heard plenty of rumors about the hardware that's on the way too, thanks to a seemingly endless series of leaks around the Pixel 4 phones, including hands-on videos with early versions of the handsets. The Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL will at last get their official unveiling on October 15, and we think Google might have a few other hardware surprises in store too. Whatever is on the way, we'll bring you all the news as it happens. Everything we know about the Google Pixel 4 phones so far This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Ms. Marvel confirmed as a playable character in Marvel’s Avengers Posted: 06 Oct 2019 02:11 AM PDT Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have used a Marvel's Avengers panel at New York Comic Con to announce that Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, will be a playable character in the upcoming Marvel’s Avengers game.  While she’ll be one of six playable heroes in the overall game, when it comes to the main story Khan will be the primary protagonist. According to Narrative Designer Hannah McLeod “she’s who you’re going to experience our original Avengers story through. It’s her perspective.” See what we thought in our hands on time with Marvel's Avengers How to watch the Marvel movies in order What to play while you're waiting for Marvel's Avengers The Assembler The announcement trailer released at Comic Con confirms that in Marvel’s Avengers the game, Khan gains her powers on A-Day, the calamitous celebration at the start of the game which sees the core Avengers team split apart and cast into disrepute.  As a newly created Inhuman and a big fan of the Avengers, over the course of the game's main story Khan will play a key role in uncovering the conspiracy against the heroes and bringing the gang back together all while coming into her own as Ms. Marvel.  In a further behind the scenes trailer, we’re given a better look at how Ms. Marvel’s powers will work in-game. Her polymorph abilities mean that she can contort her body, growing very big and shrinking down. Her most notable ability is Embiggen which allows her to lengthen her attacks and avoid other attacks, while an Ultra Embiggen state will allow her to grow in size and send her enemies flying.  Joining well-known characters like Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Captain America and Thor, Ms. Marvel is a fresh new face for the game and her earnest belief in the good of the Avengers is likely to prove a much-needed tonal balance to the doom and gloom cynicism of her more seasoned fellow heroes.  Marvel’s Avengers will be released on PS4, Xbox One, Stadia and PC on May 15 2020. Those attending EGX 2019 in London later this year will have the chance to get hands on with the game themselves as it will be playable on the show floor. Everything you need to know about Marvel's Avengers the game This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

MWC 2020: what we want to see Posted: 06 Oct 2019 01:00 AM PDT MWC 2020 - or to give it its full name, Mobile World Congress 2020 - runs from February 24-27 and it’s set to be the biggest mobile tradeshow of next year, just as MWC 2019 was the biggest this year. As such we’re expecting all sorts of major phone announcements, potentially including the Samsung Galaxy S11 and Sony Xperia 2. Those are just two of the more likely things we might see. While there aren’t really any rumors yet, we can take a good guess at what could appear based on past shows - and that’s exactly what we’ve done. So below you’ll find a list of the things we most want to see at MWC 2020 – but we’ve kept our estimates realistic and only included things we believe may actually show up. Once specific news and rumors about the show do start rolling in we’ll round them up for you, so make sure to check back here regularly. Samsung Galaxy S11 Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus Samsung always unveils its new Galaxy S range near the beginning of the year and it sometimes uses MWC as the venue to show them off to the world. As such there’s a chance the Samsung Galaxy S11 range will land at MWC 2020 – though given that the Galaxy S10 range was unveiled just before MWC 2019, there’s no guarantee the company's next flagship series will stay under wraps til the show. Still, if it is in attendance, the Galaxy S11 is sure to be one of the highlights of the show. We don't know much about the Galaxy S11 yet, but rumors point to new cameras, with the potential for a lens of up to 108MP. Plus it’s likely – at least in the US – to use a Snapdragon 865 chipset. An early benchmark suggests this should outmatch current Android chipsets, as we’d expect. Unlikely though it might be, there’s also a chance the Galaxy S11 won’t be called the Galaxy S11. It might instead launch as the Galaxy One, or something else entirely, and come with an S Pen stylus, with this new phone taking the place of both the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note ranges. Samsung Galaxy A series Samsung Galaxy A80 While the Galaxy S11 might land at MWC 2020, what we’re probably more likely to see are one or more new entries in the Galaxy A range, similar to the Samsung Galaxy A50 and Samsung Galaxy A30 that were launched at MWC 2019. Which models and what they might be capable of is unknown for now, but some entries in the range have proved impressive, with the Galaxy A80 for example sporting a rotatable rear-to-front camera, and the Galaxy A90 5G packing near flagship specs – including 5G. Sony Xperia 2 Sony Xperia 1 Sony often announces flagship phones at MWC, including the Sony Xperia 1 at MWC 2019, so we’re hoping and somewhat expecting to see the Sony Xperia 2 (or whatever it ends up being called) at MWC 2020. We haven’t heard much of anything about it yet, but expect high-end specs and likely a 21:9 display. It may also land alongside some lower end Xperia handsets. Huawei P40 Huawei P30 Huawei often announces major handsets at MWC, with the foldable Huawei Mate X being unveiled at MWC 2019 and the flagship Huawei P10 landing at the show a couple of years earlier, for example. What it doesn’t always do is use the venue to launch phones in its main flagship range, so it’s far from guaranteed that we’ll see the Huawei P40 there. It’s always possible, and we’d certainly like to see the next edition of the photography-focused line get a new edition teased early in the year. Unless things change, the Huawei P40 will land without access to Google services, which is sure to hurt it, but the core specs and other hardware are likely to impress. In particular, we’d expect a very good camera with lots of lenses, given Huawei’s past form, but beyond that we’re not yet sure what the P40 will offer. Nokia 9.1 PureView Nokia 9 PureView The Nokia 9 PureView was unveiled at MWC 2019 and we’re hoping to see its successor at MWC 2020. There is some question over what the next phone will actually be called though. We’ve heard rumors of a Nokia 9.1 PureView with added 5G support, but that doesn’t sound like a huge upgrade and might land ahead of MWC. In which case we could see the Nokia 9.2 PureView or the Nokia 10 PureView - whichever they end up going with - carrying forward the leading flagship position in Nokia's lineup. That new phone will likely have high-end specs and focus on photography. The Nokia 9 PureView has five rear lenses, but we’re hoping for improvements rather than simply tacking on more lenses. LG G9 LG G8 LG announced not one but two flagships at MWC 2019, so we’re expecting at least one to drop at MWC 2020, and it could be the LG G9. We don’t really know anything about the LG G9 yet and LG likes to put unusual features in its phones, so this one might have some surprises. It may also inherit some features from other recent LG flagships, such as a second screen attachment like the LG G8X ThinQ, and a hole-less vibrating speaker like the LG G8. LG V60 LG V50 ThinQ 5G The other LG flagship that we might get as well as or instead of the LG G9 is a new V-series entry, likely to be called the LG V60. This is another phone that we don’t know much about, but it’s likely to offer 5G, given that the LG V50 ThinQ 5G does, and will probably have an even more premium assortment of specs and features than the LG G9.  We're hoping the phonemaker introduces new features this time around: the V40 was the first mainstream handset to sport three rear cameras, ushering in the era of the ultrawide lens, but the V50 was a bare upgrade sped along to be one of the first 5G phones. Xiaomi Mi 10 Xiaomi Mi 9 Xiaomi has recently started making more of a push into western markets and that’s a good thing, as its phones are often brilliant value, even at the top end. So at MWC 2020 we’re hoping to see the Xiaomi Mi 10. The timing would make sense for it to be there and it could end up quietly being one of the most exciting phones on show if the Xiaomi Mi 9 is anything to go by. That phone wasn’t exactly innovative, but it did include a top-end chipset, good cameras and little in the way of actual weak points, all for around half the price of big-name flagships, so the Xiaomi Mi 10 is likely to pull off a similar trick. Moto G8 Moto G7 We’re expecting the Moto G8 in early 2020 so that might land at MWC 2020, though the Moto G7 was announced just before MWC 2019, so we’re far from certain. We hope to see something from Motorola though, whether it’s the Moto G8, a new entry in the varied Motorola One range, or something else entirely. The company is expanding its lineup below the Z-series, and we're eager to see it try new things now that it's introducing new phones that aren't reliant on Moto Mods. Leaks suggest the Moto G8 might have a pop-up selfie camera, and it’s sure to be a great value affordable handset, making for one of the more exciting non-flagships at the show. The iPhone 12 won't be at MWC This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Pokémon Go updates: all the news and rumors for what's coming next Posted: 06 Oct 2019 12:53 AM PDT Pokémon Go: the world's first augmented reality app to become a household name. Niantic's mobile AR game is still going strong two years after it first released, with a constant drip of events and updates keeping budding trainers glued to their phones and pounding the streets. And while it hasn't managed to top the peak of its popularity in 2016, it's still going strong and finding plenty of new ways to improve its player experience. So what's the latest news for Pokémon Go? As you'd expect, brand new features are being added all the time and community events are still going strong. Plus we have some more Safari Zones and brand new Gen 5 Pokémon to catch! But without further ado, here's our guide to all the latest Pokémon Go news and updates. Pokémon Go tips and tricks: how to get better at the game How to fix the biggest problems with Pokémon Go Pokémon Gone: how Pokémon Go can bring back lapsed trainers How to catch a Ditto in Pokémon Go Pokémon Go news and Pokémon Go updates What's new? There are some combat changes rolling out in Pokémon Go Combat changes Niantic is introducing some changes to Pokemon Go’s combat to improve trainer battles. These will come into play over the next couple of weeks.  As far as the combat system is concerned, players should find things "more intuitive and responsive". The changes include health bars that pulse when damage is taken to make it easier to tell when your Pokémon has taken a hit and a change to some timings for damage dealing and charged attacks. There will be changes to some existing attacks in the game including Bubble Beam, Power-Up Punch, Psychic and Snarl, while two new attacks, Thunder Fang and Ice Fang will be introduced.  All of the changes can be seen in detail on the Pokémon Go official blog.   Flower Crown Eevee There's also a brand new Research Breakthrough reward to enjoy. From September 1 until November 1, Eevee wearing flower crowns will appear in encounters for you to catch. Even more appealing, there's a chance some of those you encounter will be Shiny. Research Breakthroughs will be the only way you'll encounter these Pokémon so if you want to evolve every Eeveelution wearing a flower crown you'll have to get started now! When's the next Pokémon Go event? Stardust Blast A brand new Stardust event is incoming that will see players have the chance get their hands on exciting bonuses. From Thursday October 3 to Thursday October 10, hatching and catching Pokemon will provide double the amount of Stardust, as will Team Rocket battles. Further to that, Raid battles will also guarantee 2000 Stardust. Safari Zone Pokémon Go Fest is now over but Safari Zones are coming soon to Taipei and Montreal. Those unable to attend the events in person will, of course, be able to enjoy some of the benefits that will be available globally.  The first Safari Zone will take place in Montreal from September 20 to 22 at the Parc Jean-Drapeau. For this period, Pokémon known for their speed will appear more frequently in the safari zone and across Canada. For players further around the world, Yanma will appear more often.  From October 3 to 6, another Safari Zone event will take place in the New Taipei Metropolitan Park. During this period, water, bug and grass type Pokémon will appear more frequently and the event is un-ticketed.  When's the next Pokémon Go Community Day? What date is the next Community Day? October 12 Who's the starring Pokémon? Trapinch Now that Turtwig has had its day, the next Pokémon Go Community Day has been confirmed to be taking place on October 12, between 11am and 2pm local time. The featured Pokémon for the event will be the ground-type Pokémon Trapinch.  Across the day Trapinch will spawn more often and there will be a possibility you could encounter it in its shiny form. The event-specific move for Trapinch hasn't been confirmed yet but this will be revealed closer to the time. During the event, there will be triple XP awarded for any Pokémon caught and any Lure Modules will last for three hours rather than thirty minutes. Pokémon Go update: what's next? Niantic hasn't revealed any more plans for what's coming next in Pokémon Go in terms of the big picture but there are always new creatures and new events happening in the game. Big reveals can happen at any time, though, and we'll report them right here if and when any announcement happens. Check out the best and weirdest Pokémon Go stories so far Pokémon Go Plus deals Want to buy yourself a Pokémon Go Plus wearable? Check some of today's best deals down below. (Image credits: Niantic/Pokémon Company) Read more: Harry Potter Wizards Unite: everything we know This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Pokémon Sword and Shield release date, trailers, and brand new features Posted: 06 Oct 2019 12:43 AM PDT After releasing some of the best games in franchise history on the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo and Game Freak are finally ready to bring the main Pokémon games to the Nintendo Switch – the first of which are called Pokémon Sword and Shield. The games will release globally on Nintendo Switch this November and will bring with them a brand-new region, features and Pokémon for trainers to swoon over. The official Pokémon YouTube channel has been dripping feeding us with snippets of gameplay and Pokémon designs too – though not everyone is happy with what's been shown so far (more on this below). The Sword and Shield games will be set in the Galar Region (basically, a Pokémon-ified version of the United Kingdom) and will include a number of creatures including three new starting Pokémon, Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey. We'll also see a new mechanic called Dynamaxing that will replace Z-Moves and Mega-Evolutions – and apparently even Poké Jobs that help your Pokémon gain experience. So how does Sword and Shield stack up to Pokémon Let's Go: Pikachu and Eevee on Switch? Those games acted as a sort of reboot of the original Red and Blue titles for the Nintendo Gameboy, and for many didn't count as a 'core' Pokémon experience. Players will be looking to Pokémon Sword and Shield to bring the true Pokémon experience to Nintendo Switch, and expectations are much, much higher. So what do we know, and what are we hoping to see when Pokémon Sword and Shield launch this year? Read on to find out. [Update: The recent 24-hour livestream has offered us a look at a brand new Pokémon! Read more on what was shown and more new announcements below.] Best Nintendo Switch games: all the must-have titles for your console Cut to the chase What is it? The eighth-generation of Pokémon games When can I play it? November 15, 2019 What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch Image credit: Nintendo Pokémon Sword and Shield release date During a special Pokémon Sword and Shield focused Nintendo Direct on June 5, Nintendo revealed that Pokémon Sword and Shield will release globally on November 15, 2019.  In addition, Nintendo announced pre-orders for a double-pack edition of the games will be available soon. Pokémon Sword and Shield trailers Wondering what towns in the Galar region might look like? A brand new trailer dropped during Gamescom will give you a better idea. Rolling verdant hills, quaint train stations and the ever-familiar comfort of the Pokémon Center. Check out the new footage below: Pokémon Sword and Shield will made battling bigger and better than ever, and we mean the former quite literally. In a trailer released in August 2019, some new battle mechanics are explored. Watch the trailer below to see new Hidden Abilities, moves, items and some more details about Dynamaxing.  A new day, a new trailer. We were expecting possibly more of an in-depth Pokémon Direct, but this two-minute clip does give us a look at some new Pokémon designs – as well as some 'rivals' you'll be facing off against in the game. Check out the video below: Another recent Pokémon Sword and Shield trailer gave us a closer look at Dynamaxing, new Pokémon and the Galar Pokémon League. Check it out below: The best glimpse we've had of Pokémon Sword and Shield was during a special Nintendo Direct in June. The Nintendo Direct shed a lot of light on what new features we can expect alongside some new Pokémon pals.  Check out the video below: The first Pokémon Sword and Shield trailer didn't give too much away, but you can see the first glimpse of the environments and art style. You also get a first look at three new starter Pokémon: the fire-rabbit Scorbunny, twig-monkey Grookey, and a sad-looking tadpole (sadpole?) called Sobble. Check the trailer out below: The last video, released right around the time of E3 2019, highlighted some of the geographical features of the Galar Region and introduced us to raid battles – a mechanic taken from the Pokémon Go mobile game. Pokémon Sword and Shield screenshots We've been hands on with Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokémon Sword and Shield news and features Glimwood Tangle Livestream Aspiring Pokemon researchers have tuned into the promised Sword and Shield livestream and what have they discovered over the 24 hours? Well, it looks like there's a Galar region variant of the horse-like Pokémon Ponyta. Appearing in all its glory during the stream, this Pokémon takes the form of a unicorn with a pastel, cotton candy inspired mane. The livestream didn't come with any accompanying explanation to confirm exactly what we were seeing but a Galarian variant of Ponyta does seem to be the most widely accepted theory.   Autosave The rumour that Pokemon Sword and Shield will be the first games in the series to include an autosave feature have been confirmed. In an interview with GameInformer, director Ohmori said that autosave will run in the background throughout the game. The feature will be turned on by default, but fans looking for a more traditional experience can go in and turn it off and save manually.  Exp Share Another feature that will be automatic in Sword and Shield is Experience Share which will see XP fairly distributed among your Pokemon team by default, rather than subject to the use of an item.  Meet Sirfetch’d Nintendo has introduced the new Wild Duck Pokémon: Sirfetch'd. According  to the Nintendo, "Farfetch’d that inhabit the Galar region can evolve into Sirfetch’d after experiencing many battles". However, this new Pokémon is exclusive to Pokémon Sword. Check out the reveal trailer for the leek-wielding Pokémon below: Autosaves? Could we finally see autosaves make an appearance in a mainline Pokémon game with Sword and Shield? Perhaps. A while after that Nintendo Direct it's now come to the attention of some eagle-eyed fans (via Eurogamer) that during the trailer "Now Saving..." briefly appeared during gameplay. This could, of course, just be the aftermath of a manual save but it looks like it could easily be marking the introduction of an autosave that is instigated by reaching certain points or crossing certain thresholds in the game. We won't know for sure, however, until it's confirmed or denied by Nintendo.  Nintendo Direct September 2019 Nintendo dropped a Direct in early September with some brand new details on Pokémon Sword and Shield.  First up, as we already knew character customisation is making a return but it's going to be more wide-ranging than ever before. Now in addition to changing tops and bottoms, you can change hairstyles, apply make up and pull some stylish outerwear. Catching Pokémon in a leather jacket? You betcha.  There's also Pokémon Camp which allows you to pitch up a tent during your journeys and play with your Pokémon. This will improve their performance in battle and you can even take your Pokémon to visit the camps of other players online.  Camping also means cooking. Now you can lovingly create dishes of curry and rice for you and your Pokémon with more than 100 variations to enjoy. To keep track of your recipes you'll be using the Currydex (yes, seriously).  Of course, there are also some new Pokémon. The Direct introduced us to flying-water-type Cramorant and ghost-type Polteagiest.  Gamescom 2019 Gamescom 2019 is here and despite that fact that Nintendo dropped a new Pokémon trailer merely days before the event, more new footage has been shown. Aren't we spoiled.  The new footage gives a good look at an as-yet-unnamed town in the Galar region. This footage reveals that in addition to the previously revealed flying taxi service in the game, players will also be able to travel by train. Hopefully the attempt to reflect the UK will only be surface level or we'll get nowhere by rail. Towns will also have, as expected, Pokémon Centers, grocery stores and clothing stores to have a look around and spend some money.  New battle mechanics In a recent trailer, some brand new battle details have been confirmed.  Corviknight is shown to have a Hidden Ability called Mirror Armor which will allow it to reflect any stat-lowering effects back at its opponents.  Hidden Abilities, it’s been confirmed in a blog post, are slightly more special than standard abilities as they’ll only feature in Pokémon that have been caught in Max Raid Battles (so a Corviknight you catch from a normal encounter won't have the Mirror Armor ability).  These Max Raid Battles, coincidentally, are the way to encounter another kind of special Pokémon: one that's capable of Gigantamaxing. If you’re really lucky you might go into a Max Raid Battle and come away with a Pokémon that can Gigantamax and has a Hidden Ability but that’ll be a very rare event and you’ll have to take part in a lot of Raids.  New items will also be introduced to the game. One of these is Room Service, which will lower the speed of the Pokémon holding it during Trick Room. The other is Eject Pack which will switch the holding Pokémon out of battle if its stats are lowered, allowing you to replace it with another from your team.  Battling online A few more details on the Online Battle Stadium have been confirmed. Players with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be able to connect over the internet and compete in single or double battles. These battles can be ranked or casual, with the former involving facing trainers of similar ranks to try and earn points to move up, while the latter is, well, just for fun. With things working through the Nintendo Switch Online service, that means Pokémon Global Link is not supported.  Pokémon have jobs now An official listing on the Pokémon Sword and Shield's website shows a way of earning experience points by freelancing your Pokémon out to random employers. Exploitation, or a fun summer job? At the very least it's a great way of ensuring your boxed Pokémon aren't languishing while you take your main team on your adventure as can sometimes happen. It seems something of a shame that you can't go along with your Pokémon and take part in a mini game for some jobs but either way it's a great way to keep your Pokémon training and to bring in some special items as rewards.  Region variants Regional variations of familiar Pokémon always make exploring new areas even more fun. The region variants for the Galarian region really play up that U.K inspiration.  There’s Galarian Weezing which is clearly drawing heavily on the Industrial Revolution with its chimney pipe hat and Victorian factory-owner vibe.  Meanwhile Zigzagoon and Linoon have taken on a more badger-like appearance. There’s also an entirely new Pokémon confirmed for the Galar region: Morpeko. This little hamster-like creature is adorable until It gets hungry. In perhaps the most relatable Pokémon behaviour ever, when Morpeko enters hangry mode, it goes from electric type to dark type and looks utterly merciless.  The bad guys Pokémon grunt organisations are very rarely subtle and Team Yell are continuing that trend with their name, their fashion and their utter adoration of Marnie.  Marnie is one of your main rivals in Sword and Shield and she’s hell bent on becoming a champion. Team Yell are her followers who will get in your way in order to help her get there.  Bede is your other rival. He’s a little more mysterious than Marnie (and looks a little more like a grandmother too). While he’s also aiming to become champion, he’s got other motives you’ll be aiming to uncover.  Brand new models The Pokémon Sword and Shield development team has been facing ire from fans following the news that every single Pokémon ever won’t be available to catch in the new games with the latest rumors suggesting that Game Freak has been utilising old 3DS creature models for the Switch game in order to cut costs. This theory has been shot down by an older Famitsu interview with Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori (via Polygon) in which it’s stated that the models for the new game have been created from scratch.  It was also said that the more intensive graphics of the Switch has lengthened the time needed to render Pokémon so the limited Pokédex would have come at some point.  Version-exclusive Gym Leaders Pokémon Sword and Shield will have version-exclusive Gym Leaders. In Pokémon Sword you will battle karate prodigy Bea, while in Pokémon Shield, you take on emo king Allister. Gigantamaxing Previously we had heard of the Dynamax feature that allows Pokémon to become super-sized during battles, however Nintendo has now revealed the "phenomenon" of Gigantamaxing.  While Dynamaxing can only occur in specific areas of the Galar region, and is a common occurrence for Pokémon from the region, Gigantaxmaxing is only specific to certain species of Pokémon and kicks things up a notch by not only increasing a Pokémon's size but also its appearance. In addition, Gigantamaxing boosts the power of the Pokémon and allows it to use a unique move known as a G-Max Move - each G-Max Move is particular to a specific species of Gigantamax Pokémon. More new Pokémon In a recent trailer Nintendo introduced us to some more new Pokémon we'll be encountering in Galar, including the walking ice-cream sundae Alcremie, adorable puppy Yamper, coal chunk Rolycoly and steel dragon Duraludon. Image credit: Nintendo Doubling Down Pokémon producer Junichi Masuda has reiterated the news that not all Pokémon would be available to catch in Sword and Shield in a statement to fans on the official Pokémon site. In the statement, Masuda thanked fans for their love of the Pokémon series but reaffirmed the decision to limit Pokémon in the game to those within the Galar region.  He did, however, add that "even if a specific Pokémon is not available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, that does not mean it will not appear in future games." Fan backlash against the news has been severe but it seems that Game Freak is sticking to its guns. Masuda added in his statement that the Galar region will see “the world of Pokémon continues to evolve. The Galar region offers new Pokémon to encounter, Trainers to battle, and adventures to embark on. We are pouring our hearts into these games, and we hope you will look forward to joining us on this new journey.“ Can't catch 'em all  It's been confirmed that Pokémon Sword and Shield will not feature every Pokémon from the franchise so far, making them the first mainline games to do so. Given there are now more than 800 species of Pokémon this is, perhaps, not all that surprising. The reason, according to Game Freak producer Junichi Masuda (via Famitsu), is that on reaching generation eight there will be more than a thousand Pokémon in the Pokédex. Such a large number means "it has become extremely difficult to make Pokémon with a new personality play an active part and to balance their compatibility" as well as to make sure they'll all be balanced in battle. Not only that, it would be too difficult to have so many in-game models with a high enough graphical quality.  Though the choice saddens Masuda, he says that it's a decision he "had to make some day" and that he's opting to "choose the quality".  Poké Ball Plus Pokémon Ball Plus We didn't hear much about Pokémon Sword and Shield during Nintendo Direct at E3 2019, but it was teased that the Pokémon Ball Plus can be used to take your in-game Pokémon for "a stroll". However, the ball cannot be used as a controller. In addition, it was teased that "good things" will happen if you build up a strong connection to one Pokémon in particular. Release date revealed Nintendo held a special Pokémon Sword and Shield focused Nintendo Direct on June 5 that revealed both games will release globally on November 15, 2019. Max Raid Battles Much like Pokémon Go, Sword and Shield has a feature which allows trainers to team up with up to three others online to take on more powerful Pokémon. Legendaries Pokémon Sword and Shield's wolf-like Legendary Pokémon are Zacian (sword) and Zamazenta (shield). Dynamax Mode This new mode allows trainers to make their Pokémon giant and super-powered. This mode can only be activated once during a battle and lasts three turns before a Pokémon reverts to normal size. Image credit: Nintendo More new Pokémon Alongside the starter Pokémon, Nintendo has also revealed a few more new Pokémon joining Sword and Shield: Wooloo (sheep Pokémon), Gossifleur (a fancy lady Pokémon that evolves into Eldegoss), Drednaw (who resembles a snapping turtle) and Corviknight (a raven and glorified taxi service for the Galar region). Wild Area Galar features a Wild Area where trainers can explore, battle and capture Pokémon. Which Pokémon appear depends on the environment and weather. Stadiums Trainers will battle Pokémon leaders in Stadiums rather than the usual gyms. These stadiums are huge and packed with a cheering audience.  New characters Nintendo revealed your new rival is Hop, whose older brother is the Pokémon champion of Galar. Meanwhile Professor Magnolia and her assistant Sonia will act as your guides. Image credit: Nintendo Trainer outfit customization will be a feature While it's not a brand new feature, trainer outfit customization has been popular with Pokémon players since it was introduced in X and Y. And it's a feature which a recent Uniqlo competition has confirmed will be in Pokémon Sword and Shield.  In a collaboration with The Pokémon Company, the clothing brand asked fans to design a top which would then be sold in stores. Now that the winning entry has been chosen (a design featuring Magikarp and Gyrados) it's been revealed that the top will also be wearable in Pokémon Sword and Shield as a trainer outfit. Just how many more outfit options there'll be in the games isn't known yet, but we're hoping to catch a glimpse of some more if Nintendo shows us some new Sword and Shield footage during its E3 conference this year.  Made for handheld While the Pokémon Let's Go games were developed with TV mode in mind, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has stated that Pokémon Sword and Shield will "emphasize the fun of playing Nintendo Switch in handheld mode." Furukawa made the comments during Nintendo's March 2019 Financial Results Briefing (via Nintendo Life). Image credit: Nintendo A whole new world We know the game is set in a brand new region of Galar, rather than a rehash of Kanto or a previously visited territory. Galar seems to be loosely inspired by England's cities and countryside, with rolling hills and brickwork cities to explore. The trailer also showed glimpses of jewel-encrusted mines and what might even be a football stadium (see the kit below), though we're waiting to see whether competing in a Pokémon-themed Football World Cup will be possible for players. Brand new Pokémon Yup, this is a new generation of Pokémon, meaning you'll be seeing a lot of new faces – as well as a lot of old ones. The trailer gave us a mix of familiar Pokémon like Pikachu and Hoothoot along the new starters, and we're hoping Game Freak manage to keep the new designs interesting (no ice cream or candelabra Pokémon, please.) Modern to the core Sword and Shield look to retain the look and 3D animation style of the Pokeémon Let's Go games that launched on Nintendo Switch last year. Pokémon games haven't been flat 2D games in years, and has increasingly been moving towards full-size avatars and 3D environments. Some may miss the old-school pixel charm of the earlier games – and find the 3D creature models a bit bland – but for better or worse this is what we're getting. Pokémon Stars what? What still confuses us is that we've been waiting for the long-rumored Pokémon Stars game for over two years now, Eurogamer. published a report in late 2016 that said multiple sources had confirmed a new version of Pokémon Sun and Moon was being developed for the Switch under the code named Pokémon Stars.  While it never materialized, 'Stars' could well have been a code-name for what eventually became the Let's Go games, or could still prove a Switch port for the Sun and Moon games. We wonder where Pokémon Switch will land on our picks of the best Pokémon games This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Sword and Shield livestream reveals new Galarian Pokémon Posted: 06 Oct 2019 12:37 AM PDT Patient fans who tuned into a recent livestream for Pokémon Sword and Shield were rewarded with the reveal of a brand new Pokémon from the Galar region, the UK-inspired location for the next generation of games.  After teasing viewers with galloping sounds and a few obscured glimpses, the new Pokémon walked briefly across screen and then, shortly before the stream came to an end, two of the new Pokémon emerged together. And they appeared to be Galarian variants of Ponyta, one of the original 150 Pokémon. Don't miss our hands on review of Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokéjobs will put your Sword and Shield starters to work We have all of the latest Pokémon Sword and Shield news The stream didn't have any accompanying text or commentary to confirm that this is definitely the case, but it's the most likely explanation. Galarian Unicorn Attack From what we could see, the Galarian version of the fire-type horse Pokémon takes the form of a unicorn, which ties in well with the UK theme of Sword and Shield's world. Instead of being fiery, the Galar region Ponyta's mane is pastel-toned and fluffy, like cotton candy.  The mythical appearance of the new Pokémon and the fact that it was spotted in newly confirmed Glimwood Tangle, a location that seems to draw inspiration from fairy glades, suggests that it could be a fairy-type but we won't know this for certain until it's confirmed by The Pokémon Company and Game Freak.  This new Galarian variant wasn't the only Pokémon to appear on the stream—others, including Impidimp, Pikachu, Phantump and Morellul and Shiiinotic also appeared, confirming their presence in Sword and Shield when the games are released on November 15.  According to the official page of the livestream, Pokémon researcher Sonia is gathering together reports to create a summary. We imagine we'll find out more about this new unicorn Pokémon when The Pokémon Company updates its website with some kind of research report soon.  Everything you need to know about Pokémon Sword and Shield This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

New Zealand vs Namibia live stream: how to watch today's Rugby World Cup 2019 match from anywhere Posted: 05 Oct 2019 07:12 PM PDT All ready looking imperious after soundly beating South Africa and Canada in their opening 2019 Rugby World Cup matches, New Zealand are set to flex their might today against the tournament's rank outsiders. You can watch all the action as it happens no matter where you are in the world with our New Zealand vs Namibia live stream guide below. Can Namibia cast aside their whipping boys tag and avert a cricket score scenario, or will the All Blacks be their ruthless selves and run up a World Cup record score? Looking every inch the defending champs in their 63-0 win over Canada in their last outing, New Zealand will be looking to make two games on the bounce without conceding in Tokyo today. Today's match provides another opportunity for fringe players to make a claim for a place in the All Blacks starting line up. Its also an opportunity to ease back in lock Brodie Retallick from injury, who has now recovered from the disclosed shoulder he sustained against South Africa back in July. Namibia have crashed to defeat against Italy and South Africa in the first two World Cup matches, scoring just 25 points across both games. With one eye on next weekend's clash with Italy, coach Steve Hansen has rotated his squad and will be sending his side out today with the key goal of keeping things respectable. You can watch all the action from pretty much anywhere on Earth by following our Rugby World Cup New Zealand vs Namibia live stream guide below. Discover how to live stream every single Rugby World Cup game and for free How to watch the 2019 Rugby World Cup from outside your country If you're abroad for any of the Rugby World Cup and don't want to miss out on catching the coverage from your home country, you'll inevitably find it geo-blocked when you try to stream online. But don't sweat. With the option of a VPN, you can tune into those fixtures no matter where you are in the world without resorting to some dodgy feed on Reddit. And best of all, it's really easy to do (or read on for details on how to stream coverage from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA). How to watch the All Blacks live in New Zealand How to stream New Zealand vs Namibia live in the UK  How to watch the New Zealand vs Namibia in Australia How to live stream New Zealand vs Namibia in the US Hulu with Live TV $40 per month - Hulu with Live TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN. FuboTV $35 for the first month - FuboTV gives you the first month at a discounted rate but after that the price increases to $45 a month. The service includes CBS, Fox, NBC and the NFL Network but does not come with ESPN. DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and for $5 extra you can add the NFL Network. YouTubeTV $40 per month - YouTubeTV gives you access to CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN. Live stream Rugby World Cup 2019 match in Canada This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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