Apple : iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals US: get the best prices for Black Friday 2019 |
- iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals US: get the best prices for Black Friday 2019
- Best monitor 2019: the top 10 monitors and displays we’ve reviewed
- CES 2020: Here's what you can expect to see at the world’s biggest tech event
- Best hard drives 2019: the top HDD for desktops and laptops
- Cyberpunk 2077 release date, trailers, gameplay and news
- The best cheap gaming mouse deals for Black Friday 2019
- Diablo 4 is official - everything you need to know
- Pokémon Go updates: all the news and rumors for what's coming next
- The best Walmart Black Friday laptop deals
- Broadcom completes Symantec deal, rebrands as NortonLifeLock
- The best graphics cards 2019: all the top GPUs for gaming
- The best gaming PC 2019: 10 of the top gaming desktops you can buy
- Best phones under Rs 12,000 in India for November 2019
- Amazon Black Friday preview: deals on the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick and more
- Best smartphones under Rs 7,000 in India for November 2019
- Fake court summons used to spread phishing malware
- The best gaming monitor 2019: the 10 best gaming screens of the year
- Best gaming mouse 2019: the best gaming mice we've tested
- Best external hard drives of 2019
| iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals US: get the best prices for Black Friday 2019 Posted: 06 Nov 2019 01:46 PM PST The September 10 Apple Event unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro smartphones. The latest iPhone is officially available to order today from all major carriers and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. To help you wade through all the different plans, we've listed the best iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro prices and deals that are available in the US today. The best Black Friday iPhone 11 deals and pricesWhile there are plenty of fantastic offers below, you can also look forward to discounts during Black Friday 2019. The November sale event is an excellent opportunity to find online bargains, and lucky for you we've put together a guide on how to find the best Black Friday iPhone deals. We'll tell you everything you know to know, such as the date, what retailers are participating, and what prices you can expect to see. iPhone 11 deals from US carriers:iPhone 11 Pro deals from US carriers:iPhone 11 Pro Max deals from US carriers:The iPhone 11 Pro Max, the bigger version of the 11 Pro, is priced at $1,099 from carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. Sprint is offering the Pro Max for $16.67 a month with an eligible trade-in and on a Sprint Flex 18-month lease, and Verizon is offering up to $450 off with select trade-in and Unlimited. While AT&T isn't offering a promotion on the Pro Max, but you can get the iPhone 11 for free when you trade in a qualifying phone. Learn more about the newest iPhone with our hands on iPhone 11 review, iPhone 11 Pro review, and iPhone 11 Pro Max review. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best monitor 2019: the top 10 monitors and displays we’ve reviewed Posted: 06 Nov 2019 01:10 PM PST Getting the best monitor you can afford will make your life so much simpler. After all, the monitor is the window into the computer’s soul. Everything is easier to digest, whether it’s watching a movie, photo editing or reading an ebook. And the better the monitor, the more immersive your experience will be. While there are quite a few displays which are outrageously expensive, you can still grab one of the best monitors for a decent price. Whatever your budget, you can get a great display. What is the best monitor for you? Maybe it’s one with insanely fast refresh rates, or a massive screen, or even an especially high resolution. Or maybe you’ll want a gaming monitor to pair with the best gaming PCs. If you’re rocking an ultrabook as your main rig, maybe the best USB-C monitors are the way to go. Regardless, there’s something to meet any need. We’ve compiled a list of our picks for the best monitor, all rigorously evaluated here at TechRadar, for your consideration. Whether you’re a gamer, a video editor, or just looking for a better display, you’ll find the best monitor for you below. Best monitors 2019 at a glance:
3D designers particularly love the BenQ PD3200U. Now that the best PCs can handle 4K easier than ever before, the best 4K monitors are all over the place. That’s why BenQ released the PD3200U, a massive 32-inch Ultra HD display, as part of its Designer Monitor range. 3D designers particularly love this display, thanks to the factory-calibrated color accuracy and CAD/CAM mode. Marketed to creatives and professionals, BenQ has designed, seemingly by mistake, a panel that gamers will enjoy as well, making it one of the best monitors all-around – so long as they can find the space for it on their desks. Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is one of the best monitors if you're wanting an ultra-wide display. Though the AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is a gaming monitor through and through, it’s one of the best monitors if you’re wanting an ultra-wide display. With its exceptional color support, strong contrast ratio incredibly speedy 120Hz refresh rate, everything you do on your PC will look better and feel faster. It’s on the more expensive side, but this ultra-wide monitor can significantly boost productivity, making it totally worth the hefty price. As long as you have the hardware to drive it, it’s one of the best monitors money can buy. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ combines so many high-end features. If you’ve been searching for one of the best monitors, and you’re ready to just give up and buy the most expensive monitor you can find, you’re in luck. The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ combines so many high-end features that it almost seems like too much. It doesn’t just feature a 4K UHD display at 144Hz, but it also rocks Nvidia G-Sync and HDR. This is simply the best monitor on the market, but it will also cost an arm and a leg. If you’re playing games, doing photo and video editing work, or even just general desktop work, you can’t go wrong with this monitor, as long as you have the cash to shell out. Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ The Acer Predator X34 is a fantastic example of what an ultra-wide monitor can do. When you’re growing tired of the same old 16:9 aspect ratio, nothing hits the spot like a cinematic 21:9 display. It’s not the best for watching Netflix or YouTube, but the Acer Predator X34 is a fantastic example of what an ultra-wide monitor can do. Boasting an eye-catching aluminum bezel and polygonal stand that looks like a bird’s foot, this massive 34-inch monitor is a marvel to behold. More significantly, armed with Nvidia’s G-Sync tech, you won’t require V-Sync stressing out your graphics card. The Acer Predator X34 does all the heavy lifting for you. This is about as immersive as a gaming monitor can get, and one of the best monitors to buy this 2019. Read the full review: Acer Predator X34 The Asus Designo Curve MX38VC has a massive 3,840 x 1,600 resolution. Ultrawide monitors have been around for a while: they’ve constantly made it on folks’ the best monitors list for a few years now, in fact. These wide monitors are lifesavers when it comes to productivity, and they’re only increasing in popularity. The Asus Designo Curve MX38VC, however, takes it to the next level. Not only does this monitor have a massive 3,840 x 1,600 resolution, but with USB-C compatibility and a Qi wireless charger built into the base, it’s going to be a workplace companion you won’t want to live without. It’s a tad pricey, and doesn’t feature HDR, but that’s a worthy sacrifice, especially for professionals. Read the full review: Asus Designo Curve MX38VC The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K's build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either. Dell went so far as to ensure that the build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is aimed at professionals, obviously, so if that sounds like it’s made for you, it’s probably the best monitor you’ll ever find. Read the full review: Dell UltraSharp UP3218K
The BenQ EX3203R offers a ton of high-end features in a product that is very reasonably priced. If you’re looking for a first-rate 1440p monitor with HDR for multimedia and gaming, then the BenQ EX3203R might be the display for you. One of the best monitors this 2019, this one’s noteworthy as it offers a ton of high-end features in a product that is very reasonably priced. Sure, 32 inches might sound like a bit much for a monitor, but the 1800R curvature on this BenQ panel means that it’s easy to use, both for productivity, as well as for immersion in your games and media. Read the full review: BenQ EX203R
The Alienware 25 will all but eliminate screen tearing. If you’re on a tight budget, then this might break the bank – like any Alienware product would. Still, Dell’s 25-inch gaming monitor will all but eliminate screen tearing, and whether you’re using an AMD Radeon VII or an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, there’s a configuration for you. With G-Sync or FreeSync taking some of the heavy lifting off the GPU that would otherwise be spent on VSync, the Alienware 25’s 120Hz refresh rate might actually be reasonable. The 1ms response time? Well, that’s just the cherry on top. Read the full review: Alienware 25 The BenQ Zowie XL2540 gives up dazzling lighting effects for a ridiculous 240Hz refresh rate. It might seem farfetched, but the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is every bit the gaming monitor that the Asus Predator X34 is. While it may not appear like it from the outside looking in, it does its job incredibly well too, giving up dazzling lighting effects for a ridiculous 240Hz refresh rate and almost-instantaneous 1ms response time. There’s no G-Sync or FreeSync, as this monitor assumes you already have a rig that’s more than capable of eliminating screen tears without any help. Instead, this monitor keeps it simple by providing you with lots of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and a pair of adjustable light screens. Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540 The MSI Optix MPG341CQR has a super-wide resolution, incredibly fast response time and a viewing angle of 178 degrees. If you’re searching for a gaming monitor with a super-wide 1440p resolution, incredibly fast response time of 1ms, a viewing angle of 178 degrees and a quick refresh rate, then the MSI Optix MPG341CQR is something you should consider. If not for those, then perhaps for the fact that MSI has decided to go with a VA panel, as opposed to IPS, giving it more contrast and punchier colors. A few bonuses are included, as well: snazzy “Mystic Light” RGD LEDs, USB-C connectivity, an integrated camera and a competitive price. Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article Image Credits: TechRadar This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| CES 2020: Here's what you can expect to see at the world’s biggest tech event Posted: 06 Nov 2019 12:56 PM PST Update: Intel has announced the time and date of its CES 2020 keynote - it's Monday, January 6, at 4:00 pm at Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, 2nd Floor, Ballrooms E & F. What can we expect? Potentially this could be the year that we finally see the fabled Intel Graphics Card and 10nm desktop CPUs. It no longer goes by its Consumer Electronics Show monicker, but CES is still the place to see the latest and greatest tech companies have to offer, whether that’s a 5G phone, a transparent Ultra-HD TV, a personal drone that can fly you around or something completely unexpected like a robot dog. That said, while this year’s show - CES 2020 - won’t be too different from shows past, it will have a greater focus on travel and tourism, data analytics and improving customer experiences, plus the usual slew of TVs, speakers, headphones, laptops and phones - many of which will be optimized for the 5G/8K revolution. After facing blowback last year for its exclusion and revocation of an award from a sex toy company, CES 2020 will broaden the scope of its Health and Wellness sector to include sex toys 'on a one-year trial basis' and will be partnering with the Female Quotient to ensure that more diverse voices are heard at the show. Beyond the cavalcade of products, we're expecting to see a lot of conversations happening about digital health and the commoditization of personal data, two big problem areas for the industry. Whatever kind of tech you're into, however, CES will offer something new and interesting for everyone, whether you’re deep into enterprise, stuck into future trends or just keen to see what comes next. Here's what you can expect. When is CES 2020?If you’re going by the official dates, CES 2020 runs from Tuesday, January 7 through Friday, January 10, 2020. That said, however, journalists will pour into the city a few days before that to cover the news conferences that kick off on Sunday, January 5 at 12 pm PST and continue through Monday and Tuesday. It’s during that time we’ll hear from Sony, Samsung, LG and several other electronics makers as they introduce us to new products at their on-stage keynotes. Traditionally, the biggest of these keynotes happen on Monday as that’s when LG, Samsung and Sony all hold their events, but some CES-related announcements will arrive starting on Sunday night as news begins to trickle out of the conference. How do you get tickets for CES 2020?Registration for CES 2020 is available now on the CES 2020 website, and are free for qualifying members of the media. For non-media folk, Early Bird tickets are available for just $100 if you just want access to the show floor from January 7 - 10 and the keynotes, though that price will shoot up to $300 starting on December 18, 2019. If you want a bit more than the basic pass, you can buy the CES 2020 Starter Conference Pass that includes a curated list of events around the show’s biggest trends for $700 or the Deluxe Conference Pass that includes 14+ partner sessions for $1,400. How big is CES and where does it take place?CES is massive and takes over the vast majority of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding streets. In fact, in terms of square footage, there’s 2.75 million net square feet of exhibit space between the Las Vegas Convention Center, The Sands, Mandalay Bay and The Venetian, nearly all of which plays host to the convention and its exhibitors. Fun fact: There are around 160,000 hotel rooms in Vegas and around 180,000 attendees each year. As you’d expect given those numbers, hotels fill up fast and the roads leading to the convention center get pretty crowded that week. Thankfully, the CTA (the company that puts on the show) offers free shuttles to almost all of the major hotels on the strip from the Convention Center, and has buses running to and from the Sands between 9 and 6 pm. All that said, be prepared to walk. The convention center itself is massive and so is The Sands. Walking either can easily take between one and two hours, and you’ll easily rack up three to four miles on your pedometer along the way. Which companies are attending CES 2020?Pretty much every major tech company will be there, minus Apple. (You can find a complete list on the CES 2020 website.) Confirmed exhibitors include Amazon, Canon, Facebook, Intel, LG, Lenovo, Microsoft, MSI, Nikon, Samsung, Sony and many, many more. Now, admittedly, not everyone is there to show off new products. A fair majority of companies are there for business, while others are there to collect feedback and have a presence, rather than debut something new. That said, there will still be hundreds of new products making their debut this year in nearly every category. CES 2020 trends and company-specific predictionsIn a meeting with TechRadar, the CTA outlined a number of trends that would take center stage at this year’s show. The list included transportation and tourism (Delta Airlines have a keynote this year for the first time in the show’s history), data analytics and privacy, digital health, the global race for 5G, the consumerization of AI and, of course, 8K displays. These are rather dense, multifaceted topics and will surely be the topic of many presentations during the show. If you want hard product news, that will come from many of the same suspects as last year, all of whom are listed below. AMD at CES 2020We're fully expecting AMD to come out with a line of high-end GPUs next year - maybe even as early as CES 2020. In past years, AMD has taken to the stage on Monday to deliver a keynote, and could potentially do the same this year. Last year AMD showed off its first ever 7-nanometer GPU, the Radeon VII, at CES 2019, so expect big things this year. LG at CES 2020Like Samsung, LG’s plans are easy to predict - it’s probably going to show off a new series of OLED TVs, plus give an updated release date for last year’s rollable OLED. Speaking of far-flung TVs we can't afford, CES 2020 will probably be the place LG officially debuts its transparent OLED prototype that it was showing behind closed doors at last year's show... though it will likely only be for businesses at first. LG also uses CES to debut its new line of appliances including smart washers and dryers and nifty household gadgets like air purifiers and robot vacuums. Last year we saw a home brewing system and a smart cupboard that steams your clothes. Featuring a mirrored door with integrated display, automatically moving hangers, and a smart steaming system, it was a wildly different product than we were expecting to see at a tech trade show. CES is also the time LG debuts its mid-range mobile phones. Last year we saw the LG V40 ThinQ, while back in 2017 LG brought the Stylus 3. Don't expect any flagship phones at this year's event,but it's Android phone fans should expect something. Intel at CES 2020Keynote time: Monday, January 6, at 4:00 pm PST Last year was a big show for the chip maker. The company came out guns blazing at its CES 2019 keynote, announcing the first 10nm Ice Lake processors based on its Sunny Cove architecture – and even showing the chip powering a running laptop. The new chips aim to bolster modern PC performance, while Intel's new Project Athena initiative hopes to push mobile computing to the next era with thinner and lighter hardware across industry partners like Huawei, Asus, and Lenovo. Intel also announced six more 9th-gen processors, ranging from Core i3 to Core i9, making it one of the biggest launches yet for the company. This year could be the year that company debuts its long-rumored discrete GPU which we saw a mockup of at GDC 2019 earlier this year, or Intel could use the congregation of journalists to announce new 10nm desktop CPUs now that 10nm mobile chips are out on the market. Nvidia at CES 2020Now that it's been unveiled to the public, the new Nvidia Shield is all but guaranteed to make an appearance at CES this year. Last year Nvidia revealed its GeForce RTX Mobility graphics cards at CES 2019, alongside the RTX 2080 and other cards for gaming laptops. Will CES 2020 bring more of the same? We’ll just have to wait to find out. Samsung at CES 2020CES is always a big show for Samsung. It’s the place the company picks to roll out its latest QLED TVs, concept screens and monstrous custom-installs. Last year, the company debuted a new 219-inch TV called The Wall and gave us an updated look at its Tizen operating system that included Apple TV. This year, our money is on new QLED TVs with zero bezel - a rumor that has recently been corroborated by a patent filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. On the computing side of things, Samsung debuted the Notebook Flash and Notebook 9 Pro, and could offer updates on those this year. Samsung has also been doing a lot more with its monitors and solid-state drive categories, so be sure to keep an eye out for those at the show, too. Sony at CES 2020Sony didn’t have a ton of new products to show off last year, but did bring its new Master Series Z9G TV to the show and debuted its new 360 Reality Audio format. We’ll likely see more of the latter this year as well as a few new TVs in the 950, 850, Z- and A-Series lineups plus some new 2.1 soundbars with Dolby Atmos. Outside of the AV space, Sony will probably tease some PS5 news ahead of its official debut and talk up its gaming peripherals like the PlayStation VR. A full debut of the new console seems unlikely, especially considering the rough history Sony consoles have with CES, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it at least gets a mention during Sony’s Monday evening keynote.
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| Best hard drives 2019: the top HDD for desktops and laptops Posted: 06 Nov 2019 12:25 PM PST What can you expect from the best hard drives? While they won’t beat the best SSDs in any speed tests, there’s a reason they’re still around. And those reasons come down to two things: price and space. Not only are they more affordable, but the best hard drives also give you that extra space needed to back everything up, especially for data-heavy users. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best hard drive for your needs. Are you trying to get some more storage for your PS4 or Xbox One? If that’s the case, an ideal option might be a 2.5-inch drive or possibly an external hard drive. Alternately, you might have one of the best gaming PCs but no room for your bulging library of half played games. You should take a look at a 7,200 RPM 3.5-inch drive, as that could be one of the best hard drives for your needs. This might be a lot to wrap your head around, particularly if you’re new to shopping for internal components, such as hard drives. We’ve cut out some of the guesswork for you and collected the best hard drives we’ve come across below.
Best hard drives at a glance:
Seagate BarraCuda drives offer a great gigabyte-per-dollar ratio and speed benefits to top it off. (Image Credit: Seagate) It’s almost impossible to talk about hard drives without mentioning Seagate’s BarraCuda lineup – it’s a force to be reckoned with. And, it’s not hard to see why, Seagate BarraCuda drives offer a great gigabyte-per-dollar ratio and speed benefits to top it off. The 2TB model hits a sweet spot by balancing high performance and affordability. Since this drive combines 7,200rpm platters and high density data, computers outfitted with this drive will be able to read data extraordinarily fast. The Toshiba X300 is a high-capacity, high-performance champ worth taking a look at. (Image Credit: Toshiba) Even if its laptops aren’t as popular as they used to be, Toshiba is still a huge name in computing, and has a lot to offer. When it comes to the best hard drives, the Toshiba X300 is a high-capacity, high-performance champ worth taking a look at. The X300 drives boast great gigabyte-to-dollar value without sacrificing on performance. These drives all spin at 7,200 rpm and include 128MB of cache for higher speeds. The only downside is the warranty only lasts two years, which feels short for a drive meant to store so much important data. Kick it old school with one of the best hard drives with the WD VelociRaptor. (Image Credit: Western Digital) When it comes to PC gaming, it’s better to be fast than capacious. So, if you’ve been resisting the allure of an SSD, and looking to kick it old school with one of the best hard drives, the WD VelociRaptor should be up your alley. Not only does this drive have a whopping 10,000 rpm spin speed, but you’re going to want to pay attention to it. With capacities up to 1TB, the VelociRaptor drives are ready to store large game libraries, and the super fast platters will help your games launch and load quickly.
The WD Blue is a viable pick for almost any type of PC build that's sticking to a budget. (Image Credit: Western Digital) Western Digital offers a solid bargain with its line of WD Blue hard drives. With a wide variety of storage options from a small 500GB to a capacious 6TB, the WD Blue is a viable pick for almost any type of PC build that’s sticking to a budget. The best value comes from the larger drives – they’ll give you much more storage per dollar spent. And, if you’re looking for a bit more speed, there are also 7,200rpm models available that don’t come with too much of a price hike. The SeaGate FireCuda is the best hybrid hard drive on the market. (Image Credit: Seagate) SSDs are incredibly popular, and it’s not hard to see why. But, if you need a lot of fast storage, and you don’t have a vault of cash, hybrid hard drives are a great option. The SeaGate FireCuda is the best hybrid hard drive on the market. It can fit up to 2TB of data, and then its 8GB of solid state cache storage learns which data you use most, so that you can access it quickly. That speed boost is even sweeter when you consider that this drive spins at 7,200rpm. With a 5-year warranty and an approachable price tag, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best hard drives you can buy today. Seagate IronWolf NAS drives come at a premium (Image Credit: Seagate) It’s a little unfortunate that the Seagate IronWolf NAS drives come at a premium, but they aren’t priced much more expensively than a standard hard drive at their capacity. However, their native NAS optimization makes that premium totally worth it. These drives are capable of running at a fast 7,200rpm spin rate 24/7 without having to worry about drive failure. Really, if you have one of the best NAS devices for your business or home, the Seagate IronWolf NAS really is your best bet. Seagate's 2.5-inch FireCuda hybrid drive strikes a nice balance. (Image Credit: Seagate) Upgrading the storage in a laptop can be tough, since the hard drives are much smaller. There aren’t a lot of impressive 2.5-inch hard drives, as anything fast comes with a serious markup, but Seagate’s 2.5-inch FireCuda hybrid drive strikes a nice balance. It offers an easy way to add loads of storage to a laptop while also giving it a speed boost thanks to 8GB of flash storage. A five-year warranty on the drive will also help ensure it lasts a long time. he WD My Book strikes an amazing balance of storage and price. (Image Credit: Western Digital) Game consoles hard drives fill up fast with massive libraries. And, like laptops, the upgrade path for 2.5-inch hard drives isn’t all that great, but that’s where an external drive comes in. The WD My Book strikes an amazing balance of storage and price, offering enough room for massive game libraries. Running on USB 3.0, it may not be quite as fast as an internal drive upgrade, but it will run games and offer more storage at a cheaper rate. The G-Technology G-Drive offers huge amounts of storage but thanks to Thunderbolt 3 compatibility. (Image Credit: G-Technology) A lot of people seem to think that the best hard drives are ancient and dead technology in 2019. However, with devices like the G-Technology G-Drive, you can show the naysayers in your life that spinning disks have their own place in the future. Not only does this external hard drive offer huge amounts of storage – up to 10 TB – but thanks to Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, it can even charge your laptop while you work. If you have a MacBook Pro, it’s hard to think of a better work companion. Read the full review: G-Technology G-Drive This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Cyberpunk 2077 release date, trailers, gameplay and news Posted: 06 Nov 2019 12:16 PM PST Cyberpunk 2077 will be hacking into our digital lives in only a few months – but the more teasers, trailers, and gameplay we get to see, the less sure we can wait that long before CD Projekt Red's massive dystopian RPG actually comes to our screens. Landing on Xbox One, PC, and PS4, Cyberpunk 2077 looks set to be a vast open-world game, draped in dizzying neon colors and futuristic gadgetry, and packed with more branching storylines than you could shake a high-tech drone at. In both an extended trailer and in our hands-off demo at E3 2019, we saw a bit more of the metropolis of the future, where body modification has become an obsession, and you play a mysterious outlaw in the sleazy underbelly of the city. Here's all the news, trailers, and announcements we've had on Cyberpunk 2077 so far. Or, if you can't take the anticipation ahead of the game's 2020 release, check out our thoughts on the Cyberpunk RED tabletop role-playing game instead. UPDATE: Keanu Reeves enjoyed his time in the Cyberpunk 2077 world so much that he convinced the game's developer to double his lines. Read on to find out more. Cut to the Chase
What is Cyberpunk 2077?Cyberpunk 2077 is a neon cyberpunk game that has The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt Red moving from a gritty, high fantasy world to an equally gritty, science fiction world metropolis. It's based off the pen-and-paper RPG of the same name, but plays a hell of a lot like The Matrix game we've always wanted. We caught our first peek at the game behind closed doors at E3 2018 – you can check out what we saw in the 48-minute walkthrough video below (in the trailers section). Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that looks vastly different from its developer's The Witcher series, with towering neon skyscrapers, bionic enhancements and a focus on vertical movement rather than wide open plains. It's also all in first-person. At E3 2019 we learned a lot more about the plot of the game, which features the one and only Keanu Reeves. Reeves plays a character named Johnny Silverhand who's embedded in a biochip that's placed in the main character's brain. In order to unlock the secrets to the biochip, what basically becomes the main thread of the game, Silverhand will guide you to Alt Cunningham, the most legendary net runner of all-time. The only problem? She’s dead. But her consciousness lives on the web and you’ll need to do whatever it takes to track her down – including, but not limited to, befriending or eliminating leaders of the biggest gangs in Night City. Cyberpunk 2077 trailersThe latest Cyberpunk 2077 trailer is a 15-minute deep dive into the game's lore, world, and gameplay. If you don't mind spoiling some of the visual treats in store – including what it's like to actually step into cyberspace – check out the video here. E3 2019 gave us an incredibly slick trailer, with a look at some new characters, weapon-play – including Keanu Reeves, who will be playing the rock star Johnny Silverhand. Get your fix in the trailer below. In March 2019, we got yet another video, this time of the development team gearing up for the E3 2019 showcase event. Those hoping for a 2019 release may want to start to brace themselves however – though the game remains without a release date, the suggestion of the video below is that development is still in full swing, and a release date may be some time away yet: After a veritable truckload of hype, CD Projekt Red released 48 minutes of gameplay footage, based on the demo journalists saw at E3 2018. In it, you'll see what gunplay looks like, character creation and backstory assignment, plus how you'll upgrade yourself via cybernetic enhancements. You'll meet some of the characters in Cyberpunk's seedy crime circuit and explore the city on foot and in vehicles. (Quick warning: the trailer contains nudity, violence and swearing.) We were treated to a Cyberpunk 2077 trailer during E3 2018 which you can watch below:
Cyberpunk 2077 release date: April 16, 2020In the game’s first official teaser trailer, it was stated that the game will be coming “when it’s ready,” but now we have an official release date: April 16, 2020, care of the E3 2019 trailer. This is despite an investor call in early 2016 that suggested that Cyberpunk 2077 would be released before June 2019. It was also said in this call that CD Projekt Red is planning to release two new triple A RPGs before 2021. It was later clarified in forums that Cyberpunk 2077 would be the first of these games to arrive and work on the second would not start before Cyberpunk 2077 was finished. Image Credit: CD Projekt Red Considering The Witcher 3 took around three and a half years to develop, a 2019 release didn't seem unmanageable for the studio. But the scale of the development, as well as rumors of the game being a cross-gen Xbox Two and PS5 title, it makes sense that the game has taken longer than initially anticipated. Cyberpunk 2077 news and featuresKeen Keanu We already know Keanu Reeves plays a role in Cyberpunk 2077 but in a recent interview it's been revealed the role is even bigger than originally intended thanks to the actor himself. In something of a ringing endorsement for the game and Reeves' character, Johnny Silverhand, the actor apparently enjoyed playing the part so much he convinced CD Projekt Red to make Silverhand a bigger presence in the game. This was revealed at Lucca Comics and Games festival when the Italian voice actor for Silverhand, Luca Ward, told journalist Gian Luca Rocco that his recording time doubled as a result of Reeves' enthusiasm. In the game, Johnny Silverhand will be a big presence, then, where he will apparently appear to players as a kind of malware system that offers hints and tips through the game. Post-launch content We're still a long way away from any kind of post-launch content for Cyberpunk 2077 but fans have been thinking about how CD Projekt Red may consider monetising it. Well, the studio doesn't seem to have locked down any definite path just yet but it is being considered and the most likely scenario appears to be that the game will follow in the post-launch content footsteps of The Witcher 3. In an interview with GameSpot at PAX Australia, the head of CDPR's Krakow office, John Mamais said “I think it’s a bad idea to do microtransactions after you release a game. It seems like it’s very profitable, though. It’s probably a hard decision for the guy that runs the business to decide if we should do it or not. But if everyone hates it, why would we do something like that and lose the goodwill of our customers?” As far as Mamais is concerned, the Witcher 3's model which saw free DLC launched with big paid expansions was "a good model" which "worked pretty well." As a result, Mamais added "I don’t see why we wouldn’t try to replicate that model with Cyberpunk 2077. We’re not talking about that yet, but it seems like that would be the smart way to go.” Photo mode? Let's face it, we all want to take pictures of Night City and there have been hints that this may be possible when the game launches. The developer told fans previously that there were plans to include a photo mode in the game and a recent video posted to Twitter has suggested that may still be the case. The video shows a scene of the Night City skyline while the symbol of a camera shows briefly. The hashtags on the tweet itself read Capture Cyberpunk and Photos From Night City. This makes a photo mode seem very likely and given it's a feature found in most big budget games these days that may not be entirely surprising. However, the game's first person perspective may present some challenges if CD Projekt Red wishes to allow players to take pictures which will include their fully-customised avatars. No Reeves romance for you We know, you're devastated. We all are. But it's now been confirmed that Keanu Reeves is not a character you'll be able to romance during Cyberpunk 2077 (via PCGamer). What about multiplayer? After repeatedly stating that multiplayer elements were in R&D but saying nothing more, CD Projekt Red has confirmed on Twitter that it's definitely in the works. So far, the plan appears to be to release the game in April as a single-player experience and then follow this up with various single DLCs that will be free to download and play, after which players will begin to be invited for "some multiplayer action." Multiplayer is, then, slightly down the road but it is coming. Character creation will be gender fluid Jonkers said that "you don’t choose your gender anymore. You don’t choose, ‘I want to be a female or male character’ you now choose a body type. Because we want you to feel free to create any character you want." GTA-style radio Coming to Stadia Spin-off card game “The game thrusts players into the dark alleyways of Night City, where ruthless gangs clash with corporations in an endless war for money, power, and control. “In Cyberpunk 2077: Afterlife, players become Fixers, the data brokers and masterminds in Night City that recruit cyberpunks, equip them with gear, and send them out on missions. But nothing's free in Night City. Players need to balance between what they want and what they can actually afford. Using an innovative drafting mechanic and special dashboard, players must decide which cards they want to buy, and which to sacrifice for funds in order to purchase new ones. Each successful mission raises the player's Street Cred, with mission survivors becoming Veterans, imparting their knowledge and experience to newer recruits. In this chrome-infused world, Street Cred is the only currency that truly matters.” Hardcore mode that says goodbye to UI In an interview with Wccftech, CD Projekt Red’s Alvin Liu discussed hardcore mode, revealing that it will get rid of the game’s UI to provide a “real challenge” for players. That means there’ll be no markers or indicators telling you where things are or what level of enemy you’re going up against. It’s real immersion in Night City and the desert beyond with the potential for real frustration. Of course, it’s not just the hardcore players that are being catered to in Cyberpunk 2077; Liu revealed that there will also be modes for those who are less experienced with first person games and shooters and wish to enjoy a more laidback experience. “If you want to play more casually for the story and maybe you’re not experienced with shooters, which was a real big concern for us. We want to tell a story and maybe you’re a big fan of The Witcher and you’re not comfortable playing a shooter, we have settings available for that.” Liu explains that as well as settings for less experienced players, there will also be weapons. The smart gun, for example, will help players to aim. Though it comes at the cost of the smart gun being a weaker and slower weapon. It will, however, be a good start for those looking to get to grips with the aiming system. For those unfamiliar with first person games, there’s also going to be a Field of View slider. Making more of the game world visible through the eyes of the avatar should alleviate that sense of tunnel vision that comes from trading third person view for first person and the potential for nausea this can cause some players. Environmental hazards In an interview with Wccftech, UI director Alan Liu revealed Cyberpunk 2077 will feature dynamic weather such as acid rain and other environmental hazards. Settings available for those uncomfortable with FPS Cyberpunk 2077 will look just as good on console as PC "Actually no, we have a very custom engine, the RED Engine," Liu responded. "And actually, we’re targeting consoles as first-class platforms and it looks amazing there. So obviously, if you spent, you know, $2,000 building your PC rig, it’s going to look better on that. But the graphics are quite amazing for what you’re going to get from Cyberpunk 2077 on consoles and low-end PCs." Could we see a movie adaptation in the future? "I can’t really say anything on that," Pondsmith told VGC in response to whether he is optioning the Cyberpunk movie rights. "But with Keanu Reeves being tied up in things, it’s become much more of a possibility." "At this point we are teaching people about this new kind of cyberpunk. My favorite film is Blade Runner, but I recognise inherently that it’s a cerebral film and 2049 was even more cerebral. A cerebral film is not necessarily going to allow other people to enter that space and understand it, but at the same time you don’t want to do it totally action." Keanu Reeves' band gets its first single There may or may not be three games in development Take your pick of protagonists There will be romance There will be no morality system There's more than Night City Multiple Endings New Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay shown at E3 2019, but not playable Inside Pacifica, two gangs – The Animals and The Voodoo Boys – are fighting for supremacy. In order to meet Bridgitte, the head of the Voodoo Boys, you'll have to first deal with her lieutenant Placide, who wants you to infiltrate The Animals' hideout. Your goal, at least you're told, is to find a high-tech van that's monitoring all the network traffic in Pacifica. To get to this van, you'll have to make your way past The Animals' crew. The reason they're called The Animals, it turns out, is because they take a drug that enhances their muscle mass. To get through them you'll either need to fight your way through – a risky proposition – or sneak your way into the hideout. Image Credit: CD Projekt Red Customization: perks, skills and attributes The choices are vast, and while they're not completely limitless, CD Projekt Red doesn’t want to confine you to a single play style or set path. The reasoning behind that, it seems, is to better mirror the game’s source material – a 30-year-old tabletop role playing game called Cyberpunk (however, there was also a later edition called Cyberpunk 2020). Behind all of the hacking and gunplay lies a fairly complex RPG – the perks screen we saw during our demo had more than 20 perks to choose from and level up. These perks impact how your character plays, but can also impact what choices you have in conversations with the world’s NPCs. Image Credit: CD Projekt Red Vampire Bloodlines and Deus Ex were inspirations for the game Tomaskiewicz said that games such as Deus Ex, Vampire Bloodlines and Elder Scrolls had influenced him in his work on Cyberpunk 2077's quests. He cites the original Deus Ex as a particular influence and praises the ways in which it gives players the freedom to complete missions in multiple ways. This suggests we can expect a great deal of freedom and complexity and non-linearity in Cyberpunk 2077’s missions as well as in the protagonist you'll be using to cause havoc in the game world which is something quite different from the tight gameplay-loop found in The Witcher. CD Projekt Red is working on two AAA titles – both to be released by 2021 This release window was reaffirmed on the official CD Projekt Red forums, with moderator Donata Popławska confirming the studio is sticking to its original roadmap. "As far as the strategy of the CD Projekt Capital Group for 2016-2021 is concerned, its plans to release the second AAA game by 2021 remain unchanged," the moderator wrote (translated via Resetera user Antiax). However, Popławska did not expand on what the second AAA title to be released in this time frame could be. "We are currently focusing on the production and promotion of Cyberpunk, so we do not want to comment on further projects," they continued. Lady Gaga could be making an appearance? In addition ActuGaming claims the collaboration will be officially announced at E3 2019, with Gaga rumored to be making an appearance at the gaming convention. Last year Gaga tweeted a strange mix of letters and numbers, which the official Cyberpunk 2077 Twitter account replied to with "Of course! Of course we will!", suggesting the A Star is Born actress would be involved with the game in some way or another. E3 2018 confirmed features It's a first person RPG set in a huge open world known as Night City – a metropolis split into six districts, each offering a different environment to explore. During the demo we only saw a small part of one of them. Players can create their own character called V and embark on their journey to crawl up from the criminal underbelly. This is a dark game and though The Witcher series is mature, this takes it to a new level. As you'd expect, the game lets you augment your body using various bits of tech – illegal or otherwise – and you can use drugs to enhance your combat, or a kind of digital brain-hack called 'Braindance'. We know weapons are wide ranging and seriously creative, with smart guns and bullets as well as terrifying Mantis Blades for melee. There are no loading screens in Cyberpunk 2077 and the story and side quests are branching and numerous, and your choices genuinely impact the outcome. You can read more about how impressed were were by what we saw. E3 2018 secret message In the message CD Projekt first apologises for "staying silent longer than we planned" but following the release of The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine the developer wanted to wait until it had "something meaningful and substantial" to show. It goes on to say that the vision for Cyberpunk is "an alternative version of the future where America is in pieces, megacorporations control all aspects of civilized life, and gangs rule the rest." This game will, CD Projekt says, be a "true single player, story-driven RPG" where you'll be able to create your own character. At the moment the developer isn't ready to confirm any kind of release date and asks for more patience. It also says it has "no bloody clue" about how big the game is but does say it's "seriously big." Image Credit: CD Projekt Red It could be on the next generation of consoles Given the game's current timeline, it's possible it could launch on current systems in April (PS4, Xbox One) and then next-gen systems (PlayStation 5, Xbox Two) later in the year. It will be on Steam It’s going to be bigger than The Witcher 3 In fact, he said that The Witcher 3 was being treated as a learning experience and that they could do better. To do better, the studio has doubled in size with studio head Adam Badowski saying that after The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077 needs to be “even better, even bigger, even more revolutionary” than what had originally been planned. Image Credit: CD Projekt Red You’ll be travelling on more advanced tech than boats and horses Don’t expect horses and basic boats here – a job listing for a Senior Vehicle Artist for the studio said they’d be expected to work on “incredibly complex vehicles, planes, bikes, robots and mechanics.“ There may be multiplayer The company president said in March 2018 that these elements are not on the table right now, so it's possible that they'll be introduced after the game's release in a sort of online world like GTA Online. There will be online Whether or not the online elements will feed into the multiplayer is unclear. But there won't be microtransactions It appears that while many studios are feeling the need to move to a service model to ensure their titles make money, CD Projekt is staying committed to the story-driven single player experience with Cyberpunk 2077, one which served them very well with The Witcher. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best cheap gaming mouse deals for Black Friday 2019 Posted: 06 Nov 2019 12:16 PM PST A gaming mouse is just a gaming mouse, or so you’ve heard. The truth is there are a ton of options available when it comes to these pesky, yet necessary peripherals. We've made things easier for you by listing the best cheap gaming mouse deals that are available online from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. When you buy the best mouse for gaming, it’s crucial to be conscious of the price you’re paying relative to the specs and comfort that you’ll be getting from it. You don’t need to know what ‘DPI’ or ‘CPI’ means (it’s dots per inch, by the way), but it does come in handy to know the value of 4,000 vs 16,000 of them. It also doesn’t hurt to know that a higher polling rate gives you better response times and lower latency. Whether you’re looking for a gaming mouse that’s wireless or wired, RGB or subtle, you can count on our recommendations to get you where you’re going. No matter what kinds of games you play – FPS, MOBA, RPG or otherwise – take a look at the hottest and best gaming mouse deals. The best Black Friday gaming mouse deals and pricesWhile there are plenty of excellent offers that you can shop below, it's never too early to start thinking about discounts during Black Friday 2019. To help you find the best deals, we've put together a Black Friday guide on everything you know about the November sale event. Cheap gaming mouse deals:The Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury was the Rolls Royce of gaming mouse when it first landed, and now it can be had at an awesome discount. Equipped with a 32-bit processor and on-board storage, this gaming mouse basically has a hidden super computer that can read the surface it's tracking on and optimize its tracking performance. Plus, this gaming mouse packs in plenty of additional buttons for macros and users can even customize where and how many optional weights they want to use. The Steelseries Sensei is a sublime ambidextrous mouse and a prime example of minimalism in the gaming mouse world. It cuts all the nonsense with a simple and comfy shape that's accommodating to both left- and right-handed players. More importantly, the tracking on this mouse is fantastic, even if it is a laser mouse. As simple as pushing a mouse around to play video games might sound, doing it several million times over deals major damage to your hand, making it best to buy an ergonomic device. Luckily, the Mionix Naos 7000 delivers on this with aplomb. You can essentially lay your entire hand flat on this mouse and feel fully supported with ridges specifically designed to cradle all your fingers. Aside from comfort, the Naos 7000 is equipped with all the smarts you'd expect from a premium mouse, including a 7,000 DPI sensor, 32-bit ARM processor and 16.8-million LED color options. Having all your powers at your fingertips can make all the difference in MMO and MOBA games, and the Corsair Scimitar RGB is among the finest multi-button gaming mice. Not only do you have 12 fully customizable macro buttons, they all also integrate mechanical key switches that ride along an adjustable rail. The Scimitar tops everything off with a 12,000 DPI sensor and four-zone RGB lighting setup. Wireless technology often comes at a premium, but you can still find some real steals. Take for instance the Pictek 2400DPI Adjustable 2.4 G Wireless Gaming Mouse that's discounted on Amazon. Although it isn't the world's fastest wireless gaming mouse with a top DPI of 2,400, it's built with an ergonomic design and offers seven customizable buttons. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Diablo 4 is official - everything you need to know Posted: 06 Nov 2019 12:00 PM PST It’s been over seven years since the initial release of Diablo 3, so obviously we're champing at the bit to start another monstrous loot hunt in Diablo 4. After months of rumors, the title has been officially confirmed by Blizzard at Blizzcon 2019 - and we now know that Diablo 4 is an isometric action RPG which sees the return of Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto. It will feature an open world map with five regions, day/night cycles and a non-linear campaign. You'll smash and loot your way through this world with one of five customizable classes, three of which are already announced. Finally, it's being designed in a brand-new engine for PS4, Xbox One and PC, with plans to simultaneously release it on all platforms. Want to know more? Here’s everything to know so far about the long-awaited Diablo 4. [UPDATE: 24 minutes (24!) of footage from Diablo 4 has been released. Watch it for yourself below.] Cut to the chase
Diablo 4 trailersPost BlizzCon 2019, GameInformer brought us 24 minutes of gameplay from Diablo 4 to pore over. Familiar in the best possible way, this footage showcases Diablo 4's return to an intensely Gothic game world and that addictive gameplay loop that's made it so famous. Given the game's release is some time away (years, in fact) it's possible that everything in this footage could change. But it's exciting to get a glimpse of the direction in which the game's development is going. Diablo 4 was officially announced at Blizzcon 2019 where we got the chance to see both the announcement story cinematic, and the first gameplay trailer. Check both trailers out below: Diablo 4 release dateBad news here: Diablo 4 probably won't be released anytime soon. At a Blizzcon deep dive on the game, the game's director said that he doesn't expect the game to be finished anytime soon, "even by Blizzard's standards of soon." That said, the fact that the team is developing the game for PS4 and Xbox One heavily implies that the game will be released within the next two to three years - as the lifespan of those consoles will be coming to an abrupt end after the launch of new consoles in late 2020. Diablo 4 news, previous leaks and featuresBlizzcon 2019 unveiling Like its predecessors, the game is an isometric, action RPG and will have PVP zones in the overworld - with the first three classes being barbarian, sorceress and druid. It's also being developed for PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Story and setting It's through Heaven's ignorance of the events transpiring in Sanctuary that Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto and canonical mother of humanity, is set lose from her prison. What we know about the overworld right now is that it's all open, with five unique regions and both a day/night cycle and ever-changing weather. Missions are non-linear and according to the game's director, you're free to take them on however you'd like. Always online Skill changes and talent trees In addition, each class has a talent tree that allows players to customize their build. You can also enhance equipment and weapons through a new Rune Word socketing system. Dungeons and loot Abilities Which classes are available? The Sorceress, another returning favorite, will have AOE attacks that control the battlefield and will be able to turn into a ball of energy to incinerate enemies, while the Druid has both animal companion NPCs and the ability to shapeshift. The Art of Diablo may have revealed Diablo 4 - confirmed New hires - confirmed While it's not certain that the listings were for Diablo 4, the game has since been announced. More development focus Blizzard wasn't at Gamescom 2019 "As part of a renewed effort this year to maintain our focus on development, for our current games and our future projects, we won’t have a booth at Gamescom 2019," the post reads. "The show is an important one for the European and global gaming community, and we’re going to miss meeting players in Cologne this year. "We’re also looking forward to sharing more details about the projects we’re currently working on when the time is right." Diablo Hades and / or Diablo FenrisGame development is often iterative. Diablo 3 was in the works for many years and prototyped in many different ways before becoming the game we know today – and even then, it’s changed dramatically since its (somewhat shaky) initial launch. Diablo 4 will likely be no different, and an incredibly interesting report from Kotaku back in 2018 pointed to multiple iterations of Diablo being in the works at Blizzard – one that has now ceased experimentation and has been shelved, the other what is reportedly now the foundation of Diablo 4. Note that these rumors come from sources we’ve not been able to independently verify, but, working alongside the Kotaku UK team and being able to vouch for their integrity, we’d say there’s legitimate information here that could point to the direction that Diablo 4 is headed towards. Diablo 3, modified to play from an 'over-the-shoulder' perspective. (Image Credit: Mr Monstrosity / Diablo Fans) – Hades (or ‘Diablo as Dark Souls’ The first of these projects was codenamed ‘Hades’. Sources speaking to Kotaku described a game not dissimilar in approach to Dark Souls – an over the shoulder, hardcore dungeon crawler. Work on Hades spanned 2014-2016 reportedly, and included top Blizzard talent including Diablo 3 director Josh Mosquiera. Given the popularity of Dark Souls, broadly similar RPG mechanics and the shared gothic aesthetic of the two, this would have been an interesting and fresh direction for the series to take. However, sources state that the game just wasn’t gelling, with the team eventually going on to make the excellent Rise of the Necromancer DLC for Diablo 3. – Fenris (a return to Diablo 2’s darkness) The second (and reportedly ongoing) effort to make Diablo 4 was codenamed ‘Fenris’, and was worked on by the same team that canned Hades. It would be a more traditional isometric Diablo title, and would see the caricature, colorful aesthetic of Diablo 3 ditched in favor of a darker, grimier, more horrifying look that bring the creepy dread of the first two Diablo games up to date. "There’s a lot of people who felt like Diablo 3 got away from what made Diablo Diablo in terms of art style and spell effects," one unnamed Blizzard employee told Kotaku. "They want to make [Fenris] gross, make it dark, [get rid of] anything that was considered cartoony in Diablo 3… Make what people were afraid of in Diablo 2, but modern." Fenris is also discussed in highly social terms, taking cues from the likes of World of Warcraft and Destiny. While it wouldn’t be an MMO, it could well be a ‘live game’, with social areas that players can meet in before heading out into instanced dungeon raids. Could it be that the Diablo franchise is about to experience a schism? One that sees the more approachable stylings of the Diablo 3 era be carried as the mobile Diablo Immortal experience, freely monetizable away from the ire of the hardcore Diablo fan, while Diablo 4 goes back to the horror-infused roots of the earlier games in the series, as being worked on with the Fenris project? It’s a reasonable idea. Whatever happens, we’ll have all the most up to date information on Diablo 4 here. So keep checking back as we delve deeper into the growing darkness at the heart of Sanctuary.
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| Pokémon Go updates: all the news and rumors for what's coming next Posted: 06 Nov 2019 11:44 AM PST 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 themed events 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 news and Pokémon Go updates
Team Rocket Leader Battles A new dynamic to Pokémon Go's Team Rocket gameplay has been introduced to the game recently, but only in select locations. Players in London, San Francisco, Atlanta and Austin are those able to access the new gameplay at the moment, though Niantic has suggested a global rollout is in the pipeline. Players in the currently active cities will find that Team Rocket grunts now drop Mysterious Components after battles. Once six of these components have been collected, players are able to build a Team Rocket Radar which allows them to locate three new Team Rocket Leaders and engage in a Boss Battle. Called Sierra, Cliff and Arlo, each of these Team Rocket bosses has a connection to the game's original Team Leaders and comes with their own party of shadow Pokémon. Putting the effort in to find them and defeat them is pretty worthwhile as the reward will be a Shiny Pokémon as well as some Unova stones. Further down the line it's expected that this new story branch could involve Team Rocket boss Giovanni, but that's likely a while off given we're only at the testing-in-select-cities stage. When's the next Pokémon Go Community Day?
Now that Trapinch has had its day, the next Pokémon Go Community Day has been confirmed to be taking place on November 16, between 11am and 2pm local time. The featured Pokémon for the event will be the fire-type Pokémon Chimchar. Across the day Chimchar will spawn more often and there will be a possibility you could encounter it in its shiny form. The event-specific move for Chimchar hasn't been confirmed yet but this will be revealed closer to the time. During the event, eggs will only require one quarter of their usual distance to hatch and any Lure Modules will last for three hours rather than thirty minutes. Pokémon Go update: what's next?Pokémon Go Buddy Adventure In a recent blog post, Niantic has discussed some of the recent improvements it's made to its AR technology—improvements which could see you interact with your favorite Pokémon using the AR camera. Provisionally titled Pokémon Go Buddy Adventure, this new mode would make it possible for players to see and interact with their Buddy Pokémon via the game's AR camera. Even more impressive, players would also be able to see their friends doing the same thing, making it a multiplayer experience. The mode would be cross-platform, meaning it doesn't matter whether or not you're an Android or iOS user, and though there's no release date just yet, Niantic has said that it's coming "in the months ahead". GO Battle League Niantic has announced that a new feature called GO Battle League will be coming to the game in early 2020. It will build on the current trainer battles system and will encourage players to get out and explore. According to Niantic, players will walk to earn entry into the Battle League. Once they're in they'll be able to battle players from around the world through an online matching system. Win and lose, they'll rise and fall in the ranks of the worldwide league. We'll keep updating with more information on Battle League as it's announced. Niantic Wayfarer beta Niantic will soon launch a beta of its Wayfarer tool which will allow players to review nominations for Gyms and Pokéstops, giving them a say in new places to play. Over the next few weeks the beta will roll out to a select playerbase with larger rollouts to come at a later time.
Pokémon Go Plus dealsWant to buy yourself a Pokémon Go Plus wearable? Check some of today's best deals down below. (Image credits: Niantic/Pokémon Company) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best Walmart Black Friday laptop deals Posted: 06 Nov 2019 11:41 AM PST The best Black Friday laptop deals from Walmart are already showing up on the retailer's website, and while Black Friday 2019 doesn't officially kick off until November 29 (with Cyber Monday following on December 2), there are some great early deals to be had. Walmart is one of the biggest retailers in the world, and that means it's also one of the best places to pick up a brilliant laptop deal. This is because it has a huge range of laptops on offer, so no matter what kind of laptop you're after, be it a gaming laptop, budget laptop or a thin and light Chromebook, there should be a brilliant Walmart laptop deal for you. You can be pretty confident that Walmart will stock the best laptops money can buy right now. The sheer size and clout of Walmart also allows it to be very aggressive when it comes to cutting prices, so you'll often find the best Walmart laptop deals are a lot cheaper than its rivals – with Black Friday only set to help. To make finding those all-important discounts easier, we've put together this guide to the best Black Friday laptop deals from Walmart, having scoured the website to bring you the very best laptop deals that are live right now. Also, make sure you check out our best Black Friday laptop deals guide for more great early deals. We also have a roundup of the best Black Friday Walmart deals as well. The best Black Friday laptop Walmart deals (so far)Even with Black Friday still several weeks away, it's never too soon to look for the best Black Friday laptop deals Walmart is currently running. You may find an amazing bargain early!
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| Broadcom completes Symantec deal, rebrands as NortonLifeLock Posted: 06 Nov 2019 11:36 AM PST Earlier this summer it was revealed that Broadcom was in advanced talks to acquire the cybersecurity firm Symantec and now the acquisition has been completed and Symantec has rebranded as a result of the deal. The company is now called NortonLifeLock though its previous name will continue to live on since Broadcom owns the rights to the Symantec name for the company's previously released enterprise security products. Additionally, the company's stock symbol has been changed from SYMC to NLOK on the NASDAQ exchange. During its first day of trading, shares in NortonLifeLock rose 1.85 percent to $24.19.
President and chief executive officer of Broadcom, Hock Tan praised the completion of the acquisition in a statement, saying: “Today represents an important milestone as Symantec’s Enterprise Security business joins our other semiconductor and software franchises that together form the Broadcom platform. Symantec’s Enterprise Security business expands our footprint of mission-critical infrastructure software for the Global 2000.” NortonLifeLockAccording to NortonLifeLock, the new company says that it is a global leader in consumer cybersecurity with almost 50m consumers currently using its products and services. Chief financial officer at NortonLifeLock, Vincent Pilette explained in a separate statement that the rebranding is key to the company's transformation, saying: “The launch of NortonLifeLock today is a key step in our transformation towards a standalone, pure-play consumer cyber Safety business. As we move through the transition period over the next twelve months, we will realign our cost structure for the company to drive revenue growth, cash flow generation and earnings power.” Now that Broadcom has completed its $10.7bn acquisition of Symantec's enterprise security business, the chipmaker will now have access to a wide variety of cybersecurity services as well as a brand new revenue stream. During the 2019 fiscal year, Symantec's enterprise business was able to bring in $2.3bn in revenue by selling security software to companies to help them better detect cyberattacks across their networks and devices.
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| The best graphics cards 2019: all the top GPUs for gaming Posted: 06 Nov 2019 11:21 AM PST The search for the best graphics cards has never been more exciting. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking into specs for that next big PC purchase or trying to squeeze a little extra out of your current rig. Options abound for the best graphics cards whether you’re looking at the Nvidia’s RTX 2080 Ti, RTX 2060, or their new Super RTX cards, all based on the Nvidia Turing architecture, or AMD’s exciting next generation of AMD Navi GPUs. Of course, different gamers have different needs. Some might be willing to drop a significant chunk of change on a flagship GPU while others might want the best budget option, like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660. Regardless of what your needs might be, the best graphics cards are still capable of running the best PC games like Rage 2 or the newly released Control. Finding the best graphics cards can be overwhelming however, especially with all the new GPUs on the market. Let us help you. We’ve thoroughly tested all our picks at TechRadar and can attest to each of the best gaming graphics cards listed below. So dig into our list and let us guide you to the best graphics cards for your needs. Best graphics cards at a glance
For what it offers and how much it costs, the AMD Radeon RX 5700 well-deserving as the best graphics card of 2019. This absolute behemoth of a graphics card is still basically brand new, and it’s already topping our list of the best graphics cards, booting former reigning champion and its direct rival, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, off the top spot. At $349, this powerful mid-range card brings 1440p gaming at Ultra or Max settings to the masses, making it affordable and accessible to everyone. At that price point, it doesn’t need to be perfect – those looking for ray tracing will have to wait. But, for what it offers and how much it costs, it’s well-deserving of its title as the best graphics card of 2019 for most people. Read the full review: AMD Radeon RX 5700
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is the most formidable graphics card short of getting a professional graphics solution. If you need the best graphics card, and you don’t want to settle, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti may be one of the best graphics cards for you. This is the most formidable graphics card you can buy without jumping for a professional graphics solution. And, now that games like Battlefield V, Metro Exodus and Shadow of the Tomb Raider actually implement the RTX features, there’s never been a better time to jump on the ray tracing bandwagon. Just prepare yourself for that sky-high price. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super offering exceptional 1440p gaming. The souped up Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super isn’t just remarkable because it’s a supercharged version of the very popular RTX 2070, offering exceptional 1440p gaming. It’s also striking because it offers all that power at a very reasonable price, making it a compelling buy for most users, even for those on a budget. Plus, if you’re wondering about ray tracing, here’s the best card to jump in – you don’t have to break open that piggy bank for the RTX 2080 or RTX 2080 Ti anymore. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a bit faster than the GTX 1660, but only ten bucks or quid more. When Nvidia put out the GTX 1660 and the GTX 1660 Ti, they excelled at Full HD gaming at a price that wouldn't make you wince. And, now that the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is here, both of those cards are practically irrelevant. This new graphics card is just a bit faster than the GTX 1660, but is only ten bucks or quid more, while it reaches the same level as the GTX 1660 Ti while being significantly cheaper. If you're looking for a graphics card for Full HD gameplay, you really should take a look at the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super – it really is one of the best graphics cards out there. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super With the AMD Radeon VII, Team Red has attempted to reclaim a piece of the high-end graphics market. We’ve been longing for a new top-of-the-line graphics card from AMD since 2017’s Radeon Vega 64, but things have drastically changed in the graphics market since then – most notably Nvidia Turing. With the AMD Radeon VII from the Vega II lineup, Team Red has attempted to reclaim a piece of the high-end graphics market, and it largely triumphed. The AMD Radeon VII holds its own in 4K gaming, but it particularly excels in content creation. Packed with 16GB of HBM2 memory, the AMD Radeon VII can keep up with much more expensive creative-focused competitors, making it one of the best graphics cards 2019 has on offer. Read the full review: AMD Radeon VII The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super is the best graphics card for VR gaming. If you’re all about the best VR games, you’re going to need the best graphics cards to do that job. And, nowadays, that honor goes to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super. VR-ready and filled with the latest Turing architecture, you won’t have to worry about a rough VR experience that will make you sick. Outside of VR, it should also be able to handle all your favorite PC games at 1440p and 4K without any issue. The best part might just be that it’s a lot cheaper than the RTX 2080, offering a much better value. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super The Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Mini is among the best graphics cards to power your microATX. Looking to put together a microATX or a mini-ITX gaming PC? You shouldn’t need to settle for a low-end GPU. Take a look at mini graphics cards like the Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Mini instead. It’s not the latest and greatest GPU out there now, but the 1080 Ti still has a lot of juice, and it’s among the best graphics cards to power your microATX. And, when you can get that power in a card that’s only 211 x 125 x 41mm, the tiny loss in performance is absolutely worth the beautiful mini PC you’ll get. With the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G, you're getting a healthy factory overclock and all the outputs you'll ever need. With all those fancy (read: expensive) graphics cards cornering the market, the budget-friendlier ones sometimes fly under the radar. That’s unfortunate, particularly since cards like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 deserve a spot in the limelight for delivering excellent 1080p performance at a very affordable price. With the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G, you’re also getting a healthy factory overclock and all the outputs you’ll ever need, so you can play all your favorite games with several monitors attached. We’d call that a bargain, maybe even the best we’ve ever had, and it certainly warrants a spot in our best graphics cards list. Read the full review: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G The PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XLR8 Gaming OC made next-generation performance become accessible to everyone. When Nvidia first revealed its Turing lineup, it was hard to find a model that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Nonetheless, with the launch of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti – especially the PNY XLR8 Gaming OC model – next-generation performance became accessible to everyone. You won’t have access to 4K 60 fps gaming with this card, but it’s one of the best graphics cards for anyone still using a 1080p display, and it can handle most esports games well above 60fps. At that resolution, you’ll have trouble running into any title that it can’t handle. Read the full review: PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XLR8 Gaming OC 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. Michelle Rae Uy has also contributed to this article. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best gaming PC 2019: 10 of the top gaming desktops you can buy Posted: 06 Nov 2019 10:36 AM PST It’s essential to get the best gaming PC you can afford. And unless Candy Crush tops your gaming wishlist, you’ll probably need some firepower to tackle the newest games you’re interested in. Not only can the best gaming PCs get you there but they should also give you years of viable gaming power. And if you’re planning on playing the latest and upcoming AAA games, like Doom Eternal and the Outer Worlds, you must get one of the best gaming PCs packed with the most cutting edge internals possible. Not only have Nvidia’s Super RTX graphic cards offered more power for value than ever before, but AMD’s Navi cards and Ryzen 3rd generation chips have just about matched Team Blue in terms of value and performance, giving you a smorgasbord of options, regardless of your budget. And because of all those options available, you can now find the best processors and best graphics card for your needs regardless of whether you’re leaning toward Intel, AMD or Nvidia. To cut through the overwhelming options out there, we’ve assembled a list of the best gaming PCs you can get right now, all of which we’ve personally reviewed. And there’s a variety of options to check out, whether it’s from stalwarts like Alienware or newer firms like Corsair. So read on to find out more about the best gaming PCs out there at the moment. Whether you’re gaming on a budget or want a kitted-out rig, there’s something for you here. And don’t forget to check out upcoming Black Friday deals to save on your next gaming PC. Best gaming PCs at a glance
The Corsair One has been among the best gaming PCs ever since it came on the scene a few years ago. The Corsair One has been among the best gaming PCs ever since it came on the scene a few years ago, and the Corsair One i160 only takes things to the next level with Nvidia Turing graphics and Intel Coffee Lake Refresh processors. This gaming PC can handle 4K gaming in a chassis that’s not much bigger than your average gaming console. It’s pricey – that much power kind of has to be – yet it’s certainly worth it if you’re looking for a small form factor machine without compromises. Read the full review: Corsair One i160 There's definitely something for everybody as far as HP Omen Desktop PC's configurations go. While the Decepticon look this gaming PC sports might only be for some, there’s definitely something for everybody as far as configurations go – whether you’re a casual gamer on a budget or a hardcore one willing to drop a lot of dough for a souped up rig. At less than $1,500 (about £1,180, AU$2,170), you’re getting more than enough power to get you through AAA games, albeit probably not on Ultra. At $2,335 (about £1,835, AU$3,235) or more, you’re getting a considerable amount of power and storage. Plus, HP Omen Desktop PC comes in a tool-less design, making it upgradeable. There isn’t any doubt that this one belongs on our best gaming PCs list. Read the full review: HP Omen Desktop PC The Alienware Aurora R8 is a stunning gaming machine that gives you the latest and greatest inside. The Alienware Aurora R8 can cost a pretty penny, especially if you’re getting one of the souped up configurations. But this stunner of a gaming machine gives you the latest and greatest inside, delivering an excellent and immersive gaming experience in a cool-looking chassis with appealing RGB lighting. If you’re more than a casual gamer who needs a setup that can tackle 1440p and even a bit of 4K gaming, this is one of the best gaming PCs on the market today. Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R8 If you're looking for the best gaming PC under $1,000, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC may just be your dream machine. If you’re looking for the best gaming PC under $1,000, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC may just be your dream machine. This teeny gaming PC isn’t just cost-effective, but space-saving as well. In fact, it resembles a set-top box more than a gaming PC. Don’t let its size fool you, however – it houses all the power that the best gaming laptops should to handle the best laptop games, with an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete AMD Radeon graphics. You’ll have to provide your own RAM, storage and your own OS, but if you have extra PC hardware lying around, there are still plenty of savings to be had. Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC This rectangular monster is definitely worthy of its moniker as it boasts lots of power. This rectangular monster is definitely worthy of its moniker as it boasts lots of power… more than enough, in fact, for most gamers’ needs. When you’ve the funds for an upper-tier configuration, you’ll get a behemoth. Unfortunately, budget minded buyers will have to be satisfied with gameplay at medium settings, since the lower end models don’t pack the same firepower. Still, because of its high upgradability and tool-less design, such buyers are only an upgrade or two from the best gaming experience on Ultra or Max settings either. Plus, we’ve honestly seen more expensive machines for those specs. Read the full review: HP Omen Obelisk review Because of its svelte design and flexible specs, the Origin Millennium is among the best gaming PCs right now. When you grab a new machine from Origin, it’s almost like you’ve built it yourself. But, you do have to be acquainted with PC components to decide for yourself what goes into the rig and how much money you’re willing to spend. So, our only real criticism of the Origin Millennium is that you can put together a similar gaming PC yourself and save hundreds of dollars. On the other hand, because of its svelte design and flexible specs – not to mention, the convenience, we bet you won’t even want to. Read the full review: Origin Millennium
The Area 51 Threadripper Edition pushes the boundaries of both technology and your bank account. In true Alienware fashion, the Area 51 Threadripper Edition pushes the boundaries of both technology and your bank account. It’s extremely powerful, distinctly boasting the latest AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X across all of its configurations. The Area 51’s triad-design hasn’t altered much since its release back in 2014, but the inside of this desktop is basically tool-less to upgrade, not that you would even need to consider it’s already one of the best gaming PCs of 2019. Read the full review: Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition
The small MSI Trident X PC doesn't pull any punches. It was only a matter of time before the best gaming PCs started rolling out with the newest Coffee Lake Refresh and Nvidia Turing parts, and the MSI Trident X was the one to lead the charge. This small chassis PC doesn’t pull any punches, and will absolutely demolish any game you throw at it, at any resolution. Just remember that the thin metal build is a little flimsy for travel, and its price tag is a bit hefty. However, if you’re seeking no-holds-barred power that will fit right in your living room, you can’t do much better than this. Read the full review: MSI Trident The Corsair Vengeance 5185 will, without a doubt, get you back in the game. True to its name, the Corsair Vengeance 5185 will, without a doubt, get you back in the game, if your existing PC has been holding you back. This highly-customizable gaming PC is among the best gaming PCs out there with its powerful components, massive storage space and an effective cooling system that keeps that heat down. A fan of RGB lighting? This has no shortage of that, all wrapped in a tempered glass chassis that’s just the ticket for showing those innards off. The Dell G5 boasts 9th-generation Intel chips as well as Nvidia's most powerful gaming GTX and RTX graphics cards. A unique chassis coupled with a price to beat, Dell’s latest in its G series gaming PCs is a solid contender in budget gaming. The Dell G5 boasts 9th-generation Intel chips as well as Nvidia’s most powerful gaming GTX and RTX graphics cards, starting with an i3 processor and the GTX 1650 to handle many powerful games without burning a whole in your pocket. Of course, if you’ve got more case to spare, it’s VR ready configurations are also on hand, though even those are absolutely affordable. Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best phones under Rs 12,000 in India for November 2019 Posted: 06 Nov 2019 10:33 AM PST Thanks to the ever-increasing competition in the budget smartphone segment in India, Indian smartphone buyers have never had it this good, especially in the sub-Rs 15,000 segment. There are options from several companies if you’re looking for a good smartphone under Rs 15,000, but options under Rs 12,000 can be a little limited and confusing. If you are looking for best phones under Rs 12,000 in India, we have prepared a list that is tailored for your needs.
Xiaomi has been delivering blockbusters upon blockbusters with its Redmi Note line up in India, and that seems to be true with the Redmi Note 8 Pro as well. After delivering massive improvements in terms of imaging with the Redmi Note 7 Pro earlier this year, Xiaomi has turned its focus to improving the gaming performance with the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, the Redmi Note 8 Pro lives up to the hype and offers fluid performance. The liquid cooling tech, a massive 4,500mAh battery, 18W fast charging and the 64MP quad cameras on the back seal the deal rather well. Check out our Redmi Note 8 Pro hands-on experience Xiaomi has been dominating the budget and entry-level smartphone segments in India for a long time now. This is no different this year either - the launch of the Redmi Note 7 Pro changed the market dynamics yet again. Offering a high-resolution, premium-grade 48MP camera at budget prices was the primary clincher for the Redmi Note 7 Pro. As for selfies, the 20MP front camera grabs a decent amount of detail, and you can use the screen as a fill flash to brighten things up and even things out. Read the full review: Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro Xiaomi's smartphones have been a hit in the budget segment and that trend has continued for years. However, not everyone is a fan of MIUI and Xiaomi has acknowledged that with the launch of its Android One series of smartphones. The Mi A3 is the latest in this line of smartphones. It runs on clean, stock Android and should get updates faster than other phones. It also offers a decent camera experience, an in-display fingerprint sensor and a big battery at very aggressive prices, making it a great option if you want all these features. Read our review: Xiaomi Mi A3 Xiaomi has established itself in the entry-level and budget segments, making it the leader in the Indian smartphone industry. The Redmi Note 8 takes this tradition further by combining good design and hardware with a great price. You get a very good display, a very good set of quad cameras and a power efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset that offers smooth performance. Overall, if you are looking for a well balanced budget smartphone under Rs 12,000, the Redmi Note 8 is a good option. Xiaomi is known for offering great value for money smartphones regardless of the price segment, and that is no different with the Redmi 8A. Although it is a very affordable, entry-level smartphone, the Redmi 8A offers hardware that was previously limited to sub-Rs 20k smartphones like the Poco F1. Despite being targeted at the entry level segment, the Redmi 8A's rear camera is an extremely capable snapper. It also has a massive 5,000mAh battery and supports a whopping 18W fast charging - something that many smartphones that cost twice or thrice as much don't offer. The Redmi Note 7S replaces the Redmi Note 7 and offers 48MP camera under Rs 10,000. It features the same gradient glass back design, waterdrop notch and a bright high-quality display at the same time. When you also consider the massive 4,000mAh battery and the updated MIUI skin, the Redmi Note 7S sounds like a very good proposition. Xiaomi has a slew of options for users across several price ranges. The standard Redmi series slots in the sub-Rs 10,000 range, sometimes conflicting with the base Redmi Note phones and the entry-level Redmi A series. Nevertheless, the Redmi 8 offers another option for buyers looking for a smartphone under Rs 12,000. The Redmi 8 sports a gradient design and a waterdrop notch, which can be an enticing set of features at a price of Rs 7,999. The smart design, coupled with a massive 5,000mAh battery and a price tag of Rs 7,999 make the Redmi 8 an unmissable option in this range. Samsung has been trying to reinvent itself in the budget segment for a while now, and the Galaxy M series is a good testament of the company's efforts. The Galaxy M20 offers a good balance between power, performance and battery life. The Galaxy M20’s understated, minimalist design coupled with the waterdrop notch, a bright display and the massive battery help it get into this list. If you want a Samsung phone under Rs 12,000, the Galaxy M20 is a good option. The Realme 3 is a fabulous looking device, mostly thanks to the stunning blue and black gradient design on the back. While the bezels look a bit too thick on the front, the Realme 3 is a looker. The camera experience is average, and some users may not take too well to ColorOS, but the Realme 3 is a noteworthy option nonetheless. The large battery coupled with a HD+ resolution display and a mid-range processor should give you a two-day battery life with normal usage. The Galaxy M10s is a noteworthy option in the sub-Rs 12,000 price segment, especially if you are looking at alternatives for Redmi smartphones. It offers a big display and an adequate battery to go with it, while still costing fairly low. While the Galaxy M10s may not offer the premium design that some other smartphones offer, the One UI and other Samsung features make up for it to some extent. The 4,000mAh battery and 15W fast charging support also add substance to this option. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Amazon Black Friday preview: deals on the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick and more Posted: 06 Nov 2019 10:20 AM PST Just ahead of the upcoming Black Friday sale, Amazon is celebrating Alexa's birthday with deals on its best-selling devices. You can find limited-time discounts on Alexa-enabled speakers, streaming devices, smart home bundles, and more. Amazon device deals:Shop other deals with our Amazon Black Friday deals guide. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best smartphones under Rs 7,000 in India for November 2019 Posted: 06 Nov 2019 10:11 AM PST With the increasing competition in the budget smartphone segment, choosing a smartphone is becoming more and more difficult. If you are a first-time smartphone buyer or want a pocket friendly smartphone, it can be confusing, mostly because there are several options available in the market right now. Several aspects like the battery capacity, display quality, software support and the overall durability need to be considered when you decide which one to go for. With increasing competition, smartphone makers these days are offering more and more features even in the entry-level segment, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. In this post, we look at some of the best smartphones under Rs 7,000 in India. However, if you have some extra money to spare, you must check out the best phones under Rs 10,000. Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi 8A, the company's latest budget offering in India. Like most of its other devices, the Redmi 8A is also packed with a huge battery. It is an entry level device and as such, does not feature fancy hardware. The Redmi 8A is powered by a huge 5,000mAh battery and comes with 18W fast charging support, which is extremely rare for this budget. In addition to this, the device is equipped with a USB Type-C port. The Xiaomi Redmi 8A is powered by a Snapdragon 439 chipset coupled with up to 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It is equipped with a single 12MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera. The Xiaomi Redmi 8A is priced starting at Rs 6,499 in India and is available from Flipkart and Mi.com. The Honor 7S has a good build quality for its price, and the big, vivid display also makes it a decent phone for those who spend their time scrolling through social media and consume video content. However, if you intend to play games on your phone, this device is not for you as its quad-core MediaTek chipset is not capable of providing a proper gaming experience. Realme has gone from strength to strength on the back of its value for money offerings. A prime example of this is the Realme 3i that offers a modern design, big battery, dual cameras and decent performance at a starting price of Rs 6,999. There is ample amount of storage as well if you're getting started, so you don't have to worry about running out of space - a concern that is often visible with entry-level smartphones in the market. If you are looking for a budget device that features a modern look, the Vivo Y90 is a good option. The device sports a huge 6.22-inch HD+ display with a water drop notch design. The notch houses the device’s selfie camera and there is a single rear camera at the back. The device is powered by a Helio A22 chipset coupled with up to 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It is powered by a huge 4,030mAh battery that should provide you a full day of battery life. The Realme C2 is another good option in the budget segment. After its success with the Realme C1, the Chinese smartphone maker has introduced the Realme C2. It is a well-designed device that looks costlier than it actually is. Similar to the Vivo Y90, the Realme C2 also features a water drop notch and a gradient back design. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Fake court summons used to spread phishing malware Posted: 06 Nov 2019 09:56 AM PST The cybersecurity firm Cofense has discovered a new phishing campaign which targets users via a subpoena-themed email that appears to come from the UK Ministry of Justice with the end goal of infecting their systems with information-stealing malware. Employees at insurance and retail companies have received these phishing emails that state that the recipient has been subpoenaed and needs to click on a link within the email to see more details about their case. The enclosed link uses trusted sources including Google Docs and Microsoft OneDrive for the infection chain. While the Google Docs link is not malicious, it does contain a redirect chain that eventually leads to a malicious Microsoft Word file filled with macros. Once executed, the macro downloads a sample of the Predator the Thief information stealer malware via PowerShell.
The initial email also contains a warning that the recipient has 14 days to comply with the subpoena notice which is a scare tactic designed to trick users into clicking on the link inside the email. Predator the ThiefPredator the Thief has all the basic capabilities of most information stealers. However, one of the unique things about this malware is the wide range of web browsers it targets which means even those using a less popular web browser could still be affected. The authors of the malware use a Telegram channel to distribute their product but it also functions as a customer support channel. Predator the Thief targets cryptocurrency wallets, browser information, FTP and email credentials. The malware also takes a screenshot of the infected machine and this information is send back to a Command and Control (C2) server via an HTTP POST. After the information on the target is gathered and the sample has been sent to the C2, the binary then cleans up parts of the infection and self-terminates. This makes it much harder for the malware to be discovered. To avoid falling victim to this latest phishing campaign, Cofense recommends disabling Microsoft macros by default and employing endpoint protection.
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| The best gaming monitor 2019: the 10 best gaming screens of the year Posted: 06 Nov 2019 09:45 AM PST The best gaming monitor is practically essential to any gaming experience and to any gaming rig. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing an RPG that has you running around all of ancient Greece or trying to get some quick gaming in on Overwatch. PC games are becoming a sensory experience more and more and the best gaming monitor is a critical part of that. There are some crucial things to keep in mind when shopping for the best gaming monitor, and it doesn’t just come down to buying the most expensive monitor out there. You have such a range of options to choose from, perhaps more than ever before, that you’ll have to narrow your options somewhat by what the most important features are for you in a gaming monitor. Do you want to forget yourself for a day and a half in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey or the newly released Control? Is something like Ray Tracing, the cutting edge in lighting in games, important? If so, try to get a display that comes with HDR and 4K resolution. If you’re more of a competitor and spend your time trying to get to the top of the leaderboards in e-sports games, speed is going to be king. Particularly, high refresh rates and low response times should be your top priorities when shopping. There are screens now reaching 240Hz refresh rates that, powered by the best graphics cards and processors, will make you the fastest gamer on the block. A number of monitors will have some combination of features so separating the best gaming monitors from the merely passable can be tough. However, with our expertise and hands-on experience with a plethora of gaming panels, we’ve been able to narrow the field down to our choices of the best gaming monitors to the ones below. They’ve all been tested here at TechRadar so know that, if it’s on this list, it’s worth taking a closer look at. Best gaming monitors at a glance:
The Samsung CRG9 is the best gaming monitor if you've got the extra cash laying around. It may be very expensive and requires a killer gaming PC setup to run, but the Samsung CRG9 is completely worth it and the best gaming monitor if you’ve got the extra cash laying around. This bigger-than-average 49-incher boasts bezels thinner than most gaming monitors and a picture by picture mode feature that lets you use two different inputs, simulating a dual monitor setup in a single monitor. And, that’s without mentioning that the Samsung CRG9 produces an out-of-this-world image right out of the box. Read the full review: Samsung CRG9 The Alienware AW3418DW delivers a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can. The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that deliver a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also offering up a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, ridiculously fast 4ms response times and a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, the AW3418DW gives you the best of both worlds. All these features don’t come cheap though, so budget-minded gamers might want to look elsewhere or start saving up. Still, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best gaming monitors 2019 has to offer. Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 carries over the original's best features. The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we ever got our hands on, so when we heard that a follow-up was coming – one that comes with a higher refresh rate and better contrast – it was hard not to get excited. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition carries over the original’s best features but ramps them up to 11, making it a stunning display on which to experience ultra-wide gaming. It’s expensive, yeah, but if you have the hardware to back it up, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not investing. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced gaming monitor to add to your arsenal. The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced – not to mention, best – gaming monitor to add to your arsenal... as long as you’re ready to pay for it. This display features a gorgeous 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, as well as G-Sync and a lightning-quick 144Hz refresh rate. These specs add up to one of the most impressive gaming monitors that’s ever existed – and when you see it in action, it will blow you away. The only thing that holds this gaming monitor back from true greatness is its ridiculous price tag. But, then again, if you have this kind of cash lying around, you should be able to afford a PC powerful enough to drive it. Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ Originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming. While originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming, making it one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today. This is mostly thanks to its rock-solid focus on graphic design so it’s able to offer incredibly wide viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your game in comfort. And, unlike most 4K monitors on the market, you won’t have to mess around with the settings to get the best picture, since every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. This is definitely one of the best gaming monitors out there, even though it wasn’t actually designed for gaming. Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U The MSI Optix MPG341CQR's super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. While all of its extra frills make the MSI Optix MPG341CQR an even more appealing selection for potential buyers, it does an outstanding job of standing out on its own. The use of VA rather than IPS panel technology, for one, is a welcome advantage, offering punchier colors and better contrast. Plus, its super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. The best part might be that this display is also reasonably priced, making it one of the best gaming monitors to consider in 2019. Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR The BenQ Zowie XL2540 forgoes flashy lighting effects for a blazing 240Hz refresh rate. Don’t be turned off by its limitations. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 still absolutely deserves its place right up there on the best gaming monitors list. It forgoes flashy lighting effects for a blazing 240Hz refresh rate and rapid 1ms response time. There aren’t any adaptive sync options, unfortunately, but if you have a setup that’s able of keeping up with this refresh rate, then this gaming display will blow you away. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things simple by supplying you with a ton of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and even a pair of adjustable light screens. This is one of the best gaming monitors to consider if you’re a pro or hardcore gamer. Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540 The AOC Agon AG322QC4 has a lot of aces up its sleeves. A bit of HDR is always a welcome addition, even if it’s not true HDR. And yet, the AOC Agon AG322QC4 has more aces up its sleeves. That includes a 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync 2 and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, ranking this among the best gaming monitors of 2019. And it offers users beautiful, super smooth visuals, all while looking good doing so. It’s not exactly a steal, but the Agon AG322QC4 is still reasonably priced for gamers who aren’t shopping in the bargain basement. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG322QC4 The MSI Optix MAG271CR proves that the best gaming monitors in 2019 are all about the high refresh rates. When you’re playing competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you’ll need speed above all else in order to stay on top of the leader boards. That’s where displays like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With a 1080p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of latency, you’re equipped with incredibly fast, super smooth gameplay, as long as you have the hardware to drive it. After all, 60Hz panels are so 2014 – the best gaming monitors in 2019 are all about the high refresh rates. Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2019If in the market for the best gaming monitor 2019 has to offer, know that there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing which display should grace your desk. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to help guarantee that you’re getting the best gaming monitor that’s most ideal for you. It also means you won’t have to pay extra for additional features that you might not actually care about. Screen size: When looking for the best gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also have to make sure that you have the space to keep a large monitor. And, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the price as well. Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor helps determine the width and height of the display. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3 that might feel pretty out of date in 2019. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wider view of your games, which is why many ultra-wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2019. Resolution: One other critical factor to consider when searching for the best gaming monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K). Refresh rate: When you’re mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more vital. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading to a considerably smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is still the most common in 2019, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more prominent – not to mention, more and more necessary. Response time: The best gaming monitors offers low response times, which means you’re getting fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we’ll get to this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s vital to keep this number as low as you can in order to avoid latency. Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are often more affordable, have the lowest response times but usually don’t come with great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels are between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world. Viewing Angle: While most people play games right in front of their gaming monitor, this isn’t always be the case, particularly when there is an audience. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below. G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably noticed that many of the best gaming monitors in 2019 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so it requires an Nvidia GPU. And, the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. FreeSync, on the other hand, was made by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are usually more economical. Check out our HDR Explained video below. Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article Image Credit: TechRadar
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| Best gaming mouse 2019: the best gaming mice we've tested Posted: 06 Nov 2019 09:41 AM PST You shouldn’t game without the best gaming mouse on the market. In fact, to squeeze the optimal performance from the best gaming PCs, you’ll want to pay close attention to all the gaming mice available so that you can reach your full gaming potential, whether it’s competing in e-sports or digging into the newest first person shooter. Look at more than just the price tag though, as it’s not always the best indicator of a quality peripheral. The SteelSeries Sensei 310, for instance, is an excellent mouse that looks good and has solid performance at a very reasonable price, making getting the best gaming mouse for you one of the easiest ways to max out your rig. In 2019, this piece of hardware is as important as it’s ever been and you should definitely grab a mouse with excellent performance and that can take a beating. And while it’s easy to just pick the one with the highest price tag, why not look for one that also gives you excellent value – a characteristic for more than a few of our choices for the best gaming mouse on this list. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to grab the best gaming mouse pad, especially if you’re looking for RGB lighting or wireless charging capabilities. Yes, there’s a whole horde of gaming mice to choose from more companies than ever before. It can be overwhelming deciding what the best gaming mouse for you is but that’s why we’ve put this list together. These picks have all been put through the ringer here at TechRadar so you can rest assured that these choices for best gaming mouse have been diligently tested and reviewed. Also, take a look at our exclusive price comparison tool to decide where to get the best deal for your choice of best gaming mouse. Also, since the holiday season is upon us, keep abreast of upcoming excellent Black Friday 2019 deals. We’ll share any deals you should keep an eye out for here at TechRadar as the shopping season approaches. Best gaming mice 2019 at a glance:
The features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710. When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players) and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech. Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 710 The Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. There are a couple reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here. Read the full review: Razer Viper The Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life and doesn’t at all suck, for less than $50. The ergonomics unfortunately favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about. Read the full review: Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless The Logitech G502 Hero breathes that "gaming life." Aesthetically, you generally have two main choices when you’re in the market for the best gaming mouse: a high-performing mouse that looks like it would fit in the office, or a mouse that lives and breathes that “gaming life.” The Logitech G502 fits squarely in the latter category, with its robotic design. But, if that doesn’t intimidate you, then you get adjustable weights, a jaw-dropping 16,000 DPI sensor and superb performance as well. It’s not ideal for users with bigger hands, but other than that, this one has definitely earned its spot in the best gaming mouse list. Read the full review: Logitech G502 Hero The Roccat Kain 120 AIMO is an affordable mid-range gaming mouse. If you’re in the market for an affordable mid-range gaming mouse, then the Roccat Kain 120 AIMO may just be the best gaming mouse for you. To start, it’s got a great design and solid build, as well as a decent number of customization options that let you personalize it according to your gaming style and needs. Of course, it’s exceptional to use as well, satisfying, responsive, and very reliable. This new offering from Roccat will without a doubt give you that gaming edge. Read the full review: Roccat Kain 120 AIMO The Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 is an ideal addition to your gaming rig. If you’re searching for the best gaming mouse that’s both economical and functional, then the Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 is an ideal addition to your gaming rig. It won’t win any beauty contests, but packing quality Omron switches and a relatively sensitive sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI makes it a good purchase. Those make it easy to ignore the unappealing design – particularly if you use a claw grip. Read the full review: Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 The Razer Naga Trinity has always been fan favorites in the MMO community. Have you been getting into the World of Warcraft: Classic lately? Then you’ll want to look into the Razer Naga Trinity. Razer’s Naga mice have always been fan favorites in the MMO community, and the manufacturer has taken things to the next level with Naga Trinity. With it, you’re getting three easily swappable side plates, allowing you to configure your mouse however you see fit. Add the insane 16,000 DPI sensor and Razer Chroma RGB lighting to the mix, and you’ll be topping the DPS meters in no time. Is there any doubt that the Razer Naga Trinity belongs on the list of the best gaming mouse? Read the full review: Razer Naga Trinity The HyperX Pulsefire Surge boasts extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting. If you catch yourself rolling your eyes at some of the gaming mice out there in 2019 that sport ridiculous, over-the-top designs, then you should take a look at the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB. Boasting extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting – not to mention, an impressive 16,000 DPI sensor – you’re scoring the best gaming mouse for an outstanding price. Plus, it’ll fit right into any office, at least once you turn down the lighting effects to show off its more accessible design. Read the full review: HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB The Corsair IronClaw RGB is an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users. Most of the best gaming mice on the market are either too small or too light, or even a bit of both, leaving gamers with big hands with few options. To make matters worse, some of the big mice out there come loaded with gratuitous buttons and weird shapes that make them more like asylum-seekers from an alien robot planet. The Corsair Ironclaw is just the opposite. It’s an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users, with a design that won’t make you want to squirrel it away in your desk drawer every time company comes around. It’s quite tough as well, so it can handle quite a bit of heavy use, making it the best gaming mouse for you. Read the full review: Corsair Ironclaw RGB The Gigabyte Aorus M5 is very customizable, and boasts great ergonomics and fun RGB lighting. When you take stock of all its amazing features, it might shock you to learn that the Gigabyte Aorus M5 is only $69. This stunner is among the best gaming mouse of great value that we’ve tested this year. It’s also very customizable, not to mention boasts great ergonomics and fun RGB lighting. As far as features that will give you the gaming advantage, it boasts an adjustable weight distribution system, on-the-fly DPI adjustments and Omron switches tested for 50 million clicks, to start. If you’re looking for a mouse that gives you more bang for your buck, this is it. Read the full review: Gigabyte Aorus M5 How to choose the best gaming mouseWhile you’ll definitely find the best gaming mouse of your gaming dreams, doing so might take some time and effort. That’s expected; there’s a ton of complicated technical jargon that goes into the best gaming mice – terms like polling rates and DPI ratings that a regular buyer may not be familiar with. For the record, you’ll want a higher number of both, even though these two terms mean very different things. For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, when you come across the term DPI, that is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available, but you still want accuracy and precision, then opt for the best gaming mouse with a higher DPI rating that can toggle to a lower DPI, in case you get a bigger desk. Meanwhile, a high polling rate means you’re getting faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, and it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second. Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to keep in mind are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting. Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article 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 |
| Best external hard drives of 2019 Posted: 06 Nov 2019 09:36 AM PST Do yourself a favor, and invest in one of the best external hard drives to add to your computer setup – whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop PC. It’s not only a sound investment when you have a lot of large size files, but it could also potentially be money saving as well. Manufacturers like Apple typically charge you a lot more cash for simply upgrading your storage space – more than it will cost you to purchase an external hard drive with a much bigger capacity, in fact. With Black Friday fast approaching, now’s an even better time take one of the best external hard drives home. You should see some massive deals soon, and our list should get you started on which ones to keep an eye out for. After all, we hand-picked the best external hard drives that are not only fast in terms of data transfer rates, extremely reliable and won’t fail you, and guaranteed to keep your files – especially the most important ones – safe and secure. Each external drive (or backup hard drive) on this list has been carefully handpicked to make sure it offers fast data transfer speeds – essential if you move lots of big files consistently, boast sturdy build quality so you don't have to worry about them breaking and losing your files, and have more than enough storage space on offer however much you need. Whether you’re looking for the best external hard drive to serve as your main storage drive, or you need one to store all your backups, this list will have something for you.
Choosing the best external hard driveWhen buying the best external hard drive for your needs, you need to make sure you get a device that can safely and securely store your important files. Reliability is of the utmost importance here, as you do not want to buy an external hard drive that fails on you - making you lose all your important backups. The best external hard drives will also be quick - either because they use SSD (Solid State Drive) technology, or because they use the latest connectivity technology, such as USB-C. The biggest deciding factors when it comes to data transfer rates is the connection the drive uses, and whether it is a standard hard drive or a solid state drive (SSD). Many external hard drives utilize USB 2.0 connections. However, for faster speeds, you'll want USB 3.0 or ideally the newer USB Type-C connection. You'll also need to ensure your PC or laptop also has a USB Type-C port. You'll also need to think about how much storage space you need. The best external hard drives offer a range of storage space. We'd recommend 500GB to start, as that gives you plenty of space to store your files without costing too much money. That’s certainly good enough for most users. However, if you’re dealing with large files – such as high-resolution photos and videos – in your typical workload, you should consider buying one with a bigger storage space. Luckily, many external hard drives offer terabytes (TB) of storage space for not much more money. Buying the best external hard drive for your needs involves figuring out how much space you need. You don't want to buy an external hard drive that's too small, end up running out of space and buying another one. However, you also don’t want to pay over the odds for storage space you'll never need. In addition, the best external hard drives must also be dependable and rugged, so you can safely store your data without worry. The best external drives must also be light enough to carry in your bag, with large capacities so that you can keep your data safe when traveling. Best external hard drives at a glance
The Buffalo's MiniStation Extreme NFC is great for budget consumers. (Image Credit: Buffalo) If you’re looking for the best external hard drive that will save you a ton of cash, Buffalo's MiniStation Extreme NFC could be your match made in heaven. With compatibility for both Mac and Windows machines, the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC is very flexible, and comes with a rugged case that's dust and water resistant, along with a built-in USB 3.0 cable. Not only is your data kept protected from knocks and drops with the rugged shell, but it's also got 256-bit AES security features and NFC (Near Field Communication) features as well. Essentially it allows you to unlock the drive to get to your files quickly and easily by tapping the supplied NFC card onto the drive's body. Pretty neat! Read the full review: Buffalo MiniStation Extreme
The Western Digital My Passport Ultra is among the best external hard drives out there. The latest generation of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra range of external hard drives is here, coming in sizes from 1TB to 4TB, and they’re among the best external hard drives out there. It features cloud storage and 256-AES encryption, along with WD's own software suite. It is a good performer when it comes to data transfer speeds but doesn't come near the top of the leaderboard. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't reach the top speeds of solid state external drives, but for external hard drives based on traditional HDDs, this is the drive to consider. Read the full review: Western Digital My Passport Ultra If you'd rather have an external hard drive that takes advantage of solid state drive (SSD) speeds, then there's the Samsung Portable SSD T5. (Image Credit: Samsung) If you'd rather have an external hard drive that takes advantage of solid state drive (SSD) speeds, then the Samsung Portable SSD T5 is certainly among the best external hard drive for you. Samsung has an excellent reputation for external SSDs, thanks to products like the T3, and the T5 builds on its predecessor by adding a fast USB Type-C connection that ekes out every last drop of performance from the solid state drive inside. Of course, it's also backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 if your PC doesn't have USB Type-C. Be prepared to shell out a bit more cash, but it’s well worth it. Read the full review: Samsung Portable SSD T5 The Adata SD700 is great for those looking for a rugged storage device. The Adata SD700 will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. It performs incredibly well and remains the only SSD we’ve seen that is IP68 rated. Thanks to the solid state drive that resides in this external hard drive, it's a lot faster than external drives that use traditional spinning hard drives, which means that you're getting great transfer speeds as well as rugged protection. It also comes in capacities up to 1TB, so you don't have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD - this drive really does hit all the right notes. Read the hands-on review: Adata SD700 External SSD The WD My Book Duo is the absolute largest capacity external hard drive. (Image Credit: WD) If you're looking for the absolute largest capacity external hard drive, then the WD My Book Duo 4TB is the one to get, offering a sizeable 4TB (you can also get versions with up to 20TB) of storage space over two hard drives. You might sacrifice some of the ample storage space, if you don’t mind losing some, so you can set the drives up in a RAID array, so you have file backups of your files should one of the drives die. This USB 3.0 drive has many of the features of a fully-fledged NAS device (including a high price), and if you have a router with a USB 3.0 port you could use this as a network attached storage device in its own right. The device, which comes with two-year warranty, has 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and automatic backup software (WD SmartWare Pro). Worth noting that the enclosure used is fully serviceable and that WD ships the drive already pre-formatted for Windows users (NTFS). Read the full review: WD My Book Duo 4TB The Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt is great for a device with a Thunderbolt port. (Image Credit: Buffalo) If you have a device with a Thunderbolt port, then this is a great option, as it provides twice the speeds of standard USB 3.0 drives. It's also not especially expensive compared to other Thunderbolt drives. The price is kept down due to its use of a traditional hard drive, rather than an SSD, which limits the potential speeds. It also comes with a USB 3.0 port for people without access to Thunderbolt. Read the full review: Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt
The Seagate Backup Plus Desktop Drive combines speed and capacity. If you want to combine speed and capacity, then the Seagate Backup Plus Desktop Drive 5TB is definitely worth considering. It comes in a range of sizes up to 8TB and it beats the competition when it comes to read and write speeds as well. On top of this storage and speed, you get a decent amount of peace of mind thanks to Seagate's lower than average failure rates, especially in bigger capacity hard drives. You also get backup software, and the drive is compatible with both Windows and Macs, though it's formatted for Windows out of the box unless you go for a Mac-specific hard drive - though these are more expensive. Read the full review: Seagate Backup Plus Desktop Drive 5TB There's a more premium feel to the My Passport Wireless Pro. Even if we had mixed feelings on past versions of the My Passport Wireless, the 2016 “pro” variant of the external HDD restores faith in the Western Digital name. The design, for one, has been overhauled and no longer resembles the My Passport Ultra or My Passport for Mac. Instead, there’s now a more premium feel to the My Passport Wireless Pro. It resembles an external DVD drive, but considering the onboard SD card slot, don’t worry about getting it confused with anything else. For photographers, this will make the Wireless Pro stand out. For everyone else, there’s a massive 6,400mAh battery built into the device. This lets the drive be used completely free of wires over 2.4GHz or 5GHz channels. When it’s wired up, however, don’t expect cutting edge connection tech, as the My Passport Wireless Pro uses only USB Type-B to Type-A. Completely absent is the latest and greatest USB-C connection. Where the My Passport Wireless Pro compromises on affordability, it’s able to benefit in just about every other area. Of course, not everyone needs a wireless hard drive or SD card support, but for those who do, it’s almost essential. Read the full review: Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro The LaCie Porsche Design Mobile Drive is an excellent challenger to the Seagate M3. (Image Credit: LaCie) You may have stumbled upon the LaCie Porsche Design Mobile Drive when perusing the Apple website for USB-C accessories. There’s a reason for that: the Porsche Design ships with both USB Type-C to Type-A and USB Type-C to Type-C connectors, making it a worthy candidate regardless of your setup. It’s expensive for an external hard drive, don’t get us wrong, especially if you’re in the market for the top-end 4TB option. On the other hand, this is an HDD that could theoretically output speeds of up to 5Gbps, if it weren’t hindered by the limits of SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) technology. Comprising five 800GB platters in a 15mm form factor, the LaCie Porsche Design Mobile is an excellent challenger to the Seagate M3, though it’s notably bigger in both weight and dimensions. Sure, it packs an extra convenience factor in the form of USB-C, but it should be noted that the Porsche Design Mobile is still limited to USB 3.0 speeds. Plus, even an aluminum finish can’t prevent it from clashing with your Rose Gold MacBook. Nevertheless, LaCie’s offering is the best USB-C external HDD money can buy, at least for the time being. Read our full review: LaCie Porsche Design Mobile Drive 4TB The iStorage diskAshur 2TB offer tight security like no other drives around. Typically, iStorage hard disks cater best to governments and multinational organizations around the world, for good reason too – they offer tight security like no other drives around. If someone tries to tamper with your iStorage drive, you can configure it to self-desturct. What's more, the data is encrypted by the 256-bit AES protocol, with multiple forms of protection in place to ensure the bad guys don't get in no matter how persistent. When you consider all that extra security, the prices won't scare you away either. Sure, it's still expensive, four times the price of an equivalent 2TB drive, and unlikely to be the most nimble performer. But, you're paying for a product that's virtually uncrackable. Bear in mind, though, you'll get no help from the manufacturer if things go awry and you lose your password. Read our full review: iStorage diskAshur DT Gabe Carey and Matt Hanson also contributed to this article This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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