Friday, December 20, 2019

Apple : Samsung Galaxy S11 release date, price, news and leaks

Apple : Samsung Galaxy S11 release date, price, news and leaks

Samsung Galaxy S11 release date, price, news and leaks

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 01:50 PM PST

We should see the Samsung Galaxy S11 before too long, because if Samsung continues its yearly cycles for phone releases, its first flagship of the year should be out in or around February 2020 – and we've heard plenty of rumors about what we can expect from it.

There are also features we can intuit might come to the Galaxy S11, from perks we expected but didn't see in the Samsung Galaxy S10 to aspects of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Samsung Galaxy A80 and Galaxy Fold that would work well in a new Galaxy S flagship.

Inspired by all these phones, we've also drawn up a list of the things we'd like to see in the Samsung Galaxy S11, or whatever the next Galaxy S phone ends up being (it could be the Galaxy S20, given that phone companies seem to jump straight from 10 to 20 when numbering phones).

You'll find that below, but first, here's everything that we've heard about the Samsung Galaxy S11 so far.

Update: More details about the Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus's camera and battery have now leaked, and it's looking ever more likely that the former will include a 108MP sensor and the latter will be 5,000mAh. The zoom lens could be upgraded to 48MP, too. 

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The next Galaxy S smartphone from Samsung
  • When is it out? Possibly February 18
  • What will it cost? Likely more than $899 / £799 / AU$1,349 

Samsung Galaxy S11 release date and price

We saw the Samsung Galaxy S10 release alongside the Samsung Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S10 Plus in late February 2019. Since Samsung tends to release its phones in yearly cycles, we expect to see the Samsung Galaxy S11 release in February or March 2020.

That may mean we hear about it at MWC 2020, or it may be a touch earlier as two rumors suggest we might see it on February 18, possibly alongside the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2. Another source meanwhile has claimed it could land on February 11. It's quite early to hear about an actual launch date though, so we'd take both dates with a big pinch of salt.

The Galaxy S10 cost $899 / £799 / AU$1,349 for its cheapest storage size, and went all the way up to $1,149 / £999 / AU$1,699, when it released.

We would expect the Samsung Galaxy S11 price to be a small increase on this, as the Galaxy S10 was pricier than the Galaxy S9.

Taking into consideration the usual price increases on Galaxy S handsets between generations, we'd expect to see it cost around $1,000 / £900 / AU$1,500 for the cheapest version, and even more for more memory.

Having said that, we're talking about the standard Galaxy S11 here, but a rumor suggests there might be a Samsung Galaxy S11 Lite (if it doesn't launch earlier as the S10 Lite), in which case there might be a cheaper option for buyers who don't have a grand to spend on a smartphone.

And accompanying the launch of the Galaxy S11 might be new premium wireless earbuds to rival the Apple AirPods Pro called the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. Given the original Galaxy Buds were introduced alongside the Galaxy S10, it makes sense that the new ones would come out with the next Samsung flagship.

Samsung Galaxy S11 design and display

We've now seen leaked renders supposedly showing the Samsung Galaxy S11, Galaxy S11 Plus, and Galaxy S11e.

Starting with the standard model, which you can see above, the screen is apparently between 6.63 and 6.7 inches in size and slightly less curved than the S10's. The bezels also appear slightly smaller, and on the back there's a camera block which appears to house five lenses.

Dimensions meanwhile apparently come in at 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm (rising to 8.9mm at the camera bump), which would make it larger than the 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm Galaxy S10.

Next up there's the Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus leaked renders (pictured below), which show a similar design but an even larger camera block, plus an apparently 6.9-inch screen and dimensions of 166.9 x 76 x 8.8mm (rising to 10.2mm at the camera bump). The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus for comparison is 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8mm.

We would however take these with a pinch of salt, as another leaker has said they're inaccurate and that the actual design will be quite different to the S10 Plus.

As for the Samsung Galaxy S11e renders, these show a similar design once again, but with the smallest camera block of the bunch (housing three lenses), a screen of apparently 6.2-6.3 inches, and dimensions of 151.7 mm x 69.1 mm x 7.9mm (without the camera bump).

Samsung Galaxy S11e leak

We've also now seen renders of cases for both the Samsung Galaxy S11 and Samsung Galaxy S11e which completely line up with the leaked designs above.

Similarly, we've also seen a screen protector from leaker @UniverseIce that's apparently designed for the Galaxy S11 and shows the same design again - most notably a centered punch-hole camera and tiny bezels.

A later @UniverseIce leak with another screen cover reference model backs up the thin bezels, though the leaker noted that the 'S11's "forehead" and "chin" are very optimistic', suggesting they could be thicker than the reference expects.

That all suggests these designs may well be accurate, though it's equally possible the case designs and screen protector are based on the leaks above.

Prior to all this we heard from one of the more reputable tipsters on the web that the screen sizes of the Galaxy S11e, Galaxy S11 and Galaxy S11 Plus will be 6.4 inches, 6.7 inches and 6.9 inches – and that they're all going to come with curved screens. That's broadly in line with the leaks above.

They might also have a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smoother interactions than the 60Hz found on the S10 range. That theory is mostly based on a 120Hz mode being spotted in a beta for Samsung's smartphone software. There's no guarantee the feature will arrive on the Galaxy S11 range, but it seems a likely candidate, especially as a source has now said as much.

Plus, a browser test for an unknown Samsung phone believed to be an S11 model points to a 20:9 aspect ratio. That would make it more widescreen than the 19:9 Galaxy S10 (or taller when held in portrait orientation).

The S11 could also use a new screen tech, as Samsung has trademarked the name SAMOLED, which sounds like a new take on the AMOLED screens used by its phones, though we don't know how SAMOLED would differ.

We've also heard that the Samsung Galaxy S11 could move the punch-hole camera to the top center of the screen, similar to the Galaxy Note 10 range, as we've since seen in leaked images. The source adds that the camera would be smaller than on the Note 10 range though. You can see how this might look in the images above and the one below.

The same source has since added that the Samsung Galaxy S11 will apparently have a narrower bezel than the Galaxy Note 10, but apparently won't have a 'waterfall' screen (that being a very steeply curved screen edge like the Huawei Mate 30 Pro has).

There's also an outside chance that the Galaxy S11 will have two screens, as Samsung has patented a design (spotted by LetsGoDigital) with a smaller second screen on the back of a phone, as you can see below.

This would remove the need for a selfie camera, as the second screen could be used to frame photos using the main camera. We doubt we'll see this design though - all sorts of things get patented and often don't get made.

As for the rest of the design, one thing we've heard is that the standard Galaxy S11 might come in blue, grey and black shades, while the Samsung Galaxy S11e might come in blue, grey and pink. The source doesn't say what colors to expect the Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus in though.

Samsung Galaxy S11 camera

Samsung has announced new 48MP and 64MP camera sensors , so it's possible Samsung will use one of them for the Galaxy S11.

However, Samsung might go even further, as it has also now announced a 108MP sensor, one which has been specifically rumored for inclusion in the Galaxy S11. The source of this rumor adds that the Samsung Galaxy S11 will apparently also have a lens with 5x optical zoom, which is a claim we've now heard multiple times.

Elsewhere, another leaker has also said that Samsung will probably use a 108MP camera in the Galaxy S11, but this will apparently be a new one, rather than the sensor Samsung has already announced. This is a rumor that's now starting to gain some serious momentum.

We're not sure what upgrades it would get, but with Samsung's first 108MP sensor landing on a Xiaomi handset first, it would make sense for Samsung to make something totally new for the Galaxy S11.

One source suggests the 108MP sensor used will combine nine pixels into one, for 12MP shots that can take in a lot of light.

We've also seen how the camera arrangement on the Galaxy S11 Plus might look. You can see this below, with the source noting that an ultra-wide, main (likely 108MP) and periscope lens are likely to be included, along with a ToF sensor.

A 5x optical zoom lens is looking ever more likely too, as a source claims the S11's camera is codenamed 'Hubble'. That's the name of a space telescope, so strongly suggests impressive zoom skills. Plus, another source has also pointed to a 5x optical zoom lens, but said that the phone won't have a 'normal' one, whatever that means.

One thing it might mean is that the lens is more flush with the back of the handset than most zoom lenses, as another source claims Samsung is working on just such a lens - which is also yet more evidence that a zoom lens is in the works.

Alternatively, it could be referring to a focus on photographing the night sky, as not only is the camera apparently codenamed Hubble as mentioned, it might also have a 'Space Zoom' feature, which Samsung has applied to trademark.

Samsung's description of the feature makes it sound like a general zoom mode, but the name certainly suggests it could be designed to take better photos of stars, planets and the moon. That could be helped with a 48MP sensor paired with the zoom lens, as another rumor suggests, which would drastically outweigh the 8MP sensor in the Huawei P30 Pro's 5x optical zoom.

Samsung has also trademarked a 'Bright Night Sensor', which sounds a lot like a low light mode, but one that the sensor is designed from the ground up for (so in other words it uses hardware rather than or as well as software).

Coupled with these night sky focused features it sounds like the Galaxy S11 could put a real focus on low light photography - though there's no guarantee the trademarked features will be used with the Galaxy S11.

One thing we might not get is an in-display front-facing camera, as while the likes of Oppo and Xiaomi are already teasing the technology, a source suggests Samsung will wait for the tech to "mature" first, and in the meantime will stick with punch-hole cameras - albeit ones of ever smaller sizes.

With regards to video recording, a rumor has suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S11 will support 8K video recording, however there are reasons why that rumor might be incorrect, such as the 108MP sensor not actually supporting that resolution.

Samsung Galaxy S11 battery life

We've heard that the Samsung Galaxy S11 will come with a 4,500mAh battery – that's based on a photo shared by a certification website in Korea, so it seems legitimate, but you can never be totally certain. If this is true, the Galaxy S11 will have the same capacity as the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, which should compensate for the new tech we're expecting to see in the device.

We've heard from another source that the Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus will use a 5,000mAh battery, which would be the biggest used in a Galaxy S device. Another source has since backed up that 5,000mAh claim. This rumor makes sense, because it would be an expected step up between the S11 and S11 Plus, but we don't know for sure.

There's no word on a possible battery capacity for the Samsung Galaxy S11e, or 'lite' phone.

An industry insider has suggested the reason the smartphones can use such big batteries is due to shrinking one part of the internals, a technique which the iPhone 12 could use too.

Samsung Galaxy S11 specs and features

On the topic of 'tech Samsung has announced': we know the company has created a 12GB Mobile DRAM, which lets the phone read memory at a quicker rate, so that's an obvious candidate for the Galaxy S11.

The Galaxy S11 might also be the first phone to have a tiny 5nm chipset, according to Sina, which could see it outperform other handsets.

Speaking of the chipset, the Snapdragon 865 has been announced, and this will almost certainly power the phone in the US (with most other regions getting an Exynos one).

A chip believed to be the Snapdragon 865 has also been benchmarked with scores that beat any other phone.

A more unlikely feature that the S11 could pack is a spectrometer, which could be used to determine the chemical composition of objects. Samsung has patented a phone-like device with just such a feature, so it's possible, but it sounds a bit far-fetched and niche.

In other news, it may be worth keeping an eye out for rumors and leaks regarding the 'Picasso' as that, according to leaker Ice Universe, is the code-name Samsung is currently using internally for the Galaxy S11.

We can also look to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 for some possible specs and features. The Galaxy S10 for example probably won't have a headphone port, since Samsung has ditched it for the latest Note. Similarly, it likely won't have a Bixby button.

However, by freeing up space that would have been used for a headphone port, Samsung could potentially make the battery bigger and/or the body thinner.

In fact, a certification listing suggests the Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus might have a massive 5,000mAh battery, so there could be something to this.

Plus, one rumor suggests the Galaxy S11e will have a larger battery than the Galaxy S10e. It may be because this is a 5G version of the device, but it seems to suggest that Samsung will be increasing battery capacity on its next series of devices.

Speaking of 5G, according to a source you'll be able to get the Galaxy S11 and S11e in either 4G or 5G versions, while the Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus will apparently only be offered as a 5G phone.

We've also now seen evidence of at least one Galaxy S11 handset offering 5G, as mention of it was found on a certification listing for a phone with a model number linked to the S11 range. Surprisingly though it also listed fast charging of up to 25W, which would make it slower than the 45W Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus.

There's also unlikely to be a fingerprint sensor, judging by the news that the Galaxy S11 could use facial recognition unlocking tech instead. The iPhone 11 and Google Pixel 4 have similar systems, where instead of using in-screen fingerprint sensors, they use facial recognition, and this is a rather secure form of unlocking (compared to Samsung's current photo-based facial recognition) but it's slower than using a fingerprint.

How about this for a rumor though: could the Galaxy S line be discontinued, and the Galaxy S11 never see the light of day? That's what one source suggests, that the S11 and Galaxy Note 11 will merge to create the Galaxy One, a new series that combines all Samsung's premium features into one smartphone.

Sure, we've heard that before about Samsung phones and it turned out to be wrong, but given the similarities between both ranges, it's not something we can totally rule out.

Samsung Galaxy 11: what we want to see

While early rumors have started to swirl, in reality there's still a long way to go before we see the Samsung Galaxy S11, which is good news as it gives Samsung plenty of time to take our suggestions on board.

So, listen up Samsung, here's what we want to see from the Galaxy S11. Please don't let us down.

1. Better camera specs 

The Samsung Galaxy S10 has three rear cameras: the 12MP main sensor with a regular lens, the 12MP second sensor with a telephoto lens for distance shots, and the 16MP third sensor with an ultra-wide lens.

The three lenses are generally what we'd expect in a smartphone camera, but the resolution of each is a lot lower than in many other phones.

Handsets like the Honor 20 Pro have a 48MP main snapper, which is a big step up from 12MP, and even affordable handsets sometimes now come with four lenses (the extra is usually a time-of-flight or macro sensor for close-up shots), so to stay competitive in the smartphone camera game Samsung needs to up its game with the Galaxy S11.

Samsung Galaxy S11

The Honor 20 Pro's four cameras. Image credit: TechRadar

We've heard that Samsung is working on a 64MP smartphone camera that could be put in the Samsung Galaxy S11 – if this is true, the new phone would blow its competitors out of the water.

2. A 3.5mm headphone jack

If you're scratching your head thinking "the Samsung Galaxy S10 does have a 3.5mm headphone jack", then you're right – but it may be the last of its kind.

Newer Galaxy smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy A80 have ditched the headphone jack, so it seems Samsung is following suit behind many other smartphone companies in getting rid of the physical headphone port.

But since many, many people still use non-Bluetooth earphones, it's a feature that we'd love to see return in future Samsung smartphones, especially given it's one of the only high-end smartphone manufacturers to still be using them.

3. Different front-facing camera arrangement

The Galaxy S10 was one of the first phones to have a 'punch-hole' front-facing camera, which means the front snapper was in a cut-out section inside the screen, in the corner.

The Galaxy S10 Plus' punch-hole camera. Image credit: TechRadar

In theory this is a useful feature that replaces the top notch, so you get more screen real estate – but in practice the punch-hole takes just as much space, as there's a sliver of screen between the camera and the edge that just isn't used.

Going forward, we'd like to see the Samsung Galaxy S11 take a different tack – Samsung itself has said it's planning to drop the punch-hole in favor of a camera under the screen, but that could still be a few Galaxy S phones down the line.

4. Greater battery capacity

The Galaxy S10 had a 3,400mAh battery – that's fine, but you've got no hope of that lasting more than a second day of use, especially if you use your phone a lot.

We'd hope the Samsung Galaxy S11 battery life would surpass that – it will definitely have to have a bigger capacity to cater for all the new tech the phone uses, but we'd like to see a serious improvement on the capacity, perhaps 4,000mAh or above.

5. More launch colors

The Galaxy S10 comes in a few colors, most commonly prism white and black – but we always love a vibrant design in a phone, and so far Samsung handsets have often seemed a little dull.

Samsung Galaxy S11

The vibrant Samsung Galaxy S10e. Image credit: TechRadar

We're not asking for the crazy back patterns of a Huawei or Honor phone, but it would be nice for the Samsung Galaxy S11 to launch in a few different colors.

The Galaxy S10 has a few colors that are only available in certain regions, like yellow, green or red, but if Samsung made these designs available from the get-go in all regions, we'd appreciate the design a lot more.

6. Affordable 5G

We're expecting there to be a Samsung Galaxy S11 5G – there was a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, after all, and by the time the S11 launches 5G will be available in many countries.

However, the Galaxy S10 5G is even bigger than the Galaxy S10 Plus, and so is massive and expensive. Currently there are no affordable 5G smartphones on the horizon, but Samsung could really get ahead of the curve if the Galaxy S11, or Galaxy S11e, had a low price and ran on 5G networks.

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The new Moto Razr looks so futuristic it’s now delayed

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 01:00 PM PST

The Motorola Razr foldable flip phone’s launch has been delayed beyond its original January date due to supply issues. Preorders, which were supposed to go live ion December 26, have also been pushed back.

Motorola delayed the presale and launch to “better meet consumer demand,” according to a statement sent out to publications by parent company Lenovo. “Demand has been high, and as a result, has quickly outgrown supply predictions.” 

The company didn’t provide a revised launch date, as they are “working to determine the appropriate quantity and schedule to ensure that more consumers have access to Razr at launch.” Whether that’s truly catching supply up to demand or just waiting to generate more interest and higher numbers is unclear.

In any case, the company doesn't anticipate a "significant shift" from the original launch timeline, according to Bloomberg.

Delay for demand, not design

But Motorola didn’t indicate the delay was caused by design issues. The Samsung Galaxy Fold’s original March 2019 launch was delayed by half a year after early reviewers discovered flaws and screen failures, and the refined version that came out later in the year featured a protective lip around the display and an improved hinge.

There’s no indication the Razr will suffer any similar fate as an early foldable, and the model we handled at the phone’s Los Angeles reveal in November worked as advertised and its intricate hinge was as robust as Motorola claimed. On the other hand, the company has kept the phone out of journalists’ hands since then, so there could theoretically be issues that just haven’t been noticed.

And in any case, there are reports that a follow-up Motorola Razr 2020 device will appear sometime next year, so hopefully the Razr 2019 will come out before we hear too much about its successor.

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Last-minute TV deals from Walmart that arrive in time for Christmas

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 12:29 PM PST

If you're looking for a last-minute cheap 4K TV deal, then you've come to the right place. Walmart's 'Daily Deal Drop' sale is happening now, and you can find incredible deals on best-selling TVs that ship in time for Christmas.

Walmart's top TV bargain is the Sceptre 50-inch 4K TV that's on sale for just $189.99. That's a $210 discount and a fantastic price for a mid-size 4K TV.

Even if this Sceptre TV isn't the best TV in the world, it's still a 4K Ultra High-Definition TV, which displays four times the number of pixels as a Full HD display.

While the Sceptre TV lacks smart functionality, it does include four HDMI ports and that $189 price tag makes it easy to add a cheap streaming device to your cart.

Shop more of Walmart's best TV bargains below and keep in mind Sunday is the last day for free delivery to ensure your items get there by Christmas Eve, so you should take advantage of these deals now before it's too late.

The best last-minute Walmart TV deals:

See more TV offers with our roundup of the best cheap TV deals and sales that are happening now.

Shop more deals with our list of the best Christmas sales of 2019.

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Best Christmas sales 2019: last-minute deals from Amazon, Walmart & more

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 11:26 AM PST

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're looking for last-minute deals on gifts for the family, then you've come to the right place. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart are having massive sales on best-selling items which include smartwatches, Amazon devices, headphones, kitchen appliances, gaming consoles, and more.

To help you sort through all the offers, we've rounded up the very best Christmas sales below. Our top bargains include the all-new Fitbit Versa 2 on sale for $130, the best-selling Instant Pot Duo on sale for $72, the Powerbeats Pro wireless earphones on sale for $199.95 and a $30 gift card with the Nintendo Switch console. You can also find discounts on stocking stuffer ideas like the Tile Mate GPS tracker on sale for just $20 and the Echo Dot smart speaker on sale for $24.99.

All of the Walmart and Best Buy deals qualify for free two-day shipping and are guaranteed to get there before Christmas Day. If you're a Prime Member, Amazon's bargains also qualify for free shipping, and Sunday is the last day for free delivery to ensure your items get there by Christmas Eve.

Shop the best discounts below and make sure to bookmark this page as we'll be continuously updating it with all the top last-minute deals and shipping cut off dates to ensure you get the best deals in time for Christmas Day.

The best Christmas sales around the web

  • Amazon - Save on Amazon devices, appliances, electronics, and more
  • Best Buy - Holiday deals on TVs, laptops, tablets, and more
  • eBay - Save on new deals every day
  • Lenovo - Last chance deals on laptops, tablets, monitors and more
  • Dell - Daily doorbuster deals
  • Mixbook - Free priority shipping on $30 & up to 40% off 
  • Newegg -  Deals on TVs, laptops, headphones & more
  • Sears - Save up to 50% sitewide
  • Microsoft - Deals on laptops, headphones, gaming consoles and more
  • Home Depot - Up to 30% off appliance special buys
  • Lowe's - Holiday savings throughout the site
  • Shopbop - Up to 70% off 1,000s of items
  • Victoria's Secret - 40-50% off sleep
  • Kohl's - Take 25% off with promo code SAVE25
  • Belk - Extra 25% off regular and sale purchases
  • American Eagle - 50% off sitewide
  • Bloomingdale's - Take 15% off select items
  • Target - Save up to 50% off sitewide

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Over 1,500 Ring passwords have been found on the dark web

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 11:26 AM PST

A security researcher has discovered 1,562 unique email addresses and passwords of Ring doorbell users on the dark web.

The list of passwords was recently uploaded to an anonymous text-sharing site on the dark web which is commonly used by cybercriminals to share stolen passwords and other illicit materials. 

By using the email addresses and passwords of Ring users on the site, an attacker can log in to and access users' cameras as well as their time zone and the doorbell's location.

The researcher reported their findings to Amazon which owns Ring but the company asked them not to discuss their findings publicly.

Ring credentials

BuzzFeed News recently reported that a similar cache of 3,600 Ring user credentials was posted online and this data appears to be similar to the collection of user data discovered by the security researcher.

Anyone with access to a working email address and password can log into a user's Ring account to obtain their physical address, phone number and some payment information. With these credentials, an attacker can also access a user's historical video data if the setting is enabled.

After reviewing some of the credentials on the dark web text-sharing site, TechCrunch found that most of the passwords it reviewed were relatively simple and could be easy for an attacker to guess. However, it is also possible that the passwords were obtained by credential stuffing where cybercriminals use usernames and passwords from past data breaches to try an access users' other accounts.

If you have a Ring doorbell or camera in your home, it is recommended that you update your password and enable two-factor authentication for your account.

Via TechCrunch

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Huawei P40 release date, news and leaks

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 11:26 AM PST

The upcoming Huawei P40 is one of the tech industry's biggest enigmas – will it actually ever release or not? Despite Huawei's claims the phone will land in March, we're unsure.

Because of the ongoing Huawei ban, new smartphones from the company can't use any Google apps (including the Play Store), greatly restricting their capabilities and value versus other smartphones. When the Huawei Mate 30 Pro launched it had no such apps, and we couldn't even give it a full review as a result.

Despite the dubious future laid out for Huawei's handsets, we're eagerly anticipating the upcoming P40 smartphone – the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro from 2019 are some of our favorite phones, and the latter topped our best camera phones list for a long time. We’ve taken them for intensive camera tests and described how they got us excited to take pictures with our phones, so we’re definitely fans.

Still, smartphones are a competitive industry, and with near-constant flow of new phone launches bringing with newer upgrades, the Huawei P40 and Huawei P40 Pro will need to arrive with significant upgrades to be relevant.

Update: Huawei has confirmed that the Huawei P40 will land in March, as well as teasing other details. Also, an analyst predicts the P40 Pro will come with 10x optical zoom.

With the Samsung Galaxy S11 coming just before the Huawei P40, and the iPhone 12, Huawei Mate 40, Samsung Galaxy Note 11 and more coming later in 2020, the phone is going to need to impress us a lot to be considered one of the bests of the year.

We’ve listed what we want to see in the Huawei P40 below, as well as what we already know or have heard rumored. We'll be constantly updating this article with all the latest Huawei P40 leaks and rumors as they happen, to bring you the best idea of what to expect ahead of the handset's official launch.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The latest in Huawei's P range of smartphones
  • When is it out? Late March 2020
  • What will it cost? Probably a tiny bit more than the P30 series

Huawei P40 release date and price

Huawei has confirmed that the Huawei P40 will be announced in Paris at the end of March.

This comes as no surprise, since the P30 and P30 Pro were unveiled in Paris in March 2019, and the P20 and P20 Pro launch event look place in March 2018. That means it won't be appearing at MWC 2020, but we don't yet know the exact launch date.

This post-MWC timing makes sense, as Huawei likes to separate its phone launches from other big tech events. It had previously launched new P series handsets at MWC in Barcelona at the end of February, but that's a show which features a huge number of launches and it gets more exposure by delaying by a couple of weeks and holding its own event in March.

The Huawei P40 price is a more interesting conversation. At launch the Huawei P30 cost £699 / AU$1,099 (roughly $910), and the P30 Pro started at £899 (AU$1,599, around $1,140), which were both pricier than the previous year’s entries.

We’re expecting that trend to be followed in 2020 if the phones are as much of a tech upgrade as we’re hoping, so you could see the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro inch closer towards premium phones.

One thing we’re not expecting though? For the Huawei P40 to be available in the US, as previous Huawei phones haven’t been.

Huawei P40 news and rumors

We haven't heard too many Huawei P40 rumors, but there is a little we've got to go on right now.

The first piece of news is the biggest: despite the Huawei ban throwing the future of the company into disarray, it seems like Huawei still plans to launch the Huawei P40 globally. 

Even if the ban is still in place when the phone is set to release, the launch will go ahead – the handset will just come without Google apps. This might make it a little useless, since most people only use a smartphone for its apps.

A Huawei exec has also said that the P40 will have a "never seen" design, suggesting big changes to the look, and that it will run Android 10 (without Google services), and have performance and photo quality improvements.

Speaking of the camera, we've also seen a leaked image of the Huawei P40 camera bump – well, a side-on glimpse, at least. The rear lump seems to be in the top-left of the phone's back, same as in the Huawei P30, and it doesn't seem too intrusive either, at least compared to devices from other companies.

There's no word on the Huawei P40 camera specs just yet, but that camera bump looks pretty large, leading us to believe it will house at least four snappers. The Huawei P30 Pro had a camera bump housing three cameras but a fourth to the side, so the fact the leaked image seems to show four cameras doesn't mean the device won't have more.

The Huawei P40 Pro could come with an improved 10x optical zoom with a redesigned periscope lens array, according to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as part of a greater prediction of increased zoom capability in all 2020 smartphones. No indication of whether zoom will improve with the standard P40; its predecessor maxed out at 3x optical and didn't have the periscope design.

What we want to see

1. A new camera lens

When the Huawei P30 Pro came out with four lenses, it was one of the first smartphones to do so, and even the P30’s three were impressive.

But now more affordable smartphones have four cameras, like the Honor 20, so one way for Huawei to continue its photography dominance, and distinguish itself from the competition, would be to add yet another lens.

Our top choice for this extra lens would be a Motorola One Action-style 'Action Cam' for recording video, as video-specific cameras are things we haven’t seen too much in cameras. 

An anamorphic lens would also be great for recording video, as that type of lens is used by professional film-makers as it letterboxes the footage and captures lens flare, with other perks too.

2. Wireless charging

This is something we ask for in every new phone, as it’s a feature that’s becoming bigger over time, but wireless charging on the Huawei P40 would be a really useful feature that would fit its premium status.

We’re hopeful this feature will be added – the Huawei P30 Pro had wireless charging, as did the Mate 20 Pro, so it’s probably on a matter of time before Huawei brings the feature to its non-pro phones. 

The P30 Pro

3. Improved display technology

If we were to sum up the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro displays, it’d be ‘good not great’ – the OLED are HDR10, which is fine for viewing content, but nothing on competitors with QuadHD or even 4K displays.

Huawei is always trying to be competitive in the camera department, and to view increasingly amazing pictures you’re going to need better and better displays, so it would make sense for Huawei to update its range. 

Perhaps by fitting the Huawei P40 with AMOLED tech in the screen, with QuadHD or even 4K, Huawei could stay ahead of the competition.

4. Keep the notch

We’d like the Huawei P40 to keep the notch of the P30. This is something of a controversial stance, so stay with us here – but we don’t want Huawei to follow the trend of increasingly bizarre and gimmicky notch alternatives.

The reason for this is that, currently, there are no better solutions to the front-facing camera problem. Punch-hole cut-outs take up as much, if not more space, and pop-up cameras are a gimmick that can be an inconvenience when done well, and very annoying when not.

It’d be good if Huawei could shrink the P30 Pro’s notch, which is rather thick, but the P30’s is slim and inoffensive compared to that of many other phones. Better to imitate this than try something different, that ends up backfiring.

5. A redesigned user interface

This is going to be less of a controversial opinion – we’d like Huawei to redesign EMUI, its own-brand user interface, in time for the Huawei P40.

EMUI

Currently, EMUI is arguably rather bright (some would call it garish), and it comes with quite a bit of bloatware that you’ll find yourself uninstalling straight away. Chinese phone manufacturers frequently have UIs that are popular in China, but not as much elsewhere, and EMUI is a prime example.

If Huawei could dust up this UI for the Huawei P40 (which may be a simple task if the phone runs on Harmony OS), it’d certainly be much more pleasant to use.

6. Even further camera zoom distance

One of the most impressive Huawei P30 features was the digital and optical zoom available on the camera, but we’d like to be wowed again if the Huawei P40 zoom saw an upgrade.

The Huawei P30 allowed for 3x optical zoom and 30x digital, and the P30 Pro saw up to 5x optical and 50x digital – that’s pretty impressive sight. But now that smartphones like the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom support a crazy 60x zoom (despite the name), Huawei is going to have to pull out the big guns to keep competitive.

Perhaps we could see an improved telephoto lens in the P40 and P40 Pro, as well as a better megapixel count so that digital zoom creates less grainy results.

7. Dual-lens front camera

Huawei’s smartphones are noted for their rear camera arrays, but we’d like to see the Huawei P40 cameras on the front to also allow for competition-crushing pictures, and the best way for Huawei to achieve this would be by having multiple front-facing cameras.

We’ve already seen this done in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, which has two cameras on the front which ‘see’ depth in order to add appropriate ‘bokeh’ background blur. If there was something similar in Huawei’s upcoming phones, even just the Huawei P40 Pro, it’d give the device a competitive edge.

8. Increased IP protection rating

While the Huawei P30 Pro had IP68 protection, making it pretty much accident-proof (it means it’s dust resistant, and can be submerged up to 2 metres for half an hour), the P30 was had only an IP53 rating, so it was dust and splash protected, but if you dunk it in the bath along with your P30 Pro, it’s not turning on afterwards.

We’d like the Huawei P40 to have resistance to match its P40 Pro counterpart – we don’t like having to worry about the safety of our smartphone at all times, and if the P40 could match the P30 Pro’s protection, it’d help us sleep safe and sound at night (and by bodies of water).

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Huawei P40 Pro set to have longest optical zoom of any smartphone camera

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 11:16 AM PST

Phone camera zoom is expected to get even better in 2020, and the Huawei P40 Pro could see its optical zoom boosted to an unprecedented 10x, according to a research note by tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

It would be the first mainstream phone to reach that level of optical magnification, which preserves image quality far better than digital zooming. More phones coming out this year are slated to get improved optical zooming, though Kuo apparently didn’t specify others in the research note, which was acquired by MacRumors.

If the P40 Pro does manage to reach 10x optical zoom, it will be an achievement, though not a surprise: last year’s Huawei P30 Pro hit a then-record 5x optical zoom with its novel ‘periscope lens’ that stacked lenses inside the phone lengthwise and used a mirror to angle it out the rear of the phone. 

The first 10x optical zoom in a smartphone

Oppo used the same ‘periscope’ design in its Oppo Reno 10x Zoom that debuted in 2019, and despite its misleading name, it manages a 5x optical zoom that combines with digital to manage a 10x hybrid zoom - the same as the P30 Pro.

Per Kuo, the P40 Pro will have a redesigned periscope setup to achieve 10x optical zoom. It’ll be interesting to see if the standard P40 will integrate a periscope zoom; the P30 didn’t, likely to save costs in the lower-priced device, and managed 3x optical zoom.

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An inside look at Lenovo’s Data Center Group

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 11:00 AM PST

Back in 2014, Lenovo acquired IBM’s server line and in the years since, the Lenovo Data Center Group has continued to innovate and invest in new technologies. Recently the unit has been working on edge computing and IoT solutions while creating hardware subscription models for the enterprise. 

To learn more about Lenovo’s data center business, TechRadar Pro spoke with Per Overgaard, the executive director for Lenovo’s Data Center Group, EMEA. 

Woman using laptop in front of servers

MareNostrum4 supercomputer

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Verizon phone deal: get an iPhone XR for free when you switch to Unlimited

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 10:09 AM PST

If you're looking to score a deal on an older generation iPhone, then you've come to the right place. Well, not really that old – it's last year's model. 

Starting today Verizon is offering the iPhone XR for free when you switch to Unlimited. This limited-time promotion ends on Christmas Day. Verizon is also offering free two-day shipping if your order online by 12/20 8 PM EST or get it today with free in-store pickup.

The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display and offers 64GB of storage. The 2018 iPhone packs the powerful A12 Bionic chip and includes an impressive 12MP camera. The XR also offers Face ID, wireless charging and provides up to 11 hours of battery life.

Despite the 2019 range now on shelves, the iPhone XR is still a solid and reliable choice, and this offer from Verizon gets you the phone for free. You must add the phone with monthly payments or at a full retail price, activate a new line with Verizon Unlimited, and you'll receive $600 credited to your account over 24 months. Plus, you can get a $200 Prepaid Mastercard when you switch to Verizon on Unlimited.

See more phone offers with the best iPhone XR deals.

Shop more deals with our roundup of the best Christmas sales of 2019.

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The best Verizon Wireless plans in December 2019

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 09:54 AM PST

There is no one best Verizon plan - the ideal tariff will come down to what you need from it. Verizon has comprehensive unlimited data plans and 5G connectivity, but also features more affordable plans with limited data and a number of prepaid plans that come with a viable amount of data. Figuring out what you need from your data plan will make it much easier to pick the best Verizon Wireless plan for you.

If you want to get a lot of data that’ll never get cut off, you’ll likely need to look at some of the premium data plans. If you’re planning to share an account with friends or family and share data among you, Verizon has a few plans that offer just that sort of functionality. You’ll also need to decide if you want any of the extra perks some plans come with, like cloud storage, Apple Music, or mobile hotspot.

We've gone through the details, both the major and the fine print, to find out everything we can about Verizon's various plans so we can help you find the best one. Whatever your needs - and whether you’re shopping alone or with friends and family members - we’ll help you understand Verizon’s best plans so you can make the right choice.



In almost all cases, the plans will be cheaper per-person if you activate multiple lines.

If you’re planning on getting a new phone, you may also consider what Verizon offers with its plans. Verizon may offer discounts on certain phones - or even plans - during this discount holiday season.

If you choose Verizon’s premium unlimited plans, you may even be able to take advantage of the Verizon 5G network. It was the first US carrier to launch a true 5G network, and now its available in select parts of of the country and using select 5G phones like the LG V50, and Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. So, you have the option of jumping onto one of its top unlimited data plans for access to that service, which we’ve seen deliver data speeds in excess of 1Gbps in a 5G speed test. 



verizon wireless plans

The best Verizon Wireless plans for you

Let's take a close look at what each of these plans has to offer for the price. Afterward, we'll also go over some of Verizon's alternative plans in case these aren't a fit for you.

Whether you're a modest web surfer, a heavy Netflix-user, or just pull your phone out a few times a week, there should be a plan to fit your needs.

Verizon Wireless plans

Verizon Wireless plan: Small | 2GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | $35/Month
If you don't do a lot of music or movie streaming, this plan will probably be a good choice for you. 2GB is enough data to do regular surfing and watch the occasional YouTube video. It's also one of Verizon's cheapest plans, so if you have your budget in mind, look no further. This is a Shared plan, which includes an access charge of $20 per phone added to the plan, including the first phone.

View this plan: at Verizonwireless.com

Verizon wireless plans

Verizon Wireless plans

Verizon Wireless plan: Medium | 4GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | $50/Month
If you think you're likely to bump up against the 2GB limit on Verizon's cheaper plan, you may want to consider the 4GB plan. For $15 more, you get an extra 2GB at full 4G LTE speed. Plus, with these plans, you can carryover unused data into the next month, in case you want to save up some data for a new Netflix show. This plan can also be shared and has a $20/line access charge.

View this plan: at Verizonwireless.com

Verizon Wireless plan: 5| 5GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | $40/Month
When 4GB is too small and 8GB is too much, Verizon also offers a 5GB plan for $40 a month plus the $20/line activation fee. This plan is a good fit for two people who will split the data a small amount of data, and it has a curiously obvious value over the 4GB plan.

View this plan: at Verizonwireless.com

Verizon wireless plans

Verizon wireless plans 8GB

Verizon Wireless plan: Large | 8GB | Unlimited calls and texts | $70/Month
If you really can't hold off on the occasional movie or TV show streamed over your data plan, this might be a reasonable option for you. However, since Verizon's cheapest Unlimited plan is just $5 more, it may be worth jumping up to that plan and not worrying about how much data you use each month. Like the other Share plans, this one has a $20/line access charge.

View this plan: at Verizonwireless.com

Verizon wireless plans

verizon wireless unlimited plans

Verizon Wireless Start Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Get More Unlimited plans | Unlimited data | Unlimited calls and texts | $70/Month, $80/Month, $80/Month, or $90/Month (plus taxes and fees)
Heavy data users who don't want to worry about running up against data limits, and want to stream TV, movies and music to their hearts' content may want to go with one of these options. If there's network congestion, you may get reduced speeds, but it won't be because you accidentally fell asleep with Netflix streaming and went over your data allotment. 

Here's a quick, detailed breakdown:

  • Start Unlimited: $70, no hotspot, 480p streaming, 6-month Apple Music trial, 0GB before congestion-based throttling
  • Play More Unlimited: $80, 15GB of LTE hotspot, 720p streaming, Apple Music, 5G access, 25GB before congestion-based throttling
  • Do More Unlimited: $80, 15GB of LTE hotspot, 480p streaming, 500GB of cloud storage, Apple Music, 5G access, 50GB before congestion-based throttling
  • Get More Unlimited: $80, 30GB of LTE hotspot, 720p streaming, 500GB of cloud storage, Apple Music, 5G access, 75GB before congestion-based throttling

If you don't want your speed reduced during periods of high network traffic, you may want to get the Play More or Do More Unlimited plan. And, if you want extra Wi-Fi hotspot data and cloud storage, check out the Get More Unlimited plan.

These plans also allow you to add extra lines at reduced rates. You can see what you'll pay with a calculator Verizon provides on its site. For four lines, the per-line price drops to $60, $70, $70, and $80, respectively. For the Play More, Do More, and Get More Unlimited plans, users can get free 5G access with a compatible device, and that includes 4K video streaming and unlimited 5G mobile tethering. Eventually Verizon will begin charging more on top of plan prices for that 5G access.

View these plans: at Verizonwireless.com

verizon wireless plans

Verizon Wireless: Prepaid plans

If the above Verizon plans aren't what you're looking for, there are also a number of monthly prepaid plans. They all include unlimited talk and text in the US and unlimited text to over 200 international destinations. They also allow mobile hotspot usage (except the unlimited plan). They range in price from $30 a month for 1GB to $65 a month for unlimited data comparable to the Start Unlimited plan. 

Verizon currently has some bonus deals on extra data for these prepaid plans. One is just $45 a month for a plan with 16GB of data (it's the 8GB plan, but Verizon is offering an extra 8GB of data at no extra charge). There's also a plan with 6GB of data for $35 a month, which is an amazing value for moderate users.

View Verizon Wireless prepaid plans here

If you just have a basic phone and want simple service, Verizon also offers a basic plan with unlimited talk and text and 500MB of data for $30 a month. See that plan here. 

weirzon wireless plans

Phones are more expensive, unfortunately

Verizaon wireless phones

Since Verizon Wireless eliminated the two year contract and switch to these new types of plans, it has unfortunately done away with the old subsidies on new phones that came with 2-year contracts.

That means instead of paying a flat $200 for every new phone you get, you'll have to pay whatever that phone actually retails for. For a new flagship, that can be anywhere from $600 to over $1000.

Verizon Wireless does offer installment plans for customers, though. So if you're shopping for a new phone and plan and have good credit, you can likely find a phone that you'll be able to pay for over the course of a couple years.

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Apple opens up its bug bounty program to all

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 09:51 AM PST

After announcing its bug bounty program at the Black Hat security conference back in August, Apple has now officially opened up its program to all security researchers.

Before today, the iPhone maker's bug bounty program was invitation-based and only select security researchers were able to take part in the program to find vulnerabilities in iOS.

Now Apple has expanded its program by raising its maximum bug bounty reward from $200k to $1.5m and the company will also accept vulnerability reports for iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS and iCloud in addition to iOS.

Bug bounty rules and rewards

Apple also published a new page on its website which explains the rules of the bug bounty program along with a breakdown of the rewards researchers can earn for submitting reports on exploits they've discovered.

In order to be eligible for a bug bounty reward researchers must be the first party to report the issue to Apple Product security, provide a clear report with a working exploit and not disclose the issue publicly before Apple releases the security advisory for the report.

To earn the biggest reward the program has to offer, they will need to find security bugs that are new, affect multiple platforms, work on the latest hardware and software and impact sensitive components. Finding vulnerabilities in beta releases will earn researchers even more as Apple will add a 50 percent bonus on top of the regular payout for all bugs reported in a beta release.

Additionally, the company will pay a 50 percent bonus for regression bugs which are bugs that were previously patched in older versions of its software that have accidentally been reintroduced in its code at a later point. Vulnerabilities that can result in zero-click or one-click attacks will also earn researchers top prizes but they will need to submit a full exploit chain to claim their reward.

Via ZDNet

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These awesome iPhone 11 deals on EE leave everything else in the dust

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 09:18 AM PST

We're sure you're aware that Christmas is quickly looming and if there's a loved one you still haven't got a gift for yet (no judgement here!), we've got the perfect option for the tech obsessive in your life.

It's a range of iPhone 11 deals that are currently looking like some of the best prices we've seen since launch. And it's not just the pricing that's great here. With a tonne of data and all of the benefits of EE - the UK's fastest 4G network, these deals stand tall above the rest.

We've picked out all of the best options from this range of iPhone deals and listed them for you below. Ranging from the cheapest option to a nice big data plan, there is an option for everyone.

Want to go even newer with your phone than this? Mobiles.co.uk also just dropped the best Google Pixel 4 deals we've seen since the phone launched.

What makes the iPhone 11 so good?

The iPhone 11 is the cheapest of Apple's latest trio and yet, really isn't much of a downgrade. You still get Apple's new incredibly fast CPU, a 6.1-inch screen, IP68 rating and even a 3046mAh battery, enough to keep you going all the way through the day on one charge.

Read our full iPhone 11 review

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Last-minute tablet deals from Amazon: save on Fire tablets for the whole family

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 09:00 AM PST

If you're still on the search for the perfect Christmas gift, Amazon has last-minute deals on its own devices, like the best-selling Fire Tablet. A perfect gift for anyone on your list, the tablets also are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas day.

Amazon has the Fire HD 8 tablet on sale for $49.99. That's a $30 discount and the best price we've found for the 8-inch tablet. You can also get the all-new Fire HD 10 on sale for $119.99 and the Fire 7 Kids Edition tablet on sale for $59.99. 

The Fire HD 8 tablet features an 8-inch HD display and offers a 16 or 32GB storage option. You can watch all your favorite movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu, and more or cozy up with a new book from millions of Kindle eBooks options. You also won't have to worry about recharging your battery throughout the day because the Fire 8 offers up to 10 hours of battery life.

Sunday is Amazon's last day to ensure your items get there by Christmas Eve, so you should take advantage of these tablet deals now before it's too late.

Amazon tablet deals:

See more of the best cheap Fire Tablet deals and sales that are happening now.

Shop more deals with our roundup of the best Christmas sales of 2019.

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Targus shows off it’s high-end docking solutions at CES

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 08:43 AM PST

Looking to turn your laptop into a high-end, ultra-powerful desktop workstation? Targus has long been an industry leader in the workspace docking world, and that’s only set to continue thanks to a slew of new docking solutions that the company introduced at CES. 

In fact, Targus has its hands in all aspects of high-end docking solutions. The company not only creates physical docks for mobile workstations, but also offers the software to be able to more easily manage you or your company’s workstations. The result? Whether you or your company operates a BYOD setup already, is interested in transitioning to one, or simply needs to more effectively manage multiple brands at a time, Targus has a powerful solution for you.

Perhaps the most interesting new release from Targus is the new Targus MiraLogic Workspace Intelligence System, which has actually won a CES Innovation Award this year. There’s plenty to love about this system -- and it’s all about optimizing the workstation. The system is actually a blend of both hardware and software. On the hardware side, you’ll get intelligent devices like the MiraLogic Universal Smart Dock -- which supports dual 4K monitors, can charge through USB-C ports at up to an impressive 100W, and more. Other devices include the MiraLogic Smart Power Strip and Desktop Power Strip, which capture data on power consumption and sends that to the software.

Speaking of the software, it’s super smart. Using the cloud-based software, you can see exactly how each workstation is performing. You’ll get asset management features in real-time, and even be able to remotely control each individual workstation.

Of course, Targus also offers plenty of awesome solutions for individual workstations -- and they’re perfect for taking advantage of the performance inside your laptop, and making it feel more like a desktop. For example, Targus also recently launched the Targus Dock 570, which is another CES Innovation Award winner. This dock allows you to connect to a whopping four 4K monitors, while also offering power delivery to your laptop. That’s pretty impressive -- and makes Targus a clear leader in the space. It’s compatible with a range of laptops on the market -- so no matter what model you use, if it’s relatively modern, this dock should do the job.

Targus makes docks for all models of laptops too. For example, the company makes a few Thunderbolt 3 docks that work perfectly with Apple laptops, including the Dock 221. These devices can connect to a MacBook’s Thunderbolt 3 ports and bring increased connectivity and added screen space.

As you can probably tell, Targus has poured its energy into developing high-end docking solutions for any situation -- but the company isn’t working alone. In fact, it has been working with the likes of DisplayLink, Samsung, Microsoft, and even Qualcomm over the past few years to ensure that its docking solutions work with any product you’re likely to use. The Qualcomm partnership is particularly interesting -- as it means that you can expand your Snapdragon 8cx-enabled laptop using a Targus dock. All these partnerships ensure that Targus remains at the top of the food chain when it comes to docking solutions. And, the partnerships also mean that Targus; competitors really can’t match its expertise.

You can learn more about Targus’ new products, and buy docking solutions for yourself, straight from the Targus website. 

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Super Bowl 2020 live stream: how to watch the game online for free and without commercials

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 08:39 AM PST

And as it's almost time for the NFL Playoffs, everyone's questioning who will make it to the Super Bowl LIV in February. We saw the New England Patriots make history last year but with their current losses and their winning streak broken, will they be defending their title?

Either way, you’ll be able to catch all of the exciting action as it's really easy to get a Super Bowl 2020 live stream - no matter where in the world you are. And with our help, you can even watch without having to sit through the commercials.

Many are placing their bets on the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens making it to the Super Bowl - they are after all the two current favorites. The 49ers won the Super Bowl 24 years ago at Miami Gardens - the same venue as this time around.

Although its held in the Miami Dolphins home city, it's safe to say they will not be participating in the spectacular sporting event this year.

And if you're equally looking forward to the entertainment part of this event (we don't blame you) with incredible performances by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez set, you definitely should be! All we can say is this is an event you won't want to miss.

Either way, no one knows yet for sure who will be in the ultimate game - with a month and a half to go all we can say is that all bets are off. Keep reading to find out all the information you need to know for the Super Bowl 2020 and where to live stream the event from anywhere in the world.

How to watch a Super Bowl 2020 live stream for free in the US:

Fox will be broadcasting the event live this time around with Joe Buck commentating alongside the legendary Troy Aikman - former Dallas Cowboys quarterback. 

Note that you will need a US IP address in order to access the Fox coverage otherwise you won't be able to access the content from abroad - if you want to do so, you'll have to follow our VPN guidelines above and log in with a VPN, choosing a US server location. 

Fox isn't you're only option though, with all of the top US-based streaming services all providing an alternative. Each one offers a free trial to get you started and has masses of other content and channels for you to enjoy if you subscribe:

  • Hulu with Live TV $44.99 per month - Hulu with Live TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN.
  • PlayStation Vue From $49.99 per month and the ideal choice for PS4 owners thanks to its access to the likes of ESPN, NBC, Fox, Disney and other essential networks. Crank up the price and you can add the likes of Showtime and HBO, too.
  • YouTubeTV $49.99 per month - YouTubeTV gives you access to CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN.
  • DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and for $5 extra you can add the NFL Network.
  • FuboTV $55 for the first month - FuboTV includes CBS, Fox, NBC and the NFL Network but does not come with ESPN.

How to watch Super Bowl online in the UK for FREE:

How to watch the Super Bowl 2020: live stream in Canada

How to live stream Super Bowl action in Australia

Super Bowl live stream: worldwide coverage where you are

Super Bowl 53 was available live in seven languages and 170 countries and territories around the world.

We don't yet know exactly who will be showing the 2020 event, but we can tell you a few options from last year in some of the most popular territories for watching NFL: Mexico - ESPN, Fox, TV Azteca; Brazil - ESPN; South Korea - MBC Sports; Germany - ProSieben, DAZN; France - TF1, BeIN Sport; Argentina - ESPN, Fox; China - Fox Sports, BesTV.

How to watch Super Bowl online - our favorite live stream choice:

If, like us, you'd like to watch a live stream online without any commercial breaks, then following these three simple steps will help:

1. Download and install a VPN

2. Connect to a UK server location

3. Go to TVPlayer.com

Want to record the Super Bowl and watch it later? TVPlayer will also allow you to do that too. You'll need to sign up for a paid account, but the good news there is that the site offers a 14-day free trial so no payments required!

Want to watch the Super Bowl in Miami instead?

If you’d rather catch the action live in the arena instead, you can always buy tickets. Just be aware that they are quite expensive, the cheapest tickets you can get are priced at $4,799 each, and that’s for the very back of the stadium. Premium seats which are pretty close to the action are going at $12,999 each.

The good news is that both tickets and others include access to the three hour all-inclusive 3-hour pre-game party at Gulfstream Park, meet and greet opportunities with NFL stars and Hall of Famers including Joe DeLamiellure, Floyd Little & Jan Stenerud and more! 

Super Bowl 2020 FAQ: your questions answered

If you want to know more about how to watch your favorite TV and live stream sport then click the link to see our dedicated guide

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Best email providers of 2020: Free, Paid and business services

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 07:58 AM PST

Getting hold of an email account is easy. Sign up with an ISP and you’ve got one account for starters. Creating an account with Google and other big names will get you more. Buy a decent web hosting package and you'll probably get enough email addresses to power a large business, all for no extra charge.

Getting the right email account is more difficult, as there's a lot to consider. What are the spam filters like? How easy is it to keep your inbox organized? Can you access the account from other email clients? And what about using the service with a custom domain and address of your own (yourname@yourdomain.com)?

Keep reading and we'll highlight some of the best email providers around. All have decent free services, perhaps with ads and some limits, but we'll also talk about their business-friendly commercial products which deliver the power, functionality and enterprise-level extras that demanding users need.

The best email services of 2020 are:

Image credit: Proton Technologies

Signing up with an email provider will often involve some privacy compromises. Yahoo Mail asks for your name and mobile number, for instance. Gmail and other services might scan your messages to carry out useful actions (such as adding events to calendars), and just about everyone serves you with ads.

ProtonMail is a Swiss-based email service which focuses on privacy above all else. You can sign up anonymously, there's no logging of IP addresses, and all your emails are end-to-end encrypted, which means there's no way ProtonMail (or anyone else) can read their contents. Also, address verification (which allows you to be sure you are securely communicating with the right person) and full support for PGP email encryption is available. In late April 2019, elliptic curve cryptography was introduced, which adds additional security and faster speeds.

There are some significant limits. The free product has a tiny 500MB storage space, only supports sending 150 messages a day, and is distinctly short in terms of organizational tools (no folders, labels or smart filters). As the end-to-end encryption is specific to ProtonMail, it also ensures that you can't use the service with other email clients.

Still, it seems a little unfair to complain about a service which is no-strings-attached free, and doesn't even show ads. In reality, ProtonMail is a specialist tool which is intended for use alongside services like Gmail – not to replace them – and overall it performs its core tasks very well.

If you do need more, ProtonMail's $5 (you can choose to pay in USD, Euro and CHF) a month (or $48 yearly) Plus account gives you 5GB storage, a 1,000 message-per-day allowance, custom domains (you@yourdomain.com) and support for folders, labels, filters as well as some addition features like contact groups.

A further Professional plan brings more storage, email addresses and a second custom domain, as well as adding a catch-all email address and multi-user support. It's priced from $8 per month per user (75$ yearly), which is reasonable if you need ProtonMail's security, although it's also notably more expensive than the business accounts of the big-name competition.

best email providers

Image credit: Google

First released back in 2004, Google's Gmail has become the market leader in free email services with more than a billion users across the globe.

Gmail's stripped-back web interface is a highlight. Most of the screen is devoted to your inbox, with a minimum of toolbar and other clutter. Messages are neatly organized via conversations for easier viewing, and you can read and reply to emails with ease, even as a first-time user.

There's plenty of power here. Dynamic mail makes Gmail more interactive, with the ability to take action directly from within the email, like filling out a questionnaire or responding to a Google Docs comment. Messages can be automatically filtered into tabbed categories like Primary, Social and Promotions, helping you to focus on the content you need. Leading-edge spam blocking keeps your inbox free of junk, you can manage other accounts from the same interface (Outlook, Yahoo, any other IMAP or POP email), and there's 15GB storage for your inbox, Drive and photos. 

You can also access Gmail offline, although you'll need Google Chrome for that to work. Furthermore, there is a neat snooze feature that allows you to, well, snooze an email for a specified amount of time (it also automatically labels that email as important).

Other features are more questionable. Instead of organizing messages into folders, for instance – a simple metaphor which just about every user understands – you must filter them using a custom labelling system. This works, and has some advantages, but isn't popular with all users. Still, Gmail is an excellent service overall, and a good first choice for your email provider.

Google makes a paid business-oriented version of Gmail available in the shape of its G Suite product.

This more professional product drops the ads and allows using a custom email address on your domain (yourname@yourcompany.tld). Business-oriented migration tools can import mail from Outlook, Exchange, Lotus and more. Storage space doubles to 30GB on the Basic plan, and you get unlimited group email addresses, 99.9% guaranteed uptime and 24/7 support.

G Suite is Google's answer to Microsoft Office, so of course you also get apps for working with documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Shared calendars keep you better organized, there's video and voice conferencing for online meetings, and again, there’s 24/7 support to keep your system running smoothly.

This more Office-like power makes for a more expensive product than the email-only competition, with prices starting at $6 a user for the simplest plan. You're getting a lot for your money, though, and if you'll use G Suite's features then it could be a smart choice. A 14-day free trial provides an easy way to help you find out.

best email providers

Image credit: Microsoft

Outlook's web interface follows the same familiar style as its desktop incarnation, and most other email clients: folders and organizational tools on the left, the contents of the current folder in the center, and a simple preview pane on the right (with adverts in the case of the free account).

A toolbar gives you speedy access to common features, and right-clicking folders or messages shows you just about everything else. If you've ever used another email client, you'll figure out the key details in moments.

Despite the apparent simplicity, there's a lot going on under the hood. The service automatically detects important emails and places them in a Focused Inbox, keeping any distractions out of sight. Events including flights and dinner reservations can automatically be added to your calendar. It's easy to share that calendar with other Outlook.com or Office 365 users, or you can save your events to a Family calendar that everyone can access. In addition, there are some interesting features too, like the ability to add polls directly to your Outlook emails.

Excellent attachment support includes the ability to directly share OneDrive files as copies or links. You can also attach files directly from your Google Drive, Dropbox and Box accounts, and a chunky 15GB mailbox allows storing plenty of files from other people.

This all worked just fine for us, but if you're unhappy with the service defaults, there's a chance they can be tweaked via Outlook.com's Settings dialog. This doesn't have quite as many options as Gmail, but they're well organized and give you plenty of control over layout, attachment rules, message handling and more.

If that’s still not enough, Microsoft offers a bunch of app-based integrations to take the service further. You get built-in Skype support via the beta, and apps give you easier access to Evernote, PayPal, GIPHY, Yelp, Uber and more.

Upgrading to Office 365 gets you an ad-free inbox, 50GB mail storage and a vast 1TB of OneDrive storage. Extras include offline working, professional message formatting tools, phone or chat-based support, file recovery from malicious attacks like ransomware and more. Oh, and the latest versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. All this can be yours for the equivalent of $7 a month on the single user Office 365 Personal plan or you can pay 70$ for a year.

best email providers

Image credit: Yahoo

Yahoo Mail doesn't make the headlines so much, these days, but its latest version is a polished and professional service which stands up well against the top competition.

The well-designed interface resembles Gmail, at least initially, with a large view of your inbox, one-click filters for common messages and content (Photos, Documents, Travel), and easy browsing of all the emails in a conversation. But you can also organize mails into custom folders, and the layout can be tweaked to display a message preview in a couple of clicks. Mobile users have some additional features like the option to unsubscribe to newsletters and such, without ever leaving the Yahoo Mail inbox.

A powerful underlying engine can integrate with Facebook, supports sending SMS and text messages, is accessible via web, POP and (in some situations) IMAP, and can forward email to another address. Valuable extras include disposable email addresses to protect your privacy, and a mammoth 1TB of mailbox storage means you can keep just about everything you receive, for a very long time.

Demanding users might find issues, over time. Mail organization can't quite match the flexibility of Gmail's labelling scheme, for instance, and there aren't nearly as many low-level tweaks, settings and options as you'll often see elsewhere. But overall, Yahoo Mail is an appealing service which needs to be on your email shortlist.

As with other providers, Yahoo offers a Business Mail plan with more features. The highlight is an option to use the service with a custom domain (yourname@yourdomain.com), although there are other advantages, too. The service can import contacts from Facebook, Gmail, Outlook and more. You can view all your mailboxes on the same screen, and there are all the usual business-friendly productivity tools (multiple calendars, document handling, analytics and more).

Prices start from $3.19 per mailbox per month, billed annually, and they drop as you add mailboxes – $1.59 for 5, $1.19 for 10, and for 20+ you'll need to contact them. Additionally, another pricing plan called Yahoo Mail Pro is available at $3.49 per month. This gives you ad-free inbox, priority customer support and additional features.

There's even a free domain name included, and not just the initial registration: Yahoo will also renew it for as long as your subscription is active.

best email providers

Image credit: Zoho

Zoho Workplace is a business-oriented email service which throws in an online office suite, document management, and a host of collaboration tools and other extras.

Zoho's free plan supports up to 25 users, although there's an extra 25 available if you can refer others to the service (update: Zoho is currently remodeling the referral program so this isn't available at the moment), each with 5GB of mailbox storage, and can be used with one domain of your own. These are features you'll normally only find in commercial products, and when you factor in the spreadsheet, word processor, presentation and other tools, it looks like a real bargain.

The email service is easy-to-use, and provides a decent set of features to help organize your emails: folders, tags, filters, smart searches, and more. You can also create custom hotkeys to expand and replace easy abbreviations of your choice with full words and phrases as you type. Zoho also has an offline mode, which allows you to read and respond to your emails even when your internet connection fails you.

The free plan is still a little basic. It gives you web access only, for instance, and there's no support for email forwarding.

Fortunately, the Zoho Standard plan fixes that. A mere $3 per user (paid annually) gets you IMAP and POP access, email forwarding, active sync, multiple domain hosting, domain aliases, 30GB storage, a 30MB attachment limit (up from 25MB with the free plan) and some major improvements elsewhere (the ability to send cloud files to non-Zoho users, for instance). You also have Lite plan which is a cheaper Standard plan ($1 per user) with less features, and a Professional ($6 per user) plan which adds more features.

A number of these features are available elsewhere for free, of course, but businesses or anyone who will use the custom domain support or Office tools will find a lot to like here. Well worth a closer look.

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Grab a cheap Fitbit Versa Lite with free Google Nest Mini in the pre-Christmas sales

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 07:58 AM PST

Argos sure knows how to do a great pre-Christmas sale. Not only is the retailer offering its cheapest price ever on the Fitbit Versa Lite, Argos has also decided to throw in a free Google Nest Mini. That means you can buy the Fitbit Versa Lite for just £99.99 (it originally cost £149.99) and you'll also get a Google Nest Mini smart speaker thrown in, worth £34.

This offer ends on 24 December, or for as long as stock lasts, so you’ll have to act fast if you want to fill your stocking. Luckily Argos is still offering same-day delivery, which is great news if you're on the hunt for a last-minute gift.

The Fitbit Versa Lite is a cheaper version of the more advanced Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch. You'll lose playback support for music and Fitbit Pay, but the Lite still does what Fitbit devices do best: fitness and sleep tracking. With an excellent four-day battery life and lightweight water resistant casing, it's a great fitness tracker at a fraction of the price of the Galaxy Watch, the best smartwatch right now.

Let’s also not forget the free gift here. The Google Nest Mini is a good addition to any home if you’ve never picked up a smart speaker before. The Nest Mini has full support from Google Assistant, great mics and a decent 1.65-inch speaker. As a standalone offer, it’s a good Christmas gift in itself. You could even put it in your kitchen so you can blast out some Wham while stuffing the turkey.

The best pre-Christmas Fitbit Versa Lite deal

More pre-Christmas deals on other Fitbits

Like the Versa Lite, but think you can stretch your budget? We've also rounded up some great alternative Fitbit deals for your consideration. 

Not what you're looking for? Why not check out our roundup of the best cheap Fitbit sales, where you'll find deals on the full range of fitness trackers; or browse the best smartwatches in our guide. 

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Currys Christmas sale: the best deals on gaming, appliances, audio and more

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 07:51 AM PST

Currys' Christmas sale is off to a fantastic start, with savings across a range of TVs, wearables, games consoles and appliances. That's great news if you still have last-minute gifts to buy, and even better news if you missed out on those Black Friday discounts. 

There are deals on the retailer's entire range of electronics, and the line-up seems to be changing day-to-day, too, with different featured deals as we get closer to Christmas Day. 

There are a few key reasons to keep Currys in mind in the run-up to Christmas. For one, they do in-store delivery, which is a useful option given how close we are to Christmas Day. That also gives you flexibility if you have any issues with your purchases. Currys also has a price match guarantee (scroll down this page for more on that). 

Below, we've captured the best Currys Christmas deals that we've found so far. Some observations: we're seeing a few of the same deals on 4K TVs, Google products and kitchen appliances that we saw on Black Friday, among the newer savings. That's no bad thing: maybe there was something you missed during that sale that you wanted to pick up. 

Below, we'll identify when we've seen a deal like this during Black Friday before, just for your reference. Check out our best Currys Christmas deals below, which we'll keep updating in the run-up to the holidays. 

Quick links

Today's best Currys Christmas deals

The best Currys Christmas deals we've found so far.  

Currys Christmas deals you missed

Currys had some fantastic cheap smart speaker deals, which have sadly now expired – you can still buy many of the products below at a discount, though they won't be as cheap as they were previously.

Looking for more? Scroll down for the best smart speaker prices in your region. 

Whether it's Christmas, Black Friday, or the January sales, online retailers are always looking to undercut each other on price. That's good news for consumers, but it does mean you have to spend time searching around the web to make sure you're paying as little as possible for a particular gadget.

Enter Currys Price Match Promise. As the name suggests, Currys will match the price of a product if you can find it cheaper elsewhere – there are a few terms and conditions to make a note of, but that's the gist.

It means that if you see the same product available for less at any other retailer – either online or in store – Currys will match that price if you shop with it instead. The company will even match any discount codes that are being offered, so you don't need to pay a penny more than you have to.

There are a few terms and conditions to bear in mind, as we've mentioned: the competing offer must be from a UK retailer, and the items must be identical, right down to the model number (it's always worth double-checking). Also, delivery and installation charges, product protection services and other add-ons aren't included, so factor those out when comparing prices.

Read more: How to use the Currys Price Match Promise

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Best e-commerce platform of 2020: get an online store now!

Posted: 20 Dec 2019 07:38 AM PST

The rise of the web has allowed countless businesses to reach a wider market. Not only that, it has given rise to countless new online-only businesses, fueled by the exponential rise of mobile connections.

It's not surprising, then, that one analyst claims that the SMB e-commerce platform market will break the billion dollar barrier.

There's no doubt that the web provides a huge opportunity for companies, but it’s important for organizations to make the most of that opportunity. In order to sell your products or services online, your website has to be appropriately equipped.

Building an online store from scratch is a mammoth task, and fortunately, an unnecessary one. Today, there is a huge variety of e-commerce platform packages from which to choose. 

Most e-commerce platforms will provide businesses with standard functionality such as the ability to showcase products in an online catalog, take payments online, manage customers and provide with after-sales.

Others will provide more sophisticated functionality, such as online marketing features, the ability to manage or integrate with in-store systems and the provision of APIs.

Which e-commerce software is best for your business depends entirely on your specific requirements. If you're an online-only outfit, then POS integration won't be necessary, but you may get a lot of business from overseas, in which case foreign currency support would be a requirement.

In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the best e-commerce platforms available right now, before moving on to consider other options you might want to explore in terms of creating your own e-commerce solution.

The best e-commerce platform packages

Shopify is perhaps the most well known e-commerce platform available. It was set up in 2006 by founders Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand and Scott Lake who, as the story goes, felt that there wasn't a simple-to-use e-commerce platform available and so built their own. The company claims that: "You don't need to have any technical or design experience to easily create a beautiful online store." 

According to Shopify, it's possible to get one of its online stores up-and-running within minutes. Users can choose from a wide range of templates, or they can design the look and feel of their store themselves. It accepts a comprehensive range of credit cards, has Level 1 PCI compliance and 256-bit SSL encryption for security, and it offers 24/7 support via phone, instant messaging or email.

The platform provides a full CMS with which users can manage the functionality and layout of their online store. Users can manage their store on-the-go using Shopify's mobile apps, and the platform itself is fully responsive, meaning the store will be optimized for visitors regardless of whether they access it from a desktop computer or a mobile device. Also, a live chat function is available which allows you to have a real time conversation with your customers.

Shopify also offers users unlimited hosting for their stores, in-depth analytics of how visitors are using the store, and functionality for marketing such as SEO optimization, a discount and coupon engine, gift cards and email marketing tools. You can test out Shopify with a 14-day free trial.

best e-commerce packages

Bigcommerce was established in 2009 and promises to "support your business, not just your store." In addition to offering support via phone, instant chat and email, it also offers articles and videos to help with e-commerce, and access to a team of e-commerce experts who can provide advice and guidance about online selling. Their experts are qualified in both Google Analytics and Adwords.

Like Shopify, Bigcommerce provides a variety of templates and themes to help stores look their best and get up-and-running quickly. Alternatively, users can design their own store or use Bigcommerce designers to do so. The platform incorporates a full-featured CMS that allows users to run an entire website, rather than just a store.

Users can benefit from detailed and flexible product management, optimized search engine rankings, along with a variety of integrated marketing tools and analytics. Payments can be accepted via 40+ pre-integrated gateways and shipping details can be customized as per the business's requirements. As of late, some new features have been added like support for Amazon Import and Link and Shopping in Instagram Stories. The platform offers automated order processing, flexible tax rules depending on where orders are made and shipped, and support for multiple currencies. You can test out Bigcommerce with a 15-day free trial.

best e-commerce packages

Volusion has been around for almost two decades, having been set up in Texas over in the US in 1999. The company touts its platform as being an "all-in-one e-commerce solution", and offers a free 14-day trial (no credit card required).

As with other e-commerce platforms, users are offered a variety of templates from which to choose, and can also customize templates if they so wish. Should a more complex design be required, Volusion offers a custom design service that can incorporate branding and a firm's social media presence.

The platform provides the site and product management tools you'd expect, marketing functionality for SEO, social media, and affiliate outlets, along with emails and order management functionality for fast order processing, accepting payments, tax calculations and POS integration.

In addition to its platform and associated services, Volusion offers apps from its partners, support for users and a knowledge-base for help with e-commerce. Users can draw upon blog posts, guides and webinars. As of October 8th 2018, there are no more transaction fees.

best e-commerce packages

CoreCommerce was set up in 2001 and focuses on providing e-commerce services to small and medium-sized businesses. The company places an emphasis on simplicity and transparency, promising that its platform is easy-to-use and that customers will not fall foul of any hidden charges.

Perhaps CoreCommerce's most unique aspect is that all of its features are offered to all customers regardless of what plan they are on. Price plans are determined by the number of products, the number of email addresses, the amount of bandwidth and the amount of storage required by the user (and higher-end plans also benefit from additional support).

As with other e-commerce providers, CoreCommerce offers functionality for store design, product management, order processing and marketing. Of its headline features, the platform offers unlimited product customization options, a built-in blogging engine, and secure hosting that is provided by Rackspace and comes with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. You can try CoreCommerce out with a 15-day free trial.

best e-commerce packages

Having been founded in 1997, 3dcart is the oldest of our featured providers here. It was set up with a view to incorporating as many of the most requested e-commerce features into one platform as possible.

The company says it has six core values by which it operates: ongoing innovation, good service, simple solutions, fostering trust, keeping employees and customers happy, and stimulating prosperity amongst employees and customers.

Some of the platform's innovative features include a module that users can install to offer gift-wrapping, a purchase order system, the option of running a loyalty program and the ability to offer recurring orders. Many of these features are very specific, meaning that stores can be highly tailored to the needs of each business.

Stores can be designed using one of the many templates offered by 3dcart, or users can design their own store. A quick edit bar means that making changes to the design of a store is simple. Product images are fore-fronted with 3dcart's auto-zoom feature and products can be sold via Facebook with its store integration. As with some other platforms, users can blog directly from 3dcart and tools are provided for setting up coupons, sending newsletters and affiliate marketing. Users can also make use out of "make an offer" feature, which basically lets you and your customers to negotiate on a price.

In addition to its platform, 3dcart offers a number of professional services. Users can request help with SEO, PPC, shopping feed management, social media, Facebook ads and conversion consulting. Help can also be provided to ensure that a user's store is set up to the highest standard. Services such as site cloning, setting up custom tracking, data migration and training are offered.

In addition, 3dcart can provide SSL certification. Hosting is guaranteed at 99.9% uptime and 24/7 support is provided via phone, email or online chat. You can test out the service with a 15-day free trial.

best e-commerce packages

Also consider:

Alternative means

If you don’t want to go the route of using an off-the-shelf package, what other options are available for you to explore? That’s what we’re going to look at in the second half of this piece…

Many serious businesses have taken to eBay these days


Is eBay right for your business?

Opening its doors in 1999, eBay UK now has over 14 million users, with over 10,000 people using the site for a business that is their primary means of income. It's not just about people selling unwanted goods - businesses have used the simplicity that eBay offers to set up lucrative operations. Even the larger brands such as Argos, Debenhams and House of Fraser are using eBay to sell online.

With sophisticated tools now available you can be up and running with your store in just a few hours. The eBay Seller Centre has all the information you need. Each store is managed via eBay's familiar user interface, and there are a number of eBay-provided tools to help manage, track and promote your shop once it's established.

Using eBay as the platform for your business could be ideal if your business wants to sell goods on a fixed price basis. The complete integration of the PayPal e-payments system into eBay takes care of this essential component of your store.

The key with eBay is to look closely at the costs involved and also the transaction fees that PayPal charge before moving forward and setting up your own store.

How to create your own e-commerce solution

Of course if you want complete control over every aspect of your new online store, building each page yourself will be the best course of action. Hiring someone to code your website is one option. If you decide to do this follow these steps:

  1. Ask the company for live examples of their work to look at
  2. Write a detailed brief of the site you want created. The more detail the better to avoid confusion
  3. Ensure you understand the price you are being charged and how many revisions this price includes
  4. Always have a signed agreement or contract before work commences
  5. Ask whether the designers will host your site and if you will be able to make updates yourself or if all updates must go through the design agency at an additional cost
  6. Ask for the copyright of your design to be assigned to your company, as your website is an important part of your business' intellectual property
  7. Put into your contract, details of how the agreement can be amicably dissolved if things go wrong

Choose a website design from Template Monster


You also don't have to build your site completely from scratch. Buying a template can give you all the basic pages your site needs. You can then either modify them yourself using an application like Dreamweaver, or hire a coding expert to make the changes. Website templates are available from a number of vendors including Template Monster.

If you already have a website and want to add e-commerce functionality, this can be easily achieved with a number of applications including:

Final advice

Whichever route you decide to take when building your website always remember:

  1. You need to ensure your store can be easily updated and managed.
  2. Good professional web hosting is vital to ensure your site is always available.
  3. Look for payment and shopping carts that are intuitive and efficient to use.
  4. Customer service is king these days. Businesses shouldn't just efficiently take customers' money, but should also properly support them.
  5. Make sure that your store is fully integrated with all the leading social media sites.
  6. Put security first – shoppers are now more comfortable buying online, but always ensure your site uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) which is now the industry standard for online payments.
  7. Above every other consideration should be your site's visitor experience. Don't forget your competitors are just a mouse click away in the world of e-commerce. 

Setting up your online store should be approached carefully and diligently to ensure you put a professional and efficient site live. Internet shopping continues to expand. Make sure your business doesn't miss out on a sales channel that shows no signs of slowing down.

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