Apple : The best iPhone 8 Plus deals for January 2020

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• The best iPhone 8 Plus deals for January 2020
• Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition comes with Ubuntu 18.04
• Best mining GPU 2020: the best graphics cards for mining Bitcoin, Ethereum and more
• The best PC case 2020: top cases for your desktop computer
• Samsung’s 1000R gaming monitor is super curved and super Ultrawide
• Best racing wheel 2020: the best peripherals for racing games
• Getting to the bottom of the difference between: cloud sync, backup and storage
• LG G9 ThinQ leak shows off sleeker handset with four rear cameras
• How to watch Friends now it's left Netflix – and when it returns to streaming
• Best upcoming games 2020: most anticipated titles for PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch
• Best touchscreen laptops 2020: the best touchscreen laptops we've tapped this year
• Hellblade 2: everything we know about the Xbox Series X game
• Chrome will start showing error codes to help with debugging
• Best SIM only deals for the January sales: from £5 a month to mega data and EE
• These ace Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus deals come with a free smartwatch
• The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 gets a $200 price cut at Walmart
• Kick-start 2020 with these Powerbeats Pro deals - premium fitness headphones
• Xbox Series X release date, specs, design and launch titles for the next Xbox
• Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite announced, but prices remain elusive
• Two of the best affordable Samsung Galaxy phones just got surprise successors

The best iPhone 8 Plus deals for January 2020 Posted: 03 Jan 2020 01:50 PM PST If even the iPhone 11's budget flagship price (to say nothing of the iPhone 11 Pro Max's pricetag) is too much for you to stomach, but you still want a big-screened iPhone, then perhaps the iPhone 8 Plus is the way to go.  It has a 5.5-inch screen and an impressive camera that continues to get better with iOS 13, even if doesn't have the extra lenses of Apple's leading phones. It's still not the cheapest handset, so you'll definitely want to peruse all the iPhone 8 Plus deals that you'll find here - but at less than half the price of the leading iPhone 11 Pro, it's the best compromise between iOS value and power in the iPhone range. Below you'll find deals from carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon, which include discounts on a second phone and offers for your trade-in. Further down the page you'll find unlocked options. If you'd rather purchase directly from Apple, you can expect to pay $699 for the 64GB model or $949 for the 256GB model, but you can get up to $315 in credit when you trade in your old iPhone. Don't need such a big phone? Check out these iPhone 8 deals. The best iPhone 8 Plus deals from US Carriers The best money-saving plans: T-Mobile plans | Verizon plans | AT&T plans | Sprint plans How much does the iPhone 8 Plus cost? The short answer is $799. That's what Apple charges for the 64GB iPhone 8 Plus, available in silver, gold, or space gray. Of course, if you need more memory, then it's going to cost you more; your only other option is spending an extra $150 and grabbing a $949 256GB iPhone 8 Plus.  As we've outlined above, there are ways to get a deal, or at the very least, break your cost out into more manageable monthly payments (also available via Apple). This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition comes with Ubuntu 18.04 Posted: 03 Jan 2020 12:40 PM PST Ahead of CES 2020 next week, Dell has released new details on its updated Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition which will ship with Ubuntu 18.04. The latest edition of Dell's popular laptop for developers includes the company's first-ever four sided InfinityEdge display which will feature a 16:10 aspect ratio as opposed to the 16:9 display found on the previous generation. The new Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition can even be outfitted with a 4K 3840 X 2400 touchscreen panel with HDR 400. One new addition that will likely be welcomed by developers is the inclusion of fingerprint-reader support that will make it easier for secure authentication. However, this feature won't be available at launch but will be rolled out shortly after via an OTA update. Why Dell’s gamble on Linux laptops has paid off How to choose the best Linux distro for your laptop Also check out the best Linux laptops of 2020 In terms of specs, the 2020 version of the Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition will include the latest 10th Gen Intel Core 10nm CPU with up to 2TB of SSD storage and 32GB of RAM. According to Dell, the new laptop will also have Wi-FI performance that is three times faster than the previous generation thanks to the Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 module. Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition Dell has continued to provide the latest specifications in its Developer Edition machines as part of its Project Sputnik initiative which was launched eight years ago with the release of its first developer-focused systems. The company has continued to release multiple Linux-based laptops and it now offers 150 Linux-based computers. Other mainstream PC manufacturers only ship Windows-based devices which is why Dell's XPS 13 Developer Edition has remained a popular choice among developers and IT professionals over the years. The latest XPS 13 Developer Edition will be released at the beginning of February and the device will have a starting price tag of $1,119 for the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. However, if you'd prefer to pick up the latest model of the regular Dell XPS 13, it will be available in January starting at $999. The reason the Developer Edition is priced a bit higher is because Dell offers better baseline specs for its developer-focused systems than it does for its consumer-focused machines. We've also rounded up the best business laptops of 2020 Via FossBytes This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best mining GPU 2020: the best graphics cards for mining Bitcoin, Ethereum and more Posted: 03 Jan 2020 12:24 PM PST Are you on the hunt for the best mining GPU of 2020? These days, cryptocurrency just isn’t as popular as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. Bitcoin, Ethereum and other crypto coins are still flowing, and there are others that are booming. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that there are still some folks out there that want to jump on the mining train.  If you’re thinking about delving into cryptocurrency mining, it would be wise to invest in one of the best mining GPUs on the market this 2020. When you go shopping for the best mining GPU you can find, you should think about the memory the GPU boasts, as well as its power demands and cost. It’s important to consider the GPUs value, because when you start mining for Bitcoin or Ethereum, you won’t be yielding large amounts of cryptocurrency to start. You should therefore try to minimize your initial costs as much as possible so that you can maximize your profits and start making your initial investment back as quickly as possible. We’ve created a list of the best mining GPUs money can buy, so you can spend less time shopping and more time profiting. We’ve ranked six of the top mining GPUs on the market, keeping price and efficiency in mind. And, thanks to our exclusive price comparison tool, you can rest assured that you’ll always get the best price. Check out also the best VPN services of 2019   Make sure you have the best cryptocurrency mining software installed as well AMD made headlines in 2017 when it released the AMD Vega 64, as not only was that graphics card good at gaming, but it also quickly rose to fame as a cryptocurrency mining champion. The AMD Radeon VII takes things to a whole new level, tripling the Vega 64’s hash rate to 90MH/s right out of the box. That’s more powerful than the significantly pricier Nvidia Titan V, making the Radeon VII the new king of the cryptocurrency mining scene. It helps that this card is only $700. Read the full review: AMD Radeon VII  The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 isn't just a great graphics card for gaming, it's also an excellent mining GPU. This is because it manages a high hash rate of around 30 mh/s without needing too much power. Remember, the more power a GPU requires, the more expensive it is to run, which will eat into your cryptocurrency profits. As with many recent Nvidia GPUs, the 1070 is on the pricey side, so you will have to take an initial hit when starting up, but if you're into cryptocurrency mining for the long run, the 1070 is easily the best mining GPU currently available. The AMD Radeon RX580 is one of the most outstanding GPUs for mining, so much so that it is a bit of a victim of its own success, as it can sometimes be difficult to find. However, its popularity is well-deserved, as it offers an excellent hash rate of 29 mh/s while also keeping the electricity consumption low. Additionally, it is cheaper than the GTX 1070, and if you don't mind changing a few settings, you'll be very pleased with this card's mining performance. Nvidia's GTX 1060 is the latest addition to our best GPU for mining list, taking the place of the AMD Radeon RX 480, which is almost impossible to buy these days due to low stock levels. As with the card its replacing, the GTX 1060 isn't the most powerful GPU. However, it delivers very good mining results without being ridiculously expensive. Plus, it’s an excellent gaming graphics card for gaming as well, which is handy if you want to use your mining equipment for other purposes. Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 The AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 is one of the best value-loaded graphics card on the market right now. Benchmarks confirm that it runs faster than the Nvidia GTX 1070 and, thanks to the Bitcoin mining craze, it’s also cheaper to boot. Again, it can be a tricky GPU to track down, and it's power consumption means it might end up being an expensive GPU to run 24/7 in a mining rig. Still, it's excellent at mining, so if you can find one, it's definitely a worthy contender. Until either Volta or Turing comes along to replace it, the Nvidia GTX remains and will remain as one of the most powerful graphics cards out there. However, as good as it is a gaming GPU and also an excellent mining one, there are a few limitations that prevent it from taking over the top spot on the list. For instance, it’s an extremely expensive GPU, and it also draws more power than its competition. This means you’ll be getting less of a return on your investment, and it’ll take some time to cover your costs. However, if you don’t mind shelling out the extra cash for this GPU, (or if you want to game with the best graphics card around), then you’ll be happy with its performance since if you do a bit of tweaking, you can reach a hash rate of 32 mh/s. While the GTX 1070 sits atop our list of the top mining GPUs, its follow up, the GTX 1070 Ti, isn’t too far behind. Another fantastic mining graphics card with a number of power upgrades, such as a higher base clock, the 1070 Ti also does a very good job. However, there are a few reasons why it ranks lower than its older sibling. For a start, because it's newer, it costs more than the 1070, reducing your profits from mining. It also has a higher power consumption, making it more costly to run. Finally, there have been incidents of a bug in the driver software, which makes this GPU hash lower than expected, though an upcoming fix should sort that. If you're prepared to adjust a few settings, however, this is an impressive mining GPU. How to mine Bitcoins This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best PC case 2020: top cases for your desktop computer Posted: 03 Jan 2020 12:00 PM PST Investing in one of the best PC cases of 2020 when you’re building your own PC might be an afterthought, especially when you’re consumed with getting the best processors and the best graphics cards, as well as the right storage and RAM for the best PC you can afford to build. And, you’re not alone – many people spend so much time and money on the inside that they don’t pay much attention to the packaging. However, it is a great idea to put more effort in getting the best PC case for those PC components you painstakingly hand-picked. After all, picking the best housing for them will have an impact not just on how your rig looks on the outside, but also how long it will last as well. If you’re building one that will rival some of the best gaming PCs out there, you’ll need one that helps keep those components cool since having a reliable PC case that can boost airflow is vital. In addition, if you want to future-proof your rig, you should consider something that has extra room for future expansion. And, of course, if keeping it looking cool is just as important, then you might want one if a glass side panel, so you can showcase all that RGB lighting on your components. Whatever it is you need for your PC case, whether you’re on a budget or ready to blow money, our list of the best PC cases of 2020 should narrow down your choices. Best PC cases at a glance: Corsair Obsidian 1000D Fractal Design Meshify-C Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 NZXT H200i Phanteks Evolv Shift X Fractal Design Define R5 Cooler Master H500P Mesh Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 Tempered Glass Antec Cube Phanteks Evolv X The Corsair Obsidian 1000D will keep your system cool, no matter how extreme it is.. (Image Credit: Corsair) If you’re going to do it, do it big – if the Corsair Obsidian 1000D had a slogan, that would be it. Packed front to back with a whopping 18 fan mounts and enough room for four 480mm radiators, this massive PC case will keep your system cool, no matter how extreme it is. What’s more, the Corsair Obsidian 1000D is a dual-system case, so you can build two separate computers here. Just think about it – a gaming PC and a streaming rig in the same chassis. The Fractal Design Meshify-C has a unique style. (Image Credit: Fractal Design) It is extremely rare to see any PC case that even vaguely resembles the Fractal Design Meshify-C. Given that the front of the case is entirely made of a mesh material sectioned off into an array of polygonal shapes, the Meshify-C has a unique style – without compromising on function. With two fans pre-installed, cooling is (forgive us) a breeze, even if the Meshify-C is held back by a number of obstacles.  The Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 is quiet as a mouse. (Image Credit: Nanoxia) As its name suggests, the Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 has the sole purpose of being quiet as a mouse. This silence-focused case is a well-balanced Micro ATX chassis that’s affordably priced, without sacrificing room for expansion. That’s right you can fit even the biggest, most powerful graphics cards in the Nanoxia Deep Silence 4. The fact that you will never hear it go above 30 decibels is just icing on the very taciturn cake.  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Phanteks Evolv Shift X.  NZXT H200i integrates a ton of the same features as its Micro ATX and mid-tower equivalents. (Image Credit: NZXT) Every single day mini-ITX gets more popular, and closer to toppling Micro ATX. And, it makes sense – why not spring for a small computer that can get just as much work done as a full tower? NZXT’s new H-series case line manages to integrate a ton of the same features as its Micro ATX and mid-tower equivalents, with mesmerizing, built-in and smart device-controlled RGB lighting and an adaptive noise sensor that sees improvement only by way of the Grid+ V3 fan controller. Phanteks Evolv Shift X is flexible to the point that it looks natural placed under a TV as it does on a desk. (Image Credit: Phanteks) When you first look at the Phanteks Evolv Shift X, it looks more like a sound bar than one of the best PC cases, but this helps it vanish into any living area or studio setup. It’s flexible to the point that it looks natural placed under a TV as it does on a desk, next to one of the best gaming monitors. It may only be compatible with a Mini-ITX motherboard, but the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of space for components and liquid cooling loops. If this case is  a little large for your preference, you can get the smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift for easier management. The metallic and blue LED-lit face of the Fractal Design Define R5 is simple, yet elegant. (Image Credit: Fractal Design) Fractal Design wins again with the Define R5, yet another mid-tower case with a gorgeous aesthetic. The metallic and blue LED-lit face of this case is simple, yet elegant, and is accompanied by noise dampening materials throughout its interior. In spite of the detachable ModuVent panels and drive trays not being toolessly accessible, it’s incredibly easy to build a system inside of the Fractal Design Define R5, plus it’s not as expense as you’d expect from a PC case with such a pretentious name, either.   The Cooler Master H500P Mesh's beautiful RGB-packed case has plenty of room for airflow. (Image Credit: Cooler Master) Cooler Master is kind of known for, well, cooling things – and the Cooler Master H500P Mesh is evidence of how it got there. This beautiful RGB-packed case has plenty of room for airflow, even accommodating up to 360mm radiators on the top and front for when you really want to take your cooling to the next level. Add on top of that the RGB lighting and tempered glass side panel and you have the potential to build something beautiful with this case. Go for it. Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 Tempered Glass has a deceptively large amount of space for future expansion. (Image Credit: Corsair) If you’re looking to save a few bucks, while still getting one of the best PC cases, look no further than the Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-04 Tempered Glass. Not only does it have plenty of space for airflow, it also has a deceptively large amount of space for future expansion, meaning that even at this low price point, you won’t have to worry about fitting a full-sized graphics card. And, when you’re done building, the tempered glass side panel will allow you to show off your handiwork.  The Antec Cube is without a doubt the best PC case for Razer fans. (Image Credit: Antec) The Antec Cube is without a doubt the best PC case for you Razer fans out there. While Razer hasn’t made its own desktop PC (not yet, anyway), you can build a Mini-ITX gaming PC, pretending it’s a razer product. You see, Antec partnered with Razer to bring its signature green-infused flare to the Cube, a small form-factor chassis. Complete with a deceptively high amount of space for future expansion, the Antec Cube is also compact enough to travel with.  The Phanteks Evolv X squeezes dual-system compatibility in a mid-tower. (Image Credit: Phantex) Who says dual-system builds have to be in a hulking full-tower case? The Phanteks Evolv X takes dual-system compatibility and squeezes it into a mid-tower. Even with that second Mini-ITX motherboard installed,  there’s plenty of room for E-ATX motherboards and power supplies, and ample cooling. It is pricey for a mid-tower case, but with all this functionality, it kind of has to be. It’s thanks to all of these high-end features that the Phanteks Evolv X is one of the best PC cases around today.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Samsung’s 1000R gaming monitor is super curved and super Ultrawide Posted: 03 Jan 2020 11:36 AM PST There are a few things to look forward to this coming CES 2020, and among them is Samsung’s latest addition to its Odyssey curved gaming monitor line. Set to make its debut at this year’s CES event, the G9 gaming monitor is clearly designed for the ultimate gaming experience. Here's what you can expect to see at CES 2020 Samsung unveils new Galaxy Book Flex LG OLED TVs shrink down with 48-inch screens and drop-down displays Hardcore gamers, listen up. Created specifically for “intense games,” as Samsung puts it, the G9 gaming monitor boasts an impressive 1000R display curve, the deepest curve ever seen on a super ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio gaming monitor. That makes the G9 gaming monitor the first of its kind on the market, complete with a glowing rear core and a white chassis so it looks like a robot beast from the future inside and out. Samsung also gives this 49-inch monitor a refresh rate of 240Hz, 1ms response time and a Dual Quad HD (DQHD) 5120x1440 resolution so you’ll really feel like you’re inside the game. And, for good measure, it also gives it Nvidia G-Sync Compatibility as well as AMD Radeon FreeSync 2 support. Small desk owners won't get left behind If a 49-inch gaming monitor is simply too big for your gaming space, don’t worry. You can still take home your very own 1000R gaming monitor without upgrading your desk. Samsung is also set to release its G7 gaming monitor, which comes with similar features as the G9 ­– namely that 1000R display curve – only in 32-inch and 27-inch models. With an aspect ratio of 16:9 and Quad HD (QHD) 2560x1440 resolution, the G7 monitors may not be as impressive in terms of size and picture quality. However they’ll deliver the same level of performance with their 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, Nvidia G-Sync Compatibility and AMD FreeSync 2 support.  Both 32-inch and 27-inch G7 models come with the glowing rear core design as well, though only in black chassis. Samsung has yet to release the prices for both the G9 and G7 gaming monitors, but we’re sure we’ll find out as soon as CES 2020 rolls around. Check out all of TechRadar's CES 2020 coverage. We're live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best racing wheel 2020: the best peripherals for racing games Posted: 03 Jan 2020 11:04 AM PST Unlike the best gaming keyboards or gaming mice, the best racing wheels are decidedly niche. That doesn’t mean that these gaming racing wheels aren’t worth your time – especially if you play a lot of racing games or sims. While low-end racing wheels might remind you of those old racing arcade games, the best racing wheels will make it feel like you’re actually driving a race car. It all comes down to a feature called force feedback, with a series of motors giving the wheel some resistance, simulating what you’d feel when tearing up the track in a mini cooper (or whatever your favorite car is). But, what is the best racing wheel on the market right now? Well, we here at TechRadar have gathered up all the best racing wheels you can buy today. So, from Thrustmaster to Logitech, we’ll make sure all the biggest and best racing wheels are covered. For years Logitech made virtually the default console race wheels - the Logitech G25 and G27 were crackers.  The Logitech G29 (PS4) and G920 (Xbox One) are great too, but are quite similar to those older wheels. That comes with good and bad parts.  First, the G29 is a lot more affordable than the direct Thrustmaster alternatives, the T300 series wheels. The quality of the wheel itself is great too.  There’s a metal core and leather stitched over the parts your hands grip. Fanatec and Thrustmaster charge a lot more for leather wheels. The Logitech G29 gets you higher-end extras at no extra cost. Its pedal board is much better than anything else at the price too, with a board that has a clutch and very solid metal plates. It’s not plastic rubbish.  There is one reason to prefer a Thrustmaster wheel, though. The Logitech wheels still use a completely gear-based system for their force feedback rather than belts. While it’s very powerful, you can feel this geared effect as you turn the wheel, as its motion is a bit notchy rather than completely smooth.  After a while you get used to it, but it makes the whole experience that bit less realistic; unless you drive a Flintstone’s era car it shouldn’t feel notchy, right? The Logitech G29 is also a bit noisier than the more expensive belt-driven models. The Logitech G920 is pretty much the same as the G29 above, except it's for use with the Xbox One while the G29 is for use with the PlayStation 4. Like it's PS4 counterpart, the G920 is more affordable than Thrustmaster wheels but still boasts great quality. However it also comes with the same downfall of being a bit nosier than most wheels on the market. The Thrustmaster T300 RS and TX are the ‘default’ enthusiast racing wheels from Thrustmaster, and they’re some of the best around. There’s now an even more expensive T-GT but, as that costs £699/$799, it’s out of reach for most budgets.  What makes the Thrustmaster T300 RS one of the best racing wheels is the improved force feedback system. It’s not geared, rather using a series of belts that are powered by brushless motors. This gives it that perfect mix of power and smoothness, for a sense of realism and immersion you can’t really beat at the price.  Any force feedback wheel will add a whole new dimension of fun to reasonably realistic racing games like Forza Motorsport and Driveclub, but at the price these Thrustmasters are the obvious choice. There’s a little gnawing rumble as you fight against the wheel, which is the feel of the motor working, but it’s otherwise great.  The belt system does cause a fair bit of heat after a while, necessitating a fan system that kicks in after you’ve been playing for 10 minutes or so. However, it’s not too distracting, and quieter than the Logitech G29 in action.  There are a few downsides to these generally great wheel sets, and it’s all about the parts outside of the wheel base. The steering wheel is solid and very grippy, but uses a rubber grip rather than a leather one.  Many people will be fine with the material, but after using the G29 we did miss the feel a little.  The pedals that ship with many variants of the T300 RS and TX aren’t great either, like the set we’ve been using in the pic. The pedal caps are metal, but this is really just a basic plastic construction, without the stiffness of a great board or more advanced features like a high-end progressive brake.  There’s a solution, but it’s not cheap. These wheels are actually part of a system – you can get other steering wheels and more advanced pedal boards, the T3PA and the fab T3PA Pro. There’s even a manual gearbox if you want a proper old-school driving feel.  Fresh out of the box the Thrustmaster T300 RS lacks a few of the Logitech G29’s touches, but its force feedback is a lot better. Much like with the G29 and G920, these Thrustmaster wheels are essentially the same but boast the key difference of working with different consoles. The Thrustmaster TX is for Xbox One and the T300 RS is for PlayStation owners. Again, the TX boasts a force feedback system and is considerably quieter than the Logitech G29 with a rubber-grip wheel, but it does lack a lot of the little touches that make the Logitech wheels great - including a more comfortable wheel - and the pedals have some issues. The Thrustmaster T300 RS and TX are the ‘default’ enthusiast racing wheels from Thrustmaster, and they’re some of the best around. There’s now an even more expensive T-GT, but as that costs £699/$799 it’s out of reach for most budgets.  What makes the Thrustmaster T300 RS and its brothers so easy to recommend is the new force feedback system. It’s not geared, using a series of belts instead, powered by brushless motors. This gives it the perfect combo of power and smoothness, for a sense of realism and immersion you can’t really beat at the price.  Any force feedback wheel will add a whole new dimension of fun to reasonably realistic racing games like Forza Motorsport and Driveclub, but at the price these Thrustmasters are the obvious choice. There’s a little gnawing rumble as you fight against the wheel, which is the feel of the motor working, but it’s otherwise great.  Read the full review: Thrustmaster T-GT While those with plenty of cash to spend should definitely consider the T300 RS and its brothers, there’s also a lower-cost version that still has many of the same benefits at half the price. So, what are the differences between T150 and T300 RS? The main one is that while the T300 RS has force feedback driven entirely by belts, the T150 uses a combo of a helical gear system and a belt. Predictably enough, then, the effect is half-way between the Logitech G29 and T300 RS. It’s smooth-ish, but not entirely, and you feel the effect of the geared motor as it pulls against you when you take a corner at high speed.  Given the price, the results are great, though. The parts that seem a little cheap in the more expensive Thrustmasters are even more budget-y here, though. All-plastic, flimsy pedals are miles off what you get with the Logitech wheel. Their low-resistance action makes them feel like arcade racer fodder, while the force feedback is definitely deserving of the most navel-gazing of realistic driving sims.  The exterior of the steering wheel part itself is also all-plastic, without the metal parts that make these wheels seem a bit less toy-like. There are still sports car-like metal spoke shifters behind the wheel, though. A wheel that packs in a lot of substance if not the luxury touch, the Thrustmaster T150 is probably the best budget wheel around. You can get an even cheaper model, the T80, but as that’s not a force feedback model it’s in a completely different, lower league. While, for PS4 fans, there’s the Thrustmaster T150; Xbox lovers should pick up the Thrustmaster TMX. They use the same wheel base tech, but have the controls and compatibility chips needed to get on-board with these seemingly picky consoles.  That means, like with the Thrustmaster T150, you're looking at a great budget wheel with excellent force feedback but downfalls include a notchy feel and pedals that are wanting.  Fanatec makes some of the best, and most expensive, racing wheels going. The Fanatec CSL Elite is actually one of its more affordable models, made with a mainstream audience in mind, not least because it supports consoles rather than just the PC. As usual there are different versions for Xbox One and PS4, and the Microsoft version is actually slightly cheaper. The force feedback is a level above what you get in the Thrustermaster T300 RS too, even smoother and with a more precise feel, a little faster and cleaner. It’s an excellent wheel base, and also has a rev counter, supported by some games. Fanatec’s pedals are excellent, with seriously tough metal frames and proper progressive brakes, and you can even choose how stiff the brake is. It goes so stiff, in fact, that to really get the most out of the CSL Elite you want a frame into which you screw the pedals. But the price alone tells you this is an enthusiast wheel. Just looking at the Fanatec CSL Elite, you can tell it’s made by nerdy obsessives. After all, who else would choose that funky grey disco ball effect on the base? Not all will love the look, but at least it’s not super-shiny.  The included wheel is big, well-made and looks like it could survive the apocalypse. Heck, it wouldn’t look out of place on a Mad Max car. However, Fanatec also makes some much nicer wheels. Like the Thrustmaster wheels, this is part of a system you can upgrade. The included P1 steering wheel has rubbery grips and no vibration motors in the thing itself – all the effects come from the force feedback motors. Some of the pricier steering wheels (which you can plug into the same base) do have vibration too, though. You need serious money to get the most out of the CSL Elite, and the basic setup isn’t cheap. But as long as you don’t look too much into what you’re missing with a replacement wheel, you’ll be very happy. The Hori Apex looks a lot like the other wheels here, but it’s actually rather different. This isn’t a force feedback wheel, relying on rumble instead. Fire up a game like Project Cars and the Thrustmaster T150 will decimate the Hori for quality of experience. However, the Hori is perfect for arcade racers, some of which only have rumble effects rather than force feedback programmed in anyway. The more expensive wheels are lost on a game like Need for Speed.  The Hori isn’t. It rumbles when you drift, hit a barrier or car, or go over road markings, but you don’t have to fight with the wheel. There’s a little bit of resistance to turns, and the wheel rights itself when you take your hands off, but there aren’t motors in the base at war with your arms. As a result, the Hori is also much lighter than any other wheel here. You’ll still need something to clamp it to, but this is the one wheel here that won’t seem hard done by if it’s not treated to a proper frame or wheel stand.  Clearly made for racers where you’ll use nitrous every 4.5 seconds, it tries harder than the rest to put all the main PS4 buttons at your fingertips; there’s a pair of them right on the wheel rim itself. You can also alter the D-pad to emulate the DualShock’s own D-Pad, or either of the analogue sticks.  There are good bits, sure, particularly the lower price. However, the Hori Apex (and the Hori Overdrive) is easily the most toy-like wheel in this group. It has plastic gear shifters, fairly cheap plastic pedals and no parts to upgrade. It also has very limited rotation compared with all the other wheels here, turning just 270 degrees rather than 900 or 1080.  This is what Hori was aiming for, though – it's a maker of arcade gear, and this is clearly an arcade wheel. And while the Logitech G29 makes it look like a toy, it’s miles better than the no-brand £30/$50 racing wheels you may have tried over the years.  Like others on this list, Hori offers two different wheels depending on the platform you're playing on. While the Hori Apex is for PS4, the Hori Overdrive is for Xbox One.  Like its PS4 counterpart, the Hori Overdrive is a good budget alternative for those who prefer arcade racing. However, this wheel comes with no force feedback and feels considerable cheaper. Best racing wheels at a glance Logitech G29 Logitech G920 Thrustmaster T300 RS Thrustmaster TX Ferrari 458 Italia Edition Thrustmaster T-GT Thrustmaster T150 Thrustmaster TMX Fanatec CSL Elite  Hori Apex Hori Overdrive Ready to rev? Check out the best racing games right now  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Getting to the bottom of the difference between: cloud sync, backup and storage Posted: 03 Jan 2020 10:57 AM PST We hear words associated with the cloud all the time, words like cloud sync, cloud backup and cloud storage. They are all the buzz, they’re found everywhere, but what do they mean? And what is the difference?  The shared goal of all three is to protect a user’s data and make life easier. The major differences however center on what the user expects from the software. Every type offers a variety of advantages, but depending on the needs of the user, it can impact the type of plan they wish to purchase. The difference is that backup saves your data in case of loss or damage, and storage creates a gateway to access information from anywhere. Cloud sync on the other hand is for multiple users to access data, and make changes across the board from different devices.  Some software provides more than one feature on a single platform, offering those who need it a chance to utilize all three. Every single person can benefit from the cloud, whether it is for a school project, a business, an academic institute or even an individual’s personal photos and memories.  Top tips for businesses in data backup and recovery Data backup has never been more important This 10TB cloud backup service is cheaper than buying a hard drive We’ve all had incidents where we have lost a document, a set of images, an important project or experienced an event where we lost all our data stored on our laptop or mobile. The thought of simply losing your family memories is upsetting and compelling enough to hop on the cloud train. So, which one is right for you? We break down each type, giving you a straight-forward but thorough overview so you can make the right choice.  Also check out the best cloud storage Cloud storage The meaning is in the word itself. Cloud storage is putting information into the cloud, which is an offsite safe and secure location. Simply put, cloud storage is like an external drive in an offsite location, accessed via the internet. It provides access to folders, allowing the user to store as much data as they need and is charged accordingly. Another advantage is the safety it offers, the information stored is replicated, making it available under almost circumstances.  Cloud providers utilize AWS (Amazon Web Services) or Microsoft Azure, which ensures data recovery and privacy no matter what. Another benefit to using cloud storage is the ability to increase the amount you want to store at any time. Unlike with an external drive, for which you have to buy a whole new device and certainly can’t simply ‘upgrade’ the old one, with cloud storage you can increase the storage capacity of your account by simply increasing your subscription fee.  One drawback to cloud storage is the manual entry of all the files you want to store; it does not back up automatically in most cases. Cloud sync Cloud sync does not provide a high storage volume, however affords users the chance to access data on multiple devices and allows multiple users to access this data. When changes are made, they are made for all users and some providers also allow for all changes to be made on any device, making this a great option for group tasks or collaboration.  Taking a group project or a group presentation as an example, cloud sync is your best friend. Users can work from multiple devices and have changes saved on each user's device. Not only does it save space and money but it saves a lot of time. As many people know, finding the time and place that works for multiple people to meet up and work can be problematic, cloud sync can be accessed from anywhere, making it a handy tool for tasks such as this.  Cloud sync is also one of the most affordable options considering the low storage volume, many platforms are free to use up to a certain extent. This option is not recommended for large documents or massive amounts of information that need to be kept safe.  Cloud backup Backup software operating under a set of rules, sending a copy of a user’s data to cloud storage, can be considered a backup. A fully functioning backup service should automatically back up data regularly, making this one of the most attractive qualities of backup. Additionally, it should ensure privacy by encrypting a user’s data with a password. It should offer multiple file versioning of previous versions and track the changes made.  To ensure security, a reliable service should compress and de-duplicate data to save on storage expenses as well as have the option to back up select files or all files. In case of damage or loss, cloud backup will be able to recover your information instantly, with the most up to date version available. Cloud backup is recommended for large amounts of data as well as organizations that need to consistently have automatic and frequent backups of their information.  Cloud backup is usually subscription based and requires a monthly or annual fee although some providers do offer lifetime accounts with a one-time payment. Depending on the amount of data requiring backing up, it is priced accordingly. Another benefit to cloud backup is the ability to add more data if needed at any time, much like cloud storage and unlike an external drive.  Backing up your data In this day and age, it has become vital to not only stay in the loop, but to keep up-to-date with the latest software solutions for our increasingly data-driven lives. After reading this, I hope you have a better understanding of what is the best suited option for your data. Depending on the amount of data you have, as well as the need to automatically back up or not will help determine what kind of plan is best suited for you.  With many providers to choose from, the pricing and quality varies. Some software even offer free plans for a certain amount of storage. When targeting businesses in particular, things like enterprise management, unlimited users, and disaster recovery are vital when it comes to backup applications. Additionally, when it comes to photos, videos and music, backup solutions should automatically back up user data with little or no setup, and without the need for the dragging-and-dropping of files.  In summary, Cloud storage is accessed via the internet, storing data in a remote offsite center. Whereas Cloud backup allows for the transfer of data to remote servers, depending on the configurations set by the user, and backups are done automatically. Cloud sync is helpful in allowing the sharing of files on multiple devices with multiple users, great for teamwork and shared projects.  Jay El-Anis, Marketing Manager at Zoolz We've also highlighted the best cloud backup of 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

LG G9 ThinQ leak shows off sleeker handset with four rear cameras Posted: 03 Jan 2020 10:47 AM PST The upcoming LG G9 ThinQ flagship phone is coming and it could have four rear cameras lined up in a horizontal row, according to new leaked renders.  The renders, courtesy of CashKaro and noted leaker @OnLeaks, show a sleeker handset with less bezel than its predecessor, the LG G8. If the leaks are true, then LG’s next flagship could also switch to a teardrop notch. The render implies a large display between 6.7 and 6.9 inches and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Diverting from previous LG G-series flagships, the G9’s rear cameras aren’t quite flush with the back, so expect a slight camera bump. Goodbye G8, hello G9 A teardrop notch hints that LG is ditching the depth sensors that made the G8’s notch so wide – and ergo, the gesture control/vein recognition system that, while gimmicky, was an attempt at next-gen phone innovation. Which leaves us speculating about what kind of new trick LG will give the G9 to try to compete with the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S11 series.  One thing seems clear: this leak claims the new phone will be both notably longer and wider than its predecessor – 169.4 x 77.6 x 8.8mm, to be precise - which means it won’t fit in the Dual Screen that came with the LG G8X, countering LG’s claims that it would attempt to make future phones work with the second display. Given the LG G8 debuted at MWC 2019, we should expect the LG G9 ThinQ to show up in February at MWC 2020. Via PhoneArena We're gearing up for CES 2020 and all the breaking tech news This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

How to watch Friends now it's left Netflix – and when it returns to streaming Posted: 03 Jan 2020 10:43 AM PST Friends has left Netflix US after years of being one of its most-watched TV shows. The subject of a pricey bidding war, Friends will soon arrive on the new HBO Max service when it launches in May. It'll cost $14.99 a month for HBO Max, so you'll have to weigh up whether you think it's worth it for that much.  Why is Friends so persistently popular, 16 years after it ended its 10-season run? Streaming is often about rewatching the shows that people find comfortably enjoyable. Friends comes from a time where we had fewer options for entertainment, and it was watched on a scale that we'd never see with a modern TV show. It makes sense that a modern adult audience with a disposable income would carry a lot of nostalgia for it.  And hey, despite some meandering storylines in later years and plain bad episodes (like, er, the finale), it's still a funny show, as long as you can tolerate how self-involved the characters are.  It's worth saying you can still stream Friends on Netflix in the UK and Canada. Otherwise, here's how you can watch Friends online in the US in 2020. How to watch Friends in 2020: it's streaming soon on HBO Max Friends is streaming on HBO Max from launch in May 2020, WarnerMedia has confirmed. That's 236 episodes straight off, across all ten seasons. Since the show left Netflix at the end of December 2019, that's likely going to build up demand in the meantime. We don't have an exact date for the HBO Max launch yet.  You've got a few options for watching the show. You can grab the 25th anniversary DVD from Amazon, or you can buy the individual seasons digitally on Amazon and other video services, too (although the cost of this might not be worth it if you'd prefer to stream the show as part of a subscription). Hell, maybe you've even got the DVDs in your basement or wardrobe from years back. And of course, you can always catch the show in syndication on regular old television.  This is your complete range of options until HBO Max launches, unless you choose to use a VPN. Scroll down for more on that, and individual episode prices. A Friends reunion special may come to HBO Max A Friends reunion special is being planned by HBO Max, according to The Hollywood Reporter. If you were hoping for the story to pick up years later so you could see what the characters are up to, it's sadly going to be an unscripted reunion, which means a documentary or special of some sort. Still, it'll no doubt be a flashy way to mark the show's debut on HBO Max.  Where to watch Friends online in the US As mentioned above, you'll have to wait until HBO Max launches to stream Friends again in the US. In the meantime, here are some quick and easy on demand options to let you watch Friends online where you are.  Google Play - $1.99 per episode of $19.99 for a full season Apple TV - $19.99 for a season FandangoNow - $19.99 for a season PlayStation - $19.99 for a season Microsoft - $19.99 for a season How to watch Friends online in the UK Flick through enough channels on Freeview and you'll probably end up bumping into random episodes, usually on Comedy Central. Netflix is your best option for cherry picking your favorite moments. Or get specific episodes and series you want from a host of online options listed here. Google Play - £1.99 per episode or £15.99 for a series Amazon Store - £1.99 per episode or £14.99 for a series Apple TV - The Complete Series for £49.99 TalkTalk - £1.85 per episode or £15.50 per series Rakuten - From £10.99 per series Microsoft - £15.99 per series PlayStation - £15.99 per series but only 9 are available How to watch Friends online in Australia One of these options could be for you. Google Play - $2.99 an episode or $13.49 per series Apple TV - $84.99 for The Complete Series PlayStation - $14.99 per series Where to watch Friends online in Canada Grab your Friends fix in Canada either via Netflix or by using one of these over-the-interwebs options. Apple TV - $74.99 for The Complete Series Google - $2.99 per episode or $9.99 per series Microsoft - $14.99 per series PlayStation - $14.99 per series How to stream Friends from anywhere in the world The good news is that there are loads of options to stream Friends in most countries. The bad news is that you may find them geo-blocked if you try to watch in a different country - and what about if the country where you live doesn't have Friends streaming available at all? Oh. My. God! If you fall into one of those categories, then there is a little workaround you can try using a VPN. A VPN lets you virtually relocate your IP address to one in another country and therefore watch a Friends stream as if you were in that country (although you'll likely need a localised debit card for most services). ExpressVPN is the VPN that we think is the best of the lot thanks to its speed, security measures and straightforward interface. We also like that it's compatible with streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox and PlayStation. Try it for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. Plus, we've managed to convince ExpressVPN to give TechRadar readers an extra 3 months free with a 12 month contract. Our pleasure! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best upcoming games 2020: most anticipated titles for PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch Posted: 03 Jan 2020 10:29 AM PST In search of the best upcoming games of 2020? Then look no further. The new year (and new decade) has officially begun and and it's shaping up to be one for the history books when it comes to gaming.  All eyes may be on the next-generation Xbox Series X and PS5 to look forward to at the end of the year, but there's plenty of fantastic games releasing on console and PC before then that we can't wait to get our hands on. So, whether you're looking for boot-shaking scares, heart-racing thrills or some wholesome narrative, we've got you covered. Here at TechRadar we've gathered together a list of the best upcoming games coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in 2020 (we've even thrown in some confirmed titles for the next-gen consoles). We'll be updating this list as titles release and others are announced, so watch this space. So without further ado, buckle up and get ready to update your wishlist with the best upcoming games in 2020... Doom Eternal Doom Eternal (Image credit: iD Software) When's it out?  March 20, 2020 What platform? PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC What's it about? The sequel to 2016's Doom promises to be an ultra-violent, fast-paced shooter with plenty of demon slaying to keep you busy.  Doom Eternal is aiming to go bigger and better than ever before, introducing an enhanced Doom slayer and a host of new demons – and this time the invasion has spread further than Mars. Check out our hands on Doom Eternal review. Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberpunk 2077 (Image credit: CD Projekt Red) When's it out?  April 16, 2020 What platform? PS4, Xbox One and PC What's it about? If you've been living under a rock and don't know about Cyberpunk 2077 then let us enlighten you.  Cyberpunk 2077 is an dystopian RPG from The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt Red, set in a gritty, science fiction world metropolis. It's based off the pen-and-paper RPG of the same name and promises to be a game-changer when it releases next year.  If that's not enough for you, then the announcement that Keanu Reeves plays a major role in the game should hopefully get you excited.  Final Fantasy 7 Remake Final Fantasy 7 Remake (Image credit: Square Enix) When's it out? March 3, 2020 What platform? It’s been confirmed the game will come to PS4 first, but it may appear later on PC and Xbox One. What's it about? Originally released in 1997, Final Fantasy 7 secured its place as one of the greatest JRPGs to date. So it's no surprise that Square Enix is releasing a remake, over 20 years later. The development road for Final Fantasy 7 Remake hasn't exactly been smooth. The game was initially announced back at E3 2015, but won't release until March 3, 2020. Regardless, we're still extremely excited to get our hands Square Enix's reimagining of the classic Final Fantasy game. Here's what it's like to play Final Fantasy 7 Remake if you never played the original Watch Dogs: Legion When's it out? March 6, 2020 What platform? PS4, Xbox One and PC What's it about? Watch Dogs: Legion seems to see you taking on an organization called Albion who have distributed riot drones all over London to keep people in line. You're a member of the resistance: DeadSec. What's interesting about Legion is that you play as more than one character (a whole host actually), with permadeath wiping out the one you're playing if you happen to end up on the wrong end of an electric bullet. You can apparently play as anyone - with every Londoner being recruitable and fully simulated. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Animal Crossing (Image credit: Nintendo) When's it out? March 20, 2020 What platform? Nintendo Switch What's it about? Nintendo has finally given the fans what they want. During a Nintendo Direct in September 2018, the company announced (via a short teaser trailer) that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is coming to the Nintendo Switch. While the original release window was set for 2019, it has since been pushed back to 2020.  We're expecting Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch to offer the same charm and wholesome atmosphere of previous Animal Crossing titles, while hopefully adding some new characters, more furniture and more areas to explore.  Marvel's Avengers Marvel's Avengers (Image credit: Crystal Dynamics) When's it out?  May 15, 2020 What platform? Xbox One, PS4, PC and Google Stadia What's it about? Marvel's Avengers sees you playing as your favorite superhero in an all-new story set in the Marvel universe. Playing as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, your mission is to save the day from an evil force - just normal superhero stuff. Officially announced at E3 2019, the game will have a multiplayer component alongside a single-player campaign, though it wasn't shown off during the event. What we've heard from Crystal Dynamics in a closed-door briefing is that you'll assemble into teams of four online, customize your characters and fight online together through new scenarios. Crystal Dynamics says this content will be free and will come at a constant clip. Check out our hands on: Marvel's Avengers review. The Last of Us Part 2 The Last of Us Part 2 (Image credit: Naughty Dog) When's it out? May 29, 2020 What platform? PS4 What's it about? The Last of Us 2 sees Ellie all grown up and much more mature than we've seen her before - not only is she fanning the flames of romance but she's also become a lot more violent (read: badass) in her efforts to survive. We don't know much about the story so far but Joel hasn't appeared in the footage we've seen yet, although we do know Troy Baker is involved so he's definitely going to show up eventually.  Ghost of Tsushima Ghost of Tsushima (Image credit: Sucker Punch Productions) When's it out?  Summer 2020 What platform? PS4 What's it about? We don't know a whole lot about Ghost of Tsushima yet, except that it's an open world action-adventure being developed by Suckerpunk Studios and published by Sony - meaning it'll be a PlayStation 4 exclusive. Ghost of Tsushima is set in 1274 Japan - during the first Mongolian invasion - and sees you take on the role of last samurai on Tsushima Island, determined to defend his home and traditions. Halo Infinite Halo Infinite (Image credit: 343 Industries) When's it out?  'Holiday' 2020 What platform? Xbox One and Xbox Series X (maybe PC) What's it about? The sixth game in the main Halo series, Microsoft announced at its E3 2019 keynote that Halo Infinite will be a launch title for the next-gen Xbox Series X consoles during Holiday 2020.  While we don't know much about what to expect from Halo Infinite, we do know that Master Chief is back and he looks stunning on next-generation hardware (we;;, from the trailers). Breath of the Wild 2 When's it out? TBC What platform? Nintendo Switch What's it about? Nintendo has confirmed that a The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel is in development, with a trailer suggesting a darker turn for the next mainline Zelda game.  We don't know much about Breath of the Wild 2, but we've got high hopes considering its predecessor was such a critical success. What we do know is that it'll land on Nintendo Switch - the big question is when? Dragon Age 4 Dragon Age (Image credit: BioWare) When's it out? TBC What platform? Probably PS4, Xbox One and PC What's it about? After being an open secret for so long, Dragon Age 4 has now been confirmed by BioWare and we’ve even been teased by a minute-long trailer. At the moment we’re cautiously calling the game Dragon Age 4 (but this title isn’t confirmed).  It'll no doubt be a couple of years before we see the fourth instalation in the popular RPG franchise Dragon Age, but we're expecting a bigger open-world, further exploration of that cliffhanger and even more characters to swoon over and seduce. The Elder Scrolls 6 The Elder Scrolls 6 (Image credit: Bethesda) When's it out? TBC What platform? Probably PS4, Xbox One and PC  What's it about? We've no idea what it's about but we definitely won't see The Elder Scrolls 6 release in 2019 - but it's hard to ignore the behemoth so we're being delusionally optimistic.  Metroid Prime 4 Metroid Prime 4 (Image credit: Nintendo) When's it out? TBC What platform? Nintendo Switch What's it about? A brand new Metroid Prime game is coming to the Nintendo Switch. However, Metroid Prime 4 may be some way off as Nintendo had to scrap the project back in January 2019 and start again.  Due to development problems, we don't know much about what Metroid Prime 4 will involve, or when we will see it, but we can't help but be excited. Starfield Starfield (Image credit: Bethesda) When's it out? TBC What platform? Probably PC, PS4 and Xbox One  What's it about?   We don't really know what Starfield is about yet. Bethesda has been pretty tight-lipped about its upcoming single-player RPG. We do know it's set in outer space and that it'll be a while before it's released.  Read more: New games 2020: the biggest games coming to console and PC This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best touchscreen laptops 2020: the best touchscreen laptops we've tapped this year Posted: 03 Jan 2020 10:20 AM PST Since their initial release, the best touchscreen laptops have changed the portable scene forever. The emergence of the best 2-in-1 laptops, for one, has changed the way we think about – and use  – laptops.  With their touchscreen capabilities, they give users the ability to utilize their laptops as tablets to squeeze in a bit of gaming and some Netflix watching after school or work. The fact that these laptops are now available with touch-friendly operating systems like Windows 10 and Chrome OS makes them even more appealing. Though not all laptops have touchscreen capabilities, there are still a number of laptops on the market to choose from. Many of them, in fact, are some of the best laptops 2020 has to offer. We’ve reviewed a number of these touchscreen laptops ourselves, and we meticulously picked out the best of the best. This list should make your hunt for one of the best touchscreen laptops of 2020 easier. Best touchscreen laptops at a glance: Dell XPS 13 Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition HP Envy x360 (2019) Surface Laptop 3 Samsung Chromebook Pro HP Spectre x360 Lenovo Yoga C930 Surface Book 2 (15-inch) Lenovo Yoga C630 ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile Workstation Dell XPS 13 boasts that covetable 4K touchscreen feature. The touch model in the Dell XPS 13 line has every single thing we love about this highly-rated laptop, from its upgraded 8th-gen processor to its battery life boost. Of course, the display also inherits that excellent quality, with top-notch color reproduction, HDR features and 400 nits of brightness – as well as bezels that are practically non-existent. Better yet, it boasts that covetable 4K touchscreen feature, making it all the more useful for many productivity and creative endeavors. Is there any doubt why this tops our best touchscreen laptops list? Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition more than meets the standards of videographers, photographers and designers. Razer has redesigned its best gaming laptop to turn it into a mobile creative workstation touting a jaw-dropping performance that meets the standards of videographers, photographers and designers. This laptop packs a serious punch. But, it also rocks a stunning, factory-calibrated 4K display with the touchscreen model on hand, giving video editors not just incredibly sharp content but also lots of space to work on while they’re editing on the go. If a fast and seamless workflow is of utmost importance in your day to day, then the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is the best touchscreen laptop for you. Just be ready to splurge. Read the full review: Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition You can't go wrong with HP Envy x360 13 (2019) for productivity or for entertainment and Internet browsing. If a 13-inch slimline 2-in-1 laptop that gets you through your daily computing routine, whether for productivity or for entertainment and Internet browsing, is all you need, then you cannot go wrong with Envy x360's AMD upgrade. This laptop not only packs the latest AMD mobile CPU, but also boasts a premium chassis that will be the envy of other laptops at your office, making it deserving of its moniker. Better yet, it offers 9 hours of video playback, lasting you an entire work day without charging. Read the full review: HP Envy x360 (2019) Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3 has a stunning display. With the debut of an AMD Ryzen processor in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop line, the Surface Laptop 3 is more accessible than ever to more people, especially fans of AMD’s latest processors and graphics cards. Unfortunately, there aren’t many fresh features this time around – if you need more ports, for example, you might want to skip this. But, this latest model is more powerful than ever, and it does pack some of the longest battery life in its class. And, of course, it’s one of the thinnest and lightest laptops on the market. If longevity and portability matters most to you, it’s a worthy contender. Read the full review: Surface Laptop 3 Samsung Chromebook Pro has an incredible touchscreen for handwriting notes. The Samsung Chromebook Pro is akin to an extremely large Samsung Note device in that it has a stowable stylus and an incredible touchscreen for handwriting notes. What’s even better is that every single thing you write down on the Samsung Chromebook Pro is saved to Google Keep, which digitizes your handwriting into a text document for convenient searching later. Plus, taking into consideration this Chromebook’s access to the Google Play Store for all the best Android apps, it isn’t hard to see why this is one of the best touchscreen laptops.  Read the full review: Samsung Chromebook Pro This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Pro  The HP Spectre x360 is one of the best laptops. The HP Spectre x360 is not just one of the best touchscreen laptops out there, but it’s also one of the best laptops, full stop. It strikes that perfect balance between tablet and laptop. As a tablet, it has superbly slim bezels for immersive entertainment and is light enough to hold for a long period. As a laptop, it can power through any work you throw at it without having to scramble for the nearest outlet, with its long battery life and powerful full-fat Ultrabook processors.  Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 The Lenovo Yoga C930 boast high-quality IPS Glossy touchscreen display. Not only is the new Lenovo Yoga C930 one of the best hybrid laptops we’ve reviewed to date, but it’s also deserving of a spot on our best touchscreen laptops list. It’s all thanks to that high-quality IPS Glossy touchscreen display, which not only offers stylus support, but is also available in both Full HD and 4K – nifty if you work with high resolution photos. Get all your productivity tasks out of the way, and then throw in some decent gaming post work. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930 Surface Book 2 (15-inch) boast a larger screen and extremely beefier hardware. The Surface Book 2 15-inch delivers the same great touch and pen experience as the Surface Pro. However, it also takes it to a new level by boasting a larger screen and extremely beefier hardware. Thanks to its quad-core processor and potent discrete GPU, it’s well-equipped to handle your most ambitious art projects, not to mention some of the best PC games that are currently taking up all your free time. If this isn’t one of the best touchscreen laptops on the market right now, we don’t know what is. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch) Lenovo Yoga C630 boast a 13.3-inch, wide-angle FHD stunning display with touchscreen functionality. Budget users seeking touchscreen functionality will appreciate the value the Lenovo Yoga C630 offers. This 2-in-1 starts at $629 (about £517, A$927), with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB of SSD storage and integrated Qualcomm graphics. That means that it’s a lightweight option for those folks who aren’t entirely convinced by the Chrome OS environment. It has a few aces to top it all off, including the Lenovo Active Pen, a Fingerprint Reader and more than 23 hours of battery life. And what of the display? It’s a 13.3-inch, wide-angle FHD stunner, with touchscreen functionality, of course. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C630 Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is among the best touchscreen laptops for you. In the market for a potent powerhouse and you have the funds to shell out a considerable amount of cash, then Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is among the best touchscreen laptops for you. It has several configurations on hand, depending on your needs and budget. At its most basic, however, it’s already pretty powerful, fitted with a solid graphics card and a 4K multi-touch display that is an absolute knockout. For gamers, this display also boasts the Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) technology for top-notch image quality. Read the full review: ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile Workstation Michelle Rae Uy, Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptop 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Hellblade 2: everything we know about the Xbox Series X game Posted: 03 Jan 2020 10:20 AM PST Ninja Theory has officially confirmed Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, the sequel to 2017's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, is coming to Xbox Series X and PC. Hellblade 2 was announced at The Game Awards 2019, with a dark, hard-hitting reveal trailer that didn't give much away in terms of story or gameplay, but did tell us the sequel is coming to the next-generation Xbox and PC - we just don't know when. For those who didn't play the first game, Hellblade is a dark action-adventure that follows Senua, a badass Pict warrior struggling with mental health issues that she believes is a curse. In Senua's Sacrifice, Senua travels through Helheim (the Underworld of Norse mythology) in a quest to rescue the soul of her dead lover, Dillion, from the goddess Hela. All the while, battling her own hallucinations and undead warriors who reside there. It's been three years since we've traversed the depths of Hel and we're ready to undergo another twisted quest. So we've gathered everything we know so far about Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 below for your perusal. Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 release date Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 was surprisingly announced at the Game Awards 2019 with a heart-pumping reveal trailer. The announcement told us that Hellblade 2 is coming to the next-generation Xbox Series X, as well as PC, but it didn't actually reveal a release date. However, knowing that Xbox Series X isn't releasing until late 2020 (sometime between October and December) tells us that Hellblade 2 won't be about until after that date. It's one of the first confirmed Xbox Series X games, but Microsoft didn't refer to it as a launch title, suggesting it will launch a few months after the new Xbox. That would put Hellblade 2's release date in either December 2020 (we're predicting Series X will release in November 2020) or, quite possibly, in early 2021.  Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 trailers Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 was officially announced for Xbox Series X at the Game Awards 2019, with a peculiar and hard-hitting reveal trailer. While the trailer didn't give much away in terms of story and gameplay, it did confirm that this sequel looks  much darker than its predecessor - which was already pretty dark. What makes this trailer even more impressive is that it was made apparently entirely in-engine on the Xbox Series X. Check it out below: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 news and rumors Reveal at The Game Awards 2019 Ninja Theory officially announced Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 at the Game Awards 2019, revealing the sequel will come exclusively to Xbox Series X and PC.  What about the story? We don't actually know anything about Hellblade 2's story yet but, from the trailer, it seems to be much darker than its predecessor. The trailer shows pagan rituals, breathtaking landscapes, limbs hanging from archways and a few battle sequences. There's also some hints towards Vikings - which would make sense given the time period. But this is speculation and we remain largely in the dark. Our first taste of next-gen? It's claimed that the breathtaking trailer for Hellblade 2 is made real-time and in-engine on the Series X. This would mean that visually, we could maybe expect to see these level of visuals in-game on the Series X. However, as Digital Foundry points out, there's a few elements that suggest this is not the case.  PS5: release date, specs, news and rumors  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Chrome will start showing error codes to help with debugging Posted: 03 Jan 2020 09:52 AM PST In an effort to help users debug their systems, Google Chrome will soon get support for error codes that resemble those seen during a Windows blue screen of death (BSOD) crash page. By providing Chrome users with these codes, Google will make it easier for them to search online to find help for a variety of different types of crashes. Previously users were left in the dark as to why their browser or a particular tab had crashed, making it difficult to troubleshoot the problem. The search giant began working on this new feature in November of last year but error codes are currently under testing in the latest version (v81) of Chrome Canary. What to expect from Google Chrome in 2020 Microsoft Edge opens add-ons store These are the most popular Google Chrome extensions The error codes themselves will appear on the “Aw, Snap!” page which Chrome shows when a tab crashes and most Chrome users are likely familiar with this page. Error codes According to the Chromium project source code, 137 error codes are currently configured in Chrome. A full list of all error codes can be found here and the codes cover a wide variety of error types. Chrome Canary users can take a look at how these error codes look by navigating to chrome://crash or chrome://kill to trigger a manual tab crash. The new feature is currently being tested in Chrome 81 though it may not ship with the final release of the software. Thankfully though, the error codes do appear to a permanent fixture in future Chrome releases. Error codes could also be making their way to other Chromium-based browsers such as Brave, Opera and Vivaldi since the feature was proposed by Eric Lawrence who is a software engineer working on Microsoft's new Chromium-based Edge browser. We've also highlighted the best browser of 2020 Via ZDNet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best SIM only deals for the January sales: from £5 a month to mega data and EE Posted: 03 Jan 2020 09:10 AM PST Are you one of the lucky ones? Did a ridiculously generous partner or loved one go big this Christmas and buy you a brand new smartphone? To make the best of your great new gadget, you'll inevitably need to consider what SIM only deal to grab for your new device. The good news is that quite a few retailers and networks have got into the spirit of the January sales and have been handing out cheap SIM only deals like they were candy. They range from the ridiculously cheap (how does a fiver a month sound?) to the absurdly good value (unlimited data for £18 per month anyone?) - basically, there's something for everyone. So don't waste any more time...simply cast your eyes below, take your pick and then wait for your SIM to be delivered to your door in a few days. Still looking for a new phone? Check our best SIM-free phone price guide Our top 5 best January sales SIM only deals: Read more: Check out all of the best late-Boxing Day sales bargain This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

These ace Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus deals come with a free smartwatch Posted: 03 Jan 2020 08:58 AM PST You've spent the entirety of Christmas treating family and friends to some big gifts and expensive gestures and now, it's time to treat yourself. As we enter the new decade, why not make this the year you invest in a smartwatch? And if that's a jump you've understandably refused to make due to the pretty high prices, you may well have your head turned by the chance to get one for free. Thanks to a recent promotion, Samsung is currently casually throwing a free Samsung Galaxy Watch active in when you buy a Samsung Galaxy S10 or S10 Plus from a range of retailers. Considering the excellent prices floating around right now, that free watch is just a nice addition to two already excellent phones. However, we feel like two deals stand above the rest, both from Three and both packing a huge amount of data. You can see these two deals below or head over to our Samsung Galaxy S10 deals and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals guides to see all of your options for this freebie. Don't see anything you like? Check out the competition with our iPhone deals guide Samsung Galaxy S10 deals + free Galaxy Watch: Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals + free Galaxy Watch: How to claim your free Samsung Galaxy Watch Active: All you have to do is purchase a Samsung Galaxy S10 or S10 Plus deal before January 29. After that, go to this link and claim your new free watch. It can take up to 45 days for your Samsung Galaxy Watch Active to arrive so don't worry too much if you don't see it straight away. What other retailers are offering the watch? Affordable Mobiles Amazon.co.uk Argos Buymobiles.net Carphone Warehouse Currys PC World e2save.co.uk EE Mobile ID Mobile John Lewis Mobile Phones Direct Mobiles.co.uk Samsung Three Very Vodafone What are the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus like? Samsung Galaxy S10: The S10 is an excellent smartphone. Fitting perfectly between Samsung's affordable S10e and its mammoth S10 Plus and Note 10 devices, this phone is the ideal middle ground. You're getting a high-quality screen, in-screen fingerprint scanner and a powerful battery/processor combo. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 review here Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus: Samsung's greatest 2019 handset, the S10 Plus is about as good as phones come right now - it's gone straight to the top of our best smartphone chart. The S10 Plus has a beautiful infinity-O display, in-screen fingerprint scanner, strong battery life and a powerful processor. But obviously with all of these features comes a big price, which is where these affordable offers come into play.  Read our review on the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus See more: Samsung Galaxy S10 deals  Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals Samsung Galaxy S10e deals This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 gets a $200 price cut at Walmart Posted: 03 Jan 2020 08:30 AM PST If you're looking to snag a discount on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 smartphone, then you're in luck. Right now, you can get an unlocked Galaxy Note 10 on sale for $749.99. That's a $200 discount and the best price we've found for the Samsung phone. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 was released in August of 2019 and packs a 6.3-inch display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and a Snapdragon 855 processor. The latest Galaxy phone features a 10MP front-facing camera that sits discreetly in the center of the phone and includes an upgraded video recording experience thanks to the Live Focus Video feature. The Galaxy Note 10 is a top-end device, and as we mentioned above, this is the best price we've found for the unlocked smartphone. Stocks are limited, so you should take advantage of this deal now before it's too late. Shop other offers with the best Samsung Galaxy Note 10 deals and plans happening now. Learn more about the Note 10 with our hands-on Samsung Galaxy Note 10 review. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Kick-start 2020 with these Powerbeats Pro deals - premium fitness headphones Posted: 03 Jan 2020 08:27 AM PST Fitness products usually hit great discounts over the New Years' resolution period, and 2020 is no different. We're looking at this excellent returning Beats Powerbeats Pro deal to get us up off the couch this week with some banging tunes. We've seen this $199 deal popping up every now and then over the holiday sales, but if you missed the rush last month there's still time to bag your bargain as Walmart and Amazon have returned to the sales price this week.  The Powerbeats Pro are the latest earbuds to come from Beats, the Apple-fused audio brand pioneered by Dr Dre himself. That makes these earbuds the most direct competitor to the AirPods out there on the market right now, and at $50 less than the most recent AirPods Pro release, it's worth taking a closer look at the cheaper option before making your decision.  When we tested the Powerbeats Pro, we were amazed at what we termed "a big step up for the Apple-owned headphone brand", calling them "Apple's most premium workout buds" in November 2019. You're buying amazing, dynamic sound quality as a baseline, but on top of that, the ear clip design works hard to keep your buds firmly in place no matter your work out. Add to that the latest H1 chip for extra wireless stability and range, and auto-play (your headphones start playing music as soon as they recognize that they've been placed in your ears) and you've got a supremely smart pair of earbuds for a great price.  These Powerbeats Pro deals aren't brand new price cuts, but the price does seem to be particularly unstable right now, meaning we don't know when that increase will happen again. Grab yours today to save $50 over the everyday MSRP.  Today's best Powerbeats Pro deals We're tracking all the best wireless headphone deals to bring you the lowest prices around right here on TechRadar. That means you can find cheap Beats headphones and the best AirPods deals right here.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Xbox Series X release date, specs, design and launch titles for the next Xbox Posted: 03 Jan 2020 08:13 AM PST Xbox Series X is the next-generation Xbox, releasing in late 2020. Previously known by its codename Xbox Project Scarlett, the Xbox Series X was officially revealed at The Game Awards 2019 with a trailer that showed off the next Xbox in all its glory. We already knew when the next Xbox would release, and a few of the specs on offer, but remained in the dark about its design or what it was actually called. Thanks to the announcement, we now know the Xbox Series X will be a bit of a departure both design-wise and name-wise from its predecessors, sporting a blockier style that's similar to that of a small gaming PC - with an upright tower design. But Xbox Series X will not be the only next-generation hardware on offer from Microsoft. The company has confirmed that the family of consoles will be called 'Xbox' and that 'Series X' is just one of the consoles within that family.  Sony's PS5 may be launching in the same late 2020 window as the Series X, but Microsoft looks like it's going to put up one heck of a fight in the next-generation console wars with the Series X boasting twice the power of the Xbox One X.  So what exactly has Microsoft got to offer? Let's break down everything we know about the Xbox Series X. Xbox Series X: key facts What is it? Xbox Series X will be the next-gen Xbox console (previously known as Xbox Project Scarlett) Xbox Series X release date: Microsoft has given Xbox Series X a release window of "Holiday 2020" – so that's likely between the months of October and December 2020. What can I play on it? Halo Infinite and Hellblade 2, while all previous generations of Xbox console games will be covered by backwards compatibility. What will the Xbox Series X cost? No prices yet, and we're not expecting it to be cheap. But Microsoft has said it won't be making the same pricing mistakes as last generation so perhaps we'll be pleasantly surprised. Will Xbox Series X have VR? Microsoft doesn't have anything to say about VR on the Xbox yet, though Sony has confirmed that PSVR will work on its own incoming console. Xbox Series X release date Expect to see the Xbox Series X console launch in the 'holiday' window of 2020. That's between October and December of this year, and just in time for Christmas. We're thinking a November release is most likely, as that's when Microsoft has previously launched its consoles.  It's exactly the same sort of launch period we're expecting Sony to have for its PS5, too. Santa's going to be a busy guy this year. Keep in mind that all the rumors pointed to there being two new Xbox consoles on the way, codenamed Anaconda and Lockhart, the former being high end (the Xbox Series X) and the latter being a cheaper, streaming-focused solution (that we haven't seen yet). Whether Lockhart will also launch within this window is still to be confirmed - as is the console itself (read on below for further details). Xbox Series X price Microsoft won't be pinned down on a price point quite yet – unsurprisingly, given what a sore spot the price of the Xbox One was for fans. At launch, the original Xbox One cost a whopping $499 / £429 / AU$599, which was quickly reduced when Microsoft realized people weren't forking out. Microsoft has at the very least promised that it's learned from this pricing mistake, with Phil Spencer stating that this time "we will not be out of position on power or price.” That doesn't mean that the console will be cheap, mind you, it just means the price point will be better aligned with the console's power and the price points of the competition.  After all, Jason Ronald, director of the Xbox platform, gave only a vague reassurance when speaking to Windows Central, saying that Microsoft knew "what reasonable price points are for a console and kind of what customers expect about that". Price will at least in part be determined by the cost of the components going into the console: Xbox Scarlett is going to be a lot more powerful than either the Xbox One S or Xbox One X, and that will likely mean we're looking at an even higher price tag.  Xbox Series X specs Custom-designed processor from AMD (making use of Zen 2 and Navi architecture) Twice as powerful than Xbox One X Capable of running games at 120Hz frame rates Potential 8K resolutions Ray-tracing technology SSD storage system Compatible with Xbox one accessories Physical disc drive Xbox Project Scarlett components. (Image credit: Microsoft) We now know what Xbox Series X looks like and what it's packing under the hood, and it's shaping up to be an absolute beast of a console. The next Xbox's gaming PC design is pretty apt, considering the next-gen console's internal hardware is comparable to one. "I think the area that we really want to focus on next generation is frame rate and playability of the games," Spencer explained in an interview with Gamespot. "Ensuring that the games load incredibly fast, ensuring that the game is running at the highest frame rate possible." Microsoft is aiming to get Xbox Series X games to run at 60 FPS in 4K, calling the challenge a "design goal". "This generation, we've really focused on 4K visuals and how we bring both movies through 4K Blu-ray and video streaming," Spencer explained. "And with Xbox One X allowing games to run at 4K visuals, we will make really strong visual enhancements next generation."  An SSD will come as standard in Series X, as with the PS5, which will give it the option of using its storage system as virtual RAM, as well as lifting load time performance by a factor of 40x. That'll let developers stream in far more detailed worlds around a player. In terms of 'standard' RAM, the console will use GDDR6. While GDDR6 is usually used as memory for graphics cards, the Series X could use it as super-fast system RAM instead. In addition, benchmark results have appeared online for an AMD ‘Flute’ system-on-a-chip (SoC), leading some to speculate that this could be the hardware that will power Xbox Series X. The benchmark results were spotted by a Twitter user, and while we’re not sure what the purpose of the chip is, we know that Microsoft is working with AMD to produce a custom SoC that combines a processor and graphics card for the next Xbox – in the same way that Sony is working with AMD on its custom Gonzalo SoC for the PlayStation 5. If these benchmark results are real, and the AMD Flute SoC is indeed going to power the Xbox Series X console, then it gives us an idea of the console's specifications and potential power level – something Microsoft has been rather cagey about so far. According to the benchmark results, the AMD Flute SoC will come with eight Zen 2 cores, 16 threads and SMT capability. Interestingly, the base clock speed of the Flute SoC is just 1.6GHz, which is pretty low these days, with a maximum boost of 3.2GHz. This suggests that the Flute SoC will be a low-power part for use in compact systems – such as a games console, and is similar to AMD’s Jaguar SoC which powered the Xbox One. While on paper the Flute SoC’s processor doesn’t sound too impressive – especially when compared to modern desktop PCs’ CPUs – it looks like the Flute CPU will be at least two times faster than previous-generation Jaguar SoCs, and will be a big upgrade over the dated 28nm Jaguar SoCs found in the original Xbox One and PS4. The Flute SoC is also expected to be 7nm, which will also bring power benefits. As a system-on-a-chip, the AMD Flute looks like it comes with a graphics processing unit (GPU) as well, though clues about the graphics capabilities are harder to find. Apparently, it will be based on ‘NAVI 10LITE’ – which has been mentioned before when unreleased AMD Navi GPUs showed up in a Linux driver. It’s possible that this is a ‘Lite’ version of the Navi 10 GPU, which will have reduced or limited specs compared to the full version, including lower CU (compute unit) counts. Having a lower CU count means the GPU will be less power-hungry, again suggesting that the AMD Flute SoC, if it does exist, is designed for a device where power efficiency is important – such as a games console. Finally, the benchmark results also suggest the engineering sample uses 16GB of memory – though the type of memory is not mentioned. It could mean that the Flute SoC shares 16GB of GDDR6 memory between the CPU and GPU, in a similar way to how the Xbox One X shares GDDR5 memory. So, does this mean we have a better idea of what the Xbox Series X's specs will be? Well, there’s some compelling evidence, but remember that this is from a leaked benchmark, and we’re not sure if the AMD Flute SoC is going to be used in Series X – if the SoC even exits. It’s also worth noting that this AMD Flute is apparently an engineering sample, which means this may not be its final specifications – and that could change if (and it’s a very big if) it ends up in the next Xbox when the console launches late 2020. If you're less bothered about the specs and more concerned about whether you can still play physical games on the next Xbox, then you'll be pleased to know that Xbox Series X has a physical disc drive. Microsoft has also confirmed that all your current Xbox One accessories will work with Xbox Series X, including existing controllers and headsets. But we'd doubt that also includes the ill-fated Kinect motion tracker. That means that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 that launched in November 2019 will be forward compatible with Series X, but Microsoft is also launching a next-generation wireless controller to accompany the new console. Can your TV show off Xbox Scarlett's jump in power? Read our guide to getting ready to upgrade your TV for Xbox Project Scarlett Xbox Series X controller Microsoft is releasing a next generation controller to accompany its next generation console. The new Xbox Wireless Controller will apparently be more accessible to everyone, as Microsoft has made an effort to refine the size and shape.  This shouldn't be too surprising to anyone that's been following the tech giant, as it's been making waves for accessibility in gaming for a while now with products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Along with enhanced accessibility, we'll also be getting a dedicated share button (finally) that will let you share screenshots and videos with your friends. However, apart from these details, we don't know exactly what other new features the new Xbox Wireless Controller will boast quite yet.  Xbox Series X games During the Xbox Series X's official reveal, Phil Spencer said Series X games will be "more lifelike, immersive and surprising" and that the Xbox Series X will "lead us into the future of gaming". He also stated that 15 Xbox Game Studios are building a huge next-generation library that includes Hellblade II: Senua's Saga. Halo Infinite has been confirmed to be an Xbox Series X launch title, bringing back the Master Chief for the franchises' first outing since 2015. It will have been five years at that point since a new mainline Halo game, so fans will be chomping at the bit for fresh Halo action. The Halo franchise is widely regarded as the original Xbox’s first must-play games, so the move to launch a next-gen with a Halo game is both symbolic and quite business-savvy on Microsoft’s part. Not a Halo fan? Don't worry, Xbox Series X will be capable of three generations of backwards compatibility. Microsoft has stated that Xbox Series X will support backwards compatibility from launch, with the company stating it wants the"thousands of games that run on Xbox One" to eventually become playable on Xbox Series X.  In addition, Microsoft will avoid siloing by taking a cross-generation approach to its first-party games. Talking to Stevivor, Phil Spencer said Microsoft wants to create a console that utilizes Xbox Play Anywhere so you can move seamlessly between devices: "Our goal for our first-party games is that your entitlements will be cross-generation and your Achievements will move effectively with your save game because that’s where they stand.” Speaking of first-party games, Microsoft has been promising that it's investing in first-party studios in order to make a more competitive offering. As far as third-parties are concerned, we already have confirmation from Ubisoft that its upcoming titles Watch Dogs: Legion, Gods and Monsters and Rainbow Six Quarantine will be coming to Microsoft's console after delays were announced during a financial call, while EA has said that Battlefield 6 will be coming to Xbox Series X. It's likely that Bethesda will be coming to Xbox Series X with its next Elder Scrolls game too. There's plenty to look forward to and now that next generation announcements are coming in, we'll be holding our breath waiting for updates from other publishers.  Also, by the time Series X launches, Microsoft's game-streaming service Project xCloud may be out of public testing and we should hopefully be able to enjoy Series X games on-the-go. Xbox Series X games: all the games confirmed and expected on the next Xbox What about older Xbox consoles? In an interview with TechRadar, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty said that the launch of Xbox Series X certainly won't mean the end of the rest of the Xbox family and that they'll be able to live alongside one another, maybe even in the same house: "Perhaps we feel confident about our content pipeline so that we feel like we don't have to save everything up for [Series X]. But then I will also say that, really for any device these days, when you launch a new device you are not eliminating all of the devices in that family.  "When [Series X] launches there will still be the Xbox One S out there, there will still be Xbox One X, and we really need to approach that family of devices, the same way we approach PC - content scales to meet the device. I think that's going to be the case for anybody. We will absolutely lean in on the power of [Series X], we think is going to be the best way to play and it will be the best thing you can put in your living room, but we also want to understand that there will be a family of Xbox devices out there." Cloud game streaming could decide the future of Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 What about Project Lockhart? The Xbox Series X will not be the only console in Microsoft's next generation lineup. While we were all pretty excited when Microsoft unveiled the next Xbox (formerly known as Xbox Project Scarlett) at the Game Awards 2019, it appears that the upcoming console's name isn't quite what we thought - and it will belong to a family. While we assumed that the next generation console is called 'Xbox Series X', Microsoft has clarified that, in fact, the family of consoles will be called 'Xbox' and that 'Series X' is just one of the consoles within the family. We know, it's a bit confusing. Speaking to Business Insider after the reveal, a Microsoft representative tried to clear up any potential confusion. "The name we're carrying forward to the next generation is simply Xbox," the representative told Business Insider. "And at The Game Awards you saw that name come to life through the Xbox Series X."  "Similar to what fans have seen with previous generations, the name 'Xbox Series X' allows room for additional consoles in the future," the representative continued. This clarification from Microsoft serves to further fuel rumors that another next generation Xbox console is on the way. Rumors have circulated for some time about a lower-cost next-gen Xbox console that would sit just below the high-end Xbox Series X. The most solid information on this (so far) had come from a report by Kotaku’s Jason Schreier, who claims there is indeed a lower-specced console in the works from Microsoft that will still play all the next-gen games. Project Lockhart will be disc-less console - a trait that it will carry forward from the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition - but Kotaku's sources believe it will be substantially more powerful than Microsoft’s current disc-less box, and will come with both a solid-state hard drive and a faster CPU than any current game console. The report goes on to say that Microsoft told developers to shoot for a 1440p resolution and 60 frames-per-second frame rate with Project Lockhart and 4K/60 with Project Scarlett, and those same developers have likened the performance of the lower-end console to the PS4 Pro.  It seems Project Lockhart will primarily see use as a digital gateway for both Microsoft’s game-streaming service, Project xCloud, and its Xbox Game Pass service. From what we know, it will sit below Series X and be a less powerful - but more affordable - option. Xbox Series X vs PS5: what we know so far Why Google Stadia could spell trouble for the PS5 and Xbox Series X Xbox Series X games won't leave older Xbox One consoles behind, says Microsoft This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite announced, but prices remain elusive Posted: 03 Jan 2020 07:49 AM PST We may be a few days into 2020, and only a matter of weeks away from the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S11, but Samsung isn't quite done with its Galaxy S10 range of phones, having just unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite. These two new Lite phones are set to bring features from the normally pricey flagship S10 and Note 10 series to a new, budget-conscious audience – we say 'set to' because Samsung is yet to disclose the exact S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite prices.  Samsung has confirmed that we'll see both new phones at CES 2020, a month and a half before Samsung is expected to reveal the Galaxy S11 (which could also be called the Galaxy S20). For now, here's what has been confirmed about the S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite. Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite specs and features Don't let the Lite name fool you: the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite has a 6.7-inch display that's larger than those on the S10e, S10, and S10 Plus (the latter tops out at 6.4 inches). Its size matches the Galaxy S10 5G, though the resolution is dialed back to 1080p. The front-facing camera shifts to the center of the Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O Display. As on the Note 10, it's top-center aligned instead of the normal S10's right-aligned selfie camera. Unlike on most Samsung phones, this is a 32MP front camera. There are even bigger changes to the rear cameras of the Galaxy S10 Lite, starting with a 48MP wide-angle lens with an f/2.0 aperture and Super Steady OIS. The ultra-wide camera here is 12MP with an f/2.2 aperture (not the typical 16MP). There's also a 5MP macro f/2.4 lens for close-up photography. The Galaxy S10 Lite dimensions are 75.6 x 162.5 x 8.1mm and it weighs 186g, so it isn't small and light as the 'Lite' name may suggest. It is, however, heavy in terms of specs, with a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 4,500mAh battery, and a choice of 6GB or 8GB of RAM with 128GB internal storage. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite specs and features The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite has the same 6.7-inch Full HD+ display as the S10 Lite, with the main physical changes being the size and rear camera configuration. This phone measures 76.1 x 163.7 x 8.7mm and weighs 199g. Of course, it also has an S Pen tucked inside of the body, which is universal on all Note phones. If the Note 10 Lite indeed has a cheaper price than the Note 10, this opens up Samsung's stylus to a much wider audience than the usual businessperson demographic (maybe one that would actually appreciate taking remote selfie with the wand-like S Pen). The camera configuration is rather different from the setup on the S10 Lite: there's a 12MP wide-angle camera with dual-pixel autofocus, an f/1.7 aperture and OIS, an ultra-wide 12MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture and OIS. The front camera is 32MP here and again center-aligned, and there are 6GB or 8GB of RAM options, with 128GB internal storage to match the S10 Lite. However, the 10nm chip seems to be the Samsung Exynos chipset instead of the Snapdragon 855. Samsung has also unveiled two new affordable phones in its Galaxy A line. The Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71 were announced alongside the Note 10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite. We'll be at CES 2020, where we'll likely learn the S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite prices, and hopefully be able to get our hands on the phones early next week. Check out all of TechRadar's CES 2020 coverage. We're live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Two of the best affordable Samsung Galaxy phones just got surprise successors Posted: 03 Jan 2020 07:47 AM PST Samsung has announced the Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite, affordable versions of its two flagships of 2019 just in time for annual tech trade show CES 2020, but at the same time it announced the wider release of two other important phones: the Galaxy A51 and A71. These are the successors to the Samsung Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A70, two of the most popular affordable phones of 2019. Those handsets had mid-range specs but impressively low prices, plus great-looking screens, and lots of people went for them instead of Samsung's pricier higher-end devices. These are the best Samsung phones And these are the best cheap phones Check out our Samsung Galaxy Fold review These A-series phones had previously been announced for selected regions, but not the US and UK, and we didn't have full specs lists. Samsung's announcement in a blog post confirms the phone for the US, which means it's likely they'll also find their way to the UK. The Samsung Galaxy A51 and A71 build on the A50 and A70 in a few ways, making them tempting alternatives if you're looking for a new affordable phone. There's no word on a release date or price just yet – the Samsung blog post is curiously quiet in that regard – but we'll update you as soon as we find out. Samsung Galaxy A51 The Samsung Galaxy A51 has a 6.5-inch screen, a touch bigger than the A50's 6.4 inches, but it's the same Super AMOLED tech as before. This is broken up by a punch-hole cutout in the top center of the screen, as on the Galaxy Note 10, but unlike the A50 which had a small 'teardrop' notch. There's a noteworthy difference between the two devices in terms of cameras, as while the older phone had a 25MP main camera, the A51 has a 48MP snapper. That's joined by 5MP depth, 5MP macro and 12MP ultra-wide snappers, which is a bit more impressive than the 8MP ultra-wide and 5MP depth cameras of the A50. The front-facing camera is 32MP, an upgrade of 7MP over the A50. Yes, that means there are four rear cameras here, and they're housed in a fairly large block on the device's rear, another big difference between the old and new devices. You're getting a 4,000mAh power pack in the Galaxy A51, which is the same capacity as the A51's, and the 15W fast charging is the same here too.  Something we don't know about yet is the chipset – the Galaxy A50 had an Eynos 9610 mid-ranger, but it's possible the Galaxy A51 will have something slightly more advanced. Overall, the Galaxy A51 is fairly similar to its predecessor, with a few higher-end features. It could be an optional upgrade for anyone considering the Galaxy A50, or a much more preferable device if it's priced competitively enough. Samsung Galaxy A71 We're a little more excited about the Samsung Galaxy A71, and that's because it's the first Samsung phone to pack a 64MP main camera, which is way more megapixels than the 48MP of the Galaxy A51 or 32MP of the A70. The rest of the camera specs are the same as those of the A51, with the two 5MP snappers and 12MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP camera on the front. The screen here is the same size as the Galaxy A70's at 6.7 inches, but it's Super AMOLED Plus rather than Super AMOLED – just how much difference that makes remains to be seen. Again, it has the central punch-hole camera where the A70 had a teardrop notch. Battery size and charging speed are identical between the Samsung Galaxy A71 and A70, with a 4,500mAh power pack and 25W charging. As for the A51, we don't know the chipset, but the Snapdragon 675 of the A70 was pretty decent for its price tag, so we're expecting something similarly strong. While this device has much of the same specs as the Samsung Galaxy A70, the 64MP camera is an exciting development – we'll be sure to test it thoroughly when we get both devices in to review. Check out all of TechRadar's CES 2020 coverage. We're live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets. A cutting-edge Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite feature is likely to land on the Galaxy S11 too This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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