Apple : AMD Navi release date, news and rumors

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• AMD Navi release date, news and rumors
• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation release date, news, and rumors
• AMD vs Intel: which chipmaker does processors better?
• Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes
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AMD Navi release date, news and rumors Posted: 06 Feb 2020 02:06 PM PST Team Red finally unleashed its AMD Navi graphics cards soon after their reveal, following the release of AMD Radeon VII earlier this year. And so far, things are going well for AMD’s latest graphics cards. Based on our very favorable reviews of the AMD Radeon RX 5700 and AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, it’s certainly looking like the company have designed these cards to take the PC components world – not to mention, the best gaming PCs – by storm while also giving Nvidia a run for it money. AMD first showcased these two cards at E3 2019 as mid-range GPUs that rival Nvidia's highly popular Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 and RTX 2060. And, it also unveiled the much talked about Radeon RX 5500, a graphics card for 1080p players. At CES 2020, AMD was expected to tell us more about its high-end Navi GPU, as well as the much-rumored Radeon 5600 XT at its CES 2020 press conference. While the company did showcase the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT that competes directly with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, it hasn’t revealed anything about the high-end Navi card. AMD CEO Lisa Su, however, pretty much confirmed that the 'Nvidia killer' GPU is definitely on its way, though probably not soon. When that will be, we don’t know. But, we’ll keep this page updated with all the latest AMD Navi information that surfaces, so be sure to bookmark it. Here's everything you need to know about the AMD Vega II Cut to the Chase What is it? AMD's next-generation 7nm GPU architecture When is it out? Out since July 7, 2019 What will it cost? From $279 At Computex 2019, AMD took the stage and showed a mysterious Radeon RX 5000 graphics card.  AMD Navi release date Both the AMD Radeon RX 5700 and Radeon RX 5700 XT were released on July 7, alongside the Ryzen 3rd generation processors. These cards are now available for purchase at the AMD store. As are the AMD Radeon RX 5500 and the AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT. The newly unveiled AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, on the other hand, will be out on January 21, 2020, while the rumored ‘Nvidia killer’ still hasn’t received a release date. However, it’s highly likely that it will also come out in 2020. As for Navi 20, the rumored lineup for 2020, it's still anyone's guess. We do know that the Xbox Project Scarlett, powered by Navi, will be out Holiday 2020, so we could see the more powerful Navi chips released around that time. In fact, we've just recently seen leaked roadmaps that suggest their successors could be hitting the streets sometime in 2020. Alongside these AMD Navi updates, AMD has also released their brand new game-developer toolkit, Fidelity FX, which has been available for free since June 10. Fidelity FX is designed to enable game developers get more detail and crispness in low contrast textures, allowing them to take full advantage of what these AMD Navi cards are capable of. On top of that, AMD already rolled out its new 19.8.2 driver for its graphics cards, expected to bring support for HDCP 2.3 to Radeon RX 5700 cards as well as deliver up to 10% better performance of the much talked about third-person shooter, Control. Both the AMD Radeon RX 5700 and Radeon RX 5700 XT were released on July 7, after their unveiling. AMD Navi price At Computex 2019, AMD took the stage and showed a mysterious Radeon RX 5000 graphics card going head to head against an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 in Strange Brigade, where it performed about 10% faster. It was later revealed that was the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT. However, with E3 2019, AMD proved it’s still king when it comes to components for the masses. AMD revealed its two new graphics cards to be drastically cheaper than their competitors.  The Radeon 5700 is currently priced at $349 (about £275, AU$500), a price tag that’s $50 cheaper than the RTX 2060 when it was released in January 2019. The Radeon 5700 XT, on the other hand, is $399 (about £315, AU$580). And, that’s with offering similar performance at 1440p to the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super at Ultra settings. The Radeon RX 5500 and the Radeon RX 5500 XT are priced at $169 (about £130, AU$240) and $199 (about £150, AU$285) respectively. Finally, the upcoming Radeon RX 5600 XT will set you back $279 (about £215, AU$400) when it comes out. Since AMD hasn’t so much as shared the codename for that rumored ‘Nvidia killer’ yet, we don’t know how much it will cost. However, it’s expected to compete with Nvidia’s top RTX cards and equipped with ray tracing chops so it will most certainly have a premium price tag, though perhaps competitive with Nvidia’s prices. AMD Navi is the first mainstream AMD graphics card to break away from the aging GCN architecture. AMD Navi specs Right off the bat, we know that AMD Navi is based on the new 7nm RDNA graphics architecture, making it the first mainstream AMD graphics card to break away from the aging GCN architecture. At Computex 2019, AMD said that we’re going to see 1.25X faster performance per clock and 1.5X performance per watt over GCN. This means not just improved performance in the best PC games, but also increased power efficiency. In addition, AMD Navi is using faster GDDR6 memory, compared to the GDDR5 in the Radeon RX 500 series.  The lower-end AMD Radeon RX 5700 features 36 compute units, 2,304 stream processors and a boost clock of 1,725 MHz, not to mention 8GB of 14Gbps GDDR6 VRAM on a 256-bit bus, with 65 render output units (ROPs) and 256 texture units. The mid-range AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, on the other hand, boasts 40 compute units, with 2,560 stream processors and a boost clock of 1,905MHz. This GPU also has 8GB of GDDR6 video memory (VRAM), 14Gbps GDDR6 VRAM, 64 ROPs and 256 texture units. That’s all well and good on paper, but what about their actual real-world performance? Well, AMD showed the Radeon RX 5700 XT in a demo against the RTX 2070, where it bested Nvidia's mid-range card in World War Z by about 10% at 1440p on Ultra. Indeed, during our tests of the card, we found the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT to be a 1440p monster, with no massive drops in performance, no matter how demanding the game is. The Radeon RX 5700, on the other hand, performed better against the RTX 2060 by 21% in Battlefield V and by 9% in The Division 2, also at 1440p on Ultra. In our review, we hailed the Radeon RX 5700 as an absolute powerhouse at its price point, bringing 1440p gaming at Ultra settings to the mainstream. The Radeon RX 5500 XT is very much a 1080p graphics card, with its 22 compute units, 1,408 steam processors and a boost clock of only 1,845 MHz. It's not the most powerful card out there, but based on our review, at its price point it definitely gets the job done. And, finally, the Radeon RX 5600 XT, which AMD is marking as the ultimate 1080p graphics card, will have 6GB of GDDR6 and 36 compute units. Rather than taking on the RTX 2080 Ti at the high end, AMD is looking comfortable inhabiting the mid-range where it has traditionally excelled. That is, until that high-end Navi is finally unleashed and the PS5 launches. Back in April, Sony Lead System Architect Mark Cerny revealed that the PS5 would be using a custom AMD Navi GPU, and that it would be capable of some pretty impressive things.  For instance, the PS5 will likely support ray tracing, along with 8K resolutions. We think that’s a little pie-in-the-sky, and we’d take it with a grain of salt. But, AMD Navi could theoretically mark a true generational shift when the next generation of consoles hits the streets. AMD Navi GPUs will also be behind Project Scarlett – the next Xbox. We don't know the exact specs, but Microsoft made a point to talk up its capabilities, mentioning things like "real time ray tracing", 8K capabilities and up to 120 fps gameplay. Beyond that, we have heard rumors about another generation of Navi graphics cards on the high-end hitting the streets in 2020. These high-end graphics cards are rumored to be code-named Navi 20, and should feature improved performance that takes on Nvidia’s flagship. We could see AMD graphics cards capable of this in the future if these rumors are to be believed. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation release date, news, and rumors Posted: 06 Feb 2020 01:40 PM PST The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation processors are out in the wild. AMD has finally released its first two next generation HEDT processors, following the success of the Ryzen 3rd Generation processors.  The new Zen 2 architecture was revealed at CES 2019, with AMD promising dramatically improved efficiency and performance, thanks to the new 7nm manufacturing process. This is the architecture behind the latest Ryzen processors like the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, and sees performance jump up dramatically, thanks to a 15% boost to IPC (instructions per clock). In fact, new benchmarks for the upcoming 64-core Threadripper 3990X CPU shows it outperforming Intel’s Xeon Platinum 8280 processors. There will be more new information coming out about AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3000 chips over the next few months, especially since we still haven’t seen the mysterious Threadripper 3rd Generation chip recently appeared – though this could be Threadripper 3970X, which just boasts a higher boost clock. So, be sure to keep this page bookmarked, and we'll keep it updated with all the latest Threadripper news. Cut to the chase What is it? AMD’s next line of HEDT processors When is it out? Out since November 25, 2019 What will it cost? Starting at $1,399 The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd-generation chips first rolled out in November 25. (Image Credit: TechRadar) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation release date The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd-generation chips first rolled out in November 25, 2019, alongside the much-anticipated Ryzen 9 3950X, starting the line off with Threadripper 3960X and the 32-core Threadripper 3970X. But, because AMD is never one to quit early, it followed up the 3970X with the absolutely jaw-dropping AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X - a 64-thread behemoth - at CES 2020.  The Ryzen Threadripper 3rd-generation have received a considerable price bump from the previous generations. (Image Credit: TechRadar) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation price Now that two AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd-generation chips are out and another one is on its way soon, we have the pricing information on them. The original lineup of Threadripper topped out with the $999 (£999, AU$1,439) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, but the second generation introduced surprisingly lower priced replacements. There were also two higher specced – and higher priced – additions.  The Ryzen Threadripper 3rd-generation have received a considerable price bump from the previous generations, however, so if you’re thinking of upgrading, be ready to spend more. The pricing for them are as follows: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X: $1,399 (about £1,070, AU$2,000) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X: $1,999 (about £1,525, AU$2,860) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X: $3,990 (about £3,050, AU$5,715) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3000 is coming with 24-cores AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation specs With AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation, you’ll see a huge bump in core counts, efficiency and per-core performance with Threadripper 3rd Generation. If you need a refresher on last year’s Threadripper lineup’s specs they’re as follows: Ryzen Threadripper 2920X: 12-cores, 24-threads, clocked at 3.5GHz to 4.3GHz Ryzen Threadripper 2950X: 16-cores, 32-threads, clocked at 3.5GHz to 4.4GHz Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX: 24-cores, 48-threads, clocked at 3.0GHz to 4.2GHz Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: 32-cores, 64-threads, clocked at 3.0GHz to 4.2GHz We knew that the Threadripper 3rd Generation will start with a 24-core processor built on AMD's 7nm Zen 2 architecture. With its Ryzen 3rd Generation processors, the move to 7nm has massively improved specs, not only resulting in higher core counts, but boosted clock speeds, much higher cache and lower power consumption. So, we also knew that performance on the Threadripper 3rd Generation was going to be massively improved. Two of these chips have been out for more or less a couple of months now, with one more on the way, so that’s obviously confirmed. We’re also glad to see the leaked 32-core make an appearance, with even higher base and boost clocks. These are the specs of the three confirmed AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation chips below: Ryzen Threadripper 3960X: 24-cores, 48-threads, clocked at 3.8GHz to 4.5GHz Ryzen Threadripper 3970X: 32-cores, 64-threads, clocked at 3.7GHz to 4.5GHz Ryzen Threadripper 3990X: 64-cores, 128-threads, clocked at 2.9GHz to 4.3GHz AMD Zen 2 processors feature up to 8-core chiplets that are smaller than the IO die. This allows the Threadripper 3rd Generation to have many more cores in the same amount of space. We also know that this new range of CPUs uses the new TRX40 chipset and the new sTRX4 socket, which means you’ll need a new motherboard. Because Intel’s Cascade Lake-X HEDT processors are built, yet again, on its 14nm process, AMD has effectively claimed the HEDT throne, and Intel has little hope of claiming it back. In fact, AMD has thrashed Intel so harshly here that Team Blue had to cut its prices in half. Here are the best processors you can buy today This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD vs Intel: which chipmaker does processors better? Posted: 06 Feb 2020 01:39 PM PST AMD vs Intel: it’s the perennial deathmatch that we’ve always enjoyed sitting back and watching – not to mention, only benefited from. And with the war between AMD Ryzen 4000 and Ice Lake (perhaps even Tiger Lake) brewing, it’s time for use to once again dive in. After all, the best processors are behind everything your PC does, being the brain of your computer, and it’s so important to find the ideal one for your specific needs.  Currently, AMD is on top, selling twice as many processors. With notable releases in 2019 from its Ryzen 3rd generation line and promising chips slated to come out of its next-generation processors, it’s looking to continue that trend in the next couple of years.  Still, anyone who has followed the frantic battle of Intel vs AMD as closely as we have will probably already know that AMD and Intel have traditionally existed in different lanes. Intel has always focused on higher clock speeds and efficiency while AMD has traditionally been all about high core counts and boosting multi-threaded performance. This means that there’s room for the coexistence between AMD and Intel, catering to different audiences, with direct competition in the middle.  If you’re not quite sure whether to pledge allegiance to either Team Red or Team Blue, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve followed the AMD vs Intel clash since the beginning, and we’re constantly updating this page anytime new information comes our way. In fact, with the two gearing up to roll out their next-generation processors for 2020, now’s a great time to get schooled, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your aging internals. Gary Marshall and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article For bargain shoppers on the prowl for the next hottest deal, it used to be assumed that AMD’s processors were cheaper, but that was only because Team Red did its best work at the entry level. Now that Ryzen processors have proven AMD’s worth on the high-end as well as the low end, the tide has ostensibly turned.  On the mid-range, AMD processors are currently taking the lead. For one, the $329 (£319, AU$519) Ryzen 7 3700X has twice the processing threads, despite being cheaper than the competition, the Intel Core i7-9700K, which is available for $374 (£384, AU$595). On the high end, while Intel chips currently range from 4 to 18 cores, AMD chips can now be found with up to 32-cores. And again, the manufacturer’s 7nm Zen 2 CPUs are at a much lower price point. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X competes with the $1,199 (£1,115, about AU$1,713) Intel Core i9-9920X at only $499 (about £390, AU$720), while the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X is already beating Intel in multi-threaded work when it goes head to head with the $479 (£469, AU$684) Intel Core i9-9900K at only $399 (about £310, AU$580). That’s not all: rounding out AMD’s new Ryzen processor lineup is the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X, the mainstream market’s first-ever 16-core processor, which considering its power, won’t actually that expensive at $749 (about £590, AU$1,080). It was long-rumored that AMD’s Ryzen chips would offer cutting-edge performance at a lower price, and AMD’s 3rd-generation processors might be sealing the deal. Although, we still have to wait and see what Intel’s 10th-generation chips have to say about that. For anyone looking to dip their toes into the realm of the HEDT processors, AMD and Intel are very close right now, especially on the heels of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, at $1,799 (£1,639, AU$2,679). That might seem like a lot, but compared to the $1,999 (£1,859, AU$2,999) Intel Core i9-9980XE, it’s a downright bargain – especially given that AMD’s offering has nearly double the cores. Word is still out on whether or not Intel’s long-speculated Cascade Lake-X will change that. Intel might be aiming to shake things up though as it has announced that it’s planning on releasing a GPU aimed at gamers by 2020. And, it looks like Intel is already putting some of that effort, judging by its Gen11 graphics on the new Ice Lake processors.  Still, AMD’s Ryzen 3rd-generation processors are giving Intel a run for its money and succeeding every step of the way. That’s not to mention the Intel processors in laptops that are running AMD Vega graphics.  On the high-end, especially in cases where you don’t need to worry about on-board graphics, Intel’s processors are typically on top – its Core i9-9900K handily beats out the workstation-class Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX for less than half the price, as well as the Ryzen 9 3900X in single-core performance. Although, when it comes to multi-threaded performance Ryzen 9 3900X, which will set you back $499, does give the Core i9-9900K a run for its money. Same can be said for the Ryzen 7 3700X when put side by side with Intel Core i7-9700K, with the Ryzen 7 3700X taking the lead in multi-threaded workloads, but falling behind in its single-threaded ones. Additionally, while we have yet to see how the Ryzen 9 3950X performs in real-world scenarios, this 16-core, 32-thread processor aimed at the mainstream features a whopping 72MB of L3 cache and a boost clock of 4.7 GHz, all while maintaining a 105W TDP.  AMD typically provides better multi-threaded performance, as a result of higher core and thread counts. Ryzen CPUs also offer more PCIe lanes, along with PCIe 4.0 compatibility, both of which come in handy if you want multiple NVMe SSDs alongside Nvidia SLI and AMD CrossFire multi-GPU performance. If you're building a gaming PC, you should be using a discrete graphics card, or GPU (graphics processing unit), rather than relying on a CPU’s integrated graphics to run games as demanding as Middle Earth: Shadow of War. Still, it’s possible to run less graphically intense games on an integrated GPU if your processor has one. In this area, AMD is the clear winner, thanks to the release of the Ryzen 5 2400G that packs powerful discrete Vega graphics that outperforms Intel’s onboard graphic technology by leaps and bounds. AMD has also launched an updated driver for its mobile Ryzen chips, which leads to up to 20% better performance in games like CS:GO and Fortnite. Yet, as we mentioned before, Intel has H-series mobile CPU chips with AMD graphics on board. In turn, this means that hardier laptops powered by Intel can now be thinner and their accompanying silicon footprints will be over 50% smaller, according to Intel client computing group vice president Christopher Walker. All of this is accomplished using Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB) technology, along with a newly contrived framework that enables power sharing between Intel’s first-party processors and third-party graphics chips with dedicated graphics memory. Even so, it’s too early to tell whether this is a better solution than the purebred AMD notebooks. But, with Intel Ice Lake, Intel processors now feature the new Gen11 graphics, which feature more EUs, or Execution Cores, than the previous Gen9 graphics. Now, we haven’t got our hands on any laptops powered by Ice Lake, but we’re expecting to see a huge uplift in performance.  On the high end, such as in cases where you'll be pairing your CPU with a powerful AMD or Nvidia GPU, Intel’s processors are typically better for gaming due to their higher base and boost clock speeds. However, now that AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation processors offer 15% better IPC (Instructions Per Clock) performance than their 2nd Generation counterparts, that story is starting to change.  Plus, AMD still provides better CPUs for multi-tasking, as a result of their higher core and thread counts. While there is no clear winner in the graphics department, survey says AMD is the better option for integrated graphics, while hardcore gamers who don’t mind shelling out the extra cash for a GPU will find that Intel is better for gaming alone – although with Ryzen 3nd Generation AMD is closing that gap. Meanwhile, AMD is superior for carrying out numerous tasks at once. When you buy a new computer or even just a CPU by itself, it's typically locked at a specific clock speed as indicated on the box. Some processors ship unlocked, allowing for higher clock speeds than recommended by the manufacturer, giving users more control over how they use their components (though, it does require you know how to overclock). AMD is normally more generous than Intel in this regard. With an AMD system, you can expect overclocking capabilities from even the $129 (£84, AU$145) Ryzen 3 2200G. Meanwhile, you can only overclock an Intel processor if it's graced with the “K” series stamp of approval. Then again, the cheapest of these is the $173 (about £130, AU$240) Intel Core i3-9350K. Both companies will void your warranty if you brick your processor as the result of overclocking, though, so it’s important to watch out for that. Excessive amounts of heat can be generated if you’re not careful, thereby neutralizing the CPU as a result. With that in mind, you’ll be missing out on a few hundred stock megahertz if you skip out on one of the K models. Intel’s more extravagant K-stamped chips are pretty impressive, too. The i9-9900K, for instance, is capable of maintaining a whopping 5.0GHz turbo frequency in comparison to the 4.6GHz boost frequency of the Ryzen 9 3900X. If you’ve access to liquid nitrogen cooling, you may even be able to reach upwards of 6.1GHz using Intel’s monstrous, 18-core i9-7980XE. In the end, the biggest problem with AMD’s desktop processors is the lack of compatibility with other components. Specifically, motherboard (mobo) and cooler options are limited as a result of the differing sockets between AMD and Intel chips. While a lot of CPU coolers demand that you special order an AM4 bracket to be used with Ryzen, only a handful of the best motherboards are compatible with the AM4 chipset. In that regard, Intel parts are slightly more commonplace and are often accompanied by lower starting costs, too, as a result of the wide variety of kit to choose from. That said, AMD's chips make a little more sense from a hardware design perspective. With an AMD motherboard, rather than having metal connector pins on the CPU socket, you'll notice those pins are instead on the underside of the CPU itself. In turn, the mobo is less likely to malfunction due to its own faulty pins. When it comes to availability in 2019, it gets complicated. While both Coffee Lake Refresh and AMD Ryzen 3nd Generation processors are now widely available, and Ice Lake already currently shipping, Intel went through supply shortages. This resulted in financial analysts downgrading Intel’s stock in the face of both 14nm shortages and Cannon Lake’s constant delays, according to a report from CNBC. And, thanks to this mass confusion and increased prices from Team Blue, AMD has stolen the sales crown.  Still, you can pick up processors from both companies today, though Intel chips like the Intel Core i9-9900K might have some increased pricing. AMD APUs like the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G are still great options for anyone on a budget, though.  Future speculation  It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that AMD is having a great couple of years with its Ryzen processors – especially the high-end Threadripper processors. AMD is claiming more and more of Intel’s market share, up to 50% at the time of writing.  If AMD keeps putting out processors as good as the Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 9 3900X, bringing the 7nm Zen 2 architecture to mainstream processors for the first time, this trend will only continue. Behind the AMD Ryzen 3000 series chips is AMD’s Zen 2 microarchitecture. They’re touting up to 12-cores and 24-threads, as well as massive performance improvements. As for what these chips will be capable of, AMD pit the considerably cheaper AMD Ryzen 9 3900X against the Intel Core i9-9920X in Blender, with promising results. Additionally, AMD Ryzen 7 3800X boasted identical performance to the Intel Core i9-9900K. And if those chips aren’t enough, you’ll get your hands on the Ryzen 9 3950X soon enough, as it will roll out in September 2019. As for Intel, while it did struggle with the Cannon Lake release, it’s full steam ahead for its 10nm Ice Lake processors. These are out right now, and will be in laptops before the end of the year. Ice Lake will be behind the next generation of Ultrabooks, and will feature built-in Thunderbolt 3, WiFi connectivity and Gen11 graphics, among other features. The manufacturer is also expected to refresh its desktop processors, after it announced the Intel Core i9-9900KS, which is essentially a Core i9-9900K that has an all-core 5GHz boost clock, to better compete with Ryzen 3rd Generation processors. Finally, we’ve seen some evidence of Intel’s graphics cards beyond some vague gesturing. At GDC 2019, Intel showed off renders, giving us a tease of what its first graphics card would look like. Little short graphics cards with a single fan in a blower configuration. It’ll be interesting to see if it can compete with AMD’s higher-end GPUs. Keep this page bookmarked as we’ll update it when either manufacturers have more aces to reveal. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes Posted: 06 Feb 2020 01:37 PM PST Say goodbye to your connectivity issues with the best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020 has to offer. Using a mesh Wi-Fi router might just be the answer to your connectivity blues, as unlike traditional wireless routers with typically single receivers, it’s usually made of several nodes. These nodes can be placed strategically around your space, guaranteeing a strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal throughout your home or office. The best mesh Wi-Fi routers deliver a solid and unified Wi-Fi network, which is extremely vital especially if you’re covering a large area. And, they’re usually easy to setup, so easy you won’t need professional help to set them up, saving you money you would have spent paying for extra services rendered. If you’re ready to jump on the mesh Wi-Fi router bandwagon, you’ve come to the right place. We gathered the best mesh Wi-Fi routers we could find in 2020, so you’ll spend less time looking and more time connecting. We found the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market right now Best mesh Wi-Fi routers at a glance Google Nest Wifi  Google Wifi Netgear Orbi Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Netgear Orbi AC1200 TP-Link Deco M5 Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Linksys Velop The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch. What’s better than the best mesh router? Well, a mesh router with a smart speaker, that’s what. Especially if you’re a smart home fiend, you will appreciate the pure genius of this upgrade in Google’s Wifi line. The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch, taking Google Wifi’s incredible yet simple design and performance then merges it with the convenience of a smart speaker so you’ve got a two-in-one device in an even sleeker and more attractive package. And, if you’re tired of the color white, this one also comes in Mist and Sand colors. As far as the best mesh Wi-Fi routers go, the original Google Wifi is still the one to beat. This one just gives it that extra oomph. Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi With Google WiFi, Google has taken dominion over the mesh WiFi world. (Image credit: Google) The Google Wifi tops, possibly, the best wireless mesh routers we’ve ever used, and we’re not saying that casually. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say that it may be the best wireless mesh router, at least to date. Not only does it have the power to push fast Wi-Fi throughout your house – an even more impressive feat considering its diminutive size, but it’s also fairly cheap and not that hard to set up. Setting up is so simple that all you have to do to configure Google Wifi is to download an app to your smartphone, scan some QR codes and just place the nodes where you want around your house. With Google WiFi, the company has taken dominion over the mesh WiFi world. Read the full review: Google Wifi  The Netgear Orbi boast more than enough Ethernet ports. (Image credit: Netgear) If you have deep pockets, then check out the Netgear Orbi, which may be one of the best wireless mesh routers money can buy this year. Instead of something like the Google WiFi, which uses three identical nodes to create the network, you’ll get one main router and several satellite nodes to plug into power outlets around your home. In addition, the Orbi touts more than enough Ethernet ports, making it an exceptional option for anyone with a number of devices that need a hardwired connection. This mesh router is the best choice for consumers who use their network mostly for gaming, particularly across multiple devices. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi  The Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi routers. If you’re ready to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon, the Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi routers. It’s not by any means a casual purchase, with its steep price tag, but if you’re looking to upgrade to a faster and more reliable router to cover a massive space – like your countryside mansion, perhaps, or your crowded smart home – then this one’s absolutely worth the money. Plus, it’s easy and straightforward to setup, making it great for people who don’t have too much experience with Wi-Fi networks. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 The dual-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 provides good performance at a competitive price. The dual-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 provides good performance at a competitive price, and will be a good option for most small and medium-size homes that need to improve their Wi-Fi coverage. It’s easy to set-up and use for newcomers, although Netgear’s reliance on Disney’s subscription-based Circle service for parental controls is disappointing, and there are rival routers and mesh systems that provide better parental controls for free. The lack of Ethernet ports for wired connections and more advanced features in the Orbi app might deter experienced users as well. The TP-Link Deco M5 is an affordable way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home. (Image credit: TP-Link) If you’re looking for a way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home without having to spend a lot of dough, then look into the TP-Link Deco M5. It’s not as speedy as some of the other best mesh Wi-Fi routers on this list, but if you’re not too concerned about getting the maximum theoretical throughput, which you probably won’t be able to take full advantage of anyway, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Setup, similar to the other devices here, is a breeze, even if you’re not tech-savvy. The TP-Link Deco M5 is among the best wireless mesh routers for those who don’t want to get too technical. Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M5 You'll find a lot to love in the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD. (Image credit: Ubiquiti) If you love Apple’s design philosophy, enjoy having attractive gadgets set up around your home and have more than enough extra money sitting around, then the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD is the perfect mesh router for you. You’ll find a lot to love with this device, especially if you live in a large house and can take advantage of the full power that this mesh Wi-Fi setup provides, as it’s capable of a very large amount of throughput. You might find that the value diminishes quite a bit when you live in a smaller space however, since there are more affordable alternatives on hand for small to medium homes. The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD may be pricey, but you’re paying for a piece of tech that both exudes style and a ton of substance. That’s more than enough to justify the price tag, making this a great addition to the best wireless mesh routers list. Read the full review: Ubiquiti Amplifi HD There's something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop delivers. (Image credit: Linksys) While it’s expensive and not quite as powerful as the other Wi-Fi mesh routers on this list, there’s something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop offers. It might come with a heftier price than the competition, but the Velop will appeal to people who need to create a Wi-Fi network and want to avoid setting it up. More tech-savvy users will most likely look elsewhere – why spend money when you can do the work yourself for free? However, for most users, the Linksys Velop is among the best wireless mesh routers because of the convenience it offers from the start. It’s also completely modular, so you only have to pick up as many nodes as you actually need – one node will cover up to 2,000 square feet. Read the full review: Linksys Velop  These are the best routers of 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Wi-Fi 6 routers: the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can buy in 2020 Posted: 06 Feb 2020 01:28 PM PST The best Wi-Fi 6 routers have slowly been gracing homes with their presence, and pretty soon, they’ll be taking over the world. That’s because there's a new standard in town – Wi-Fi 6, and it comes with lower latency, greater range and faster speeds. What exactly is Wi-Fi 6, and why should you care? The long and short of it is this: Wi-Fi 6 is the successor to 802.11ac, commonly branded as Wireless-AC. Thankfully, the Wi-Fi Alliance has realized how confusing the 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax nomenclature is for consumers. As we said earlier, Wi-Fi 6 promises lower latency, greater range, and faster speeds. Though older devices can't benefit from these advantages, newer ones, like the iPhone 11 and Galaxy 10 lines – not to mention Ultrabooks equipped with Ice Lake processors – come equipped to use Wi-Fi 6.  If you're in the market for a new router, there's really no reason not to future-proof your home network and get one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can afford. The best Wi-Fi 6 routers, though a bit on the higher end price-wise right now, feature great non-Wi-Fi features, like multiple 1 Gbps ethernet ports, MU-MIMO, great hardware, and web interfaces that offer both ease-of-use and plenty of options for power users. We’ve used our tech expertise to find the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market right now. And, because we’ve included our exclusive price comparison tool, you can be confident that you’re getting a deal on the internet.  The best Wi-Fi 6 routers at a glance Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Asus RT-AX88U Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 RAX80 NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 RAX120 Asus RT-AX92U The Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best Wi-Fi 6 routers. If you’re ready to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon, the Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best Wi-Fi 6 routers. It’s not by any means a casual purchase, with its steep price tag, but if you’re looking to upgrade to a faster and more reliable router to cover a massive space – like your countryside mansion, perhaps, or your crowded smart home – then this one’s absolutely worth the money. Plus, it’s easy and straightforward to setup, making it great for people who don’t have too much experience with Wi-Fi networks. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Asus RT-AX88U has 8 LAN ports. The Asus RT-AX88U has all the bells and whistles that you could want out of a router, including Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. And, it’s because it offers so much while resting on the lower end of the current Wi-Fi 6 router price range that makes it our favorite on our list. One advantage of this router over others on the list is the 8 LAN ports. At twice the amount the most other routers carry, the RT-AX88U can save you from having to buy an ethernet switch. Couple that with the excellent web interface and gamer-friendly features, and you have one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers available right now.  You can count on the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 to help ease your pain. Sometimes running ethernet cable just isn't an option. In fact, if you're a gamer, it can actually be disastrous. You can count on the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 to help ease your pain. With 8 antennas, MU-MIMO and options to prioritize gaming traffic, this router can help reduce the latency that makes gaming via Wi-Fi a pain. This router has the same great, easy-to-use interface as the RT-AX88U, but only has 5+1 LAN ports. One of those LAN ports is a 2.5 Gbps line, however, which is great for connecting a NAS or other device that needs a lot of available bandwidth on demand.  The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 RAX80 is an excellent affordable alternative for ASUS's model. Netgear's Nighthawk routers have always come highly recommended, and the Wi-Fi 6 models don’t fall from the tree. This is another Wi-Fi 6 router that ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to features, and surprisingly is on the cheaper side of the market. The one thing that made the RT-AX88U beat out the AX8 is the fact that it only has 5+1 LAN Gigabit LAN ports. Otherwise, this router is an excellent affordable alternative for ASUS's model.  The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 RAX120 is a great alternative to the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. The Nighthawk AX12 is Netgear's analog answer to the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, and as such it a great alternative. Inside the Batwing-looking appendages on the side are eight antennas, which delivers increased range and high-performance even when multiple devices are connected. If you have a device that needs high bandwidth on demand, this is an excellent router for you. One of the 5+1 LAN connections is a 5 Gigabit port, which once again, is great if you have a NAS.  With the Asus RT-AX92U, you get two routers for the price of any one.  The Asus RT-AX92U is for those who have a large area they need Wi-Fi in, but still want Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. It isn't quite as feature-rich as many of its rivaling Wi-Fi 6 routers, but with its bundle, you get two routers for the price of any one of the others on our list. Since these are designed to work as mesh routers, it's easy to get them going. You hook up one as you would normally, and use the second as an extender. It's a perfect package for multi-story or sprawling households that one router just can't cover.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best RAM 2020: the top memory for your PC Posted: 06 Feb 2020 01:17 PM PST You will want to buy the best RAM you can when building or upgrading your computer. It doesn’t matter if you have one of the best computers out there if your RAM just doesn’t cut it. You’ll feel the sluggishness of your rig when it’s trying to keep up with your most demanding tasks. With increasing demands from memory hungry operating systems like Windows 10 or macOS Mojave and applications like Adobe Premiere and AAA games, it’s more crucial than ever before to have the best RAM and enough of it. And if your computer is slowing down, it might be time for that RAM upgrade. Not any old stick of RAM will do, however. There are some things to keep in mind before buying yourself the best RAM in 2020. They come in different sizes, speeds and different capacities. And if you’re not quite sure what to look for, you might not know what the best RAM is for your computer. Fortunately, we’re here to help you find the right PC components. Whether you want to have 40 tabs open at a time or run the best PC games, take a look at our collection of the best RAM kits available right now to upgrade.  Best RAM at a glance Corsair Vengeance LED – best RAM G.Skill Trident Z RGB – best DDR4 RAM Kingston HyperX Predator – best DDR3 RAM Kingston HyperX Fury – best Budget RAM Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB – best High-end RAM HyperX Fury RGB 3733MHz – best high frequency RAM G.Skill Trident Z RGB DC – best double capacity memory Adata Spectrix D80 – best gaming RAM G.Skill TridentZ Royal – best RGB RAM Corsair Vengeance LPX – best Low-Profile RAM G.Skill Mac RAM – best Mac RAM Crucial Ballistix Sport – best Laptop RAM Corsair Vengeance LED is just as fast and responsive as it is aesthetic. (Image Credit: Corsair) Best RAM: Corsair Vengeance LED Corsair is one of the most trusted names when it comes to the best RAM on the market. Its Vengeance series, especially, has something for everyone with its LED DDR4 offerings. On top of giving PC builders that extra touch of vibrant lighting, this RAM has robust heat spreaders that maximise cooling for higher overclocking and maximum performance. Corsair’s Vengeance LED DDR4 series also features CL16 latency and whopping 3,466 MHz speeds, so it’s just as fast and responsive as it is aesthetic. It's hard to argue with the G. Skill TridentZ RGB as the best RGB RAM. (Image Credit: G.Skill) Best DDR4 RAM: G.Skill Trident Z RGB At this point, everyone kind of knows about G. Skill and its Trident Z RGB series of RAM. This is some of the best RAM not just because it’s fast, but the top of every DIMM features a full-spectrum rainbow wave light bar that you can use to match your RGB lighting across your entire system. Trident Z RGB DDR4 RAM features CAS latencies between 14 and 19 which is awesome enough, but with speeds up to 4,266, it’s almost perfect. No matter your aesthetic, it’s hard to argue with the G. Skill TridentZ RGB as the best RGB RAM. Kingston HyperX Predator is particularly tuned for speed and extreme-performance. (Image Credit: Kingston) Best DDR3 RAM: Kingston HyperX Predator Kingston’s high-performance HyperX has some of the best DDR3 RAM on the market and the Predator models is particularly tuned for speed and extreme-performance that’s further expandable with XMP profiles. The Predator DDR3 series achieves CL9 to CL11 latencies and speeds between 1866MHz to 2666MHz. Kingston HyperX Fury can have a huge impact on the performance of your rig. (Image Credit: Kingston) Best Budget RAM: Kingston HyperX Fury  This Kingston HyperX Fury is auto overclocked memory that won’t empty your wallet. This smart DDR3 or DDR4 RAM auto-detects system components to overclock to the highest speeds possible, optimizing performance for all of Intel’s latest chipsets. It comes with latencies between CL14 and CL16, and has speeds between 2,133 and 2,666MHz. While it’s inexpensive, it really can have a huge impact on the performance of your rig.  Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB is the best RAM around in 2019. (Image Credit: Corsair) Best High-end RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB If you want the best of the best, and you don’t care about pricing, Corsair’s Dominator Platinum memory has always been at the top of the list. However, in 2019, it’s been refreshed to include Corsair’s new Capellix RGB LEDs, leading to a much richer and more colorful design. It’s the same high-end RAM we know and love, with speeds up to 3,600 MHz, but the better RGB make the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB the best RAM around in 2020.  With speeds of up to 3,733MHz and CL15–19 latencies, HyperX Fury RGB 3733MHz is simply fast. Best high frequency RAM: HyperX Fury RGB 3733MHz The HyperX Fury RGB 3733MHz is not just pretty with its RGB design. With speeds of up to 3,733MHz and CL15–19 latencies, it’s just as fast as it is stunning, making it well-deserving of the best high frequency RAM accolade. What’s more is that it’s fitted with predefined Intel Extreme Memory Profiles for maximum performance as well as yperX’s patent-pending infrared sync technology. For an even more immersive gaming experience, you can daisy chain this RAM to sync with multiple other RGB devices. This is some of the best RAM to invest in right now. If you need a lot of RAM without taking up too many DIMM slots, G.Skill Trident Z RGB DC is for you. (Image Credit: G.Skill) Best double capacity memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB DC Sometimes, especially when you’re looking for the best gaming components, ‘go big or go home’ is the best advice. And, when you want more RAM than you’ll know what to do with, you’re going to want to go with the G.Skill Trident Z RGB DC memory. The DC stands for double capacity, as in,  32GB per stick. Now, this is definitely not the fastest memory in the world, right now it’s only available in up to 3,200 MHz, but if you need a lot of RAM without taking up too many DIMM slots (like if you have a big CPU cooler or a Mini-ITX board), you can’t go wrong with the G.Skill TridentZ RGB DC. Adata Spectrix D80 is great for your all-out gaming rig. (Image Credit: Adata) Best gaming RAM: Adata Spectrix D80  If you’re building an all-out gaming rig, you’ll want the flashiest hardware on offer – who doesn’t want a gaming rig that lights up the entire room? If this sounds appealing, the Adata Spectrix D80 is the RAM to go for. Not only is it available in frequencies up to 5,000MHz, but it’s also liquid cooled, meaning you don’t have to worry about it overheating. The Adata Spectrix D80 is going to be the best RAM for gaming in an RGB-lit cavern.  The TridentZ Royal memory gets our vote as the best RGB RAM on the market. Best RGB RAM: G.Skill TridentZ Royal Finding RAM that fits in perfectly with your light up gaming rig is easy with G.Skill. In fact, its TridentZ Royal memory gets our vote as the best RGB RAM on the market right now, thanks to its unique crown jewel design. That means that it’s fitted with a crystalline light bar that basically scatters the eight customizable RGB colors for lighting that dazzles and sparkles. The RAM itself is polished with aluminum heatspreaders of gold or silver colors to keep the whole thing cool. Of course, it’s not all looks – the G.Skill TridentZ Royal also delivers great reliability and performance. Corsair Vengeance LPX is essential for PC builds with massive CPU coolers. (Image Credit: Corsair) Best Low-Profile RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX Corsair’s Vengeance LPX RAM is made for users who want the maximum performance with minimum footprint. This low-profile RAM is essential for PC builds with massive CPU coolers. Despite being so low-profile, they still feature an eight-layer heat spreader to cool while overclocking. While its thin design doesn’t allow for LEDs, but you can get it in three colors: black, red or blue.   G.Skill Mac RAM has memory upgrades for Macs. (Image Credit: G.Skill) Best Mac RAM: G.Skill Mac RAM  G.Skill isn’t just dedicated to laptop and desktop RAM, but it also has memory upgrades for Macs. You see, Apple charges inordinate amounts for RAM upgrades, so going with a third party kit can save a ton of money. Well, as long as your Mac is old enough to still have upgradeable RAM. These SO-DIMM kits have a CAS latency between 9 and 11 and feature speeds between 1,333MHz and 1,600MHz. The best bang for your buck seems to be the G.Skill DDR3-1,333 for Mac.  Crucial Ballistix Sport boasts efficient battery life and delivers fast speeds for multi-tasking. (Image Credit: Crucial) Best Laptop RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport Crucial is by far the best RAM for laptop systems. This manufacturer has designed its Crucial Ballistix Sport SODIMMs for efficient battery life while still delivering fast speeds for multi-tasking. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to speed up the best laptops, and this memory likely offers higher memory speed than anything coming stock in your laptop. Just make sure your laptop actually lets you upgrade the RAM – repairability is falling out of fashion these days. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Huawei is suing Verizon over patent infringements Posted: 06 Feb 2020 12:04 PM PST China's largest telecommunications equipment maker Huawei has announced that it is suing the US wireless carrier Verizon for alleged patent violations. The Chinese company sued Verizon in two US District courts in Texas this week, over how the wireless carrier allegedly used 12 of its patents related to computer networking, download security and video communications without authorization. In addition to an unspecified amount of compensation, the lawsuit is also seeking ongoing royalty payments from Verizon. Following the news that Huawei had launched a lawsuit against it, Verizon released a statement in which it downplayed the allegations and compared the matter to a PR stunt, saying: Huawei to be given "limited" role in UK 5G Verizon to launch mobile 5G next month Huawei denies Chinese government subsidies “Huawei’s lawsuit filed overnight, in the very early morning, is nothing more than a PR stunt. This lawsuit is a sneak attack on our company and the entire tech ecosystem. Huawei’s real target is not Verizon; it is any country or company that defies it. The action lacks merit, and we look forward to vigorously defending ourselves." Huawei vs Verizon According to Huawei, Verizon has “profited greatly” from its technology and the telecoms equipment maker said that the wireless carrier's Wireline segment, which provides voice, data and video communications products and services, brought in $29.8bn in 2018. In its own statement regarding the lawsuit, Huawei's chief legal officer Song Liuping explained why the company is taking Verizon to court over the alleged unauthorized use of its patents, saying: "Verizon's products and services have benefited from patented technology that Huawei developed over many years of research and development. For years now we have successfully negotiated patent license agreements with many companies. Unfortunately, when no agreement can be reached, we have no choice but to seek a legal remedy. This is the common practice in the industry. Huawei is simply asking that Verizon respect Huawei's investment in research and development by either paying for the use of our patents, or refraining from using them in its products and services.” Huawei and Verizon have previously met face-to-face six times to discuss the matter since February of last year, according to the lawsuits. However, now that the Chinese company is suing the US wireless carrier, both companies will have to meet again in court as a trial date has been set for March. This is everything you need to know about 5G Via Reuters This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

More Canon Rebel T8i / EOS 850D images leak ahead of its imminent launch Posted: 06 Feb 2020 10:22 AM PST The Canon Rebel T8i (known as the EOS 850D outside the US) is preparing to follow the Nikon D780 and Canon 1DX Mark III to become the third big DSLR launch of 2020, with a host of leaked images giving us a good idea of what we can expect. The reliable Japanese site Nokishita revealed back in January that the Rebel T8i / EOS 850D would be launched in late February at the CP+ photography trade show, and now Canon Rumors has revealed some leaked images of the DSLR from virtually every angle. The DSLR, which will succeed the three-year-old Rebel T7i / EOS 800D, isn't hugely different from its predecessor when it comes to design, with the new additions appearing to include an AF-On button and what appears to be a scroll wheel around the D-pad. The photos suggest that there'll still be the same 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, complete with a beginner-friendly graphical interface, while the mode dial appears to have been simplified, again showing that this camera will be pitched at novices and smartphone upgraders. Old design, modern brain If the leaks so far are correct, the Canon Rebel T8i / EOS 850D will have a slightly different 24.1MP APS-C sensor to its processor, which will be paired with a Digic 8 processor.  The lack of a Digic X processor, first seen on the 1DX Mark III, would lock it out of advanced features like 'deep learning' autofocus, though that's to be expected on an entry-level DSLR. Other rumors suggest the camera will have the same 45 cross-type AF points as before, with a slightly more powerful 7fps burst mode and the ability to shoot 4K/30p video. It's not yet confirmed whether the 4K video will use the full width of the sensor – the Digic 8 processor should allow this, though, which would give give it an advantage over older Canon cameras like the EOS M50. If Nokishita is correct about the launch date, we should see the Canon Rebel T8i / EOS 850D officially announced sometime around the CP+ camera show, which starts on 27 February.  We'll bring you all of the news then, but in the meantime check out our in-depth Camera Rumors round-up for our thoughts on the other exciting releases we can expect to see in 2020. Best DSLRs: 10 great snappers to get in 2020 Best Canon camera: the top 10 shooters in Canon's stable  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Banks being targeted with major malware campaign Posted: 06 Feb 2020 10:00 AM PST Following a brief break over the holidays, the Emotet malware has returned and is now being used by cybercriminals to target banks and financial institutions in the US and UK according to new research from Menlo Security. While Emotet started out as a banking trojan and later evolved into a botnet, its creators are now leasing it out to others who wish to distribute their own malware.  Emotet activity appeared to be in decline at the end of last year but unfortunately the malware resurfaced in January. Researchers at Menlo Security explained how Emotet is now being used in a new campaign to target banks and financial institutions in a blog post detailing their findings, saying: United Nations hit by major phishing attack Coronavirus malware infects thousands of devices worldwide These were the worst malware strains of 2019 “After taking a break through the holiday season in 2019, Emotet malware attacks have restarted in 2020, this time targeting the financial services industry. Similar to previous versions, the Emotet malware is only just the initial attack vector used to launch the attack. The attack is initiated with a malicious Microsoft Word document that is designed to be downloaded and opened by the user. Once opened, the malicious macro executes and contact is made with the command-and-control server to initiate the next stage of the attack.” Emotet resurgence According to Menlo Security, Emotet is now being used to launch attacks on organizations in the financial services industry as well as in smaller attacks targeting the food, media and transportation industries. Three quarters of the attacks have been aimed at organizations in the US and UK while the remaining attacks have targeted organizations in the Philippines, Spain and India. As was the case with previous attacks, the malware is delivered via phishing emails that contain a malicious Microsoft Word document. However, the email subject lines have been altered to appeal directly to workers in the financial sector by including common financial terms. The malicious Microsoft Word document attached to these emails says that users need to 'enable content' in order to view the document. Once a user does this, it allows malicious macros and URLs to deliver the Emotet malware to their computer. Since Emotet is now also a botnet, these emails don't come from one source in particular but rather from other infected PCs around the world. Falling victim to this malware doesn't just provide an attacker with a backdoor into your system, it also allows them to use your PC to spread Emotet to other user's machines. To prevent falling victim to Emotet, it is highly recommended that users pay close attention to any documents which ask them to enable macros, especially when they come in an email from an unknown source. Also check out our complete list of the best antivirus software Via ZDNet This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

These eco-friendly true wireless earbuds come with ANC to rival AirPods Pro Posted: 06 Feb 2020 09:39 AM PST Noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds are becoming increasingly common since being popularized by models like the AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM3 – but the House of Marley Redemption ANC might be the first to be truly eco-friendly.  Launched to commemorate Bob Marley's 75th birthday, the new true wireless earbuds are made from bamboo, the brand's signature silicone composite, sawdust, and reclaimed plastic fibers. Read our House of Marley Liberate Air review Check out the AirPods Pro Or, our top true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM3 Despite coming with active noise cancellation, these earbuds aren't as expensive as their counterparts, costing £179.99 – that works out at around $230 / AU$345, though global pricing is still to be confirmed.  For comparison, the AirPods Pro cost $249 / £249 / AU$399 and the Sony WF-1000XM3 cost $230 / £220 / AU$400.  Good for the planet (and your wallet) The battery life of the new true wireless earbuds comes in at five hours for the buds themselves, with a further 15 provided by the charging case, for 20 hours in total. That's around five hours less than the AirPods Pro, although you can boost that to 28 hours if you turn off the active noise cancellation.  Touch controls on the stems of the earbuds allow you to control your music playback, take calls and adjust the level of noise cancellation.  If you want to quickly switch off noise cancellation, a triple tap to the touch sensitive stems will enable Ambient Mode, which should allow you to hear your surroundings; handy if you're crossing a busy street or ordering a coffee.  Support for Bluetooth 5.0 should ensure a stable wireless connection, while an IPX4 water resistance rating means the Redemption ANCs should be suitable for working out with (just don't take them in the shower with you when you're finished).  House of Marley hasn't revealed much in the way of audio specs, but says that they provide "a deeper, punchier bass with a warm and rich, natural feel" – presumably in comparison to their previous model, the Liberate Air true wireless earbuds. We'll have to try them for ourselves to find out if the new wireless earbuds improve upon their predecessors, but in the meantime, if you're looking for a pair of AirPod-alternatives that won't wreck the planet (or your bank balance), the redemption ANCs may be worth a look.  Why 2020 is the year you should finally buy true wireless earbuds This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Entire mobile industry could be disrupted by coronavirus Posted: 06 Feb 2020 09:18 AM PST The ongoing coronavirus crisis could have a negative impact on the entire mobile industry, affecting the supply chain and demand, Qualcomm has warned. There have so far been more than 28,000 confirmed cases of the virus in China, resulting in 563 deaths. With China being both a major manufacturing hub and significant market for the sector, there are concerns that the disruption could be significant. Many companies have instructed employees to work from home and to minimise travel, however the technology sector is viewed as a “critical” industry, exempt from many restrictions. Huawei and Samsung are among those that have continued to operate production facilities.  What is 5G? Everything you need to know Coronavirus won't stop MWC Apple shuts all Chinese stores due to coronavirus Qualcomm Coronavirus The coronavirus has also affected commercial operations. Apple has temporarily closed stores in China, while LG has pulled out of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. Organisers the GSMA have confirmed the event will go ahead as planned, however. Qualcomm said it expected “significant uncertainty” as a result of the outbreak, noting that the wider range of its Q2 forecast was a direct result. However it moved to ease any investor concerns, stressing it could mitigate any potential disruption. “If we have an issue, a supply chain issue or demand issue in China, we tend to have the ability to have other regions to back it up,” Steve Mollenkopf, Qualcomm CEO is quoted as saying . “So we tend to look at the business in terms of our planning. We want to make sure that we maintain that strength across different markets.” The company reported better than expected Q1 results, suggesting a global slowdown that has affected many major players in the chip market was coming to an end. Revenues rose five per cent to $5.05 billion and expects the Q2 figure to be between $4.9 billion and $5.7 billion. Mollenkopf suggested that demand for 5G components was a contributory factor to the upturn, with the company’s RF front-end products being used in the majority of next-generation handsets. "Our strong fiscal first quarter financial performance reflects a significant inflection point for Qualcomm as we begin to realize the benefits from the ramp of 5G,” he said.  Here are the best deals for Huawei mobile phones in February 2020  Via Reuters This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Valentine's Day flowers: the best online flower delivery services Posted: 06 Feb 2020 09:16 AM PST February 14 is just around the corner, and if you, like many others, are still searching for that perfect gift, then placing an online order for Valentine's Day flowers is always an easy and romantic option. You can order a beautiful floral arrangement in minutes from a variety of online retailers, including; 1-800-Flowers, Amazon, ProFlowers, Teleflora, and many more. To help you sort through all the Valentine's Day offers, we've rounded up the best online flower delivery services in both the USA and the UK and listed their current promotions. We've also included delivery charges and made sure to mention if you can allocate specific days for delivery. Right now, Pro Flowers is currently offering 20% off Valentine's Day Flowers with no promo code needed. There's a fantastic range of bouquets and gifts available from our selection of florists below, and online delivery from a specialist means you don't have to worry about the usual hassle of buying from a store and getting them home safely. We'll be updating this page as we get closer to the big day so you can stay up to date with last-minute delivery fees. More US Valentine's Day sales Amazon- Deals on Amazon's best-selling devices Walmart - Gift guide deals on tech items, flowers, jewelry and more Godiva Chocolates - 20% off select Valentine's Day products Victoria's Secret - Savings sitewide on Valentine's Day gifts Shari's Berries - Save 15% on flowers and gifts Lindt Chocolates - Select gifts 20% off Nordstrom - Handpicked gifts that ship for free  Overstock - Save on jewelry, watches, candles, and more Target - A large selection of Valentine's Day candy, treats, and home decor More UK Valentine's sales and deals Amazon - a huge choice with super fast delivery options Asos - save up to 70% on the latest fashion Boohoo - up to 80% off everything Lovehoney.co.uk - spice up your love life via the adults-only website Travel Supermarket - book a romantic getaway today Very.co.uk - gifts and fashion for him and for her This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

How the PS5's 3D audio chip could transform your gaming experience Posted: 06 Feb 2020 08:49 AM PST Immersive audio is a growing trend, with the rise of object-based surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in the world of film – but how will immersive audio translate to the world of gaming? The PS5 is looming on the horizon, and while we don’t know everything that the next-gen console will offer, we do know that the PlayStation 5 will be packing some very interesting audio tech, as well as ray-tracing and backwards-compatibility. In an April 2019 interview with Wired, the console’s lead architect Mark Cerny confirmed that the PS5 will support what he calls "3D audio" – something he says will "make you feel more immersed in the game as sounds come at you from above, from behind, and from the side". While Cerny didn't elaborate on exactly how the technology works, he confirmed that it won't require "any external hardware", with the audio chip forming part of the third-generation AMD Ryzen chipset that will power the PlayStation 5.  PS5 vs Xbox Series X: what we know so far? Why should gamers care about 3D audio? Imagine how engrossing puzzle games like Fez could be if you could hear synths bubbling up around you as you find your next clue.  The benefits of playing a game "as sounds come at you from above, from behind, and from the side", are abundant. Aside from making the gaming experience feel more immersive, it could provide you with more accurate cues and clues as you play. Imagine how the experience of playing a first-person battle royale game like Fortnite would be transformed if you could actually hear the footsteps of your enemy sneaking up on you without buying a virtual surround sound gaming headset. Or, how much more engrossing puzzle games like Fez would be if you could hear synths bubbling up around you as you succeed in finding your next clue.  When speaking to Wired, Cerny conceded that there was a "frustration that audio did not change too much between PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4". "With the next console the dream is to show how dramatically different the audio experience can be when we apply significant amounts of hardware horsepower to it.” So we can be fairly certain that the PlayStation 5's 3D audio chip will mark a big improvement from the sound quality produced by the PlayStation 4 – and with the PS5 release date expected to land in March, we might not have to wait very long to find out. The first Dolby Atmos-enabled PlayStation? Although the PS5’s audio specs haven’t been revealed yet, the 3D audio chip that Cerny alluded to could deliver Dolby Atmos sound with it, bringing it into direct competition with the Xbox One  What could that mean for gamers using the PS5? Well to understand that, you first need to know a little bit about how Dolby Atmos works.  Dolby Atmos is an audio format that allows you to experience the sound from your music, TV shows, films, and games in a 360-degree sphere. It’s designed to give your audio the feeling of being three dimensional; for example, imagine the difference between hearing a helicopter flying a few hundred yards away versus directly over your head.  Sound designers for films and TV shows can achieve this by positioning different sounds and effects at different points in that virtual sphere, which in turn, correspond to where speakers are positioned in your living room. When you play the movie back using Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices, you'll be able to hear the effects move around you, just like the audio engineers intended. In an ideal world, we’d all have speakers rigged to our ceilings to fully convey the sound of that helicopter passing over us – of course, that’s not a reality for most.  That’s where Dolby Atmos soundbars and speakers come in; these hardworking gadgets work by bouncing beams of audio off your ceiling and then to your ears, using upfiring tweeters. There’s one problem with that though – Cerny said that no external equipment would be required for the PS5's 3D audio chip to take effect. That rules out Sony’s own 360 Reality Audio codec too, which requires compatible headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM3 or speakers like the Amazon Echo Studio to work.  So, without specialist spatial audio hardware, how could the PS5 sound truly immersive? The best Dolby Atmos speakers you can buy in 2020 Mixing it up The answer lies in Dolby Atmos upmixing, which was introduced by Microsoft to the Xbox One X back in 2019. This clever tech can take a non-Dolby Atmos source and turn it into an approximation of Dolby Atmos sound. The effect isn’t as immersive as true, encoded-at-source Dolby Atmos, but as the upmixing technology was developed by Dolby itself, you can be fairly confident that upmixed audio will pack more of a sonic punch than non-upmixed sources. While true Dolby Atmos requires speakers or a soundbar with upfiring tweeters to propel sound right up to your ceiling, virtual Atmos doesn’t require any special hardware.  Called Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, this audio processing simulates the experience of overhead sound using speakers at a listener level (like the ones inside your TV). It works by applying height cue filters to any overhead audio component – like the helicopter – before they’re mixed into listener-level speakers.  It’s a technology based on psychoacoustics, or in layman’s terms, the study of how the human ear and brain perceives sound. According to Dolby, the filters applied to overhead audio components simulate “the natural spectral cues imparted by the human ear to sounds arriving from overhead”, essentially tricking your brain in the process.  Normally, Dolby Atmos needs to be applied at the point of mixing a soundtrack, but the upmixing technology used by the Xbox One X can transform non-Atmos formats into an immersive virtual version of the technology. With the PS5 confirmed to be backwards-compatible, using technology like this could pave the way for older games to be revived with 3D sound. So, while we still don’t know the ins and outs of the PlayStation 5’s 3D audio chip, it seems likely that it will allow Dolby Atmos upmixing support, similar to what we’ve seen in the Xbox One X.  It’s important to note that any upmixed audio source, being played through your TV’s tiny speakers won’t sound nearly as powerful as Dolby Atmos played through an upfiring soundbar – and even that isn’t as good as true Atmos played through a huge ceiling speaker array.  For those who don’t want to rely on their underwhelming TV speakers a new soundbar doesn’t have to be a huge investment; in fact, some of the best soundbars of 2020 are genuinely affordable.  Sony’s HT-X8500 Soundbar comes with support for Dolby Atmos, and costs just $299 / £350 / AU$599 – and now that it’s a little older, that price is often discounted by retailers hoping to shift some stock.  If you already have a speaker set up that you don’t want to get rid of, it’s possible to buy add-on upfiring speakers like the PSB Imagine XA to bring Dolby Atmos to your existing configuration – this can be pricey, though.   Don’t want to spend all that money on new gear? Even using your TV’s speakers, virtual Dolby Atmos will probably sound a lot more immersive than non-upmixed audio though. Cerny himself said that headphone audio would be “the gold standard” when it comes to playing games with the PS5 – and most of us have a pair of headphones knocking around at home.  Hopefully, all will be revealed in the coming weeks – and it could be that Sony has opted to use a technology completely different to Dolby Atmos. Until the PS5 is officially released, we’ll have to wait and see.  The PS5 official website is now live, suggesting a reveal isn't far behind This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Walmart sales offer perfect tech gifts just in time for Valentine's Day Posted: 06 Feb 2020 08:33 AM PST You might be looking for something a little different this Valentine's Day, in which case the latest sales from Walmart offer the perfect gifts for the techie in your life. You'll find excellent deals on Apple Watches, iPads, drones, and headphones in our top picks below, each offering a decent price cut in the latest Walmart Valentine's Day sales.  While it may be unconventional to wrap up a drone, iPad, or headphones for your loved ones on the most romantic day of the year, you'll find some excellent prices in the latest sales, making it easier than ever to treat them this year. Plus, it's easy to spend the same amount on flowers and chocolates, so why not treat them to something they'll use year-round.  Whether your partner is looking for a new laptop bag with handy Qi charging capabilities or a new pair of running headphones, you'll find it all right here in our roundup of Walmart's best Valentine's Day sales.  If you're opting for the more traditional route, why not check out the best Valentine's Day flower delivery services. Latest Valentine's Day sales from Walmart Shop all Valentine's Day sales at Walmart Shop all Valentine's Day sales at Amazon With the big day fast approaching, there's plenty of amazing offers to take advantage of before V-Day hits. Check out our favorite Valentine's Day flower delivery services or the best photo books around.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Save $100 with latest MSI laptop deals on P65 Creator Posted: 06 Feb 2020 08:20 AM PST The latest MSI laptop deals have been enthralling, but there's little that matches up to the power of this fantastic P65 model. With a turbo-charged 9th generation i7 processor, eye-watering GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, this MSI gaming laptop deal packs a punch.  Plus, you can save $100 on this build at Amazon - simply use promo code 100CREATOR to claim your exclusive discount. That brings the price down to just $1,752 - and while we saw this particular model hit lower prices over the Black Friday shopping weekend, that's the best you'll do right now.  We've got plenty more MSI gaming laptop deals below, so keep scrolling for more prices as well as the best deals in the UK.  There are some serious specs inside this slimline silver shell, and hiding behind that 4K UHD display. This MSI gaming laptop deal offers an excellent build which you'll be able to further harness with three months of Adobe Creative Cloud included free.  That means whether you're covered whether you're picking up this supercharged MSI laptop deal for gaming or for intensive creative projects (or both).  Shop all laptop deals at Amazon Shop all MSI laptop deals at Amazon More MSI gaming laptop deals in the US $1,700 a little too tall right now? Here's some of our top picks of the best MSI gaming laptop deals around right now in the US (you'll find some UK picks further down as well).  Shop all MSI gaming laptop deals at Walmart Shop all MSI gaming laptop deals at Newegg Today's best MSI gaming laptop deals in the UK Shop all MSI gaming laptop deals at Amazon UK Shop all MSI gaming laptop deals at Currys Not sold on MSI gaming laptops? Why not check out the very best gaming laptop deals in the US and our top picks for gaming laptop sales under £1,000 in the UK right here on TechRadar.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

ZTE Axon 10S Pro announced with a more powerful chipset than any current phone Posted: 06 Feb 2020 08:15 AM PST The top-end Snapdragon 865 chipset was announced a while back, but so far no phones use it. That could be about to change though, as the ZTE Axon 10S Pro has just been unveiled and it’s packing the top-end chipset. The phone has oddly been listed on ZTE’s official Chinese website with no fanfare, which seems strange for what’s surely a major handset for the company. There’s no release date just yet though, which means it might not be the first phone available with the Snapdragon 865 chipset – it could be in a race with the Samsung Galaxy S20 for that, as that phone is being announced on February 11 and is also expected to use the Snapdragon 865. Check out the best cheap phones Read our full ZTE Axon 7 review The OnePlus 8 will probably also use the Snapdragon 865 Top-end chipset aside there’s plenty more to like about the ZTE Axon 10S Pro. For example, it supports 5G, comes with 6GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and has a 6.47-inch 1080 x 2340 curved AMOLED screen. There’s also a 4,000mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint scanner, and a triple-lens camera with a 48MP main sensor, a 20MP wide-angle camera and an 8MP telephoto one, along with a 20MP selfie snapper on the front. There are stereo speakers too, plus fast charging and speedy LPDDR5 RAM which, as with the chipset, is something that no other phone uses at the time of writing. So there’s an impressive assortment of specs and features, and coming from ZTE there’s a good chance the Axon 10S Pro will undercut big-name flagships, but the price is another thing that we haven’t yet heard. We’d expect we’ll learn that soon, as well as finding out when and where the ZTE Axon 10S Pro will be available. Mobile World Congress 2020 kicks off towards the end of February, so we may well hear more about the phone there if not before. Whenever we do hear anything we’ll let you know, so stay tuned. Stock up on the best Android apps This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best Presidents' Day sales 2020: deals from Best Buy, Walmart and more Posted: 06 Feb 2020 08:02 AM PST It's officially February, and that means that Presidents' Day 2020 is just around the corner. The holiday event is a fantastic opportunity to score incredible deals on mattresses, appliances, furniture, and TVs from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and more. To help you find all the top offers, we've rounded up the best Presidents' Day sales that are currently going on. We've also hand-picked standout deals that include categories such as electronics, appliances, and home items. We'll also tell you everything else you need to know about the Presidents' Day sale event such as the date, what sales have already started, and what deals you can expect. See our top sale picks below and make sure to bookmark this page as we'll be continuously updating it will all the best deals leading up to the holiday shopping event. The best Presidents' Day sales: Walmart - save on TVs, appliances, furniture and more Best Buy - save up to 40% on appliance hottest deals Amazon - save on Amazon devices, appliances and more Overstock - 70% off 1000s of items + free shipping Nectar - save $100 off your mattress Dreamcloud Sleep - take $200 off your mattress Temper-Pedic - save up to $500 on select mattress sets Casper - save 15% on accessories when you spend $100+ Purple - free sheets + premium sleep mask Target - deals on furniture, appliances, clothing, and more Wayfair - discounts sitewide Home Depot - up to 30% off appliance special buys Lowe's - save on appliances, tools, bath and more Our best Presidents' Day sale picks: When is Presidents' Day? Presidents' Day always falls on the third Monday in February. It was initially held on George Washington's birthday (February 22) but was moved in 1971 to accommodate the long holiday weekend. This year Presidents' Day is on Monday, February 17. When do Presidents' Day sales start? Presidents' Day sales have already started from most mattress sites and for some online retailers like Best Buy and Overstock. Most retailers will start their sales next week and will last through Presidents' Day, so you have the whole weekend to shop for incredible deals. The best things to buy at Presidents' Day sales Presidents' Day sales typically consist of discounts on appliances, home items, electronics, and clothing. Retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot offer price cuts on large appliances from brands like Samsung and LG, while Amazon and Walmart offer sitewide discounts on tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, and more. Mattresses are also a popular sale category with sitewide discounts from retailers like Overstock, Temper-Pedic, and Nectar. Shop more TV offers with the best cheap TV deals and sales that are happening now. You can also shop more appliance deals with the cheapest robot vacuum sales and the best Instant Pot deals. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple Watch sale at Best Buy: the Apple Watch 4 gets a $100 price cut Posted: 06 Feb 2020 07:43 AM PST If you're looking to snag a deal on the best-selling Apple Watch, then you're in luck. Best Buy has the Apple Watch Series 4 on sale for $249. That's a $100 discount and the lowest price we've found for the 40mm smartwatch. If you're interested in LTE connectivity, Best Buy also has the Apple Watch 4 with cellular on sale for $379. The Apple Watch 4 is packed with health-focused features and includes a built-in ECG app to notify you when a high or low heart rate is detected. The smartwatch tracks popular workouts and calories burned and offers personalized coaching to keep you motivated. The swim-proof smartwatch also features a 30% larger display making it easier to see health stats, messages, and notifications. The Series 4 provides an impressive 18-hour battery life and includes new features such as fall detection and emergency SOS. The Apple Watch Series 5 currently retails for $399, which makes the $249 price tag on the Apple Watch 4 extremely appealing. We don't know how long Best Buy will have the smartwatch on sale, so you should take advantage now before it's too late. Apple Watch 4 deals: Discover more Apple watch sales with the best cheap Apple Watch prices and deals on every model still stocked by retailers. You can also grab Apple's smartwatch for less with refurbished Apple Watch sales. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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