Apple : Best earbuds 2020: the best earbuds, earphones and in-ear headphones for any budget |
- Best earbuds 2020: the best earbuds, earphones and in-ear headphones for any budget
- How to watch Donald Trump's coronavirus update live today
- LG apparently just scrapped its G range of smartphones, starting with the LG G9
- Amazon's Echo Show 5 smart home display is on sale for just $59.96
- SEC steps in to prevent investors from buying the wrong Zoom
- How to combat insider threats as organisations increasingly rely on cloud computing to telecommunicate
- Fossil Sport smartwatch deal makes this $99 Wear OS device a must-buy'
- Dyson price cut: the cordless Dyson Absolute vacuum is on sale for $399.99
- Google parent Alphabet handing out $800 million to combat pandemic
- How to watch Supergirl: stream Crisis on Infinite Earths online anywhere
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- Google Pixel Buds: what we know so far about the AirPods-rivaling true wireless earbuds
| Best earbuds 2020: the best earbuds, earphones and in-ear headphones for any budget Posted: 30 Mar 2020 01:34 PM PDT Finding the best earbuds (a.k.a. earphones, in-ear headphones, or whatever you want to call them) for you can be a little tricky, what with wired models, wireless earphones, and true wireless earbuds to choose from. However, earbuds are undoubtedly one of the most convenient ways to listen to your music, whatever form factor you decide to go for – and there's no judgement here if you still want to opt for a wired pair of earphones for maximum audio quality and security. Still, true wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods, Sony WF-1000XM3, and the Beats Powerbeats Pro are getting better all the time; that's why guide will include all kinds of earbuds. If you already have a particular form factor in mind, you might also want to check out our dedicated guides to the best wireless earphones and the best true wireless earbuds. Want to compare all the best earbuds in 2020? Read on for the top earphones you can buy in 2020, in terms of value for money, as well as sound quality, design, and extra features. If you like your headphones to come with a wire, these are the best earbuds you can buy in 2020. After spending a few weeks with both the 1MORE Triple Driver in-ear headphones and the 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear headphones we were blown away at just how much value each one gave in their prospective price ranges. For $100 / £100 (around AU$168), it’s hard to think of a better sounding and built headphone than the 1MORE Triple Driver. That said, if you want just that little extra refinement and luxury materials, the 1MORE Quad Drivers are still a bargain at twice the price. There’s very little we can fault the Triple Drivers for. Their rubber cable is annoying and its remote control feels cheap but these are just nitpicks. But, for their price, it’s impossible to do better than 1MORE's Triple Driver in-ear headphones. Read the full review: 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone review Considering it's still rare to get noise cancelation in wired earbuds at all, the fact that Sony has managed to pack it into a pair that are not only wireless, but true wireless is very impressive indeed. The Sony WF-1000X manage to offer a level of noise cancelation that's very good for a pair of earbuds – it won't offer the same isolation as a pair of over-ear cans, but if you're after a sleek form factor then the compromise is worth it. That being said, in spite of a few minor problems we feel that Sony has knocked the ball out of the park with the WF-1000XM3: Not only are these hands down the best-looking true wireless headphones out there, but they combine serious noise cancelling tech with fist-pumping musicality. If you don’t want the inconvenience of carrying full-size cans, they’re a persuasive alternative. Battery life is above average, and that compact charging case is pretty slick too. On-ear volume controls similar to the PowerBeats Pro have just been introduced via a firmware update, making them even better than they were at launch. Read the full review: Sony WF-1000XM3 review The NuForce BE Sport4 wireless earbuds are that rare find: earbuds that are good for basically all situations. While they're specifically designed for use in the gym and on the track, the BE Sport4 do an awesome job isolating audio in a crowded city environment and are even good enough for home listening. The BE Sport4 earbuds have claimed 10-hour battery life, which we found to be pretty close to the mark in our time with them, and from empty you can get two hours of use from just a 15-minute charge – ideal for those needing a quick top-up while they put on their trainers and pack a gym kit. Consider this a warning shot fellow audio manufacturers: build and audio quality do not need to be sacrificed in order to keep earbuds affordable. Read the full review: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 review Cambridge Audio is known for its high-end audio equipment, but until now, hasn’t ventured into the world of true wireless earbuds. Enter the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s: with an outstanding 45 hours of battery life, they combine the brand’s award-winning engineering with the convenience of truly wireless listening. For a pair of true wireless earbuds, the sound quality offered by the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s is sensational. In fact, it rivals some of the best over-ear headphones, which is all but unheard of for buds of this size. They may not have the noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds, but they are $100 (around £80) cheaper – and have a superior battery life. Read the full review: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 review Good sound is subjective, yes, but there are things that we can all agree on that make a headphone sound good: Bass should be tight and impactful, highs detailed but not harsh, and mids that are smooth like honey. Most headphone manufacturers shoot for these specs, but what if you want a little more bass or want to increase the energy of the highs? For most headphones, your only option is to mess with equalization. But RHA has a different idea. The RHA T20i is an excellent sounding pair of in-ear headphones with a neat party trick: customizable filters. These filters thread into the headphone housings and let you choose from Bass, Treble, and Reference. Each filter makes an audible impact and are easy to swap out on the go. As a package, the build quality, sound, and customizable filters make the RHA T20i a must-have for audiophiles on the go. In fact, they sound so good, they made us want to give up our wireless headphones. Read the full review: RHA T20i review The Bowers & Wilkins PI3 are the first neckband headphones for the company, and they're a great start. Well-designed, comfy, and simple to use, they sound really good, too. Thanks to dual drivers, these buds sound fantastic, with crisp highs, lively mids, and plenty of powerful bass. Look past the fairly unremarkable battery life and limited features, and you'll be mostly very impressed by what these offer. Read the full review: Bowers & Wilkins PI3 Wireless Headphones review If the most important aspect of running earphones for you is the audio quality, these wireless earbuds from Sennheiser could be a fantastic choice. With a lively, bass-heavy presentation, and a comfortable fit, the Sennheiser CX Sport wireless earphones can really bolster your running performance through sound quality alone. They don't come with a heart rate monitor, but the inclusion of ear fins and sporty neon color scheme makes them ideal for casual workouts. With a battery life of six hours, they're great for your average running session, or even your daily commute – but marathon runners will want to look elsewhere. Read the full review: Sennheiser CX Sport Wireless earphones review OnePlus is most known for its “flagship killer” phones like the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, but the company also makes headphones – the best example of which are the company’s excellent Bullets Wireless 2, which offer an incredible value in the neck-bud headphone category. In terms of audio quality, they boast a lively sonic presentation and an accurate-feeling soundstage, although bass-heads may want to look elsewhere for headphones that pack a bassier punch. They're comfortable to wear too, but it's just a shame that they don't have a waterproof rating and the inline remote is so fiddly, because otherwise they could make a decent pair of running headphones. They may be $30 more expensive than their predecessors, but the improved battery life and sound quality makes up for that; it also makes it worth upgrading if you have the originals and are due a new pair of wireless earbuds. Read the full review: OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 review If you're looking for budget-friendly true wireless earbuds, then the Lypertek Tevi are a great choice – they're among the best earbuds we've tried, especially given their low price tag ($130 / £99 / AU$185). With USB-C charging, a well-balanced sound, lengthy battery life, and waterproofing, they tick every box you could ask for, from what are basically a pair of budget buds. The Lypertek Tevi, surprisingly, might just blow you away, punching well above their weight and rivaling buds from some of the biggest audio brands on the planet. Consider us pleasantly surprised. Read more: Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbuds review They're expensive, but the 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear headphones are worth every penny. 1MORE hit it out of the park with this flagship pair of in-ear headphones with its balanced sound build quality, smartphone compatibility and price. These in-ear headphones will make mobile audiophiles very happy. The only reservation that we have is that the Quad Drivers face tough competition from 1MORE’s own cheaper Triple Driver sibling which costs half the price (which sit pretty at the number one spot on our list). In terms of value, the 1MORE Triple Driver headphones are the winner but for those who want just a bit better build and more detailed sound, the 1MORE Quad Driver headphones are worth the extra money. Read the full review: 1More Quad Driver In-Ear Headphones The SoundMagic E11BTs are an extremely capable pair of wireless in-ear earphones, and given their low price, it really is difficult to fault them – the audio quality is fantastic and they look very elegant. They're comfortable to wear thanks to ergonomically designed eartips and a flat neckband that won’t irritate you while running or working out – and with an IPX4 rating, they should withstand sweaty sessions. Read the full review: SoundMAGIC E11BT With their stellar sound and build quality, long-lasting battery life and what may be one of the coolest cases we've ever seen, we'd argue that the Klipsch T5s are of the best models on the market right now.. Of course, you're buying a Klipsch product because it features the signature Klipsch sound, which is warm, detailed, and never harsh. Acoustic music is lush and detailed, and the detail extends to the highs as well, allowing the headphones to sing in the higher registers without ever being sibilant. Battery life is rated at eight hours per charge with the case giving an additional 24 hours – that means these true wireless in-ear headphones will last you for a long haul flight, no problem. Read the full review: Klipsch T5 True Wireless review How to choose the best earbuds for youThe best pairs of in-ear headphones need to be ultra-comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and must fit securely in your ear for decent noise isolation. If you're looking for a pair of running headphones, your new buds should have an IPX4 water-resistance rating or above; this means that they'll be able to withstand a little sweat as well as a spot of rain. There are wired and wireless earbuds on this list, but newer models can be completely wire-free. Our current favorite true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM3 go one step further, combining truly wireless sound with high quality noise cancelation tech. If you do opt for wireless or true wireless earbuds, make sure the battery life is up to scratch, otherwise you could find yourself caught short without any music in the middle of your commute. Most importantly, they need to sound good. If you're a dedicated audiophile, look for buds that support Hi-Res Audio codecs like LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth for stellar connectivity. The best earbud and in-ear headphones FAQ: quick questions answeredWhich brand's earphones is the best? That totally depends on what you're looking for – but we're careful with our lists. That means all of the earbud and in-ear headphones below come from brands we trust. Still, if you're not sure where to start looking, respected brands like Sony, Apple, Cambridge Audio, JBL, and Optoma are good places to start. What are the best cheap earbuds? At least half of the buds in this list are below the $80 / $80 mark, which makes them ideal for those who need a new set of headphones but can't justify a splurge. We recommend taking a good look at the RHA MA390 Wireless, as well as the 1More Triple Drive In-Ear Headphones. If they're still too pricey for your current budget, then check out our guide to the best cheap headphones of 2020. Which is better, earbuds or headphones? It's up to you. Some people love the feel and immersive sound experience of over-ear headphones, others prefer the freedom and compact size of in-ear headphones and earbuds. It all depends on what your priorities are. How do I keep my earbuds from falling out? Although most of the high-end in-ear buds and headphones are designed to stay put, everyone's ears are different. Which means there's still a chance they'll fall out – especially if you're running or moving. If this keeps happening, we recommend opting for a pair built with sports in mind, these tend to have better support and even a different design that anchors them into your ear better. Should I buy wireless earphones? Wireless and true wireless earbuds are a great option for those who want to listen to music on the go without the hassle of tangled cables getting in their way. However, some audio purists think that the sound quality afforded by Bluetooth connections still doesn't compete with traditional wired models. Best earbuds 2020, at a glance:
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| How to watch Donald Trump's coronavirus update live today Posted: 30 Mar 2020 12:43 PM PDT It's no great secret that the coronavirus has brought the world to a halt, with first cities and now entire countries under lockdown as governments around the world seek to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and save lives. While it's impossible to say what constitutes the best advice during such a difficult time, one thing we do recommend is that everybody stays stay up-to-date with and follows the latest guidelines issued by their government. In the US, this starts with tuning into the daily White House coronavirus briefing as the nation and its 45th President Donal Trump come to grips with a national emergency that shows no signs of 'just disappearing'. Whether you live in America, are keen to know what's going on in the States, or simply want to catch the President's next potential meltdown, here's how to watch today's Trump coronavirus update and catch all the latest Covid-19 news as it happens. Watch everything from the latest coronavirus updates to the best Hulu shows in style - here are some of the top TV and streaming bargains available right now.
What time does Donald Trump's coronavirus update start each day?From Big Macs to press briefings, Donald Trump is a man who famously loves his routines - and that means that White House coronavirus updates go live at the same time each day. Daily briefings are held by the President and the rest of the Coronavirus Task Force at 5pm ET, which is 2pm PT and 10pm BST in UK. Most recently, The Donald backtracked on claims the US would be recovering from the pandemic by Easter, and is now instead suggesting that keeping the national death toll at under 100,000 would be a good result for the country.
How can I watch Trump's cornonavirus updates live online?
Use a VPN to watch Trump's coronavirus updates where YouTube isn't availableYouTube is available in a great many countries around the world, but it's also blocked in some. Where that's the case and you find yourself in such a situation, remember that you can always use a clever piece of software called a VPN (or Virtual Private Network) to relocate your IP address back to where you live and stream all the things you normally would from home. Just be mindful of local regulations and consider if watching today's Trump Covid-19 speech is worth potentially getting in trouble with the authorities over.
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| LG apparently just scrapped its G range of smartphones, starting with the LG G9 Posted: 30 Mar 2020 12:40 PM PDT In 2019 LG unveiled the LG G8 and LG V50 ThinQ smartphones at the same time, so the February 2020 launch of the LG V60 ThinQ on its own drew some concerned reactions from people expecting another handset. Well, it seems LG might have stopped making its G line of smartphones – for good. This comes from Korean news site Naver, which has reported that LG is looking to shake up its smartphone strategy, both by putting the G series in the ground and by replacing it with a new, more affordable range. This information apparently came from a briefing given by the company to telecommunications companies in South Korea, an attendee of which passed on the information to Naver. It's true that LG is no longer as big a player in the smartphone market as it was, with Chinese brands muscling in on its turf and with its phones often lacking 'wow' factor, but the company's new range to replace the G line is seemingly its bid to retain some market share. Update: LG has responded to this report with a statement that, on its face, says little and confirms nothing. Since it's not an outright rejection, we wonder what's in store for the LG G9 – in any case, here's the statement: "For eight generations, the LG G Series has introduced bleeding-edge technology to consumers around the world. From super wide-angle cameras to flexible displays to high-fidelity audio and the Quad DAC to 1440p displays, the G Series has consistently been at the forefront of smartphone innovation since 2012. We look forward to sharing more details soon."
What's this new phone?Naver reports that LG is looking to recreate the success of its popular 'chocolate phone', the LG KG800 Chocolate, from 2006. This new unnamed phone, apparently, has four rear cameras, including a 48MP main one, and a Snapdragon 700-series chipset. These chipsets are typically found in mid-range phones that are edging on premium territory. The phone also supposedly comes with a screen that's 6.7 to 6.9 inches across, and is also supported by a second screen, a trend LG appears married to at this point. It's said the phone will have a 4,000mAh battery. With this smartphone, apparently LG is aiming at a price tag below what the LG G9 was expected to sell for, and it's supposedly saving another, more premium device for the Korean market where the company remains a bigger deal (and where 5G is more ubiquitous, as its top-end handset would be a 5G phone). When and where this new affordable LG phone will be debuted remains to be seen, but since the details seem very hazy at this point, it's likely the handset is more a business notion than an actual physical object at the moment. Perhaps we'll see it shown off towards the end of the year, with enough distance from the LG V60 ThinQ to give that product some time to itself. Via PhoneArena This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Amazon's Echo Show 5 smart home display is on sale for just $59.96 Posted: 30 Mar 2020 12:29 PM PDT Connect with family and friends from afar with the Amazon Echo Show 5 that's currently on sale for $59.96. That's a $30 discount and the best price we've found for the smart home display. See our roundup of the best cheap Amazon Echo prices, deals, and sales for Alexa. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| SEC steps in to prevent investors from buying the wrong Zoom Posted: 30 Mar 2020 12:22 PM PDT The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action by suspending the shares of a small Chinese company called Zoom Technologies after investors were confusing it with the video-calling app Zoom. The regulator recently revealed that it was halting trading of the Beijing-based company's shares until April 8th over concerns that investors were “confusing this issuer with a similarly-named NADAQ-listed issuer... which has seen a rise in share price during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.” Silicon Valley-based Zoom Video Communications went public in April of last year and the company's video conferencing app has seen a surge in new users as a result of the fact that many employees are now working from home.
The app has also seen increased adoption as it is quite easy to set up and use by families and friends looking to stay in touch while under lockdown. Mistaken identityShares of Zoom Video Communications have more than doubled since the beginning of the year and the company now has a market capitalization of $40.3bn. Zoom Technologies on the other hand, has seen its stock rise tenfold since the beginning of the year, though its valuation is much smaller at $31.3m. In addition to confusion between the two companies as Zoom Technologies uses the ticker ZOOM, the Beijing-based firm was also suspended because it has failed to issue an public disclosures since 2015 according to the SEC. Filings also show that the company voluntarily delisted from the NASDAQ exchange back in 2014. Back in April when Zoom Video Communications went public, Zoom Technologies also benefited as its stock jumped by more than 80 percent. By suspending the shares of Zoom Technologies, the SEC has helped investors by preventing them from dumping even more money into a company that likely shouldn't even be on their radar.
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| Posted: 30 Mar 2020 12:00 PM PDT Cloud providers including Microsoft, Google, and others, have recently acknowledged that they are struggling to deal with a spike in remote tools usage. As organisations hastily adapt for remote working, they might fail to ensure adequate data security. In particular, cloud usage increases the risk of insider threats as 53% of organisations believe detecting insider attacks is significantly harder in the cloud than on-premises, according to a recent report. Therefore, it has never been as important as it is today for organisations to implement proper measures to mitigate the insider threat to protect data in the cloud.
Why do remote workers pose a threat to cloud security?Firstly, remote employees use cloud applications to exchange data, including sensitive data, and could misplace it in insecure locations which could lead to a compliance violation. For example, sharing sensitive data via Microsoft Teams – an increasingly popular application for telecommunication – will result in data spreading across SharePoint Online storage with a high risk of unauthorised access. In fact, 39% of the UK respondents to our recent survey are sure that employees in their organisations share sensitive data via cloud applications outside of IT’s control. Secondly, remote employees often work from their personal devices which are not controlled by the corporate IT team, and as such are more prone to data breaches than their corporate PCs. Such devices are often unpatched and, therefore, vulnerable to cyber threats. Once an attacker has a foothold in the employee's device, they have "remote control" and can observe and leverage any outgoing connections from this. Essentially, they can gain access to all corporate cloud services the user connects to or even to the corporate network on-premises as soon as the user establishes their VPN connection or remote desktop (RDP) session to any internal servers. In addition, an employee might lose his/her device, or let other family members use it, which will result in unauthorised access. In some rare cases, employees copy sensitive data to their personal devices from corporate cloud storage with malicious intent, which also is a serious security risk. Step 1: Develop security policies for remote employeesIn normal circumstances, before asking employees to work from home, an organisation should ideally develop proper security policies with a specific focus on cloud security. First and foremost, it is critical to ensure that all user permissions to storages with sensitive data are granted on a 'need-to-access’ basis to prevent insiders from accessing the information they do not need to do their job. In addition, it is important to establish effective access controls as well as efficient identity verification methods such as multi-factor authentication, which will also protect organisations’ sensitive data in the cloud from unauthorised access. And last but not least, it is critical that the IT department trains employees on cloud ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’, starting from the principles of dealing with sensitive data and ending with instructions for patching and securing their personal devices. All such measures should be implemented on an ongoing basis, with the IT team being ready to support employees with any issue when they work from home, whether it’s an operational problem or security issue. Step 2: Obtain visibility into sensitive dataIf an organisation does not know where its sensitive data resides in the cloud, it cannot ensure that remote employees are following security policies. This is particularly challenging as modern organisations use multiple clouds. In fact, McAfee has calculated that an average enterprise uses around 1,427 distinct cloud services, while an average employee actively uses 36 cloud services at work. The more cloud services remote employees use, the more challenging it is for an organisation's IT team to track how they handle data. It means an increased risk of misplacing sensitive data and the bad PR and compliance findings that come with that. To reduce data overexposure, it is critical to have technologies in place to automatically discover sensitive data across multiple cloud storages and classify it according to its sensitivity on a continuous basis. Step 3: Monitor user activity around sensitive dataAs the cloud is prone to a broad range of threat vectors for data exfiltration by insiders, it is critically important for an organisation to detect such cases in a timely manner. Is it malware trying to break into the corporate network, or an insider aiming to steal customer database? All these cloud security risks, and many others, are accompanied by anomalies in user activity. Therefore, if an organisation uses cloud computing and cloud storage, it is important to have user behaviour analysis (UBA) technologies in place that can detect deviations from normal user behavior and alert an IT team about potential cloud threats. Examples of the most common anomalies that indicate a threat include abnormal logon activities (such as attempts to log on from multiple endpoints, multiple subsequent logons in a short period of time, and an unusually high number of logon failures); or data access patterns differing from the user's past behaviour or that of their peers. It is important to note the shift from office work to remote access will probably cause initial changes in users' access patterns. Businesses can expect a higher than normal number of false positives from Machine Learning-based behaviour anomaly detection solutions in the first couple of weeks after users move away from their central offices. Such measures will help organisations minimise insider threats in the cloud not only during ‘the world’s largest work-from-home experiment’, as Time has dubbed the COVID-19 outbreak, but also when it comes to an end. With the subsequent economic recession that is likely to follow, cloud computing will remain a cost-effective way to run a business. A sustainable approach to cloud security will enable organisations to avoid unwanted data breaches and hefty compliance fines in the long run. Matt Middleton-Leal is EMEA & APAC General Manager at Netwrix
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| Fossil Sport smartwatch deal makes this $99 Wear OS device a must-buy' Posted: 30 Mar 2020 11:26 AM PDT The Fossil Sport fitness smartwatch is now more affordable than ever with a sweeping price cut that drops the cost down to $99 / £89 / AU$199. We really enjoyed the Fossil Sport for its Wear OS functionality in a sleek, light body that paired well with our fitness lives. While workouts have been altered lately as many of us shelter indoors, fitness tracking is more useful than ever to monitor our progress, and now is a great time to scoop up a wearable that originally cost $275 / £219 / AU$469. Though it doesn’t quite track workouts up to the level of an Apple Watch 5, the Fossil Sport is a flagship smartwatch with a heart rate monitor, 5 ATM water resistance, and GPS functionality. Specs-wise, it packs the same Snapdragon 3100 chipset as fellow fitness smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2; its middling 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage won’t blow you away, but that equipment is plenty for working out. Best of all, this discount applies to the full range of colors, though you’ll have to pay extra if you want a strap other than the silicone wristband that comes in the box (helpfully coordinated with your watch body hue of choice).
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| Dyson price cut: the cordless Dyson Absolute vacuum is on sale for $399.99 Posted: 30 Mar 2020 11:07 AM PDT If you're doing some spring cleaning while stuck indoors and are in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, then you've come to the right place. Dyson, a brand known for top-of-the-line vacuums, has slashed the price on some of its most popular models. Dyson deals:If you want to shop other Dyson vacuum sales, see our best cheap Dyson deals and offers that are currently available. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Google parent Alphabet handing out $800 million to combat pandemic Posted: 30 Mar 2020 10:20 AM PDT Google's parent company Alphabet has revealed that it will donating the equivalent of $800m to produce medical supplies which will be used to combat Covid-19 and that it will also give out ad credits to government and health organizations as well as to businesses. In a blog post, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai explained that the company will be working with its partner Magid Glove & Safety to create millions of face masks. “We’re working with our longtime supplier and partner Magid Glove & Safety, with the goal of ramping up production of 2-3 million face masks in the coming weeks that will be provided to the CDC Foundation," he noted.
"Additionally, employees from across Alphabet, including Google, Verily and X, are bringing engineering, supply chain and healthcare expertise to facilitate increased production of ventilators, working with equipment manufacturers, distributors and the government in this effort.” This is good news for healthcare professionals and frontline workers who are already facing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). In fact, 3D printing companies such as Prusa have begun making medical shields to help hospitals deal with this lack of equipment while an Italian firm called The FabLab brought its 3D printers to a hospital to create replacement valves for 'reanimation' machines. Ad credits and small business loansAlphabet has announced that it will give over $250m in “ad grants” to NGOs such as the WHO and “more than 100 government agencies globally”. A $200m investment fund has also been setup that will support NGOs and financial institutions around the world that are trying to help provide small businesses with access to capital. Additionally, Google will help out small and medium businesses by giving them access to $340m in ad credits that “can be used at any point until the end of 2020.” Advertising budgets are often the first thing to be cut during a crisis such as this, so these ad credits will allow SMBs to reach out to potential customers. Google Cloud will also be supporting academic institutions and researchers through a pool of $20m in Google Cloud credits. These credits will allow them to leverage Google's computing capabilities and infrastructure to study potential therapies and vaccines, track critical data and discover new ways to combat Covid-19. Finally, the company has increased the gift match it offers every employee annually from $7,500 to $10,000. This means that Google employees can now give $20,000 to organizations in their communities in addition to the $50m that Google.org has already donated.
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| How to watch Supergirl: stream Crisis on Infinite Earths online anywhere Posted: 30 Mar 2020 10:09 AM PDT The Arrowverse has come a long way since Oliver Queen first donned a green hood and made it his life's mission to save Star City back in 2012. One of the shows that now make up the shared DC universe is Supergirl, which has either just finished or may be just resuming, depending on where you live. With that in mind, here's how to start watching Crisis on Infinite Earths and stream Supergirl season 5 online from all over the world - including for free where available. The show was the third to launch as part of the Arrowverse, following Arrow and The Flash. It stars Melissa Benoist as Supergirl, aka Kara Danvers or Kara Zor-el, and follows her as she comes to terms with her powers and takes on the role of National City's protector. That's a very simplistic overview of the series, which is one of the best superhero shows around and too good to risk spoiling. With over 100 episodes aired to date, Supergirl makes for great binge-viewing if you're stuck at home under lockdown, so without further ado here's how to watch Supergirl online - stream Crisis on Infinite Earths and all of season 5 no matter where you are in the world with the help of our guide.
How to watch Supergirl from outside your countryThose who already have a streaming service they use to watch Supergirl online may find themselves unable to access it when abroad, due to pesky geo-blocking restrictions. Yes, we're aware that most of us aren't going anywhere in the near future, but global travel will one day resume and, god forbid, you may even be stuck abroad during these difficult times. Fortunately, there's an easy solution to geo-blocking. Downloading a VPN will allow you to watch Crisis on Infinite Earths and stream Supergirl season 5 no matter where you are. This simple bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access episodes live or on demand just like you would at home.
How to watch Supergirl online for free in the USHow to watch Crisis on Infinite Earths: Stream Supergirl online in the UK
Stream Supergirl season 5 in Australia
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| Where to buy a mouse: all the retailers with stock available Posted: 30 Mar 2020 10:01 AM PDT It can be difficult to work out where to buy a mouse right now. With a massive proportion of people working from home, stock levels took a hit last week. We're seeing more retailers get ahead of the rush right now, though, so there are plenty of places to pick up a good mouse for less. That said, it can be frustrating to wade through pages of out of stock items in a desperate search for a pointer. That's why we're rounding up all the latest stock from your favorite retailers right here. We're also ordering this list by price so you can get the best deal straight away. All of this means that your search for where to buy a mouse has come to an end. If none of the options below suit, we've also rounded up all the retailers with a healthy supply on the digital shelves as well as excellent shipping options available. Where to buy a mouse: all the latest stockWhere to buy a mouse in the USWhere to buy a mouse in the UKLooking for more ways to set up your home office? We're also tracking stock on webcams, showing you where to buy a keyboard, as well as checking out all the best laptop deals going right now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Save up to 50% now when you sign up for a Kaspersky antivirus deal Posted: 30 Mar 2020 09:45 AM PDT For very obvious reasons, people the world over are increasingly spending more time on their devices. The natural consequence is that this makes us more vulnerable to hackers and malware as cybercriminals and scammers try to take advantage of unsecured home connections. There is one quick and swift way to protect your devices, and that's by downloading one of the best antivirus software programs out there from Kaspersky. After our rigorous, in-depth security software testing, we rate Kaspersky antivirus within the top three of the the world's third best antivirus. The best news? The provider has currently got up to a whopping 50% off on its three antivirus packages. So whether you're looking for the most basic package, Kaspersky Anti-Virus which let's you protect three devices and is now only $29.99 a year or you're looking for the most comprehensive plan, Kaspersky Total Security that protects five devices and comes with a FREE VPN, this provider has got you sorted! And if you're looking for the middle ground between these two plans, Kaspersky Internet Security for now just $39.99 for a whole year of protection, could be ideal for you. Still unsure? Keep scrolling to read this Kaspersky deal in full. Remember, with this discount you could effectively be paying as little as $3/£2 a month for online security - that's excellent value for money. Check out these awesome antivirus deals:
Why we love KasperskyWe could go on and on about why we rank Kaspersky so highly, but all reasons are of equal importance to the customer. The provider has accurate and reliable protection, it's super simple and straightforward to use so you don't need to be a antivirus veteran, and it can recover files damaged by malware. Plus with this discount, Kaspersky's plans are excellent value for money, easily making it one of the best antivirus deals around.
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| With broadband installations now a no-go, 4G home broadband deals are your saviour Posted: 30 Mar 2020 09:24 AM PDT With strict lockdowns and self-isolation rules now fully in place, the installation of broadband has quickly become a mammoth task. Of course, if you have a phone line, most providers will supply an easy switch. If you don't...it's time to get creative and look at 4G home broadband deals. Put simply, when you don't already have a phone line set up in your property, an engineer will need to come round and install one to get your internet up and running - an obvious no-go. For those who already have one, most broadband deals simply require plugging in your new router meaning for now you're safe to do this. For the former group, there is an easy workaround - 4G home broadband and mobile broadband. In essence, these are broadband routers that require no set-up. They work using SIM cards placed into routers, meaning you can skip the faff of cables, installations and other now troublesome issues. And despite not running through traditional cables, they remain a powerful option as long as you live somewhere with strong 4G connections. You can still connect multiple devices, stream, game and work from home with ease. Below we've included everything you need to know about these alternative options including the best deals, how it works and the kind of contract lengths you can get.
Best 4G home broadband and mobile broadband:How fast is 4G home broadband and how does it work?Unlike regular broadband, 4G home broadband operates through air waves instead of cables. In this sense, it's more similar to the way your phone operates when using mobile data. Also unlike regular broadband there is no set-up process needed. All you need to do is plug in the router and your internet is ready to go. That means you can use it in any part of your house. In terms of how fast this will be, it completely depends on where you live. It is worth doing a speed test on your phone to see what kind of speeds you will be getting. It will also depend on the network that you use. However, both 4G home broadband and mobile broadband will be faster than ADSL regular internet and in most situations, will keep up or even exceed fibre internet. This means you can stream, game and work from home with ease. Can I get 5G home broadband?Yes...! If you live in a 5G enabled area you will be free to get 5G home broadband. Obviously these are few and far between so check the locations that supply 5G to the network you're choosing before you purchase - we have it all laid out on our 5G phone deals guide. However, the good news here is that with both Three and Vodafone, all of the packages are both 4G and 5G compatible meaning you will gain the speeds of whatever area you're in. The best 'regular' broadband deals comparedThis posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Nintendo Switch could get a fleet of remastered Super Mario games this year Posted: 30 Mar 2020 09:11 AM PDT The Nintendo Switch may be gearing up for a massive release of remastered Super Mario games this year, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the beloved gaming franchise. According to VGC, a host of Super Mario titles from across various console generations are being prepared for remastered releases on Nintendo Switch – likely filling the gap between larger first-party releases, and drumming up some Nintendo hype in a gaming conversation that (in 2020 at least) is largely about the upcoming PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles. While the news hasn't been officially confirmed, additional sources close to the matter told EuroGamer that these games would include Super Mario 64 (from the Nintendo 64), Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Wii) and Super Mario Sunshine (GameCube). Super. Mario. Sunshine. SUPER MARIO SUNSHINEThe Super Mario franchise is now 35 years old, meaning it's provided countless hours of platforming joy to equally countless gamers around the world. Super Mario Sunshine was one of the first GameCube games this writer came across – and which this writer has been impatiently waiting for a remaster of for several years now. Its tropical island setting, Mario-as-villain dramatic stakes, and incredible variety of the F.L.U.D.D. water nozzle – hovering, spraying, or blasting into the sky alike – made for a truly joyful platforming game. There's even a mini-boss fight on a rollercoaster! Without a GameCube Classic Mini in sight – in the vein of the NES Classic and SNES Mini consoles – a remastered version for Switch is, without exaggeration, a dream come true. It's unclear what Nintendo's release plans will be, though. It's possible these games will come to the free retro game simulator thrown in with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription – though the occasion may lead Nintendo to consider a fully-fledged release with a 2020 RRP. We hope for the former, but are prepared for the latter.
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| Posted: 30 Mar 2020 08:59 AM PDT Because there are so many amazing gaming PCs on the market right now, you're always going to want one of the best gaming PCs. Even if you're not exactly on the cusp of being a pro gamer, you want a bit of firepower if you want to crank up the settings in the best PC games. After all, PC gaming should be an immersive experience, and there's nothing more immersive than having all those shiny graphical effects cranked up to 11 without tanking your framerate. In fact, if you’re planning on playing the latest and upcoming AAA games, you must get one of the best gaming PCs packed with the most cutting edge internals possible like Nvidia’s Super RTX graphics cards or AMD’s Navi cards. Of course, just because a gaming PC is that powerful, that doesn’t mean it’ll cost you an arm and a leg. There are quite a few out there touting the best processors and best graphics card, alongside a price tag that’s affordable to many. You just have to scour the market to find them. To cut through the overwhelming options out there, we’ve put together a list of the best gaming PCs you can get right now, all of which we’ve personally reviewed. There’s a variety of options to check out on this list, whether it’s from stalwarts like Alienware or newer firms like Corsair. There's definitely something for everybody as far as HP Omen Desktop PC's configurations go. While the Decepticon look this gaming PC sports might only be for some, there’s definitely something for everybody as far as configurations go – whether you’re a casual gamer on a budget or a hardcore one willing to drop a lot of dough for a souped up rig. At less than $1,500 (about £1,180, AU$2,170), you’re getting more than enough power to get you through AAA games, albeit probably not on Ultra. At $2,335 (about £1,835, AU$3,235) or more, you’re getting a considerable amount of power and storage. Plus, HP Omen Desktop PC comes in a tool-less design, making it upgradeable. There isn’t any doubt that this one belongs on our best gaming PCs list. Read the full review: HP Omen Desktop PC If you're looking for the best gaming PC under $1,000, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC may just be your dream machine. If you’re looking for the best gaming PC under $1,000, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC may just be your dream machine. This teeny gaming PC isn’t just cost-effective, but space-saving as well. In fact, it resembles a set-top box more than a gaming PC. Don’t let its size fool you, however – it houses all the power that the best gaming laptops should to handle the best laptop games, with an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete AMD Radeon graphics. You’ll have to provide your own RAM, storage and your own OS, but if you have extra PC hardware lying around, there are still plenty of savings to be had. Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC With Alienware Aurora R9, the manufacturer took things to a whole new level. Alienware has a knack for concocting form factors you won’t see anywhere else, which makes its gaming laptops and desktops more appealing than their rivals. With Alienware Aurora R9, the manufacturer took things to a whole new level, design-wise. More importantly, it boasts configurations touting the most powerful internals right now. But what’s even better is that budget-minded users won’t even have to look elsewhere. This new line boasts a broad range of specifications, so that you don’t have to pay a small fortune to take it home. Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R9 This rectangular monster is definitely worthy of its moniker as it boasts lots of power. This rectangular monster is definitely worthy of its moniker as it boasts lots of power… more than enough, in fact, for most gamers’ needs. When you’ve the funds for an upper-tier configuration, you’ll get a behemoth. Unfortunately, budget minded buyers will have to be satisfied with gameplay at medium settings, since the lower end models don’t pack the same firepower. Still, because of its high upgradability and tool-less design, such buyers are only an upgrade or two from the best gaming experience on Ultra or Max settings either. Plus, we’ve honestly seen more expensive machines for those specs. Read the full review: HP Omen Obelisk review The Dell G5 boasts 9th-generation Intel chips as well as Nvidia's most powerful gaming GTX and RTX graphics cards. A unique chassis coupled with a price to beat, Dell’s latest in its G series gaming PCs is a solid contender in budget gaming. The Dell G5 boasts 9th-generation Intel chips as well as Nvidia’s most powerful gaming GTX and RTX graphics cards, starting with an i3 processor and the GTX 1650 to handle many powerful games without burning a whole in your pocket. Of course, if you’ve got more case to spare, it’s VR ready configurations are also on hand, though even those are absolutely affordable.
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| Where to buy a keyboard: all the retailers that still have stock Posted: 30 Mar 2020 08:39 AM PDT If you're wondering where to buy a keyboard these days, you're in the right place. We're pulling all the latest online retailers with keyboards in stock together right here, ordering each one by price so you can find the best deal out there straight away. With plenty of people working from home these days, it can now be difficult to get your hands on the equipment you need to get your work done from the living room. With keyboard stock flying off the shelves and prices rising with increasing demand, it's easy to get bogged down in pages of out of stock items. We're cutting through all that with the very latest keyboards still in stock wherever you are. We've ordered these by price, as well, so you can steer clear of the inflated costs when wondering where to buy a keyboard. Where to buy a keyboard: all the latest stockWhere to buy a keyboard in the USWhere to buy a keyboard in the UKLooking for more ways to set up your home office? We're also tracking stock on webcams, showing you where to buy a monitor, as well as checking out all the best laptop deals going right now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Want to learn directing from Martin Scorsese? Get online class passes 2 for 1 Posted: 30 Mar 2020 08:38 AM PDT Using online classes or courses to learn can be one of the best things to do when you're trapped indoors, and MasterClass is perhaps one of the most-well known and best places to learn online. MasterClass is a repository of video classes taught by a range of well-known experts, from people who are top in the field and having been working for a long time. You may as well learn to write bestsellers from someone who literally has, after all! So to help you get your head around MasterClass before you sink money into it (yes, unlike some other online classes it isn't free), we've come up with this guide to help you understand the website. How much does MasterClass cost?MasterClass can cost quite a bit if you keep the membership, as it's $15 / £15 (roughly AU$30) per month or $180 / £180 (roughly AU$320) for an annual membership. However if you only want access to a single class, that'll cost you $90 / £85 (roughly AU$170). That's around half the price of the annual pass, so if you see yourself using multiple courses per year the annual pass is best. At time of writing there's an offer on, so if you buy an annual membership someone else gets one for free (although hopefully they'll give you half the price you paid to even it out!). You can find this offer on the MasterClass website here. This offer is perfect for people trapped indoors and looking for something to do, and it basically works out to half off if you split the bill. How to MasterClass courses work?Each course offered is broken down into bite-sized classes – which means all of them are short, but there are plenty of them. Annie Leibovitz's 'Photography' class, for example, consists of 15 12-minute lessons, while Neil Degrasse Tyson's 'Scientific Thinking and Communication' class has 13 12-minute classes. These lessons include workbooks as well. You can watch MasterClass lessons on your computer as well as your Android or iOS phone or tablet – and even Amazon Fire TV streaming devices and Apple TV. Some MasterClass courses might actually be better on TV, so if you don't have an Amazon or Apple-enabled device check out some you could use here: What MasterClass courses are offered, and who teaches them?There are plenty of different courses in MasterClass in a range of topics, and we'll group them as such below. It's worth pointing out that there are sometimes classes on the same topic, but different people teach them, likely offering different insights. Prospective cooks or bakers will find general classes like 'Cooking' to more specific skills like 'Texas-Style BBQ' and 'French Pastry Fundamentals', from the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck. Aspiring films stars are spoiled for choice: Werner Hertzog, Jodie Foster and Martin Scorsese teach 'Filmmaking', Helen Mirren, Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson teach 'Acting', David Lynch teaches 'Creativity and Film' and there are even more to choose from. Plenty of writers have classes here in different skills, with Margaret Atwood, Aaron Sorkin, Neil Gaiman, David Mamet, David Sedaris and Joyce Carol Oats all teaching courses in their speciality. Musicians are also here too, with Herbie Hancock teaching 'Jazz,' Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman teaching film scoring courses, Tom Morello teaching guitar, deadmau5 teaching 'Electronic Music Production' and Usher teaching 'The Art of Performance'. Also, Judd Apatow and Steve Martin teach 'Comedy'. There are several other categories with big-name stars teaching classes: Serena Williams hosts the 'Tennis' course, Bob Iger teaches 'Business Strategy and Leadership' Bob Woodward helms 'Investigate Journalism', Annie Leibovitz teaches 'Photography' and Chris Hadfield is in charge of 'Space Exploration'. You can see a full list of all the classes here. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| GoPro launches daily competition for your self-isolation videos – here's how to enter Posted: 30 Mar 2020 08:27 AM PDT GoPro has announced a new daily competition for creative, home-based videos that could see you win a Hero 8 Black or Max. The HomePro Challenge is open to videos shot on any camera, including your smartphone, and will run every day from now until April 30. Each day GoPro will pick five of its favorite entries from around the world and give the winners their choice of a Hero 8 Black or Max, plus five years of GoPro Plus for free. GoPro Plus is a subscription service that gives you cloud storage and replacements for broken action cameras. So how do you enter? It's pretty straightforward. GoPro naturally recommends that you download and use its app for Android and iOS, but this isn't essential. The main thing you need to do when uploading your video to Instagram, YouTube, Facebook or TikTok is use the hashtags #GoPro and #HomePro, so GoPro can find your creation. Still, the GoPro app is a good place to start, particularly if you're planning to use your phone or a connected GoPro, as there are some quick, beginner-friendly editing options. GoPro has also said videos created using desktop software, like its own Quik app, are fine too – the main thing you need to do is include those hashtags when publishing them. Decisions, decisionsSo what kind of entries are GoPro looking for? It gives a few hints in its post about the competition, saying "be it science (filming an egg poaching or the Coke and Mentos explosion), music (let’s see some skills) or whatever it is that you think is awesome... juggle madness, anyone? We want to see it!" Judging by some of GoPro's favorite videos from the its community, any entries that contain clever jump cuts (see above) or Rube Goldberg machines also stand a good chance of success. If you do end up being one of the lucky daily winners, which GoPro should you choose? Both the Hero 8 Black and Max are great action cameras for different reasons. The former is a more traditional model, while the latter is GoPro's 360-degree rival to the likes of the Insta360 Evo. While the GoPro Max is worth more than the Hero 8 Black, we'd actually recommend going for the latter if you mainly want to shoot traditional ('flat') video. The Max is great fun and streamlines the 360-degree video editing process, but its 2D footage isn't quite up to the Hero 8 Black's quality because of its fisheye lens.
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| Cheap laptop deal at Dell: get the Inspiron 15 5000 laptop on sale for $419.99 Posted: 30 Mar 2020 08:20 AM PDT If you, like many others, have suddenly found yourself working from home and need a cheap laptop deal to get the job done, then you're in luck. Dell's laptop sale is happening now and includes discounts on best-selling models with prices starting at just $320.
Shop more of Dell's best laptop deals below that all qualify for free standard shipping. These offers are limited-time promotions, so you should take advantage now before it's too late. Dell laptop deals:See more laptop sales with the best cheap laptop deals: prices start at just $129 today. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Google Pixel Buds: what we know so far about the AirPods-rivaling true wireless earbuds Posted: 30 Mar 2020 08:18 AM PDT The new Google Pixel Buds – the brand's first true wireless earbuds – are expected to launch in the first half of this year, creating a new rival for the likes of the Apple AirPods. Google is a huge name in the world of smartphones and smart speakers, but the tech giant hasn’t exactly made waves in the realm of personal audio. However, that might all be about to change, with the release of the new Google Pixel Buds. Announced back in October at the Made by Google event that brought us the Google Nest Mini, the new Pixel Buds come with Google Assistant built-in, for hands-free access to the company’s super-smart voice assistant. Not to be confused with the original Pixel Buds, which featured a neckbud design, these sleek-looking buds completely cut the cord, just like the AirPods, the Sony WF-1000XM3, and the Powerbeats Pro. Cut to the chase
That means the Google Pixel Buds could be an exciting new competitor to these established true wireless earbud models – if they live up to Google’s promises that they'll boast an incredibly far-reaching Bluetooth connection and excellent sound quality. We can’t wait to get our hands on the new Pixel Buds to find out, but until then, here’s everything we know so far about Google’s first true wireless earbuds – and a few things we’re hoping we'll get to see. True wireless earbuds you can buy nowDon't want to wait for the Google Pixel Buds? Check out some of our top true wireless earbud picks below, all of which are available to purchase right away. Google Pixel Buds release dateWe still don’t have a firm Google Pixel Buds release date, but we know they’ll launch in the first half of 2020 – so expect to see them anytime from now until June. We think a release date is coming sooner rather than later, as the earbuds were recently awarded an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification – this is usually an indication that a release date is imminent. The new Google Pixel Buds also buds received certification for wireless charging from the Wireless Power Consortium on March 4. In the past, Google products haven’t appeared in the Wireless Power Consortium listings until after release, so this could be a good indication that a release is imminent – that is, if its not pushed back as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which forced Google to cancel the in-person portion of the Google IO event, due to be held in May. Still, there’s no reason why the buds couldn’t be launched over video stream, and we’re still expecting all the other rumored launches to go ahead, including Android 11 and the Google Pixel 4a. For Google’s sake, we hope they make an appearance before the rumored Apple AirPods Pro Lite, otherwise the Pixel Buds are likely to be outshone by Apple’s popular true wireless earbuds. Google Pixel Buds priceWe know from the Made by Google event that the Google Pixel Buds will cost $179 when they’re released; while we’re still waiting for official global pricing, that works out at about £140 / AU$270. That means that (in the US at least), the Pixel Buds will be more expensive than the Apple AirPods with the standard charging case. However, they’ll still be $20 cheaper than the AirPods with Apple’s Wireless Charging Case, a feature that is rumored to come with the Pixel Buds as standard. Google Pixel Buds designThe Google Pixel Buds look very dainty from the images we’ve seen already, with smooth, flat housings that sit flush against your ear. According to Google, the design was based on scans of “thousands of ears”, and should deliver a “customizable, secure fit”. A small earfin – which Google calls a ‘stabilizer arc’ – should keep the buds snugly in your ears, while what look to be silicone eartips will hopefully come in a range of sizes to suit all ears. Google says they Pixel Buds are sweat and water-resistant too, so they should be fine for use during workouts – though the brand hasn’t confirmed whether the earbuds come with an IPX rating. They also come with a spatial vent that should allow a little outside noise to pass though the buds; this isn’t ideal if you were hoping for noise cancelation, but it should allow you to be aware of your surroundings and prevent the suction-like seal that is associated with in-ear headphones. The outer housings of the Pixel Buds are touch sensitive, allowing you to tap to play and pause your music, and swipe to change the volume. To summon Google Assistant, you’ll have to rely on your voice. It looks like the Google Pixel Buds will be available in four colors: orange, white, mint-green, and black, echoing some of the colors we’ve seen on the Google Nest Mini. Google Pixel Buds battery life and connectivityThe battery life of the Google Pixel Buds is the same as the Apple AirPods: five hours with the buds alone, and "up to 24 hours" with the wireless charging case. That's not the best battery life we've seen for true wireless earbuds, but it should be enough to get you through your commute with juice to spare. We’d love to see the ability for reverse wireless charging, as seen in the Samsung Galaxy Buds and the Samsung Galaxy S10 – you can simply place your earbuds on top of your smartphone and charge them up using your phone’s internal battery. This is a feature that would have to come as part of a new Pixel phone, though, and we don’t think it’s likely that the upcoming Pixel 4a will support reverse wireless charging, as a cheaper version of the Pixel 4. It’s possible that it could come with the yet-to-be-announced Pixel 5, but we’ll have to wait a while to find out. According to Google's senior vice president of Devices & Services, Rick Osterloh, the upgraded earbuds come with an incredibly long-range Bluetooth connection, making it possible, for example, to leave your phone in your locker at the gym and still be able to listen to your music wirelessly. Google says the buds' connectivity is so far-reaching that you could leave a distance the length of an American football field between your device and the new Pixel Buds – for non-football fans, that's 100 yards (around 90 meters). That suggests that the Pixel Buds will support the latest Bluetooth 5.0 wireless streaming standard. Google Pixel Buds audioIt’s the most important aspect of any headphones, but it’s the area we know the least about when it comes to the Google Pixel Buds. Without having tested them ourselves, we can’t say how good they’ll sound, but we do know a little bit about the tech held within the buds. According to Google, they’ll come with custom-designed 12mm dynamic drivers, which should provide a punchy, powerful sound; dynamic drivers displace lots of air to create vibrations (and therefore soundwaves), and are usually compact and lightweight. Phone calls should sound clear thanks to the inclusion of an accelerometer that detects when you’re talking, alongside mics directed towards your mouth that Google says will ensure “background noise stays in the background”. Hopefully these mics are better than the ones built into the original Pixel Buds, which we found weren’t always adept at picking up our voice. Google Pixel Buds extra featuresThe Google Pixel buds come with the Google Assistant built-in, just like Google Home / Nest smart speakers. That means you can summon the voice assistant hands-free, by simply saying “Hey Google”, or “OK Google”. You can then ask the assistant questions, for news and weather updates, or to carry out tasks, like calling a contact on your phone, and controlling your smart home devices. Google also says that the Pixel Buds will be able to handle real-time language translations, a feature we saw in the original Pixel Buds that requires the Google Translate app to be installed on your phone. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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