Apple : Bill Gates leaves Microsoft board of directors, signaling the end of an era

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• Bill Gates leaves Microsoft board of directors, signaling the end of an era
• Flawed WordPress popup plugin allows attackers to inject malicious code
• Apple probably doesn’t know how to fix your broken Mac Pro
• Noise Cancelling ep 2: E3 cancelled, new iPads and what's up with Sony headphones?
• Best business monitors of 2020: top displays for work from home
• Resumption of work at Foxconn's Chinese factories beats expectations
• The XPS 13 laptop gets $200 price cut at Dell's Semi-Annual sale
• Apple HomePod sales continue with free Apple Music subscription included
• Arlo Pro deals offer major price cuts on cheap smart home security cameras
• OnePlus 8 Pro may have just leaked because Robert Downey Jr was holding it
• Sennheiser Momentum true wireless earbuds crashing in price across US and UK
• WWDC 2020: what to expect from Apple’s big show
• Apple WWDC 2020 is now online-only: here's what you need to know
• Samsung will sanitize your phone for free using UV light in certain stores
• How coronavirus has hit the world of sport so far, from Premier League football to the NBA
• iPhone 12 release date, leaks, rumors and what we're expecting
• Nintendo Switch deals continue into the weekend with fantastic savings on bundles, controllers, and games
• Apple AirPod alternatives: these are the best true wireless earbuds around
• Call of Duty: Warzone battle royale news, updates, modes, and cross-platform play

Bill Gates leaves Microsoft board of directors, signaling the end of an era Posted: 13 Mar 2020 02:47 PM PDT Bill Gates announced on Friday that he’ll depart Microsoft’s board of directors some 12 years after he stepped back from his role as acting CEO to join the board.  The move isn’t exactly sudden - Gates has been dedicating more and more of his time to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - but it marks the end of his official tenure at the world-famous software giant.  Gates’ departure comes at a time that Microsoft is gearing up for its next generation of home video game consoles, dubbed the Xbox Series X, as well as the upcoming launch of the Microsoft Surface Neo, the company’s first dual-screen PC with Windows 10X. The tech icon has sat on Microsoft’s board since 2008, when he stepped down as the company’s CEO, and still owns 1.36% of Microsoft’s shares according to CNBC.  Microsoft has not yet named a replacement for Gates’ position, but current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has released the following statement:  “It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratizing force of software and a passion to solve society’s most pressing challenges. And Microsoft and the world are better for it. The board has benefited from Bill’s leadership and vision. And Microsoft will continue to benefit from Bill’s ongoing technical passion and advice to drive our products and services forward. “I am grateful for Bill’s friendship and look forward to continuing to work alongside him to realize our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” Developing... This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Flawed WordPress popup plugin allows attackers to inject malicious code Posted: 13 Mar 2020 01:55 PM PDT Vulnerabilities have been discovered in a popular WordPress plugin called Popup Builder which could allow unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into popups in order to steal information and even potentially take full control over targeted sites. The plugin gives site owners the ability to create, deploy and manage customizable popups using a range of different content from HTML and JavaScript code to images and videos. Sygnoos, the developer of Popup Builder, says that businesses can utilize it to increase their sales and revenue through its smart popups that can be used to display ads, subscription requests, discounts and other promotional content. The security flaws in the plugin, which affect all versions of Popup Builder up to version 3.63, were first discovered by Ram Gall who works as a QA engineer at Defiant. Gall provided further details on how an attacker would use the vulnerabilities he found in the plugin in a blog post, saying: More popular WordPress plugins are being attacked WordPress is the world's most popular CMS Critical bug in WordPress plugin could allow hackers to wipe entire sites “Typically, attackers use a vulnerability like this to redirect site visitors to malvertising sites or steal sensitive information from their browsers, though it could also be used for site takeover if an administrator visited or previewed a page containing the infected popup while logged in.” Popup Builder vulnerabilities One of the vulnerabilities Gall discovered in the Popup Builder plugin allows an unauthenticated attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into any published popup and the code would then be executed whenever it is loaded. The other vulnerability makes it possible for any user that is logged in (with permissions as low as a subscriber) to gain access to plugin features to export subscriber lists and system configuration info using a simple POST request to admin-post.php. The security flaws, tracked as CVE-2020-10196 and CVE-2020-10195, have both been fixed by Sygnoos with the release of Popup Builder version 3.65.1, after Gall disclosed the bugs to the company. However, only 33,000 users of the plugin's 100,000+ users have updated to the latest version which means that over 66,000 sites with previous versions of Popup Builder are still vulnerable and could be targeted by hackers. We've also highlighted the best website builders Via BleepingComputer This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple probably doesn’t know how to fix your broken Mac Pro Posted: 13 Mar 2020 01:47 PM PDT That’s according to a report at Apple Insider, which reveals that many of Apple’s employees are still not trained to deal with Mac Pro problems more than three months after its initial release. One employee it came into contact didn’t even know how to power it -  attempting to power the machine by shoving a USB-C charger into one of its Thunderbolt ports. This lack of knowledge became evident after Apple Insider contacted the company about an issue affecting its Mac Pro.  The first agent they spoke to was unqualified to deal with Mac Pro issues and transferred them to a “special team”, presumably set up to deal specifically with Mac Pro problems, though they were also unable to assist. After some back-and-forth between a number of clueless support reps, they were eventually advised to lug the 18kg machine to an Apple Store, but things continued to derail. “An employee rushes out the door to carry it in for us as we entertain looks from all the employees, none of which had seen a 2019 Mac Pro lugged in by a customer before,” the report says, adding that the first Genius Bar employee they met tried to use a standard power cable to boot up the machine as the store didn’t have Mac Pro power cables in stock.  This then led to the aforementioned anecdote of the employee plugging a USB-C cable into one of the tower’s Thunderbolt ports. After multiple technicians failed to identify the issue, they escalated it to the next level of support, and since then “the machine has been checked in to the Apple Store as they work to resolve our issues, with no resolution as of yet beyond an iffy suggestion that doesn't make any sense.” This is unlikely the only case of somebody struggling to get their Mac Pro repaired.  Apple Insider found that the largest Apple retail stores have just one or two employees who have completed Mac Pro training, and in some smaller stores this number is zero.  It’s good news if you’re an enterprise customer, though. The report notes that support for business users of the Mac Pro is “excellent”, with staff clued-up on the machine and readily available to help. That’s hardly surprising, though, when you think that one machine will set you back some $5,999 -- and that’ll only get you the lowest-spec model.  Our rankings of the best Macs on the market now This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Noise Cancelling ep 2: E3 cancelled, new iPads and what's up with Sony headphones? Posted: 13 Mar 2020 01:31 PM PDT Last week, we did something a little bit exciting. We only went and launched a podcast, and this week we've gone and done it again. If you somehow missed it last week, well, here's a recap: Noise Cancelling is your weekly listen into the world of tech, giving you the info you need to pretend you know what you're talking about with friends and giving an entertaining (well, we think so)  alternative look at all the news, reviews and features that we write about here each week. This podcast, as you've probably already gathered, isn't just from TechRadar - and this week, due to gallivanting Britishness, not actually at all. Thankfully, my co-presenter Sherri L. Smith (Editor in Chief of Laptop Mag) is joined by Rami Tabari, staff writer for the same title. Week two: wispy feelings What did they get up to while the UK wasn't listening? Well, all manner of things were discussed: the never-ending saga of the Samsung Galaxy S20 review, Sherri revealed her love for Ori and the Will of the Wisps while Rami reviewed the HTC Vive Cosmos, and the pair both shared their feelings on Apple’s new headphones and Windows 10…  And make sure you stick around for the Unpopular Opinions section at the end, where you'll find out exactly what is up with Sony's headphones... surely, they should be getting even more credit than they do? All this and more on the all-new Noise Cancelling podcast - subscribe on Spotify, grab it on Apple podcasts or find us wherever you get your pods. If you're a superfan of the site, then elevate yourself to the status of hyperfan instantly by doing your background reading before the episode has even started: Apple’s spring event has been pushed back  E3 is cancelled - will it ever return?   Apple’s new headphones - what do we think?  Call of Duty Warzone is a big ol’ thing Why doesn’t Sony get more credit for its headphones?  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best business monitors of 2020: top displays for work from home Posted: 13 Mar 2020 11:59 AM PDT The best business monitors are one of the most important purchases you can make. Anyone who spends their day working at their PC, staring at a monitor for hours on end, would know that having a display of the highest quality is extremely important as it needs to be comfortable and safe to use. And, the best business monitors satisfy this need. Offering bright, clear and accurate colors is one requirement for the best business monitors. If you work in the creative industry where color and image accuracy is paramount, such as photography or video editing, then you'll certainly need a monitor that supports a variety of industry standards. But, of course, the best business monitors are also capable of high resolutions for more workspace and better productivity. To further boost your productivity, some of the best business monitors also offer an ultra-wide 21:9 (or even higher) aspect ratio, which gives you even more space to work on. We went ahead and listed some of the best business monitors we could find, and each of them comes with their own specific strengths. Go through our list, and see which one’s best for your needs and budget. Here's our list of the best monitors of 2020 Best business monitors at a glance Dell UltraSharp UP3218K Asus Designo Curve MX38VC BenQ PD3200U Philips Brilliance 499P9H Asus MB169B Plus BenQ GW2270H Acer V276HL LG 25UM58-P AOC U2879VF MSI Prestige PS341WU  The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is the best business monitor we've ever tried, however it won't be for everyone. The huge 32-inch screen and 8K resolution makes it perfect for photographers and video editors, and the amount of screen real estate that high resolution offers makes it an excellent productivity tool. The screen is professionally calibrated so it looks amazing out of the box, but be warned: this is a very expensive monitor. Depending on your business, this will either be a brilliant buy, or an expensive folly. Ultrawide monitors have been around for a while: they’ve constantly made it on folks’ the best monitors list for a few years now, in fact. These wide monitors are lifesavers when it comes to productivity, and they’re only increasing in popularity. The Asus Designo Curve MX38VC, however, takes it to the next level. Not only does this monitor have a massive 3,840 x 1,600 resolution, but with USB-C compatibility and a Qi wireless charger built into the base, it’s going to be a workplace companion you won’t want to live without. It’s a tad pricey, and doesn’t feature HDR, but that’s a worthy sacrifice, especially for professionals. If you're a design professional looking for a monitor that provides you accurate colors, a range of features, professional calibration and a decent price, then the BenQ PD3200U is definitely worth considering. At 32-inches this is a large screen, but it means the UHD resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 doesn't make things too difficult to see or use. It has a no-nonsense design, plenty of features, such as a dark room mode and a mode that makes using CAD programmes easier to view, and the price is also very tempting. If you have a desk big enough to hold it, the BenQ PD3200U could be the best business monitor for you. If you're looking for an excellent productivity monitor that offers you huge amounts of space to work on, without having to resort to multiple monitors, then you'll want an ultra-wide monitor. The Philips Brilliance 499P9H takes ultra-wide to an extreme, offering a huge 32:9 aspect ratio over 49-inches of screen. It gives you a huge desktop to work on, which makes it an excellent choice for people who work with multiple apps open at once. It's a huge monitor that won't fit on everyone's desk, but it can actually save you space, as it means you don't have to have multiple monitors all hooked up to your PC at once. When you think about a monitor, you don't just consider the screen, but also the cables and stand. In terms of the latter, the MB169B Plus is different – it is a portable USB-powered monitor which means that you can power it using a single USB 3.0 cable. It stands out thanks to a smart case that is an adjustable stand and a protective sleeve at the same time. With a full HD resolution and a 15.6-inch screen size, it will prove to be an invaluable accessory for those looking for extra real estate to work when away from their desks, or a presentation monitor for a small team. Bear in mind that you should be able to add a few to your PC should you wish. BenQ offers the most affordable full HD monitor with an HDMI connector and it doesn't look that bad. The company embraced the Bauhaus "less is more" philosophy to deliver "a celebration of minimalist" lifestyle. Those are their words, not ours. It has some standout features though; one that reduces flicker (PWM technology) and a low blue light mode which may help with headaches and sleeping disorders. The stand design gives it a more expensive feel and its three ports (including two HDMI ones) are worthy of a mention, as is the two-year warranty and the VESA wall mounting option. To tackle spreadsheets without having to squint, a large screen is recommended and this Acer monitor will give you acres of space (nearly twice that of the ViewSonic monitor) for not a lot of money. It has a low response time, a VESA bracket, three ports including a DVI one and a three-year warranty. As expected it comes with a number of Acer features like the glare-reducing ComfyView and the Adaptive Contrast Management which modifies contrast in real-time. The stand and the bezel could do with some improvement but overall, it is a keenly priced monitor that will provide businesses with plenty of display area without an enormous outlay. Widescreen monitors have become mainstream, thanks to a gradual decrease in their prices, allowing businesses to fully embrace the concept of having a monitor that is far wider than it is high. The common perception is that gamers are the only ones to benefit from this. In truth even creative professionals and spreadsheet crunchers will appreciate the form factor. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, this affordable LG monitor can display 2560 x 1080 pixels on its 25-inch display. It offers splendid colour reproduction – thanks to the AH-IPS panel – and some cool features like Picture-in-Picture. Uniquely at this price, it offers two HDMI 2.0 ports but no other legacy ports. This 4K monitor from AOC can display more than 8 million pixels at 60Hz, and is proof that ultra-high resolution displays are coming down in price while gaining some very useful features. This one for example comes with AMD's Freesync technology which reduces tearing. It also has a 1ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate and can even do Picture-in-Picture thanks to its four ports (including a DisplayPort and an HDMI 2.0 one). Sadly, it doesn't come with any VESA mount but at least its design and factory certified calibration make up for this. The MSI Prestige PS341WU is a cut above the 4K norm. If you’re looking for a monitor that’s a cut above the 4K norm, then you’ve got the MSI Prestige PS341WU. Showing up any impeccable 4K monitor is by no means an easy feat, but this monitor does so with the huge 5K2K native resolution (and 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio) of its luscious 34-inch IPS screen. It doesn’t come cheap, but it does have a great feature set to make up for that, including a Nano IPS panel with DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR support and comprehensive connectivity. All that packed in a beautiful white aesthetic, and you’ve got yourself one of the best business monitors of 2020. Read the full review: MSI Prestige PS341WU  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Resumption of work at Foxconn's Chinese factories beats expectations Posted: 13 Mar 2020 11:30 AM PDT Foxconn's founder Terry Gou has said that resumption of production at its Chinese factories has “exceeded expectations” after they were shut due to the coronavirus outbreak. The world's largest contract electronics maker produces most of its goods in China as that is where many of its suppliers are located as well. Foxconn, which is based in Taiwan, assembles Apple's iPhones as well as the devices of many popular electronics brands. Back in February, the company suffered its biggest monthly drop in revenue in seven years as the coronavirus outbreak brought its business to a halt. Entire mobile industry could be disrupted by coronavirus Hackers are spreading malware through coronavirus maps World’s most powerful supercomputer used for coronavirus research However, now Gou has told reporters in Taiwan that the resumption of work at Foxconn's factories in China has “exceeded our expectations and imaginations”. He also said that supplies to the company's factories in China and Vietnam had both returned to normal. Weak consumer demand Although Foxconn's factories have resumed production, Gou warned that weak consumer demand as a result of the coronavirus could be a problem going forward, especially in the US, saying: “In the United States, what we are worried about is the market. If production was resumed quickly but consumers stop spending...that would be key to the economic recovery.” Gou is also concerned over the electronics supply chain in Japan and South Korea, which are both also dealing with the outbreak. He cited rising prices for DRAM memory and supply issues with display panels as potential problems. Foxconn recently warned that revenue would see a 15 percent drop in the first quarter though it would recover afterwards as production returns to normal across China. Also check out the best mobile phone deals Via Reuters This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The XPS 13 laptop gets $200 price cut at Dell's Semi-Annual sale Posted: 13 Mar 2020 11:25 AM PDT Dell's semi-annual sale is a fantastic opportunity to score incredible deals on best-selling laptops, monitors, desktops, and more. Our favorite laptop bargain is the XPS 13 that's on sale for $1,037.49 when you apply the coupon code EXTRA17 at checkout. That's a $212 discount and a fantastic price for the powerful laptop. The Dell XPS 13 laptop features a 13.3-inch FHD infinity edge display and packs 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and a 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10710U processor. The powerful laptop received an upgraded battery life of up to 19 hours, and the new 2.25mm webcam is now placed above the display. Perfect for students and travel, the lightweight XPS 13 is Dell's smallest 13-inch laptop and weighs just 2.7 pounds. As we mentioned above, to receive the 17% discount, you must apply the coupon code EXTRA17 at checkout. We don't know how long Dell will have the XPS 13 on sale, so you should take advantage now before it's too late. Shop the rest of Dell's Semi Annual Sale here See more laptop sales with the best cheap laptop deals: prices start at just $129 today. You can also see more of the best cheap Dell laptop deals and prices. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple HomePod sales continue with free Apple Music subscription included Posted: 13 Mar 2020 11:20 AM PDT Apple HomePod deals are certainly rare, but that's not stopping these savings from spilling into the weekend. You can pick up an Apple HomePod smart speaker for just $199 in the US and £199 in the UK right now, with US shoppers also taking advantage of free Apple Music for 4 months (new subscribers only) with their purchase.   You'll find fantastic audio quality in here, with sound to rival Bose's smart speaker offerings (currently down to $299 / £299) and a 3D spatial audio system that maps the room for wall to wall sound. With all that belting out around you, there's also a six-microphone array to ensure Siri can always catch your next query.  If you're looking for a cheap smart speaker for simple Alexa requests, you'll be better off with an Echo Dot. That's to say, this isn't for those looking to integrate their digital assistant into their home life via voice activation. Instead, this is a smart speaker with some hefty power. In fact, the Apple HomePod works damn hard to justify its usual $300 price tag, making that $100 saving even better.  However, you'll have to remember that this is an Apple product, which means you'll only be able to hook up the rest of your smart home if it's Apple HomeKit compatible. If you're just starting out, or you're already working with Apple-enabled devices, this Apple HomePod deal is a rare opportunity to grab a high-performance smart speaker at a fantastic price.  If you're already in too deep with other ecosystems, you can also check out those Bose Home Speaker deals we mentioned earlier further down the page.  Today's best Apple HomePod deals Shop all smart speaker deals at Best Buy Shop all smart speaker deals at John Lewis Shop all smart speaker deals at Currys More smart speaker deals  If you want a cheap smart speaker, there's no better place to look than these excellent Amazon Echo deals or Google Home prices. You can also find all the latest Apple HomePod sales right here on TechRadar, and if you're going for audio alone, you'll find the best Bose speaker deals as well.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Arlo Pro deals offer major price cuts on cheap smart home security cameras Posted: 13 Mar 2020 11:08 AM PDT These Arlo Pro deals make securing your home with a cheap home security camera easier, and more cost-effective, than ever. With the latest offers from Walmart in the US, and Amazon and John Lewis in the UK, offering fantastic savings on Arlo Pro bundle packs, you can save up to $190 / £147 this weekend.  All of the models you'll find on offer this weekend allow for remote recording with a wide field of view. Plus, with these being wireless home security cameras, the Arlo Pro is incredibly easy to set up and maintain.  You'll benefit from clear night vision settings, even clearer if you opt for the 2K Arlo Pro 3 model, as well as motion detection with notifications heading straight to your smartphone, configurable activity zones to avoid repeated triggers for unnecessary movement, and Google Assistant, Alexa, IFTTT and Stringify compatibility.  If you're looking to cover a medium-sized area outside or inside, you'll find two-camera Arlo Pro 2 home security systems for just $259 / £365 right now. However, if you're looking to cover more ground, there's also three-camera options in the US available for as little as $344. Smaller UK homes can also benefit from this fantastic £192 Arlo Pro deal on a single camera setup.  If you're after the most recent model, you'll find this Arlo Pro 3 two-camera bundle coming in at just $399 - $100 off!  These cheap home security cameras come packed with a range of extra features to keep you safe as well - from two-way audio through to a 100+ decibel security siren that can be activated remotely or through sound or motion. Plus, you'll find big savings with these Arlo Pro deals, bringing the cost of cheap home security cameras down even further this week.  Today's best cheap home security camera deals in the US Shop all Arlo Pro deals at Walmart  Shop all cheap home security cameras at Walmart Today's best Arlo Pro deals in the UK Shop all Arlo Pro deals at Amazon  Shop all cheap home security cameras at Amazon You'll find a range of cheap action camera deals available this week, but we're also tracking the latest dash cam sales to keep you safe wherever you are. You can also check out all the latest smart home deals right here on TechRadar.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

OnePlus 8 Pro may have just leaked because Robert Downey Jr was holding it Posted: 13 Mar 2020 10:50 AM PDT The OnePlus 8 Pro has seen several leaks in the lead up to its likely launch in mid-April, but this one takes the cake: a photo popped up allegedly revealing the phone in the hands of actor Robert Downey, Jr. Downey, Jr, of course, portrayed Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Avengers films - but he’s also done promotional work for OnePlus before. Shortly after the release of Avengers: Endgame, the actor appeared on Weibo last May showing off a OnePlus 7 Pro, per The Verge. Assuming this latest leaked photo is real, it shows what we’re guessing to be a OnePlus 8 Pro given the potential depth sensors located left of the rear camera strip, which supports previous leaks and rumors. Here's the photo: The OnePlus 8 Pro is shaping up to rank on our best phones list A review on the previous phone: the OnePlus 7T Pro The OnePlus 8 Pro is rumored to be a 5G phone, too Or it could...not be real The photo comes courtesy of the instagram account robertdowney.ig, a self-described RDJ fanpage. The closer you look at the image, the less cohesive it looks - suggesting it might be photoshopped. First comes the phone: yes, it looks a lot like the OnePlus 8 Pro leaks we’ve seen before, insofar as it has the left-of-center potential depth sensors - but it certainly looks awkward in his hands there, with some odd placement (who holds their phone just right to expose the back like that?) and lighting that doesn’t match the rest of the photo. In fact, the lighting is kind of all over the place, hitting Downey, Jr. differently than the other figure. That other figure, by the way, appears to be Sam Jones, noted photographer and director who had Downey, Jr. on his long-form interview show Off Camera in an episode that aired...on July 15, 2019. Even if the image is fake, OnePlus might still be behind it: the phonemaker is not above pulling stunts, like when it pitted snowball-firing robots against each other to show off 5G connectivity.  Via GSM Arena But will the OnePlus 8 Pro make the best Android phones list, too? This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Sennheiser Momentum true wireless earbuds crashing in price across US and UK Posted: 13 Mar 2020 09:43 AM PDT Sennheiser Momentum deals are offering some fantastic prices on cheap true wireless earbuds this weekend, thanks to the launch of their follow up model this week. While the second version won't be available until April, the originals are available for a reduced price right now as retailers look to shift their stock.  You can find the Sennheiser Momentum true wireless earbuds on sale for just $199 in the US, with UK prices settling at £189 at Amazon this weekend. While the new model will feature active noise cancellation, the classic Sennheiser Momentum earbuds still offer powerful sound and a gorgeous design not usually seen at this price point.  That's right, you'll usually be paying far more for true wireless earbuds of this caliber, making this an excellent opportunity to snag a premium pair of buds for far less. These Sennheiser Momentum deals are available in both the US and the UK, so audiophiles from both sides of the pond can claim their savings this weekend.  Today's best Sennheiser Momentum deals If you're looking for more choice, you'll find plenty of wireless headphone deals right here on TechRadar. If you're after more of an Apple flavor, you'll also want to check out these cheap AirPods prices, or take a look at the best AirPods Pro deals around.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

WWDC 2020: what to expect from Apple’s big show Posted: 13 Mar 2020 09:40 AM PDT WWDC 2020 (or Worldwide Developers Conference 2020 to give it its full name) is the next of Apple’s annual software-focused shows. It’s here that we’re likely to get our first official look at iOS 14, alongside various other software updates, but new hardware could make an appearance too, including potentially the iPhone 9 and a new iPad Pro. So there’s a lot to look forward to, and while there was some question over whether the show would go ahead, given the current coronavirus pandemic, Apple has now confirmed that it will - but it's going to be online. Below you’ll find all the information on when it’s likely to be held along with what Apple might show off and announce. Update: Apple has confirmed that WWDC 2020 will kick off in June but that it's going to be online-only. When is WWDC 2020 and will it go ahead? Apple hasn’t yet confirmed the exact dates of WWDC 2020, but it has said it's happening in June. That's no surprise, since WWDC always kicks off on the first or second Monday in June, meaning June 1 or 8 this year. It’s likely to run through to the Friday, but Apple’s keynote – which is where the major announcements typically happen – will probably be on the first day, so one of the two dates above. And Apple has now confirmed that WWDC 2020 is going ahead. There was some doubt, as the coronavirus has already caused numerous events – including MWC 2020 and Google IO – to be canceled, so the same could have happened to WWDC 2020. While Apple isn't cancelling it though, it is moving the event online. This seems like a smart move, and for most people - who would only be tuning in to the online live stream anyway - it should make little difference. What to expect at WWDC 2020 As WWDC is focused on software, the most likely announcements are all software related, but there’s a significant amount of hardware that could make an appearance too. The following things are all possibilities. iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 While we’re not certain that all the things below will make an appearance at WWDC 2020, iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 seem like safe bets, since Apple has a long history of announcing new mobile software at the event. That said, this isn’t when the finished versions of the software will land on phones and tablets. Rather, Apple will likely announce many of the key features and changes, and release an early developer build. This, while aimed at developers, will likely be accessible to users willing to jump through a few hoops, though a public beta will probably follow soon after anyway, with the finished software likely launching in late September alongside the iPhone 12. We haven’t heard much about what iOS 14 might feature yet, but rumors point to a redesigned app switcher and support for Apple’s long-rumored AR glasses. watchOS 7 We’re also very likely to get our first official look at watchOS 7 during WWDC 2020, though as with iOS 14 it probably won’t be finished and launched before late September, where it might land alongside the Apple Watch 6. We haven’t heard any rumors about watchOS 7 yet, but likely will do in the coming weeks and months. iPhone 9 The iPhone 9 could look a lot like the iPhone 8 The iPhone 9 has been heavily rumored and we’re confident that it’s landing soon, but the question is how soon. There’s a high chance based on rumors that it could land in late March, ahead of WWDC 2020, but elsewhere we’ve heard simply that it will land in the first half of the year, making Apple’s show a candidate. As with the show itself, it’s also possible that the coronavirus has affected development and production of the iPhone 9, so even if a March launch was once on the table, it may not be now, which again makes WWDC a real possibility. As for what to expect from the iPhone 9, this is thought to be a relatively affordable handset that alternatively might launch as the iPhone SE 2. Rumors suggest a design similar to the iPhone 8, complete with large bezels and a physical home button with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner baked in. Specs reportedly include a 4.7-inch LCD screen, an A13 Bionic chipset (as found in the iPhone 11), 3GB of RAM, a single-lens rear camera, and 32GB or 64GB of storage. New iPad Pro 2020 The iPad Pro 11 is overdue a refresh We’re overdue a new iPad Pro, with the iPad Pro 11 landing back in 2018. But the next model, as with the iPhone 9, could actually land in late March according to reports, so we’re not at all confident that it will land at WWDC 2020. But if not March then – particularly with the coronavirus throwing schedules off – WWDC seems like the next obvious candidate. The new iPad Pro 2020 is rumored to have three rear cameras, up from just one on the current models, but other than that we don’t know much about it. There’s talk of an Apple slate with a miniLED screen (which could make for a better quality display) but reports suggest that will land in late 2020, so if the next iPad Pro does arrive at or before WWDC then it might be too early for that tech. macOS 10.16 It’s not just mobile software that we’ll likely get a look at during WWDC, the next version of macOS is also likely to be unveiled. We don’t know anything about macOS 10.16 yet, but going by previous releases it – like the other software on show – will probably get revealed at WWDC 2020 but not fully launch until at least September. AirTag Apple has long been rumored to be working on a Tile rival, possibly called AirTag, which would be a small device that you can put in a wallet or a rucksack (or attach to other belongings) and then track them if they go missing. We’ve heard that this might land in the first half of the year, so WWDC is a possibility. That said, it hasn’t specifically been linked to WWDC, so we’re not at all sure that we’ll see it there. HomePod 2 Apple is likely working on a new HomePod, with some reports suggesting that it could be a more compact one, possibly launching as the HomePod Mini. But whether the HomePod Mini or HomePod 2, there’s a good chance a new model will land in 2020, and WWDC 2020 is a likely venue for the announcement, especially as the original HomePod was announced at a WWDC (though it didn’t hit stores until a long time later). Apple TV and tvOS 14 Mention of a new Apple TV 4K model was recently found in tvOS software, so a new Apple TV could be on the way, and it’s possible it will land at WWDC. Whether or not new hardware does though, there’s also a high chance that new software will, in the form of tvOS 14, especially given that tvOS 13 was shown off at WWDC 2019, followed by a launch in September. New Mac hardware We’ve mentioned that new Mac software is likely to be announced at WWDC. Well, new Mac hardware is as well. At WWDC 2019 we got the Mac Pro. At WWDC 2020 we could potentially see a new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or refreshed versions of any of Apple’s other desktop or laptop hardware. Later in the year we're expecting the iPhone 12 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple WWDC 2020 is now online-only: here's what you need to know Posted: 13 Mar 2020 09:25 AM PDT Apple's WWDC, the annual World Wide Developers' Conference that the company hosts each year to show off its new software, is not set to take place in California any more. Instead of its usual spot of San Jose, the June event will happen online only, for reasons that are implicitly related to the coronavirus pandemic that has seen authorities advise against meetings of 1,000 people or more. This news was announced in the Apple newsroom, with 'the current health situation' alluded to as the reason for the change. Check out our AirPods Pro review What we know about the iPhone 12 Read our iPhone 11 Pro Max review At the event, we are expecting Apple to unveil iOS 14, watchOS 7, macOS 10.16, an update to iPadOS and more of its latest software, and it's also possible we'll see the iPhone SE 2 and new iPad Pro 2020 there as well, if not before. The WWDC 2020 presentations will now be replaced with online livestreams, and seeing as the vast majority of WWDC viewers were doing so via Apple's livestreams anyway, this won't make a huge difference for many people. In fact, perhaps the online event will now be tailored more to the majority of viewers, who are sitting behind a computer or TV rather than in front of the Apple stage. This isn't the only tech event that's felt the ramifications of coronavirus - in fact, many tech companies have cancelled, postponed or altered launch events, with the majority of them becoming online-only. Still, the show must go on, and coronavirus won't affect software development as much as it will hardware, a lot of which is made in China. So while the iPhone 9 might be delayed (as rumors suggest), we'd still expect iOS 14 and macOS 10.16 to come out on schedule. You can still try on an Apple Watch or AirPods in stores, but you'll have to ask This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Samsung will sanitize your phone for free using UV light in certain stores Posted: 13 Mar 2020 09:23 AM PDT Samsung is offering an in-store sanitizing service to help limit the reach of the coronavirus. If you’re willing to walk to one of its Samsung Experience and Service Centers, the company will clean your phone for free and sanitize it using UV-C light.  The service is available in only a few western territories (listed below), but Samsung has graciously offered to sanitize any handset, even if it’s from a different manufacturer. Some shops will also sanitize tablets and smartwatches, too. The service is available in the following European countries (but it's noticeably not available in the UK) and in the US: Denmark Finland Croatia Norway Ukraine Poland Spain Russia Sweden United States Unlike liquid chemical cleaners - which can corrode the oleophobic coating that’s applied to screens - Samsung promises that the UV-C light won’t damage or harm your device, which should give you peace of mind. Spring cleaning Of course, the sanitizing service does come with a disclaimer. Samsung can’t guarantee that the UV-C light will kill all germs, bacteria and viruses that may be present on your phone. The results may also vary depending on the store you visit, as Samsung uses a variety of third-party hardware to clean the devices. Read our Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus review We reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active You can still try on an Apple Watch or Airpods in stores if you ask Is it worth it?  The company is looking to expand the availability of its sanitizing service, allowing more people to safely clean their devices and guard against the spread of infection.  It should be noted, however, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that "the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person”, and that people are more likely to experience a higher risk of exposure by visiting a store than they would be just using their phone. Is Samsung’s sanitizing service a publicity stunt or genuine attempt to help stop the spread of coronavirus? Whatever the case, everyone should continue to take the necessary precautions. Find out how the Samsung Galaxy Buds sound in our review Via Android Police This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

How coronavirus has hit the world of sport so far, from Premier League football to the NBA Posted: 13 Mar 2020 09:05 AM PDT The world of sports is being transformed by the rapid spread of coronavirus. Premier League games have been suspended, as well as soccer/football games across Europe. Obviously, safety has to come first – and social distancing is almost impossible when you're in a venue like a packed football stadium. Most major sporting leagues have now put their seasons on hold, or taken serious precautions on travel to stop the spread of the virus. Below, we've rounded up the major stories around how coronavirus has affected the world of sport so far, from football to F1.  Movies delayed by coronavirus The best VPNs Best Netflix shows, if you're stuck in this weekend Football games postponed by coronavirus, including the Premier League In the Premier League, all English football matches are postponed until April 3 at least. "The FA, Premier League, EFL and FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until Friday 3 April at the earliest," the FA said in a statement. "This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the Covid-19 virus." This follows Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta testing positive for coronavirus. Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi also has coronavirus, which resulted in the squad going into self-isolation.  All UEFA games scheduled for next week are postponed, including Manchester City vs Real Madrid and Juventus vs Lyon. Europa League games which would've included Wolves, Rangers and Manchester United are off. Two upcoming England friendlies at Wembley Stadium, against Italy and Denmark, will not go ahead. Scottish football has been put on hold until further notice, too. The UK government is considering banning sporting fixtures altogether, according to the BBC. Previously reported plans to play some games behind closed doors clearly weren't strong enough measures to deal with the developing situation around coronavirus.  UEFA is meeting on March 16 to discuss the possibility of delaying Euro 2020 by a year, according to the BBC. In Italy, all sporting fixtures are suspended until April 3, including Serie A. In the US, MLS is suspended for 30 days. Leagues in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands are also suspended.  NBA, NHL and MLB are all suspended due to coronavirus The NBA season has been suspended until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week.  The NHL decided to suspend its season after the NBA did, so that's on hold for now. Likewise, the MLB has suspended all games for a minimum of two weeks, affecting all impending spring training games and the regular season start on March 26. The NFL has said it won't delay the start of the league, although the kickoff game isn't happening until September. Team travel in the NFL has been suspended in many cases, however, and the HBCU Combine and Regional Combine Invitational due to take place on March 27 has been canceled. Likewise, the NFL's annual meeting in late March has been shelved.  The F1 season is called off until May, while golf and tennis has been delayed The Australian GP has been called off, along with the Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Prix. The next scheduled event in F1 is the Dutch Grand Prix on May 5.  All PGA events have been cancelled through to the Valero Texas Open, including The Players Championship.  No tennis games will take place until at least April 20, with the ATP Tour delayed by six weeks.  England's Test series of cricket in Sri Lanka, which was due to begin on March 19, has also been called off.  We'll update this page as the situation develops.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

iPhone 12 release date, leaks, rumors and what we're expecting Posted: 13 Mar 2020 09:01 AM PDT We'll say it now: the iPhone 12 needs to be a huge change to Apple's smartphone. The iPhone 11 range brought very little in terms of an upgrade. With new camera tweaks and some more power inside, they were modest updates to the popular iPhone range. So what will the next iPhone - the first of a new decade - bring? Is Apple going to give us a truly new iPhone instead of an incremental upgrade? The good news is that in the build up to the iPhone 11 launch we heard lots of rumors and leaks of a much-altered iPhone. These include the possibility of a 5G iPhone model, new cameras, a new design, a supercharged screen... if all of those rumors were referring instead to the iPhone 12, it could prove to be the big upgrade we’re hoping (and waiting) for. We've mixed together all the latest leaks and updates on the new iPhone in the article below, and added in some thoughts on what we're expecting, based on well over a decade of monitoring the growing rumor mill around the latest iPhone... Before that, though, the iPhone 9 (or, as we've also heard it could be called, the iPhone SE 2) could be announced, which is a new budget device for people who don't want to splash out too much on a new iPhone. Latest story: The main camera on the iPhone 12 might have a 64MP sensor, which is a huge step over the 12MP snapper on the iPhone 11. This sounds dubious, but that information comes from a reliable source, so it could be true. 5G iPhone: why hasn't Apple embraced next-gen internet in its 2019 devices? Cut to the chase What is it? The new iPhone from Apple When is it out? Almost certainly September What will it cost? We're expecting well over $700 / £700 for the base model iPhone 12 release date and price There aren't any official iPhone 12 release date rumors as yet, but come on - we're almost certain that we know when it'll appear. Apple launches its new phones almost metronomically, and while every year there's a rumor of it changing, it's always held to a similar time. Firstly, the new iPhone release date will definitely be September 2020 - and it's always around the second week. So we're going to guess that we'll see Apple unveil the iPhone 12 on 8 September (or possibly 15 September if it wants to hit a later on-sale date). You'll be able to pick it up 10 days after that, so you'll need a Friday off work if you're desperate to get your hands on one. There's also the outside chance that the novel coronavirus outbreak in China - where the iPhone is usually manufactured - may impact on the production of the next iPhone. One report from DigiTimes cites sources saying development will be unaffected though, and we currently believe that to be the case considering how late it's expected to launch in the year. We're likely to hear of the iPhone SE 2 or iPhone 9 before September with certain rumors suggesting a more affordable iPhone model will land around March or April 2020. The iPhone 11 Pro When it comes to the iPhone 12 price, it’s likely to stay broadly in line with the current models. For reference, the iPhone 11 starts at $699 / £729 / AU$1,199, the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999 / £1,049 / AU$1,749, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 / £1,149 / AU$1,899. Having said that, one report suggests that the cost of materials for the iPhone 12 range might go up, which could mean even higher prices at retail. iPhone 12 name First things first: we're pretty confident the 2020 Apple phones will be called the iPhone 12 series, not the 11S or similar thanks to an industry analyst (with a great track record) saying as such. That's why we're calling it the iPhone 12, even though Apple hasn't confirmed this name. Others might be calling it the iPhone 2020 or the 'new iPhone' - but we're not thinking that will be the moniker Apple plumps for. iPhone 12 design Apple could be making some big changes to the design and screen for the iPhone 12 range, including getting rid of the notch. Or at least, one of the upcoming phones might lack a notch according to analysts, with the front-facing camera potentially set to be embedded under the screen instead. If this happens we’d expect it to be the most expensive iPhone 12 model that has this feature – likely the iPhone 12 Pro Max, or whatever it launches as. The iPhone 11 Pro Max Another leak suggests Apple is developing new Face ID tech which will lead to a redesigned and potentially slimmer notch. Allegedly, the company is trying out several combinations, including ones that minimize the front-facing optics so much that they fit in the top bezel. One other report has also suggested Face ID will be dropped entirely in favor of an under screen fingerprint scanner. We might get more than just a notch removal, with Kuo also saying that he expects the metal frame to be more like the iPhone 4’s frame, suggesting it won’t be curved like on current models. He also says that overall the design is likely to be “significantly” different to current iPhone models. Then again, a more recent leak suggests that the designs will actually be staying much the same, other than some differences in the camera layout and the dimensions. Based on this leak, the 5.4-inch iPhone could be around 131mm tall, the 6.1-inch could be around 147mm, and the 6.7-inch model could be slightly taller than the 158mm iPhone 11 Pro Max. However, it's also said to be thinner, apparently coming in at 7.4mm thick, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max is 8.1mm thick. In any case, the leak above from Kuo affirmed several much-rumored trends, like the iPhone 12 Pro versions adding a time-of-flight sensor, the budget flagship adding a telephoto lens, and series-wide support for 5G as well as finally switching to USB-C.  It might not just be the camera that’s built into the screen either, as Apple is also rumored to be equipping its next phones with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. This would be a big change for the brand, since current models don’t have a fingerprint scanner at all. That said, if the camera really is in-screen then it might not be possible to have all the Face ID sensors, so it could be that this fingerprint scanner will replace Face ID, though we're not convinced Apple would go that far. As for colors, we've heard a rumor that the iPhone 12 will drop the forest green of its predecessor for a navy blue - a svelte hue more in line with dress colors, for sure. But like the divide between the 'fun' pastel colors in the standard iPhone 11 and the classier hues in the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, we might not see the blue come to the lower-priced model. A new display for the iPhone 12? One or more 2020 iPhone models might also have a 120Hz refresh rate, up from 60Hz on current models. This – which has been rumored by a reputable leaker - could make interactions feel smoother. This is a claim we've now heard more than once, and some phones already have higher refresh rates than 60Hz, as do some iPads, so this isn’t unbelievable. The screen sizes could be changing too, with respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo saying that the iPhone 12 Pro Max could have a 6.7-inch screen (up from 6.5 inches on the iPhone 11 Pro Max), and the iPhone 12 Pro could have a 5.45-inch screen (down from 5.8 inches on the iPhone 11 Pro). He adds that the standard iPhone 12 will apparently stay at 6.1 inches, but will get upgraded from LCD to OLED. That’s a claim we’ve heard more than once, and would mean all three 2020 iPhones would have an OLED screen. Another source has broadly agreed, but said to expect a 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone 12 Pro. They also said that the two Pro models will use a form of OLED that's both thinner and cheaper to produce than the screens used in the iPhone 11 Pro range. That could mean lower prices, but we wouldn't count on it. The side of the iPhone 11 Pro Elsewhere we've heard a similar selection of sizes, but that Apple could launch four new models in September. According to an analyst, Apple will launch a 6.7-inch phone, a 5.4-inch one, and two 6.1-inch ones. They don't go into any more detail but that suggests there will be both a top-end and slightly lower end model in a 6.1-inch size, if this claim is accurate. And it might well be, because it's claim that we've now heard again, this time from reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who adds that all four models will have OLED screens and 5G, but that one of the 6.1-inch models and the 5.4-inch one will have two rear cameras, while the other two models will have three. We've also heard that at least some iPhone 12 models could have thinner, cheaper and more energy-efficient screens than the iPhone 11 range. This in turn may allow the phones themselves to be thinner, as well as lasting longer between charges. iPhone 12 specs and camera Another big change could take the form of 5G, which has been widely rumored for the iPhone 12. Kuo even says that he thinks all three models will support 5G. We fully expect at least one of them will, given that multiple sources have suggested as much and that a number of other phones already support 5G. That could well be supported by both a custom-made 5G antenna, an a 5nm A14 Bionic processor inside the iPhone 12 - what that means for the average consumer is an iPhone with an even longer battery life and more power than ever. That would be rather impressive, given the iPhone battery life is currently the best we've ever seen from Apple. The RAM could also get a boost, with analysts claiming that the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have 6GB of the stuff, up from 4GB on their predecessors - though the standard iPhone 12 will apparently stick with 4GB. This is something we've now heard again, so it may well be true. And the iPhone 12 might also support the new 802.11ay specification, which could allow it to share content at speeds of at least 20-30Gbps. So in every sense this phone is likely to be fast. The iPhone 12 might also get a camera upgrade, with a laser-powered 3D camera rumored for inclusion. This would be on the back, and while only one rumor mentions lasers, another also talks about a depth-sensing snapper, while one mentions 3D sensing, so this might well be something we see in some form. One source says the iPhone 12 might have a 64MP main camera, over the 12MP snapper on the previous few versions, which would be a huge upgrade. This leak also suggests that the phone will have multiple lenses that support night mode shooting, and the ultra-wide snapper could have a dedicated macro mode. Another report from Fast Company cites sources close to production of the phone and says these same features are in development. One of the sources for this rumor claims the two top models would get this, along with a triple-lens camera, while the two lower end ones would just get a dual-lens camera without 3D sensing. A recent EU ruling may also mean future iPhones won't be able to use Lightning cables in Europe. That may force Apple to switch the connector on future phones to USB-C, and while it's not clear yet whether this will be the case for the iPhone 12 it may be something to consider. Another report from Chinese publication Caifa news also suggests Apple and other manufacturers may soon use GaN power adapters. These are currently used by Xiaomi, and allow for fast-charging speeds up to 65 watts.  There's no gurantee this will debut on the iPhone 12 - or any future iPhone for that matter - but it may mean we see an improved fast-charging experience along the line. Of course, the iPhone 12 will also use new software, namely iOS 14, and while we don't know much about this yet, one leak suggests it could feature a new, iPadOS-inspired app switching screen. What we want to see from the new iPhone The iPhone 11 range is a strong - but safe, and thus a bit dull - upgrade for Apple. So for the iPhone 12 we want to see bigger, riskier changes, such as the following. 1. Exciting new features First things first - the new iPhone needs to be good. Brilliant. Better than expected. We’re talking things that we haven’t even thought of. Things that we’re hoping Apple’s brightest minds are currently dreaming up in the company’s labs.  This might sound like a very vague request, but Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world and if any brand could make a decent folding handset, or one with detachable VR glasses, it's Cook's Crew. Because a tweaked design and improved specs are expected, ordinary, and no longer enough as consumers are holding onto their handsets for longer than ever. Come on Apple, give us something mind-blowing. 2. A new design The back of the iPhone 11 Pro Perhaps the thing we want most from the iPhone 12 is a new design. Apple has been rolling out basically the same design for several years now, ever since it refreshed the look with the iPhone X. Sure, some things get tweaked, but the core is the same. And it’s starting to look a bit dated. That’s thanks mostly to the large notch, which might be necessary for all the camera components needed for Face ID, but which we’d like to see shrunk or removed if possible. Beyond that, we’d really like a whole new look. There’s not too much wrong with the rest of the iPhone 11 Pro’s design, but it certainly feels overly familiar at this point. 3. An in-screen everything We’d like the iPhone 12 to have an all-screen front, and one way to achieve that is to move the front-facing camera under the display. If Apple can effectively achieve that, it’s sure to impress. While it’s on, we’d like Apple to re-add a fingerprint scanner, for those times when Face ID isn’t working quite as slickly as it should. But we want this in the screen too, or better yet, make the whole screen one big fingerprint scanner, as it has been rumored Apple might be planning for a future phone. 4. A higher refresh rate The iPhone 11 Pro One way some companies are further improving their displays is by upping the refresh rate from the standard 60Hz. The OnePlus 7 Pro for example has an optional 90Hz refresh rate, while the Razer Phone 2 goes up to 120Hz. This can help make interactions with the handset and animations feel silky smooth, so we’d like to see Apple offer a higher refresh rate of its own. It’s not out of the question, especially as some iPad Pro models have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Indeed, exactly that refresh rate has been rumored for the upcoming iPhones. 5. Further battery boosts For the first time in years, with the iPhone 11 range it feels like Apple has really prioritized battery life in its phones, but we want the company to go even further with the iPhone 12. Or at the very least not go backwards. We’re still waiting on an iPhone that can comfortably last two days, and we’d like the iPhone 12 (or at least the iPhone 12 Pro Max) to be it. 6. 5G support Samsung's Galaxy S10 Plus 5G Apple is behind when it comes to 5G, as none of the iPhone 11 range offer it, while rival handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S20 family and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G do. Apple’s lack of support isn’t a big deal right now, as 5G coverage is still very sparse in most countries, but by the time the iPhone 12 launches it will be more widely available and a large number of other handsets will support it, so it will be time for Apple to jump on board. The good news is that it’s heavily rumored that 2020’s iPhones will support 5G, so this is one thing we’re likely to get. 7. A lower price We ask for this every year with new iPhones and this year we actually kind of got it, with the base iPhone 11 starting at less than the iPhone XR did. So it’s actually not impossible that we could see an even lower price – or a reduced price for the rest of the range – with the iPhone 12. We wouldn’t count on it, but Apple’s more affordable phones are typically its best-selling in recent years, so there should be some incentive to cut costs where possible. Check out the best free iPhone apps This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Nintendo Switch deals continue into the weekend with fantastic savings on bundles, controllers, and games Posted: 13 Mar 2020 08:54 AM PDT Mario Day may be over, but that's not going to stop these Nintendo Switch deals from offering fantastic savings well into the weekend. We're seeing some fantastic prices on Nintendo Switch bundles, cheap games, and both official and third-party controllers right now. That means there's never been a better time to grab a new console or kit out your existing one.   With Nintendo Switch deals evading us at every turn over the last few weeks, the latest sales are even more welcome. We're finally seeing some bundles that offer extra accessories or games in with the standard price of the Nintendo Switch console, and you can save on more top titles including Animal Crossing: New Horizons today. Games include Super Mario Party, Super Mario Maker 2, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, each with their own savings. Plus, Best Buy is also offering this $64.99 Animal Crossing: New Horizons pre-order bundle. You can add to the savings with PowerA's range of Nintendo Switch accessories, spanning retro-style controllers to sturdy carry cases with screen protectors included. Or, go official and grab some cheap Joy-Con for just $69, or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller for $59.  But what about the main event? Well, you can also pick up this $299 Nintendo Switch bundle that throws in a PowerA controller absolutely free! Nintendo Switch bundles are in short supply in the US at the moment as retailers run in and out of stock faster than a golden mushroom so you might have to be quick to secure your savings today. Those Mario Day sales are still going strong as we head into the weekend, so be sure to grab your Nintendo Switch deals soon! Not in the US? You'll find all the latest Nintendo Switch deals in your region further down the page. Shop the whole Mario Day sale at Walmart Shop the whole Mario Day sale at Best Buy Shop all Nintendo Switch deals at Walmart Shop all Nintendo Switch deals at Best Buy Shop all Nintendo Switch game deals at Walmart Shop all Nintendo Switch game deals at Best Buy Shop all Nintendo Switch controller deals at Walmart Shop all Nintendo Switch controller deals at Best Buy Shop the whole Mario Day sale at Walmart Shop the whole Mario Day sale at Best Buy Still looking to kit your Nintendo Switch out? Why not check out the latest Nintendo Switch deals, where we're also taking a look at the cheapest controller and Joy-Con prices around. Or, if you're looking for a more travel-oriented console, take a look at the cheapest Nintendo Switch Lite bundles out there.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple AirPod alternatives: these are the best true wireless earbuds around Posted: 13 Mar 2020 08:38 AM PDT Ready to finally try out a pair of the best true wireless earbuds? There's never been a better time to cut the cord, and we're here to help you choose the perfect true wireless buds for your needs (and your budget).  If you haven't noticed, headphone cables are going out of fashion. That's because wireless audio sounds better than ever, compression formats for Bluetooth 5.0 are more reliable, and flagship smartphones are shipping without headphone jacks. The best true wireless earbuds of 2020 even come with high-spec tech like active noise cancellation and built-in artificial intelligence – and in the case of the yet-to-be-launched Google Pixel Buds, real-time language translation. Don't miss our latest true wireless earbuds review; we're mightily impressed with the new Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 after spending a little time getting to know the second-gen earbuds. On the other end of the scale, we're seeing an increasing number of super-basic cheap true wireless earbuds entering the market; while you won't find the JLab Go Airs on this list – the audio quality isn't up to scratch – their $29 / £29 / AU$40 price tag is compelling enough in its own right. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 come with ANC to rival AirPods AirPods Pro Lite: what we want to see from Apple's true wireless earbuds Why 2020 is the year you should finally try true wireless earbuds True wireless means there aren't any cables between the two earbuds at all, so there's no wire or neck band to contend with. Nothing to get tangled in your pocket or caught on your zipper, nothing to whack around your neck in the middle of that run, and also nothing to keep your singular earbuds together.  The original Apple AirPods were the first model to truly bring true wireless to the mainstream, but there are far better options out there in terms of audio quality, battery life, design, and crucially, price – and that includes the new AirPods Pro, which have made it onto this list. So, before you buy a pair of old-school 'Pods, check out our list of the best AirPod-alternatives you can buy in 2020.  Try Amazon Music Unlimited with a FREE trial: US | UK | AU Considering it's still rare to get noise-cancellation 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.  While models like the AirPods Pro have tried to replicate this, Sony is still top of the true wireless table.  That's because the Sony WF-1000XM3 manage to offer a level of noise-cancellation that's exceedingly good for a pair of earbuds – they won't offer the same isolation as a pair of over-ear headphones, but its a worthy trade off for that sleeker form.  Sony has really knocked the ball out of the park with the WF-1000XM3. Not only are these hands down the best-looking true wireless earbuds on the market, but they also combine serious noise-cancelling tech with fist-pumping musicality. If you don’t want the inconvenience of carrying full-size cans around, they’re a persuasive alternative. Battery life is above average, and that compact charging case is pretty slick too. Constantly improving, a recent update has brought volume control to the buds themselves, as well as support for Amazon Alexa. We reckon the true wireless jungle has found a new king. These earbuds might be getting even better in the near future, too; on March 5, the earbuds briefly appeared on the Qualcomm website, suggesting that the Sony WF-1000XM3 could be about to get aptX HD support – and therefore, support for Hi-Res Audio.  Read more: Sony WF-1000XM3 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 that of some of the best over-ear headphones. They may not have the noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds, but they are $100 / £100 cheaper – and they have a superior battery life. They certainly outperform the Apple AirPods (2019), in all respects apart from the lack of wireless charging case. This is a small price to pay for that exceptional audio quality, though, and we think they represent much better value for money, too. Read more: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 review You may not have heard of up-and-coming audio brand Lypertek yet, but expect to hear a lot from it soon – its Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbuds are among the best 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 not cheap, but the T5 hold their own against the very best true wireless headphones – in fact, we'd argue that they're among the best models on the market right now. That's because they offer stellar sound, high build quality, long-lasting battery life, and one of the coolest cases we've ever seen. Featuring the signature Klipsch sound, these buds sound warm, clear, and never harsh. Acoustic music is lush and detailed, with that clarity extending 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 providing an additional 24 hours – these are true wireless earbuds that can last you an entire flight from New York to San Francisco (or wherever you're next trip takes you).  Read more: Klipsch T5 True Wireless review  The Jabra Elite 75t improve upon their predecessors, the Jabra Elite 65t, in just about every way – except for tonal balance.  The headphones and charging case are much smaller, battery life makes an immense jump, catching up to the competition, and the customization features we enjoyed in the 65t remain.  While they don't have the best sound quality and they lacks active noise cancellation, neither stops the Jabre Elite 75t from being a solid pair of true wireless headphones to use, especially if you make frequent calls with your your headphones on. I Read the full review: Jabra Elite 75t review Apple has launched its new true wireless earbuds, bringing active noise cancellation, a (finally) much better fit, and an improved design, in a bid to lure more iPhone users into the true wireless fold. However, at $249 / £249 / AU$399, they’re pretty pricey too, and as such can’t be called the very best wireless headphones out there. That said, if you’re an iPhone user looking for some well-fitting earbuds with strong sound quality, you could do a lot worse than the new AirPods - the redesign means they’re far less likely to fall out, and the additional microphones provide strong noise-cancelling (particularly when commuting), as well as a useful Transparency mode, which really does let the outside world in. The sound quality of the AirPods Pro has certainly improved since the previous iteration – there’s a notable emphasis on vocals and bass, meaning these earbuds are better for pop fans than those that enjoy a more natural presentation that lends itself to classical music or more orchestral sounds. Apparently, there's a new AirPods model on the horizon to join the original buds and the newer Pros. The AirPods Pro Lite are rumored to be a new, cheaper variant of the company's popular true wireless earbuds, and they could be released this year. Read more: Apple AirPods Pro review The new PowerBeats Pro true wireless Beats headphones aren't exactly the earbuds analysts have been predicting, sure, but they are something special – they’re supremely comfortable, sound decent and seem to never, ever fall out.  They might not be the best true wireless earbuds in Apple's audio arsenal now that the AirPods Pro are here, but they are Apple’s most premium play into the world of running headphones, and are the buds we'd recommend to most workout enthusiasts. That's thanks to features like the pressure-reducing micro-laser barometric venting hole, their long battery life and good sound quality. If we had to choose between wearing these and the original AirPods around the house or office, these are what we’d wear.    Read more: Beats PowerBeats Pro review Powerbeats 4: what we want to see from the new Beats earbuds With the TWS50, SoundMAGIC has hit the price/performance sweet-spot, thanks to these true wireless earbuds' fantastic price, comfortable design, great sound, and support for Bluetooth 5.0. They offer a wide, spacious soundstage, with a good, well balanced presentation, alongside a decent battery life and comfy fit – in short, if you're looking for some cheap AirPod-alternatives, the SoundMAGIC TWS50 are well worth a look.  Read more: SoundMAGIC TWS50 true wireless in-ear headphones review Sennheiser enters the race with its Momentum True Wireless earbuds. An extension of its reputable Momentum range, these cordless buds offer Sennheiser's trademark high-fidelity audio in a gorgeously sleek package. You only get four hours of charge in the earbuds, but the carry case will be able to charge them two times over on top of that, giving you 12 hours in total when on the go. The main thing holding these back is the price: at £259 / $299 (about AU$400) they're almost double the cost of the Apple AirPods. You do get a range of touch-based controls to stop you reaching for your phone every time you want to skip or pause a track, but the act of prodding things in your ear could be more comfortable – while the volume control is oddly imprecise. Overall though, Sennheiser's first true wireless earbuds combine style and sound like few others. [Update: You can expect to see these buds replaced by the second-gen Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 – once we've spent a little more time getting to know them, of course.] Read more: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless review Let’s get one thing out of the way – the B&O Beoplay E8 are some of the best-looking and most expensive wireless earphones you can buy at $350 / £300 (around AU$570). Audio quality is undeniably excellent, and you can tweak the sound to your liking using the accompanying Beoplay app on Android and iOS. Even without tinkering around with ToneTouch, the E8 2.0s sounds crisp and clear, with punchy bass frequencies. So, the Bang & Olufsen E8 2.0 truly wireless earphones look great and sound great, although the touch-sensitive buttons are a little too sensitive at times, and there's no active noise cancellation.  However, it's hard to not find these earphones appealing, and if you want your true wireless earbuds to look as good as they sound, they could be the perfect model for you. Read more: B&O Beoplay E8 2.0 Wireless Earphones review With a promising battery life and well-managed bass enhancement over Audio-Technica’s usual neutral sound, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW true wireless earbuds have a lot going for them.  They've one of the most complete and well-rounded sound profiles we've seen from true-wireless earbuds, and that's despite the claimed bass enhancement. It's a very enjoyable sound that they make. However, they are let down a bit by their fit – mileage will vary of course depending on your preferred bud style and the size of your ears, but all will find the fiddly case fit will annoy over time. Still, the quality audio here may be a worthy trade-off. Read more: Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW review What about the Apple AirPods? 2019 was a big year for the Apple AirPods; in March last year, the true wireless earbuds were given an upgrade to give us the new AirPods, and most recently, Apple announced the Apple AirPods Pro.  The second generation Apple AirPods, the AirPods (2019), aren't a huge improvement on their predecessors, but they still sport some cool features, that may make them worth buying if you're an iPhone user in particular.  They still feature the iconic design of the original AirPods (a good or bad thing depending on your point of view), and sound quality hasn't changed at all – it's lively, but not on par with the best true wireless earbuds in this guide. The bulk of the upgrade comes from the new H1 headphone chip, which improves connectivity and battery life, and allows for a new ‘Hey Siri’ voice activation feature. The AirPods (2019) also come with an optional wireless charging case means you can use a Qi-compatible charging mat to power the case, rather than sticking a cable into the Lightning charging port in the bottom of the case.  Like their predecessors, they are super easy to pair, but they are very much optimized for using with iPhones. The best true wireless earbuds give you more flexibility when it comes to your device of choice, and can offer superior sound quality – as well as sleeker designs.  There’s also no getting away from the fact that these are an expensive pair of headphones, and for that kind of money we think that you can find better products elsewhere – especially if you're looking to pair with anything other than an iPhone.  Read more Apple AirPods (2019) review True wireless vs wireless: what's the difference? Wireless headphones are traditional over-ear or on-ear headphones without the wire – the two earcups are connected by a headband. To learn more, head to our round up of the best wireless headphones. Wireless earbuds – the focus of this guide – have existed for a while now, basically since Bluetooth was invented. Though battery-powered and not physically connected to your phone, they have a cord connecting both buds – and sometimes a band around the neck too. Check out the best wireless earbuds for more. True wireless earbuds - the focus of this guide – have no cord whatsoever. While wireless allows us to wear headphones a few feet away from our music players, true wireless cuts the cord between the earbuds, giving us true freedom.  Best true wireless earbuds at a glance Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Lypertek Tevi  Klipsch T5 True Wireless Jabra Elite 75t Apple AirPods Pro Beats Powerbeats Pro SoundMAGIC TWS50 Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless B&O Beoplay E8 2.0 Wireless Earphones Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW AirPod deals Beats by Dre deals Cheap headphone deals Cheap wireless headphone deals Not ready to cut the cord after all? Don't miss our guides to the best earbuds and best wireless earbuds This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Call of Duty: Warzone battle royale news, updates, modes, and cross-platform play Posted: 13 Mar 2020 08:37 AM PDT UPDATE: We've now published our Call of Duty: Warzone review! Check it out for a full run-down of why we felt it deserved a full five stars, or read more about the game's modes, maps, and Battle Pass below... Call of Duty is expanding its repertoire, with a new, free-to-play battle royale game called Warzone that supports 150 players at a time, and is set to release Tuesday, March 10 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 7pm BST for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.  The game's announcement came on March 8 – though not, at first, from Activision or Infinity Ward itself. Gamers were treated to an 11-minute video from streamer Chaos, who seems to have got, in his own words, “exclusive gameplay” of the brand new Warzone title coming from the Call of Duty publisher.  How to download and play Call of Duty: Warzone The video has since been taken down – likely as it preceded any official announcement from Activision – and has since been replaced by an official statement and trailer from the Call of Duty Twitter account: What is Call of Duty: Warzone? Warzone is a “free-to-play, battle royale game [...] that you can download and play for free.” So far, so Fortnite – and Activision is no doubt seeking to cash in on the battle royale trend in a similar vein to Respawn’s Apex Legends, which launched in early 2019.  Warzone, however, will support up to 150 players in a single session, giving it significantly more scale than the 100 players in Fortnite, or the 60 in Apex Legends. There’ll also be a lot more vehicles, with tanks and other kinds of ground transport looking to shake up the action – as well as a creative spin on respawning called Gulag, which puts fallen soldiers in a jail facility of some kind that they need to shoot their way out of, for the chance to return to the primary map for a second time. Gulag seems like the most interesting shake-up of the battle royale, here, with the central mechanic of parachuting into a map, looting for weapons and upgrades, and killing everyone in sight, not exactly being new territory these days.  We already have a Call of Duty battle royale mode, of course – Blackout mode in COD: Black Ops 4 – but the difference here is that Warzone won’t require you to purchase a Call of Duty game to play. There’ll no doubt be microtransactions of a sort, though we’ve yet to hear details in that regard. Is Call of Duty: Warzone cross-platform? Warzone is on the three platforms you'd expect: PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game also, however, supports cross-platform play, meaning that you PC players can go head-to-head with gamers on Xbox or PlayStation consoles. There's no mention yet of Xbox Series X or PS5, but you can be sure Activision will be looking to bring Warzone to the next-gen consoles too when they release. Is Call of Duty: Warzone free-to-play? Yes. Mostly. It's a soft yes. The game itself is free-to-play, though Xbox One players will find it's stuck behind a paywall – and will need to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold in order to access online play through Warzone. On PC and PS4, however, you won't need any paid subscription to play the game online. Call of Duty: Warzone Battle Pass That's right! Warzone will apparently share the Battle Pass on Modern Warfare (2019), meaning you don't need to re-buy access to certain skins, weapons, items, or Operators you've already paid for – and they'll all be available in the new battle royale game. Progression in both games will be logged for each other, too, so all your hard work in Warzone will be rewarded when you log back into Modern Warfare (2019) too. It's clear Activision is trying to incentivise people to try out Warzone – without necessarily making the earlier game obsolete either. You'll be given access to the same item shop as Modern Warfare (2019), too, meaning that this free-to-play game will be supported by microtransactions and Battle Pass purchases. Players dropping of the sky onto the Warzone map The way you earn and spend in-game currency, though, is slightly reminiscent of the vending machines in the short-lived Radical Heights battle royale game from Boss Key Productions, which didn’t make it out of beta. Kill streaks here are bought, rather than being achieved automatically as you pass a certain number of kills. It looks like you’ll have to run to certain buying locations every few kills to cash in on your good streak – meaning there’ll likely be a lot of sights trained on these areas. Call of Duty: Warzone gameplay and modes What do we know about the gameplay? You'll be playing in squads of three people, apparently, rather than solo. There'll also be a lot more vehicles than you might be used to in battle royale, with trucks, jeeps, and tanks showing up in the promotional videos we've seen so far. You'll be parachuting in, as in customary in Fortnite, and the underlying mechanic of shooting enemies, looting items and upgrades, and navigating a shrinking map – this time with a poisonous gas cloud rather than Fortnite's storm – seems largely unchanged. Respawns are different, however. This time, when you get killed, you'll be able to come back to life via a mini-game or sub-level mechanic called the Gulag. Your avatar is effectively taken prisoner, and has the chance to shoot their way out of the Gulag to freedom, so they can rejoin the main action. You can only do this once in a single game, though. For now, there are two Warzone modes: one with respawns, and one without. Call of Duty: Warzone news and updates 200 player games, and bigger squads We heard from Infinity Ward's Patrick Kelly, who stated that 200-player games – rather than the current 150 limit were already possible, and would be introduced at some point in the near future. "Actually, I can tell you we are already playing with 200 players," he said. "We are going to release that a little bit later" (via GameSpot). He also let slip on larger squad sizes – specifically "four-and five-player squads" rather than the three-person maximum currently in the game. Six million players at launch Warzone is proving popular so far, both with us at TechRadar – given our five-star Warzone review – and the players at home. Six million gamers dropped into Warzone on its first day of release, and those numbers are only set to rise in the coming days and weeks – for as long as the game can keep momentum. Should I play Call of Duty: Warzone? Maybe! If Apex Legends or Fortnite are already scratching your battle royale itch, what need do you have of Warzone? That said, Call of Duty is putting its own spin on a few things, and has some of the smoothest gunplay in the business. It may be that Call of Duty is a bit late to the game – especially with its reworking of one of Radical Heights’ most notable mechanics – and the larger player-size may make it harder to gain momentum on the title in the first place, or more frustrating for players waiting for enough people to log onto a server. Call of Duty has some pretty incredible brand recognition, though, and may be able to drag Warzone into life on that alone. COD: Mobile exploded in popularity in its first few months, and we may well see a similar success story here. Check out Call of Duty's bloodthirsty Tamagotchi accessory This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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