Apple : Entertain your kids with the all-new Kindle Kids Edition - on sale for $79.99 |
- Entertain your kids with the all-new Kindle Kids Edition - on sale for $79.99
- Securing remote workers in the age of uncertainty
- T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T will waive late fees during Covid-19
- Black Widow: trailers, release date delay, cast and everything we know
- US Department of Health suffers cyberattack designed to disrupt coronavirus response
- Apple stores will now remain closed ‘until further notice’ in response to coronavirus
- Every movie delayed by coronavirus, from Black Widow to Fast 9
- Can't visit the cinema? You can now catch new movie releases with Sky
- The 10 Best PC Accessories for Working from Home
- The PS5 is getting developers excited, and we're about to find out why
- 10 Netflix series to save you from boredom while you're stuck at home
- Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge
- 5 challenges to remote working
- Black Widow is now officially delayed by coronavirus
- Hybrid Log Gamma: everything you need to know about HLG HDR
- iPhone 12 release date, leaks, rumors and what we're expecting
- Amazon's Fire 8 tablet is down to its lowest price ever - today only!
- You can now sync Netflix movies with friends, thanks to a Chrome add-on
- Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: will it be worth the upgrade?
- These Cheap 4K TV deals can save you big time on a premium display this week
| Entertain your kids with the all-new Kindle Kids Edition - on sale for $79.99 Posted: 17 Mar 2020 01:12 PM PDT Entertain your kids without turning on the TV with this discounted e-reader from Amazon. Right now, you can get the all-new Kindle Kids Edition on sale for $79.99. That's a $30 discount and the lowest price we've found for the kid-friendly e-reader. The 2019 Kindle Kids Edition features a 6-inch glare-free display and comes with a colorful kid-friendly cover. Designed for reading, the Kindle includes tools to help young readers and doesn't allow access to the internet or social media. The e-reader also comes with one year of FreeTime Unlimited, which allows kids to explore popular titles and series like Harry Potter. Amazon Kindle deal:If you're interested in other Amazon e-reader and tablet deals, check out our roundup of the best Kindle sale prices and deals, and our best cheap Amazon Fire deals. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Securing remote workers in the age of uncertainty Posted: 17 Mar 2020 01:00 PM PDT Remote working is a trend that’s showing no signs of slowing down, especially given the current circumstances as thousands of employees globally are now working from home in some capacity. Even outside of current events, research shows the number of remote working jobs on offer has more than doubled in the past four years. This indicates that businesses are even taking steps to meet employees’ remote working expectations, in particular, those of the younger generation of employees. These workers expect to access work much in the same way as they access social media – anywhere and anytime. Considering that millennials are predicted to make up 50 percent of the global workforce by 2020, it’s clear that businesses across all sectors need to make strides in supporting remote and flexible working, even outside times of crisis. However, when facilitating this anywhere, anytime model, it is vital that businesses don’t overlook security. As cloud has become the de facto IT set-up for organisations, the traditional IT perimeter of the past has disappeared. Now, from Microsoft Teams, to Trello, to Evernote, companies are spoilt for choice when it comes to cloud-based tools to support remote workers. Further, cloud services such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and apps allow workers to collaboratively edit documents and keep remote colleagues working together closely and productively, but security must also be factored in. Outside the four walls of the office, remote workers are far more vulnerable to cyberthreats. As the current global situation requires more employees to work from home, what better time for organisations to consider how they can secure their remote workers? An unclear security situationWhen it comes to remote workers, organisations cannot be certain of how their employees are accessing the corporate network. While it might be safe to assume that employees are currently using secure Wi-Fi at home, what about under normal circumstances? What if they decide to work in a café for the afternoon? Is that Wi-Fi public or private? Are they using a VPN? How many devices do they use to access work documents and are they all password protected? All in all, when it comes to the security of remote workers, there are many variables for organisations to consider – but there may be a more straightforward answer than most imagine. Many businesses will find that there are robust, useful security features that are embedded in the platforms and services have already paid for and use to support remote workers. Because most organisations have used third-party security providers for years, embedded security features are often overlooked or disregarded in favour of legacy incumbent security products. Additionally, as there is a high number of features that come with enterprise software suites, this can sometimes mean really useful security features are lost in the noise. However, organisations can enjoy huge benefit from identifying and using the cloud-native security features already in their arsenal. Looking at what is already on offerFor instance, many Microsoft 365 (which includes Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security) users may not be aware of the many embedded security features that comes with the product. Intune, for instance, allows organisations to manage devices across iOS, Android, Windows and Mac with one endpoint solution – so no matter what device a remote worker opts to use, it can still be secured and managed effectively by the organisation. Tools such as Microsoft Secure Score – a feature that gives organisations a score on their security posture, provides insight that helps improve security across businesses’ infrastructure, data, apps and devices. Considering Office 365 has 155 million active users, many more organisations could benefit from exploring the security features that it offers. Ultimately, employees working remotely may be out of sight of the central organisation, but they should not be out of mind. Considering workers may have to work from home for a prolonged period this year, and that 36 percent of organisations have experienced a security incident as a result of the actions of a remote worker, protecting email, users, applications and data should be a primary aim for organisations. It is a continuous challenge to secure the ever-expanding attack surface and stay ahead of motivated bad actors and ever-changing regulations. Managing identities and access to cloud resources, securely managing mobile devices, detecting and responding to targeted attacks and insider threats, and defending against malware, is a tall order for security teams. By exploring what features they may have already paid for, organisations can help lighten the load of their security teams and help protect against advanced threats, and personal data from loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure. At the same time, they will save themselves the task of finding new security tools and integrating them across their entire network and infrastructure. Not only will this save time and cost, but it will afford businesses peace of mind in a period of uncertainty that their remote and flexible workforce is secured. Alex Dalglish is UK Services Director at SoftwareOne This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T will waive late fees during Covid-19 Posted: 17 Mar 2020 12:53 PM PDT All major US phone carriers have pledged to keep customers connected to their mobile lines even if they can’t pay their bills during the coronavirus outbreak. FCC chairman Ajit Pai introduced a pledge on March 13 that Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile and other providers have affirmed, bringing the total to 185 providers according to a news release. The FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge asks signees to help customers in three ways for at least the next 60 days: not cut off service to residential or small business customers who can’t pay their bills due to coronavirus disruptions, waive late fees incurred due to outbreak conditions, and open Wi-Fi hotspots to “any American who needs them.”
The specifics: carrier by carrierAT&T, Verizon, and Sprint (via a tweet from CEO Michel Combes) have all publicly affirmed the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, while AT&T and Verizon’s enterprise arm have also extended this claim to small business broadband, according to Android Police. T-Mobile also affirmed the pledge, but is also extending its plans’ data allowances: limited data plans on T-Mobile or Metro will get boosted to unlimited, customers using tethering and mobile hotspots will get 20GB of additional data, and low-income Lifeline plans get 5GB of more data. Meanwhile, Mint Mobile customers will get free unlimited data through April 14, though they’ll need to navigate through the Mint Mobile app’s settings to buy more data in 3GB chunks - which will be refunded ASAP, according to Android Police.
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| Black Widow: trailers, release date delay, cast and everything we know Posted: 17 Mar 2020 12:09 PM PDT Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow has been a key part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the movies began. Still, while the movies' male heroes piled up solo movies, Natasha Romanoff was left to co-star in other characters' movies – until now. The new Black Widow movie was coming May 1, 2020 in the UK and US, but the release date has been suspended due to coronavirus. The new Black Widow release date is unknown. When the movie gets here, it will put the spotlight firmly on Natasha Romanoff, and her mysterious past life as an assassin trained by the Russian government. A solo outing has been much deserved for such a popular character. Plus, we've only been treated to the one female-fronted MCU movie by this point: Captain Marvel. As the dust settles on the universe-changing events of Avengers: Endgame, this is the first film to emerge from the MCU’s Phase 4. Returning us to the aftermath of Civil War, the Black Widow movie is seeing in the dawn of a new era along with Doctor Strange and Black Panther sequels, and new properties like The Eternals and Shang Chi. Details are coming to light even more the closer we get to launch, so here's what you need to know about the Black Widow movie release date, trailer, cast, and how it fits into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. Spoilers for older MCU films follow. Black Widow release date: delayed to TBA 2020The Black Widow movie was set for release in the UK and US on May 1, 2020, but then the worldwide spread of coronavirus led to the shuttering of theaters, leading Disney and Marvel to push the date back. We now don't know when it'll get here.
Black Widow trailer: here's the final trailerAbove, you can watch the final Black Widow trailer, which shows us more of the Taskmaster's plan: he's using the Red Room where Natasha was trained to control agents. The first Black Widow movie teaser debuted in early December 2019. It opens with a montage of Romanoff staring into a mirror and scenes from previous MCU movies. “I used to have nothing. But then I got this job. This family. But nothing lasts forever,” she says in a voiceover. Those lines encapsulate the main themes of the trailer, which focuses on the character’s origins, and the notion of family. We see Romanoff meeting a returning William Hurt as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross – could this be where the Russian agent is persuaded to defect to the United States? – and also Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, an operative with similar skills to Black Widow, who Romanoff describes as “sis”. Biological sisters, or spiritual? We’ll have to wait and see… “We have unfinished business,” Black Widow continues. “We have to go back to where it all started.” Cue assaults on military bases (apparently from her past), scenes of bonding with former colleagues Red Guardian (Stranger Things’ David Harbour) and Melina (Rachel Weisz), and Romanoff in a new-look white suit. We also get a first glimpse at Taskmaster, widely believed to be a major villain in the movie. We get to see a little more in the Black Widow 'Special Look' trailer above. Building on what we saw from the original trailer, we can see that Black Widows must face up to her past by tackling a new breed of assassin, a "new world of Widows". In the original trailer Widow hints at the "mistakes" she made before joining S.H.I.E.L.D and this army of assassins appears to be those made manifest. This is seemingly part of the "arc" Widow undertakes, as Scarlett Johansson mentions in the making-of featurette below. In it you can get a sneak peek at some behind-the-scenes action and see short interviews with director, Cate Shortland and producer, Kevin Fiege. In this Super Bowl 2020 Big Game Spot we see more of Romanoff's pre-Avengers family, all suited, booted, and ready for action. Black Widow cast explainedMarvel always secures A-list acting talent, and the Black Widow movie is no exception. Alongside the returning ScarJo, Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz plays Melina, a Russian spy who goes under the alias Iron Maiden, and is a villain in the comics. Florence Pugh is Yelena, who assumed the Black Widow mantle after Natasha Romanoff in print; and Stranger Things/Hellboy star David Harbour plays Alexie Shostakov, otherwise known as Red Guardian. He’s Russia’s supersoldier answer to Captain America, though in the movie, he appears to be out of shape. The principal cast is rounded out by the aforementioned William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross, and Ray Winstone in an as-yet-unrevealed roles. OT Fagbenle plays a character called Mason, but there’s speculation that Fagbenle is playing the aforementioned Taskmaster, a masked, bow-wielding vigilante. Marvel is playing that particular card close to its chest. There are also reports that Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark/Iron Man will make an appearance – he may have been killed in Avengers: Endgame, but as with Romanoff, the Black Widow movie’s position in the timeline makes a comeback feasible. Black Widow poster: check out the latest designMarvel has released the newest Black Widow poster, showing the movie's ensemble cast in the background. Excited yet? How does Black Widow fit into the MCU?Eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed the inconvenient fact that (spoiler alert for the two or three people who haven’t seen Avengers: Endgame) Black Widow was one of the high-profile casualties of the final Avengers movie. The new film isn’t messing around with continuity, however, because it’s set some time in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, when Natasha Romanoff is living as a fugitive after helping Captain America and Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier) escape the authorities. "There are ways to do prequels that are less informative or answer questions you didn’t necessarily have, and then there are ways to do prequels where you learn all sorts of things you never knew before,” MCU overlord Kevin Feige teased io9 back in June. “I look at Better Call Saul as a wonderful example of a prequel that almost completely stands on its own apart from Breaking Bad because it informs you about so many things you didn’t know about before." It also seems likely that the movie will feature plenty of flashbacks – the scene with Ross in the trailer features a significantly de-aged William Hurt, suggesting the meeting takes place much earlier in Romanoff’s history. We also see hints of the brutal “Red Room” facility seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where Black Widow was trained. In other words, expect this to be the MCU movie from the other side of the Iron Curtain. What other Black Widow story details do we know about?Beyond what’s in the trailer? Not a lot. This is Marvel, after all, a studio well known for not giving away unnecessary plot details. With Black Widow being such a popular character, however – along with the fact MCU movies tend to get sequels – we can’t help wondering if this will be an excuse to bring the deceased Natasha Romanoff back into the wider Marvel continuity, much as Avengers: Endgame provided a way back for Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. Black Widow director: Cate Shortland is making this Marvel movieThe Black Widow movie’s director is Cate Shortland, the Australian helmer of Somersault, Lore and TV series The Secret Life of Us. It’s another admirably leftfield choice for Marvel who, after Taika Waititi on Thor: Ragnarok, and Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck on Captain Marvel – are making a habit of taking a chance on interesting filmmakers. The screenplay, meanwhile, is from Jac Schaeffer (who’s showrunning upcoming Scarlet Witch/The Vision Disney+ show WandaVision), and Ned Benson (The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby). Can Black Widow continue the MCU's form?A Black Widow movie is the right move for Marvel after Avengers: Endgame. The stakes of the MCU need to dial back a bit before they can escalate to that level again, and a movie that at last explores Natasha's origins feels like a dead cert. The quality of the ensemble cast, too, speaks to how well Marvel Studios is regarded right now – everyone wants to be part of it. It's just a shame we have to wait for it, but that's just the way things are right now in cinema. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| US Department of Health suffers cyberattack designed to disrupt coronavirus response Posted: 17 Mar 2020 11:51 AM PDT The computer systems of the US Health and Human Service Department have suffered a cyberattack as part of a campaign of disruption and disinformation aimed at undermining the country's response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The campaign may have even been the work of a foreign actor and John Ullyot, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, provided more information on the attack in a statement, saying: “We are aware of a cyber incident related to the Health and Human Services computer networks, and the federal government is investigating this incident thoroughly. HHS and federal government cybersecurity professionals are continuously monitoring and taking appropriate actions to secure our federal networks.”
Ullyot also revealed that HHS and federal networks are currently functioning normally. While a foreign state is suspected to be behind the attack, the administration has not yet confirmed who it was, according to a US official who spoke with Bloomberg. HHS cyberattackThe cyberattack against HHS involved overloading its servers with millions of hits over several hours. However, the attack did not succeed in slowing down the agency's systems significantly according to one of the people familiar with the matter. Caitlin Oakley, a spokesperson for HHS, noted that the agency decided to take extra precautions as it prepared to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, saying: “On Sunday, we became aware of a significant increase in activity on HHS cyber infrastructure and are fully operational as we actively investigate the matter. We are coordinating with federal law enforcement and remain vigilant and focused on ensuring the integrity of our IT infrastructure.” Before the cyberattack occurred, “fake” text messages from an unknown sender circulated warning that a person's “military friends” had heard in a briefing that the “president will order a two weeks mandatory quarantine for the nation”. This message, which also spread by email and on social media, was related to the HHS cyberattack according to officials. Just as we've seen an uptick in coronavirus-related malware scams and phishing attacks, this likely won't be the only cyberattack launched during the outbreak.
Via Bloomberg This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Apple stores will now remain closed ‘until further notice’ in response to coronavirus Posted: 17 Mar 2020 11:36 AM PDT Apple has extended its store closures, with retail locations now set to stay shuttered “until further notice”. The company last week announced that it was closing all stores outside of China until March 27 to help prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. However, in a new banner displayed on its website, Apple confirms: “Our retail stores are closed until further notice,” updated from the previous notification.
It’s worth noting that Apple’s FAQ page still states that stores will open on March 27, which suggests that some retail locations could still reopen on this date depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. Either that or the page simply hasn’t been updated since new guidance was issued. Due to the closure of almost all of its stores, Apple is extending its return period to 14 days after its retail locations ultimately reopen. It’s also advising users that they can start a repair online, though, as noted by Apple Insider, its window for device pickup for repairs is currently closed. Apple’s extended closure measures come just hours after Microsoft announced that it was also shutting all 70 of its retail locations until further notice. Like Microsoft, Apple will continue paying all of its staff affected by the closures. That's not allThis isn’t the only action Apple has taken to get a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, the company announced that this year’s WWDC 2020, where it’s due to announce iOS 14, watchOS 7, macOS 10.16, an update to iPadOS, will be an online-only event, rather than the in-person conference it has always been until now. Apple is also instructing employees of global offices to work remotely in a bid to ensure their safety from Covid-19. Staff who are still required to come on-site would find “new health screenings and temperature checks” there, CEO Tim Cook confirmed. “The most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance,” Cook adds. “As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers.”
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| Every movie delayed by coronavirus, from Black Widow to Fast 9 Posted: 17 Mar 2020 11:10 AM PDT As coronavirus panic spreads, entertainment companies are quickly changing course on releasing the year's biggest movies. Containing the virus and ensuring the safety of other people has to come first. Numerous industries have altered plans because of Covid-19 – MWC 2020 in Barcelona was canceled, and GDC and E3's cancellation mean gaming faces a quiet year for events. Movies, too, will be hit in much the same way. Cinemas are closing worldwide. In TV and film, the effects are accelerating, with movies like Fast and Furious 9, No Time To Die, A Quiet Place Part 2, and Peter Rabbit 2 all changing release dates to either later in 2020 or 2021. Mulan, Black Widow and The New Mutants have also been delayed for the time being, with no new release dates set by Disney just yet. This isn't just about release dates moving, though – TV show productions are shutting down as well, and in the coming months, we're only going to see more examples of this as coronavirus spreads. Here's a summary of how coronavirus has affected TV and movies so far, including every movie delayed by the effects of the virus to date. Movies delayed by coronavirus so far
Movie release dates are dropping quickly, as the reality of reduced theater attendance is beginning to hit. No Time To Die's release date moved from April to November and A Quiet Place Part 2 has been delayed as well. Meanwhile, the less exciting Peter Rabbit 2 moved from March to August. The biggest move yet came with Fast and Furious 9, though, which will now release in April 2021, almost a year after its original May 22 release date. Next came word that Disney-distributed movies The New Mutants and Mulan are being delayed until a later, unknown date. Finally, May's Black Widow was delayed too. This is a developing situation, obviously, and the world could look very different in a few weeks. Theaters are communal spaces, more likely to be avoided for the time being to stop the spread of the virus. China, a massive market for blockbusters, is basically closed for business. China closed all of its 70,000+ theaters in late January.
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| Can't visit the cinema? You can now catch new movie releases with Sky Posted: 17 Mar 2020 11:07 AM PDT You can now watch the latest cinema releases from your home, thanks to a new initiative from Sky TV. In quick response to the Coronavirus effectively shutting down all cinemas in the UK, Sky has teamed up with NBCUniversal to bring cinema movie releases to homes right away. This is a first. With this announcement, gone will be the days of waiting for a cinema release to have finished airing at the local multiplex or arthouse. You'll now be able to enjoy them at home without those noisy kids at the back or getting sticky shoes walking on the spilled drinks and discarded popcorn. A selection of movies will be available to rent through the Sky Store on the same day as their global release at cinemas, with the first being Trolls World Tour on April 6. From Friday you'll be able to go to the Sky Store to access The Hunt, The Invisible Man and Emma – all of which were only recently released at the cinema and would ordinarily have debuted on TV streaming services much further down the line. "Making life a little easier for anyone at home"In response to people being stuck at home, Sky has also made a few more changes:
Finally Sky has pointed out that YouTube Kids and – excitingly – Disney Plus will be launching on the platform in 'the coming weeks' so keep your eyes peeled. Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO, Sky UK and Europe said: “We’re working hard at Sky to make sure we continue to look after our customers. "We’re also introducing some things to help make life a little easier for anyone at home trying to work, stay connected to loved ones, or keep the family entertained.” Read more:
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| The 10 Best PC Accessories for Working from Home Posted: 17 Mar 2020 11:00 AM PDT Working from home can require quite a bit of equipment in order for you to stay productive and on task. You'll need everything from monitors and keyboards to webcams and microphones to tackle assignments and stay in touch with bosses and colleagues via video calls and virtual meetings. Deciding what you need for your home office can be a little daunting. With our top picks for the best and most essential accessories and peripherals, you'll be ready for work in no time. So whether you're shopping for a mouse pad or a laptop dock, you'll find something to fit your needs. Best PC accessories for working from home at a glance
Video calls and meetings are one of the most important aspects of working from home, and you'll need a webcam that can keep up with your needs. The Logitech Brio UHD webcam records in 4K, 1080p, and 720p so you'll always be crystal clear. It features dual omnidirectional microphones to capture stereo sound. It's compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS laptops and desktops as well as many video calling apps like Zoom, Skype, and Discord. With facial recognition software and sensors, you can use this webcam with Windows Hello for password-free log-ins. It has a mounting clip for monitors and tablets as well as a threaded hole for use with a tripod. With RightLight 3, the webcam automatically detects your lighting environment and adjusts the picture accordingly so you can be seen in both dim and harsh lighting. It comes with a removable privacy shade for peace of mind when not in use. The Blue Yeti microphone isn't just for YouTubers. This microphone records crisp, clean audio in just about any setting, making it great for reliable voice recording and streaming during video calls and virtual meetings. It features a three capsule array and four different recording patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo), so it picks up your voice no matter where you are. The front of the mic has a one-touch mute button and volume dial for on-the-fly adjustments. The sturdy metal stand is adjustable for the perfect angle. It also has a threaded hole for mounting on a boom arm or stand for more placement options. The Blue Yeti is powered by a single USB cable and plug-and-play connectivity, so you don't have to be an audio or tech wizard to set it up. It's compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, so it's ready to go no matter what kind of desktop or laptop you use. Not only do you need a great mic for video calls and virtual meetings, you also need a pair of headphones you can rely on day after day. The Audio Technica ATH-M20x headset is an excellent option at an affordable price point. These headphones feature a durable plastic and metal design that is as strong as it is comfortable. The headband and over-ear cups are padded and the entire unit weighs just 6.7 ounces, so they're comfortable to wear during long meetings or workdays. The ear cups also feature 40mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum voice coils and a sound-isolating design so you catch every word. The 9.8-foot cable exits out of the left ear cup for tangle-free wear. It also gives you the freedom to move around your office if you need to give a virtual presentation. If you work with music, the headphones come packaged with a 6.3mm adapter for guitar and bass amps. Nothing grinds your workday to a halt like a dead cell phone. The Anker PowerWave wireless charger is compatible with both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones as well as Qi certified devices to help you keep in touch with colleagues and bosses. You can place your phone vertically to read notifications, texts, or browse the web and apps or horizontally for easier video viewing or video chatting. If you have a case on your phone, the PowerWave charges through cases up to 5mm thick so you don't have to fumble with taking the phone out to charge. For both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices, you can reach a full charge in about three hours. The charger measures just 4.49 inches tall and 3.15 inches wide, so it won't take up too much space on your desk. The charger features radiation shielding, foreign object detection, and temperature control to safely charge your phone and other Qi certified devices. If you work with a lot of external storage devices or USB-powered peripherals, you'll need the Atolla 7-port USB hub to keep everything connected. This hub not only has seven USB 3.0 ports for transferring data and using peripherals, it also has a smart charging port to power your smartphone or tablet. Each data transfer port has an individual on/off switch and indicator light so you only have to power what you need at any given point. The USB 3.0 ports are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices as well as Windows, Mac, and Linux-based computers. The hub has plug-and-play connectivity, so you won't have to mess with downloading extra drivers or installation software in order to use it. If you need to quickly transfer data to or from devices, the hub gives you transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps. The right mouse can make even the toughest workload easier to tackle. The Logitech M500 corded mouse has seven programmable buttons so you can set custom commands for specific programs and apps. The scroll wheel has a tilt-click function and a dedicated button to switch from precise ratcheting to a smooth free-scroll mode. The laser tracker has a sensitivity of 1000 DPI for precision on almost any surface. The mouse weighs just 5.08 ounces and features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use during long workdays. It also has plug-and-play connectivity and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS based computers. The Logitech K840 mechanical keyboard is the perfect model for anyone who works from home. This keyboard features Logitech's exclusive Romer-G switches for fast, quiet typing. Each switch is rated for 70 million strokes for lasting durability and reliability. The keyboard is full-sized with a 10-key number pad so you can type up reports, documents, and accounting work easily. The Logitech K8540 has an anodized aluminum frame that is as strong as it is stylish. There are integrated media and shortcut keys for one-touch controls. There are also programmable F-keys for custom shortcuts and commands. The K840 has folding legs to adjust the keyboard tilt for added comfort and ergonomic typing. With the USB cord, you get plug-and-play connectivity without the need for extra drivers or installation software. A laptop dock is perfect for anyone who needs to expand their workspace but doesn't have a desktop PC. This dock allows you to connect up to two extra displays to your laptop via HDMI or VGA cables for multi-monitor work like graphic design and video editing as well as easier viewing for multiple documents and programs. There are nine different peripheral connections, including 6 USB ports, headphone jack, audio out and an Ethernet port. You can use the USB ports to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, and memory storage devices to your laptop without the need for another hub. This dock is compatible with both Windows and macOS based computers so you won't have any connection issues no matter what you use for work. A computer monitor is the most essential piece of equipment if you use a desktop PC to work from home. The HP 27q Pavilion monitor is our top pick. It measures 27 inches diagonally and features minimal bezels to give you more viewable screen area. The screen also has an anti-glare coating so you can see everything in even the harshest lighting environments. The backlit LED panel gives you stunning 2K video and picture resolution; perfect for graphic design and video editing. With a 5ms response time, input lag is a thing of the past with the HP 27q Pavilion. It features AMD FreeSync technology and a refresh rate of 75Hz to prevent image stuttering and tearing and to smooth motion while viewing video. If your desk space is at a premium, you can mount this monitor to a wall with a compatible VESA mounting bracket. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The PS5 is getting developers excited, and we're about to find out why Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:54 AM PDT We only just learned that Sony has a special announcement planned for the PS5 coming tomorrow, but renowned games journalist Jason Schreier has given us a hint of the hype to come, as he explains in a Tweet. Responding to the announcement of a PS5 reveal tomorrow, Schreier explained that some of his contacts are excited about the new hardware and one even described it as "the most exciting hardware in 20 years." Schreier went on to elaborate that much of the emphasis was on the CPU and SSD, but that the comment was about the whole console.
The question of teraflops may still linger for some, as it's one of the big details Microsoft has touted for its Xbox Series X specs. But, teraflops are only a small part of the equation. Microsoft showed off its storage technology for the Xbox Series X, but Sony has already explained how it's going to offer virtually instantaneous loading for games. We also know the PS5 and Xbox Series X will be using similar AMD tech, just as the PS4 and Xbox One did. It's possible the Xbox Series X may still be the more powerful of the two, as there's some speculation that Project Lockhart will be a lower-power, mainstream version of the new Xbox. The new PS5, as a mainstream model, would then likely not compete directly with the Series X, just like the PS4 doesn't compete with the Xbox One X, leaving that to the PS4 Pro. All the same, there is something that has Schreier's industry contacts particularly excited about the PS5, and it's probably something we don't know about yet. Fortunately, we don't have to wait long to find out. Tomorrow, PS5 lead system architect Mark Cerny will take us all on a deep exploration of the PS5's hardware. Maybe we'll even get a look at a finalized design. You can tune in for Sony's live stream at 4pm GMT / 12pm ET / 9am PT on March 18 on the PlayStation Blog.
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| 10 Netflix series to save you from boredom while you're stuck at home Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:48 AM PDT Wherever you are right now, it's possible or even likely you've been advised to stay at home. It's the right thing to do for the safety of vulnerable people around the world, but that doesn't mean it's not incredibly boring – and if you have access to the internet, catching up on the many TV shows you've missed over the years is certainly one productive way to use up the time. You can check out our best Netflix shows and best Netflix UK shows lists for hard recommendations on the greatest shows the service has to offer – but in this list, we've tried to include a mix of shows that you can have on in the background while you do other stuff at home, as well as a few more intense shows that'll offer some real escapism if you give them your full attention. American VandalA parody of true crime shows like Making a Murderer, American Vandal is a long-canceled treat from Netflix, but both seasons are completely self-contained mysteries. In the first season, a student is expelled from high school after penises are spray-painted on the cars of every single teacher. A group of amateur filmmakers, also students at the same school, work to prove his innocence. In the second season, the ambition of the show increases, and the same young filmmakers from season one try to solve the case of who caused a 'brownout' at another high school: that is, the mass drugging of everyone in the school so everyone emptied their bowels at the same time. It sounds ridiculous, but it's not played for laughs, and the mystery behind what happened has a very satisfying resolution. Even if there'll never be a third season, this is secretly the best show about teenagers of the modern age. Mad MenAll seven seasons of Mad Men are on both Netflix US and UK, and it's well worth a rewatch. Weirdly, its 60s world of miserable-but-successful people working in the ads business is oddly comforting, probably because the show looks so nice, and the characters are so vividly drawn. The first four seasons represent Mad Men at its peak, and the set design and expensive licensed music really brings the period to life. It's considered a modern classic for a reason. The Good PlaceYou've probably heard about The Good Place already. The show has finished its four-season NBC run, and three of those are on Netflix US, while all four are on Netflix UK (in the US, the last few episodes of season four can be watched on Hulu). The premise is simple: Eleanor Shellstrop is sent to The Good Place (heaven, as it were), but knows she's an asshole who doesn't belong there. So what happens next? The show peaks in its first season when it comes to storytelling and cliffhangers, but the scriptwriting is so strong that subsequent seasons never stop being funny, even when the story threatens to run out of steam. Better Call SaulBetter Call Saul is a prequel series to Breaking Bad, used to tell another character story of another hard-working man who turns to a life of crime. But where Breaking Bad gradually became bogged down in the wider crime story it tried to tell, Better Call Saul retains its focus on the slow-but-sure change of one man and the forces that push him to where he goes, and is arguably more engaging as a result. It doesn't hurt that Bob Odenkirk, who plays Jimmy McGill (or, without wanting to give too much away, the titular Saul) is probably one of the best actors working right now. The first four seasons are on Netflix US, while Netflix UK has every season of the show, with new episodes of season 5 releasing weekly. Sugar RushWould you like to watch groups of people make some really ambitious cakes for a few hours, with the goal of winning $10,000? Sugar Rush is easy viewing on Netflix. Judges Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo give their verdict on each creation, and the cakes here get incredibly ambitious. Put it on in the background, if you like, and pay attention when it looks like a cake is about to fall over. Netflix has two breezy seasons to watch, hosted by handsome internet boy Hunter March. The Toys That Made UsHow about some factual content that doesn't challenge your brain whatsoever? The Toys That Made Us is an insightful but mostly easy-to-watch docu-series about the big toy sensations of yesteryear. The first series tells the story of Star Wars, where the merchandising rights have a genuinely fascinating history, and the latest third season finally gets around to the Ninja Turtles craze. John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch BunchThis offbeat comedy special riffs on kids' shows of the '80s and '90s, with comedian John Mulaney hosting among a bunch of show kids (some of which are very likeable). It's got some hit-and-miss jokes in there, but it's well worth sticking with for the late appearance of Jake Gyllenhaal as a character called 'The Music Man'. This is ideal background fodder if you're working from home. The OfficeWhen is it not time to accidentally watch 10 episodes of The Office? No doubt you've seen it before, but this is your last year to enjoy the cheerier NBC version of the British original before NBC streaming service Peacock gets the rights. After a rough first season, the show is fantastic until around its eighth season, when it starts falling into the trap of more hackneyed sitcoms. That's still well over 100 great episodes, though. UK readers: you'll need to get Amazon Prime Video for this one, unfortunately, but that's just the tip of the iceberg for the great old sitcoms you'll find on there. Community and Parks and Rec are also available to stream. Neon Genesis EvangelionWelcome to the bottom of the list, where we've snuck in a couple of darker entries for a bit of contrast! Make sure you're in the right mood for these. Never watched anime, or not watched much anime in your time? You've probably still heard of this show. Like Cowboy Bebop, it's got enough broader recognition that it's probably been mentioned in something you've read over the years. Fundamentally, it's a show about teenagers driving big robots, but it morphs into something stranger and more horrifying over the course of its run, underlined by smatterings of religious imagery. We don't recommend watching too many episodes at once, though: this show is heavy going, especially towards its finale. Both the series and concluding movie End of Evangelion are on Netflix. Check out our list of the best anime you can stream, which features this show. Black MirrorIs it a little on the nose, to watch a dark dystopian sci-fi anthology show while things are as they are? Maybe. You might want to skip the episode Fifteen Million Merits for that reason. But sometimes watching fiction you identify with can be a form of relief, too. Black Mirror graduates from a mostly British-focused set of technology-gone-wrong stories in its first two seasons to being a more international show in its Netflix years. Our favorite episodes? The Entire History of You, Shut Up and Dance, White Christmas, USS Callister and San Junipero.
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| Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:40 AM PDT Amazon is hiring an additional 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers to deal with the recent surge in online orders during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Both Amazon and supermarket chains are turning to recently unemployed workers from the restaurant, travel and entertainment business to fill out their ranks. In a blog post, Amazon explained that these workers have a place with the company if they so choose, saying:
"We also know many people have been economically impacted as jobs in areas like hospitality, restaurants, and travel are lost or furloughed as part of this crisis. We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back." New employeesThe coronavirus outbreak has led to some items being out of stock on Amazon and deliveries being delayed, which is why the company has decided to hire more workers. The company's total number of employees actually fluctuates seasonally as it takes on more workers during the holidays and at other busy periods during the year. Amazon's total number of employees recently peaked during the 2019 holiday season when it had 798,000 full and part-time workers. To help bring in new employees and retain its current ones, the ecommerce giant said it would add an additional $2 to its minimum $15 per hour wage for US workers through April. This pay increase for hourly workers in North America and Europe is expected to cost Amazon over $350m. More employees will certainly help meet consumer demand during this trying time but it is still unclear as to whether or not delivery operations will be affected by new government restrictions.
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| 5 challenges to remote working Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:39 AM PDT Working from home might be the main advice for many at present and it’s already the way of the future for lots of us. But, if you’re going to be taking the plunge and working remotely then there are definitely pros and cons. Of course, there are certainly plenty of pros when it comes to working remotely and one of the main things is that you immediately do away with your daily commute. That’s a win right there. It might be that you only have a five or ten-minute walk to work, but that adds up over time. If, on the other hand, you commute an hour or two a day, either in the car or on the train that’s an instant saving of an awful lot of time. And a lot of money too. The first challenge is therefore to optimize that extra time (while saving the spare travel cash for a rainy day perhaps), either by turning yourself into someone who’s much more productive and thereby gaining kudos with your employer, or getting a better work/life balance. Ideally, you’ll end up doing both. 1. Smarter workingSo, one of the main challenges with remote working is that while it has the potential to free up extra time so you can enjoy life a little bit, there is also the tendency for us to overcompensate. If, for example, you’re employed and your boss has said you can work from home, one of the first things employees tend to start doing is more hours. This is usually to show just how much effort you're making and that you’re not skiving off, but equally it can often be hard to switch off when you’re not actually doing that dreaded commute anymore. However, this is not the way forward. You should already have an agreed amount of hours with your employer and, just because you're not commuting, you shouldn't be working a pattern that’s any different to normal. However, the plus point about remote working is that you can often fit in those hours to work around other things, such as childcare or sporting and social activities. As long as you’ve agreed it in advance then this can be a real bonus. 2. TeamworkOne of the main reasons some people start to struggle with working remotely is they feel a little left out of the equation. Being in an office means you’re part of a team and you’re visible to all. Being stuck at home might make you feel at a bit of a loss and as though you’re not really part of anything. Fear not though; there’s plenty of software that’ll bring you back into the mix. Video conferencing, instant messaging and the good old phone are all tools at your disposal. You might just have to make a bit more of a concerted effort to stay in touch compared to when you were at your desk back in the office. 3. Tech savvyNot everyone is up to speed on the latest tech, but if you work for a company that’s letting you work remotely then hopefully they’ll have implemented sufficient steps to ensure you’ve got the kit you need to stay productive. This can be anything from task management software to collaboration software to project management software. Even for those who aren't working for someone else, the resources that are at your disposal are almost limitless. And the good news, if you're a freelancer or business owner seeing things dry up in an economic downturn, is that many are free. What’s more, if training on how to use new tech or run a certain software package isn’t forthcoming then have a look on YouTube as you can bet that someone, somewhere will have done an instructional video. The answer might be that obvious. 4. Get organizedJust because you're at home or working in some other remote location you’ll still want to have a plan of action in place. In fact, you might find that you need to have more calendar events in your diary than you did in the office. When you’re sharing space with other workers it’s often the case that they’ll give you a handy prod about an event or meeting, if per chance you’d forgotten to add it to your calendar. If you're working remotely though you’ll need to be more on top of your game. Although it's still possible to share calendars and organizers online, the onus is always going to be on you, as the owner of your own space and time at home, to make sure you stay on the ball. 5. Avoid distractionsOne of the biggest challenges facing anyone while working remotely can be getting distracted. While it is nice to have the dog come up to you for attention, or perhaps your children doing the same thing, if you get all of them vying for a piece of the action while you’re working then it can be time-sapping and inconvenient. And, if you don’t have the luxury of helping hands then that can perhaps be one of the biggest issues with working from home. If you’ve got an understanding boss and deadlines that are a little bit elastic then you might want to move your working hours to after the children have gone to bed. It’s not easy, but it does at least allow you to focus. And finally…It’s possible to overcome the main challenges with working remotely, but at the same time it’s crucial that you learn to take it easy from time to time. If you can avoid the issue of working too much and switch off then you’re off to a great start. Then you’ll also want to look out for other minor remote working pitfalls, such as habit snacking and procrastinating as much as possible before you even get started for the day. There’s a degree of self-discipline involved with working from home, but it is possible. It’s even more possible if you don't have kids or pets. But where’s the fun in that?
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| Black Widow is now officially delayed by coronavirus Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:24 AM PDT Black Widow is being delayed from its May 1 release date until further notice, Marvel has announced today (thanks, Deadline). It follows as cinema chains around the world have been closing due to coronavirus. Black Widow's delay was looking like a dead cert after two major US cinema chains announced they were shut for the time being, with AMC saying it'll be closed for "at least 6-12 weeks". Regal, meanwhile, has released a statement that all theaters will be closed "until further notice". In the UK, cinema chains Cineworld and Odeon are closing until further notice, too. AMC's timeline crosses over with Black Widow's previous May 1 release date, which hurt the movie's chances of releasing in its original timeframe. While Black Widow's final trailer was released on March 9, the situation around coronavirus has escalated drastically in the US since then. Disney previously moved Mulan and The New Mutants off the release schedule, but now Black Widow is joining it. Here's what could happen next with the latest Marvel movie.
What will happen to the MCU now Black Widow has been delayed?This is an interesting conundrum for Marvel, but the truth is it's likely that all MCU movies and shows will be pushed back by coronavirus. All Marvel Disney Plus shows shooting right now have shut down production for time being, which includes The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki and WandaVision. A Deadline report from March 4 mentioned a rumor heard among exhibitors that Black Widow could move back to November 24, which is when fellow MCU movie The Eternals is due out. But for now we can't be sure what will happen while the situation is developing. Coronavirus, too, means upcoming MCU movies won't actually be able to start shooting, so it's likely this will have a ripple effect on the entire set of Marvel projects. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Hybrid Log Gamma: everything you need to know about HLG HDR Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:23 AM PDT There are so many new content formats found in modern-day televisions that it can be hard to keep up – especially because most of them have confusing initialisms, like HDR and HLG. Many of us will have had to get our heads around all kinds of new HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Hybrid Log Gamma (often shortened to HLG). But what is HLG? Does your TV have it? And why should you care if it does? The best place to start is with HDR (High Dynamic Range): a video format that enhances the brightness, sharpness, and color gamut of an image beyond SDR (Standard Dynamic Range).
HDR already comes in several different guises. There's the original HDR10 standard through to the more exclusive Dolby Vision, the still-nascent Advanced HDR by Technicolor and, for broadcasters, that's where Hybrid Log Gamma comes in. To help you make sense of this brave new world of color and clarity, we’ve put together a general overview of Hybrid Log Gamma’s new HDR format and everything that makes it stand out from competing standards. So what is Hybrid Log Gamma?Hybrid Log Gamma is an HDR format developed by the UK's own BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), in conjunction with NHK, Japan's national broadcaster. The issue traditional broadcasters have is that many of their viewers still hold on to old SDR television sets, which can't display the increasingly prevalent HDR standard. SDR is also much cheaper to film in, and the likes of the BBC are naturally reluctant to ditch a cost-effective format that tens of thousands of viewers still rely on. The HLG format works around this obstacle by coding both SDR and HDR footage into the same broadcasting signal. It's a far more efficient process for broadcasters, who then don't have to provide twice the amount of bandwidth to transmit their programming across the country in two separate formats. When reaching your home television, the HLG signal will display in HDR if your television is compatible with the HLG HDR format. Otherwise, it displays in regular ol’ SDR – with some neat upscaling to bring it closer to its HDR counterpart. Exploring the different color contrast for viewers. The HLG broadcast format is slightly different to HLG Photo Mode, which displays still HDR images from Panasonic Lumix cameras, and is exclusively available on OLED TVs in the 2019 Panasonic TV range. How does Hybrid Log Gamma work?Hybrid Log Gamma uses what’s called an ‘opto-optical transfer function’ (sorry), which is the process used to convert a broadcast signal into the light that shows on your television screen. SDR and HDR footage are both converted into two types of light coding, which can then be unpacked separately depending on the compatibility of the television. The ‘hybrid’ in Hybrid Log Gamma refers to this dual-coding of SDR and HDR. ‘Gamma’ refers to the low-light image data encoded in the signal, while ‘log’ is short for the ‘logarithmic curve’ that transmits in HDR’s wider brightness range. And why does anyone need Hybrid Log Gamma?While having a single dominant format would no doubt be simpler – for users who just want to get on with, you know, watching the telly – the competition is no doubt driving up the standard picture quality we expect from our television screens. HLG is only one of numerous HDR formats out there, which are all doing different things and are suited to different purposes. HDR10 is the most common out of these, and is usually what people refer to when they say 'HDR' (any HDR TV will come with it built in). Like HLG, it's an open-source format, meaning that anyone can use it, and it delivers on a wider color palette than SDR, with 10-bit color depth and a peak brightness of 4,000 nits . Dolby Vision is a well-regarded alternative, that can reach up to 10,000 nits brightness and a 12-bit color depth, and generally offers a better picture. It does, however, require royalties from content providers to use, and is therefore much less ubiquitous – and is already facing off competition from an upgraded HDR10+ standard with equivalent bells and whistles. Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ use a type of ‘dynamic metadata’ in real-time, optimizing brightness and contrast to suit the images being shown onscreen in each shot. HLG is specifically made for the ease of broadcasters, meaning it forgoes metadata that could get lost or out of sync during a live broadcast. Lots of BBC content is HLG, especially some of the big budget nature programmes, like Planet Earth II. Image Credit: BBC So what can I watch HLG content on?As with any new format, HLG will only be as strong as the players who support it. It’s very much its own HDR format, and therefore an HDR TV will need to have the ability to recognise and play the format. Any recent HDR television from LG, Sony or Samsung – made in 2016 or after – have included HLG compatibility in firmware updates. Panasonic has also supported the format in a number of its premium HDR sets. There’s scattered support elsewhere, including in the odd projector from Sony and JVC, but it’s not as prevalent as HDR10 and you’ll need to make sure it’s supported in your specific make of television or otherwise. What's next for Hybrid Log Gamma?The BBC started trialing the technology in 2017 and – after some strong audience responses – has been rolling it out to flagship programmes like Blue Planet II, as well as major sporting events like this year’s FIFA World Cup. One of the BBC’s blog post on HLG reads: “The audience feedback from last year’s trial was fantastic, and exceeded our expectations. Even with only those four minutes of content, we were delighted to learn that there is a real audience appetite for better quality pictures, and more of them.” HLG is supported on BBC iPlayer – obviously – as well as YouTube, Freeview Play, and DirecTV. Hybrid Log Gamma will no doubt start appearing on more televisions, content platforms and the like, though in a heavily competitive market you never know what's going to last, and what will fall by the wayside. According to the BBC, it's still working to develop "a complete HDR ecosystem", which involves a lot of research and development. But it seems that the innovation of HLG generally has been a bit quiet in recent years.
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| iPhone 12 release date, leaks, rumors and what we're expecting Posted: 17 Mar 2020 10:00 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: We've seen a leaked benchmark for the iPhone 12's processing speeds (well, for its A14 Bionic chipset) and it seems the phone might have its Android competitors beat, given that it trumps the power of the Snapdragon 865 chipset that you'll find in most 2020 flagships Cut to the chase
iPhone 12 release date and priceThere 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 nameFirst 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 designApple 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 cameraAnother 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. The chipset seems ready to wow too, as an A14 Bionic leaked benchmark showed it had a single-core and multi-score score that was ahead of the Snapdragon 865, the processor you'll find in almost all Android flagships in 2020. 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 iPhoneThe 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 featuresFirst 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 designThe 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 everythingWe’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 rateThe 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 boostsFor 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 supportSamsung'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 priceWe 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.
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| Amazon's Fire 8 tablet is down to its lowest price ever - today only! Posted: 17 Mar 2020 09:57 AM PDT If you're searching for at-home entertainment, a tablet can be a fantastic option. You can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows or choose from millions of Kindle eBook titles. Luckily, Amazon is discounting its best-selling Fire tablets today only. The Fire HD 8 tablet features an 8-inch HD display and offers a 16 or 32GB storage option. You can watch all your favorite movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu, and more or cozy up with a new book from millions of Kindle eBooks options. You also won't have to worry about recharging your battery throughout the day because the Fire 8 offers up to 10 hours of battery life. Amazon Fire Tablet deals:See more of the best cheap Fire Tablet deals and sales that are happening now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| You can now sync Netflix movies with friends, thanks to a Chrome add-on Posted: 17 Mar 2020 09:49 AM PDT Netflix Party has arrived, and the unofficial new social feature for the world's biggest TV streaming service should make watching your favorite shows on your sofa a little bit less lonely. It lets you sync playback on movies and TV episodes with your friends, wherever they are. What is Netflix Party? The website for the feature calls it "a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows." Syncing playback means that you'll be starting and ending a movie at exactly the same time as your friends – with a sidebar for real-time chat throughout whatever you're watching. Want to scream in capital letters together as Barb is dragged to The Upside Down in Stranger Things, or weep over the moving scenes of self-realization in Queer Eye? You can do that, without having to take your eye away from the screen. It's not an official Netflix feature, and it's supported by a Patreon, but it's simple enough to add it to your browser. There's a catch, though: it's only available on Google Chrome. So if you're a die-hard user of Safari, Firefox, or – shudder – Microsoft Edge, you don't currently have an option.
Rave the roofIt's not the first time we've seen something like this, even for Netflix. We've previously reported on the social streaming app Rave, which lets users sync Netflix or YouTube videos over mobile (or certain VR headsets) with other users of the app. But Netflix Party looks like it will have a far wider user base by virtue of being a browser add-on, rather than being limited to smartphones and tablets. In this self-isolating society, having more social features in our content services is a great thing. Having tried out Netflix Party ourselves, it's both non-obtrusive and simple to use, with a neat sidebar stuck on the right side of the screen, and options to set an icon and nickname for every person joining the synced stream. All you have to do is download the extension in your Chrome browser, and then hit the Netflix Party icon on your bookmarks bar while watching a movie or TV episode. The chat will continue across consecutive episodes, too – meaning you can binge a whole season with your nearest and dearest. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: will it be worth the upgrade? Posted: 17 Mar 2020 09:46 AM PDT Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X: will it be worth the upgrade? More details have emerged from Microsoft on the next Xbox, the Xbox Series X, but we shouldn’t count out its predecessor - and the most powerful console on the market today - the Xbox One X. Microsoft’s mid-gen refresh of the Xbox One - and answer to Sony’s PS4 Pro - is the best games console when it comes to sheer computing chops. It’s for console players who want the best of the best in terms of specs, and native 4K and HDR support, but the upcoming Xbox Series X will have something to say about that when it releases this year. So, here's a break down of everything we know about the two consoles so far, including price (or rumored price), specs, and existing or expected games to help you weigh up whether it'll be worth upgrading from the Xbox One X to the Xbox Series X.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X priceBoth Sony and Microsoft are being coy on price, and for good reason. The Xbox Series X price and the PS5 price came out on top in a Twitter poll of the most important factors for those looking to pick up a next-gen console. Neither company intends to repeat the mistakes of the $599 PS3 in 2006, or that of the original $499 Xbox One. Some rumors have suggested the next Xbox will be around $499, but that's just speculation. In other words, we don’t know the price of the next-gen Xbox yet, but head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, has stressed that Microsoft won’t be making the same mistake that crippled their start to the current console generation. Speaking with The Verge, Spencer said “we will not be out of position on power or price,” so expect the RRP to be more competitive this time. In terms of the Xbox One X launch RRP of $499/£449/AU$649, you can do an awful lot better than that nowadays. At time of publication, some of the best Xbox One X deals see you picking up the console for less than $300 with a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the US or the console and every numbered Gears game for £299 in the UK. However, expect the Xbox One X to be reduced even more when Xbox Series X pre-orders launch later this year. Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X specsXbox Series X boasts seriously impressive specs, and they paint an exciting picture for next-gen gaming. Here’s what we know:
With a 12 teraflop GPU capable of up to 120 fps, the Series X is twice as powerful as the One X. It’s also got the computing muscle to support ray tracing, the demanding lighting tech only available on cutting-edge Nvidia RTX graphics cards right now. The Xbox Series X will include a super-fast NVMe SSD, which opens up all sorts of possibilities: part of its storage system can be used to boost load times by up to 40 times and Quick Resume allows users to jump between multiple games at once without closing each game. Meanwhile, here are the Xbox One X specs:
The innards of the premium Xbox ensure it’s the most powerful console available today and the best way to play with native 4K and HDR. That said, its 1TB mechanical hard drive holds it back: it’s slow and can hold disappointingly few triple-A titles. For a console aimed at those who accept nothing less than the best of the best, there can only be one winner in this category. Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X gamesBeyond Halo Infinite, Hellblade 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, there isn’t much to get excited about in terms of confirmed Xbox Series X games. At the time of publication, they are:
While that may not be much so far, the Series X’s impressive specs in combination with the excellent value of Xbox Game Pass gives early adopters a ready-made library that benefits from faster load times, better graphics, and higher resolution. Backwards compatibility is confirmed for the Series X, which allows you to play games from previous generations on your new system, but Microsoft has gone a step further with Smart Delivery. Consider this ‘forwards compatibility’ in the sense that when you buy a compatible game, it’s unlocked on all supporting hardware. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 supports Smart Delivery, so owners of the game on Xbox One X will benefit from a free upgrade on Series X. That means if buying a One X has cleaned you out, you can buy the likes of Halo Infinite - which launches on Game Pass day one - safe in the knowledge that it’ll be there for you on Series X when you’ve cobbled together the cash. Until then, there are plenty of Xbox One X games to enjoy in gorgeous 4K, like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Metro Exodus, and Forza Horizon 4. But thanks to backwards compatibility, many current-gen games and older should be available on Series X. Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X verdictThe Xbox Series X is an increasingly enticing prospect. While we don’t know if it’ll be the most powerful console by the end of the year, its graphical grunt combined with the excellent Game Pass subscription service means Xbox fans should be getting seriously excited. For early adopters, the Series X’s lack of exciting launch games is ameliorated by an instant collection of great games thanks to Game Pass and backwards compatibility. And with Smart Delivery, those looking to upgrade from their One X can buy supported games now and upgrade for free to the Series X version once they can afford the new unit. Since the cost of the One X will plummet once the Series X launches, there are few reasons to buy a new version now. Even then the better value prospect is the cheaper, but less powerful, Xbox One S. So, really, it’s less a battle between the Xbox One X vs Xbox Series X: instead, Microsoft seems to be ensuring a harmonious, flexible transition between consoles for those that want the best of the best from an Xbox.
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| These Cheap 4K TV deals can save you big time on a premium display this week Posted: 17 Mar 2020 09:22 AM PDT Cooped up inside and looking for some cheap 4K TV deals? Well, we've got you covered with some sales on these premium Samsung TVs in both the US and UK. It doesn't matter what side of the pond you find yourself on right now - with these glorious high-quality displays on sale for stunning prices, you needn't miss out. Regardless of whether they are on offer or not, Samsung 4K TVs offer excellent value for money with industry-leading features, including premium HDR10, a massive range of smart TV Apps and an easy to use setup. With these cheap 4K TV deals, you'll save yourself a bundle while getting some of the very best Samsung has to offer. We're seeing these Samsung 4K TVs come in for as little as $295 in the US, though you might also want to check out this $299 price tag on a more recent model. With savings reaching into the $280 range, there has never been a better time to grab a cheap 4K TV deal. In the UK, we're seeing discounts on the popular 2019 RU7470 range. While not as premium in display (or price) as the 8-Series, this is still a high-quality lineup. With fantastic picture quality and special Ultra-HD Dimming technology for higher contrast and detailing, you can save anything from £50 - £100 on these powerful TVs. Prices start at £379 on the 43-inch model, but again, we'd really point you towards this £399 price on the 50-inch version to get the most value. These cheap 4K TV deals will help you secure a premium display for less this weekend. Plus, with so much content offering 4K streaming and broadcast at the moment, there's more opportunity than ever to push your display to its limits and enjoy stunning picture clarity. Samsung 4K TV sales in the US
Today's best cheap 4K TV deals in the UKCurrys are holding a fantastic 4K TV sales event this weekend, and new subscribers can also grab a free 6-month subscription to Spotify with their new TV to boot.
We're keeping tabs on all the latest 4K TV sales right here on TechRadar, but if you really want to upgrade you might also want to check out the best OLED TV deals from around the web. You can also make the most of your new TV with these Amazon Fire Stick deals. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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