Friday, April 24, 2020

Apple : Best webcams 2020: top picks for working from home

Apple : Best webcams 2020: top picks for working from home


Best webcams 2020: top picks for working from home

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 03:30 PM PDT

The best webcams are some of the most vital tools of the trade when you work from home and have a PC setup. They’re not just for video conferencing with clients and colleagues; they’re great for connecting with loved ones, broadcasting your games and producing content.

While the laptops or all-in-one PCs already come equipped with fairly good cameras, the desktop users out there still require a great webcam. With our help, you’ll find one of the best webcams to fit your needs, whether you’re a content creator, a YouTuber or simply a remote worker who needs to be in touch with your team.

Since there are plenty out there, we made a list of the best webcams 2020 has to offer, complete with a variety of models to choose from. Whether you want something with 4K resolution, can swivel around 360 degrees, or comes equipped with a quality mic, you’ll find something to fit your needs. We've listed the best webcams that are still in stock first, and then our usual best webcam list is underneath.

Logitech C270

These days, webcams are in high demand with so many people temporarily working from home. Not only is it hard to find the best ones in stock, but you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on something you’d only use for a little while. For something cheap, we’d go with the Logitech C270. Despite its 720p resolution, which honestly is good enough for video conferencing and hanging out with friends and family on Zoom, this little webcam that could is a bestseller and has received plenty of positive reviews. It’s also easy to set up – just plug and play, and most instant messaging and video chat apps will detect it automatically – so it’s perfect for those who aren’t technology savvy.

Microsoft LifeCam Studio


It isn’t the most attractive webcam, but the LifeCam Studio isn’t really designed to be attractive. Instead, it’s made for business conferencing and presentations, with its 1080p recording, 720p live video calling and wideband mic to deliver crystal clear sound. This is a serious peripheral – one that requires a powerful PC for max settings – but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking bells and whistles. For instance, it comes with 360-degree rotating capabilities and Microsoft’s TrueColor system, which will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit.

Read the full review: Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Lenovo 500 FHD Webcam

Lenovo may be better known for its laptops, but it makes nifty webcams too. If you’re willing to shell out just a bit more, the Lenovo 500 FHD Webcam is actually not too bad, price-wise, considering its plethora of features. That includes a 75° wide angle lens, pan and tilting capabilities up to 360°, a facial recognition feature for Windows Hello login, and a privacy shutter because you never know who’s watching when you’re away from your desk. Plus, you don’t have to mount it on your laptop or display if you don’t want to. Those are some mighty features for a webcam that’s less than $100. With it, you’ve basically just upgraded your PC with some cool new features. What’s even better is that they’re available right now.

Logitech StreamCam

Logitech StreamCam has many tools to offer for your content creation needs.

Our top pick for the best webcams is more than just a webcam. The Logitech StreamCam won’t just have your back when you’re video conferencing, video chatting with families and friends, and live streaming your games. This feature-rich 1080p webcam has many tools to offer for your content creation needs as well, including auto-focusing, smart exposure, facial tracking, up to 60fps frame rate, and a flippable design so you can take photos and videos in 9:16 format. You can even mount it on a tripod, and it uses USB Type-C for fast and more efficient video transfer speeds.

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000

The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is one of the best webcams out there. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

The Microsoft LifeCam Studio is one of the best webcams out there. Aimed at pro users with large displays, it features a familiar configuration of 1080p recording and 720p live video calling. It rotates 360 degrees, and can be mounted on a tripod with autofocus. The wideband mic delivers crystal clear audio, and Microsoft’s TrueColor system will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit, making it a great choice for business conferencing and presentations.

Razer Kiyo

Razer Kiyo focuses on what matters most to game streamers and YouTube vloggers. (Image Credit: Razer)

The Razer Kiyo might look weird, a testament to Razer’s unique designs, but it’s still one of the best webcams out there for streaming – which is unbelievably popular in this day and age. With the Razer Kiyo, Razer has stripped away a lot of the bells and whistles that more premium webcams offer, focusing instead on what matters most to game streamers and YouTube vloggers – good image quality and lighting through a “Light Ring”. You don’t need to spend a ton of time configuring the stream – just plug in the Razer Kiyo and get to work.

Logitech C922 Pro Stream

The Logitech C922 Pro Stream features the same classy design as its predecessor, but with something interesting for gamers.

The Logitech G922 Pro Stream features the same classy design as its predecessor, the C920, but it’s especially interesting for gamers this time around. The C922 still boasts excellent 1080p video quality, great for hosting video calls, and its automatic low-light correction makes it a fantastic cam for streaming with the lights off. It also supports background removal, making it ideal for budding YouTubers.

Should you buy the Logitech G922 Pro Stream?

Mevo

Mevo allows you to capture footage live, no matter where you are in the world. (Image Credit: Mevo)

If you’re an aspiring journalist, or even if you’re just trying to capture footage in the wild, Mevo might be one of the best webcams for you. Either the Mevo or Mevo Plus will allow you to capture footage live, no matter where you are in the world – as long as you can connect to a mobile network. Plus, because Mevo is small and inconspicuous, it won’t distract your subject during an interview.

Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Microsoft LifeCam Studio is made for business conferencing and presentations. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

It isn’t the most attractive webcam, but the LifeCam Studio isn’t really designed to be attractive. Instead, it’s made for business conferencing and presentations, with its 1080p recording, 720p live video calling and wideband mic to deliver crystal clear sound. This is a serious peripheral – one that requires a powerful PC for max settings – but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking bells and whistles. For instance, it comes with 360-degree rotating capabilities and Microsoft’s TrueColor system, which will shift the exposure dynamically to keep you well lit.

Read the full review: Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Logitech C930e


Have you ever looked at a webcam in disgust because it just can’t hold up to your smartphone? Well, the Logitech Brio might be the webcam you’ve been looking for. With a 4K UHD resolution and HDR, the Logitech Brio has brought high fidelity to the world of the best webcams. If that wasn’t enough, it also boasts Windows Hello functionality and an easy to use stand, which will let you position it to capture your best side.

Creative Labs Senz3D

The Creative Labs Senz3D has more features than you can imagine. (Image Credit: Creative)

Creative may not be the first company that comes to mind when you’re in the market for the best webcams, but with the Creative Labs Senz3D, that’s clearly changed. This space-age webcam has more features than you can imagine, and the high-tech 3D scanner and facial tracking tech promises to lead to some intriguing things in both AR functionality and even gaming. It isn’t exactly cheap, but you’re getting all the bells and whistles with this offering from Creative.

Logitech C930e

Logitech C930e is Logitech's most advanced HD webcam yet. (Image Credit: Logitech)

The C930e claims to be Logitech's most advanced HD webcam yet, so it isn’t surprising that it's also one of Logitech’s most expensive offerings. However, unlike traditional webcams, which rely on the PC for all the heavy lifting, this unit does the video encoding itself, which should in turn result in better video quality. The wide, 90-degree field of view means it’s well-suited to business video conferencing and presentations. And of course, it’s Skype-certified for PC and Mac.

AUSDOM 1080P HD Webcam

The AUSDOM 1080P HD Webcam boasts resolutions of up to 1080p HD while supporting 12MP stills. (Image Credit: Ausdom)

If you’re looking for a full HD webcam without that hefty price tag, this may be one of the best webcams for you. Boasting resolutions of up to 1080p HD while supporting 12MP stills, a noise-cancelling microphone and low-light compensation, this camera is feature-rich. There’s no autofocus, and you don’t get a big bundle of software, but that bargain price more than makes up for any shortcomings, which is why it’s earned a place on our best webcams list.

Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft LifeCam Studio 

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How to watch RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race: stream the new show online from anywhere

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 03:21 PM PDT

The library has re-opened and it’s time to get back to werk. Not IRL, of course, but for Drag Race fans Mother Ru brings great news: a top secret, four-episode incarnation of Drag Race in which famous celebrities sashay down the runway. It’s just what we need right now, and we’re here to tell you how to watch RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race no matter where you find yourself.

In a reversal of fortunes, each episode will see three celebrities on the other side of the judging panel: their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent up for a thorough evaluation. They’ll be assisted by Drag Race royalty – past contestants including Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Nina West, and fan-favorite Vanessa “Vanjeee” Mateo – who’ll help them look polished and get their snatch game up to scratch.

The star-studded lineup is currently very hush-hush, so we’re excited to see who goes under the makeup brush. Will we see Tom Hanks sashay away? Brad Pitt lip-sync for his life, or Madonna performing a death drop? Either way, of the twelve celebrities, the winner will be crowned Celebrity Drag Race champion whose prize money will go to their nominated charity.

Don’t miss a moment of sick’ning runway fun courtesy of your favorite queens and showbiz pals. Just sit back, put down that cross-stitch, and relax as we tell you how to watch RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race online wherever you are.

How to watch RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race online in the US for FREE

  • Philo: 59 channels are available for the modest amount of $20 a month, but it also offers a week-long free trial!
  • FuboTV: for the queenly sum of $54.99 per month you’ll get access to 108 channels. The first seven days are free and you can cancel at any time.
  • AT&T TV Now: the Plus option offers 45 channels for $65, which includes VH1 among other premium fare. New customers are entitled to a 7-day free trial.
  • Sling: VH1 isn’t available as part of the Sling Orange or Sling Blue packages, which are $20 for the first month then $30 after that. You’d need to choose one of these first, and then select the $5 Lifestyle Extra add-on. Free trials come and go so keep an eye on their webpage for their latest offers.

How to watch RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race from abroad

As far as we know, RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race is a one-off special, airing exclusively on VH1 in the US. It’s not likely to be broadcast simultaneously from anywhere else or made available on international streaming platforms like Netflix.

Despite many of us being homebound due to the coronavirus lockdown, some people have found themselves stranded outside of the US, while others are still required to travel for work. So, Drag Race fanatics abroad will find themselves geo-blocked when trying to watch the show through US-only streaming platforms.

Fortunately, there’s a solution in the form of a VPN. This invaluable piece of software changes your IP address so you can access all the content you normally view at home, from anywhere in the world.

Be aware, however, that some services will require you to verify local credit card details, or to enter your cable subscription information before giving you access, so please read the fine print first.

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Sling TV's Happy Hour lets you watch NFL Draft and much more absolutely free

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 03:10 PM PDT

Sling TV has long been one of our favorite TV streaming services, but it's really raised its game in the last few weeks.

While the country is locked down and the nation is clamouring for enthralling TV to watch, Sling TV's 'Happy Hour' is giving cord cutters a treat by making its Blue package absolutely free to watch between 5pm and midnight ET every single day.

- Head to Sling's website to watch - no credit card details needed 

So that means cable channels like Fox, NBC, USA, Bravo, TBS, FX, Syfy, Bloomberg TV, Fox News, Headline News, National Geographic, Comedy Central and MSNBC will all be available to watch live.

And in terms of what actual shows that makes available, we're talking about a massive range. Deadliest Catch, Real Housewives, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Better Call Saul are all included, as well as over 50,000 on-demand titles and movies, too. And if you're a football fan, you can also watch Friday evening's NFL draft live stream.

This isn't a free trial and there's no commitment, contracts or payment details required - you can simply get seven hours' free daily access to the Sling TV Blue service without paying a penny.

Is Sling TV any good?

It's definitely got TechRadar's approval! We love the fact that it allows you to customize your favorite channels on the app, and it's on-demand programming along with movies that you can rent is pretty handy.

Not to mention that you can watch it on any device that can stream the app - this includes your tablet, phone, laptop, smart TV etc, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and many more. 

What we also find it quite refreshing that there are no sneaky fees or long-term contracts - you just pay a flat fee for the this TV streaming service. 

Want to find out more? Make sure you check out our Sling TV review

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Ubuntu 20.04 adds VPN and support for a key Windows 10 feature

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:40 PM PDT

Canonical has released the latest version of its Ubuntu Linux distribution which offers a number of exciting new features designed to improve performance and security.

Ubuntu 20.04, aka Focal Fossa, is based on the Linux 5.4 kernel and this long-term-support (LTS) version is a major update for desktop, server and cloud users.

Linux 5.4 includes an optional Linux Security Module (LSM) called kernel lockdown mode which prevents the system's root account from altering the kernel code in some instances. This makes it much more difficult for compromised root accounts to compromise Linux systems.

However, one of the biggest features in the latest Linux kernel is support for Microsoft's popular device file system exFAT.

Ubuntu 20.04

In addition to the new features from Linux 5.4, Canonical's core operating system has also received some new features as well with the biggest being WireGuard support.

WireGuard is a new VPN protocol developed by Jason A. Donenfeld that uses state-of-the-art cryptography to improve security and it also offers faster speeds than OpenVPN and IPSec. The protocol has been added to Ubuntu 20.04 but Donenfeld says that it will also be backported to Ubuntu 18.04.

Unbuntu 20.04 has also added support for the latest version of the Oracle-based Z File System (ZFS) that now includes disk encryption and other performance enhancements.

In a press release, CEO of Canonical, Mark Shuttleworth explained that he wants the Ubuntu's latest release to be the standard reference platform secure cloud and edge computing, saying:

“Accelerating open source globally is our mission. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is the new state of the art open source platform for the enterprise and the entrepreneur. We bring together thousands of contributors and the world’s largest technology companies to make Ubuntu 20.04 LTS the standard reference platform for secure cloud and edge compute.” 

  • Also check out our complete list of the best VPN services

Via ZDNet

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Surface Book 3 specs, price and release date: everything we know about the next Surface Book

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:40 PM PDT

The anticipation for the Surface Book 3 is mounting. Not only are fans of the Surface line looking forward to seeing how Microsoft will improve on the Surface Book’s success and refine the elegant Surface Book 2’s winning formula. But, there’s also this palpable excitement as we inch closer to its release date, which is in a matter of weeks.

In fact, rumors and leaks have already circulated all over the Twittersphere and beyond. So far, we’ve seen leaks on possible Surface Book 3 configurations, as well as possible prices for both the 13-inch and15-inch models. A more recent leak even suggests the Surface Book 3 could pack 10th-gen Intel CPUs and Nvidia Quadro graphics, which means that it could be a content creation powerhouse.

So, ahead of its release date, let’s dive into everything we know and everything we want to see from the Surface Book 3. Will the Microsoft Surface Book 3 be the best laptop to come out of Microsoft? If the company takes what made the Surface Book line such an excellent series and builds upon that – hopefully, with a higher resolution display, Thunderbolt 3 and cutting edge internal components, then quite possibly. 

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The would-be third Surface Book 2-in-1 laptop
  • When is it out? Hopefully some time in 2020
  • What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

surface book 3 in motion

We're still hoping that Microsoft will showcase the Surface Book 3. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Surface Book 3 release date

We think that 2020 is a good bet for the Surface Book 3. The Surface Book 2 was rolled out in late 2017 so it’s already got a few years under its belt. 

However, 2019 came and went without so much as a peep from the line. Three new Surface devices were released in late 2019 – the Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, and Surface Laptop 3 – but there wasn’t any sign of the next-generation Surface Book. If you also account for the fact that Microsoft has recently given the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 a quad-core processor, 2019 would have been too early for a new model anyway.

We are, however, hoping that 2020 will feature a Surface Book 3 release date. Based on the release pattern of Surface devices that aren’t the Surface Pro and the recent configuration leaks, we expect a Surface Book 3 release date of sometime this year.

surface book 3 in motion

Fingers crossed that the would-be Surface Book 3 sticks well within the same price range as its predecessor. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Surface Book 3 price

Since there’s no concrete information about the Surface Book 3 right now, we don’t really know what to expect when it comes to how much it will cost.

However, a recent leak puts the Surface Book 3 13.5-inch at €1,617 (around $1,760 or £1,410) to start. This leak also shows the 15-inch model starting at €2,234 (around $2,430 or £1,950) and going all the way up to €3,441 (around $3,740 or £3,000) for the highest configuration. This pretty much echoes what we’ve already heard from previous retailer leaks.

Looking at the pricing of the Surface Book and the Surface Book 2, however, it’s looking like the 13-inch might be getting a price rise while the 15-inch will get a price drop. Currently, due to a new lower-storage model, the 13.5 inch Surface Book 2 starts at $1,199 or £1,149, while the 15-inch iteration stays at its $2,499 or £2,349 (AU$3,649) price tag. 

Of course, this is unconfirmed information. We’re still hoping that Surface Book 3 sticks well within its current price range, as anything more would already be too expensive for many users or potential buyers.

Surface Book 3 patent

An image from a patent shows what the writing surface could look like of the Surface Book 3

Surface Book 3 design

Microsoft's recent Surface devices have been playing it pretty safe when it comes to design, so there's a very good chance that the Surface Book 3 will look a lot like the Surface Book 2.

However, a new patent has been discovered that suggests the Surface Book 3 could come with a radical new design.

The patent appears to show a detachable keyboard with a panel on the back that could be used for sketching and note taking with a stylus. The user can use to write down notes or perhaps use it as a graphics tablet for hand drawing and sketching.

While this isn't confirmation that the Surface Book 3 will incorporate this new detachable keyboard in its design, it's certainly an exciting prospect. We'd love to see Microsoft really innovate when it comes to the look and performance of the Surface Book 3.

surface book 3 tablet mode

Microsoft has to make better use of the room provided it with the 15-inch Surface Book. (Image credit: Microsoft)

What we want to see in a Surface Book 3

A Surface Book 3 release still seems far away, though a 2020 release does seem likely, since we don’t have much solid information on what to expect. So, all we can do right now is put together a wish list, if you must, of what we would like to see improved in this follow up.

Here are the features we’d like to see in the Surface Book 3, based on speculation, leaks and rumors.

More powerful internals
The Surface Book was the most powerful and sophisticated laptop that Microsoft had designed up to that point, so we’d appreciate seeing up-to-date components all around. Now that Intel has been shipping its Ice Lake processors and we’ll start seeing them in laptops before the end of the year ­– not to mention, Nvidia has rolled out its Super RTX graphics this summer – the Surface Book 3 could hypothetically be among the most powerful devices to hit the streets.

In fact, thanks to the leaks from @_rogame, we’ve seen configurations with both Ice Lake and an unnamed (possibly Tiger Lake) chips. However, the configurations do seem to come with Nvidia GTX 1650 Max Q and 1660 Ti Max Q so we’ll see if it can handle 4K gaming.

A more recent leak from tipster Roland Quandt, however, shows the Surface Book 3 having Intel 10th-generation Comet Lake processors, with the 13-inch model and 15-inch variants set to pack Core i5-10210U and Core i7-10510U CPUs, respectively. The leak also shows it offering GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q and GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q graphics. If this is accurate, we could be seeing the next-generation Surface Book specced-out and aimed at content creators.

Use the extra space accordingly
Microsoft could fit the Surface Book 3 with either an expanded keyboard with the number pad or top-firing speakers with deep bass chambers. The point is, Microsoft has to make better use of the room provided it with the 15-inch Surface Book chassis. Right now, it’s just wasted space waiting to be utilized.

Thunderbolt 3, please
The Surface connector on the Surface Book 2 is, without a doubt, versatile. However, it’s time for Microsoft to incorporate Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. Thunderbolt 3 provides faster file transfers, and also works as a one plug hub for all monitors and other peripherals you could want to connect. If the Surface Book 3 is actually going to compete with the best there is, especially in 2019 or 2020, it needs to jump on board with this growing standard.

The good news is that looks like this might actually happen. Microsoft has patented a magnetic USB-C connector that would kind of function like the existing magnetic Surface charger. Whether or not it will actually support Thunderbolt 3 remains to be seen, but we don’t see why it shouldn’t.

Better power management
One of the biggest flaws of the Surface Book 2 15-inch is that it couldn’t play games without draining its battery on top of pulling charge through its Surface Connector. Microsoft told us that this was because of the device being designed specifically for creatives and not for gaming. But, this is the same company that also gave it a built-in Xbox controller receiver, so that excuse seems like a total cop out.

Regardless of who the next iteration is made for, it should come with improved power management so as to not dip into its battery reserves for extra juice.

A 4K display would be nice
The Surface Book 2’s screen comes in at 3,240 x 2,160 (260 ppi) at a 3:2 aspect ratio on its 15-inch model. It’s a stunning display, to be fair. However, while it does come close to hitting that 4K mark, true 4K assets are becoming standard, and digital creators, for whom the Surface Book is designed, will want a screen that mirrors the sharpness at which they produce content.

All accessories included
For what it’s charging for its current – and will charge for its future – Surface Book products, Microsoft should include all of the essential accessories in the box. Yes, that includes the innovative Surface Dial, alongside the Surface Pen, in this case. It’s only fair for what is essentially a luxury item.

Black color option
The Surface Book 2 is already an exceptionally stunning device, but now that Microsoft revealed the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Laptop 2, we would love to see the next premium 2-in-1 adopt the black color option as well.

Just imagine, a Surface Book 3 that might not only give the MacBook Pro 2018 a run for its money, but one that has a more striking color option than the Space Gray on the latest Apple flagship.

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Best gaming mouse 2020: the best gaming mice we've tested

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:37 PM PDT

Having the best gaming mouse in your arsenal is vital, even if you’re not doing competitive gaming. Especially to the more casual gamers, getting a quality gaming mouse might be an afterthought. However, a pointing device specifically designed for gaming does more than just take you to the top of the leaderboards. It just may just save your wrist from unnecessary chronic pain.

Having one of the best gaming PCs isn’t enough. Regardless of whether you’re a casual gamer or trying to go toe-to-toe in the latest esports, the right peripherals make a huge difference in your gaming immersion and experience. That includes your gaming mouse, which must be designed especially for gaming to help your performance instead of hindering it. 

The good news is you won’t have to splurge to take home the best gaming mouse. There are many top-notch mice at every price point, so you can find something that delivers durability, performance and speed without breaking the bank. To help you look for the best gaming mouse, we’ve rounded up the top ones we’ve tested here at TechRadar, complete with our price comparison tool to help you find money-saving deals. And, while you’re at it, pick up one of the best gaming mouse pads as well for a truly incredible gaming experience. 

Best gaming mice 2020 at a glance

  1. SteelSeries Rival 710
  2. HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB
  3. Razer Viper
  4. Corsair Harpoon Wireless
  5. SteelSeries Sensei Ten
  6. Razer Basilisk Hyperspeed
  7. Corsair Ironclaw RGB
  8. Razer Basilisk V2
  9. Roccat Kain 202 AIMO
  10. Razer Deathadder V2

SteelSeries Rival 710

The features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710.

When it comes to the best gaming mouse, features, balance and performance are all present in equal measure in the SteelSeries Rival 710, securing it a top spot on our list. This behemoth of a gaming mouse – at least, in terms of power – is a bit expensive, but when you weigh that price against the customizable OLED display, haptic feedback (great for you MOBA players) and excellent build quality, the SteelSeries Rival 710 is still a very solid purchase. The kicker? Everything is modular, even down to the sensor, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on the latest tech.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Rival 710 

HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB

The HyperX Pulsefire Surge boasts extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting.

If you catch yourself rolling your eyes at some of the gaming mice out there in 2019 that sport ridiculous, over-the-top designs, then you should take a look at the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB. Boasting extremely reliable Omron switches and entrancing RGB lighting – not to mention, an impressive 16,000 DPI sensor – you’re scoring the best gaming mouse for an outstanding price. Plus, it’ll fit right into any office, at least once you turn down the lighting effects to show off its more accessible design.

Read the full review: HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB 

Razer Viper

The Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse.

There are a couple reasons why Razer Viper is our new favorite esports gaming mouse. Along with its lightweight ambidextrous design, true 16,000 DPI and Razer Chroma lighting, this powerful little mouse also features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks and 8 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons. If you want a gaming mouse to give you that extra competitive edge, you’ve found it here.

Read the full review: Razer Viper

Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless

The Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match.

The best gaming mouse is always going to be the one that brings excellent performance at a reasonable price. And, the Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is the poster child for this ideal price-and-performance match. You’ll have a wireless mouse that has RGB lighting, touts a long battery life and doesn’t at all suck, for less than $50. The ergonomics unfortunately favor right-handed users, but at this price and with this impressive performance, there’s not much else to complain about.

Read the full review: Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless

SteelSeries Sensei Ten

The SteelSeries Sensei Ten delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options.

Its onboard profile customization and nice matte finish are just two of the things you’ll love about the SteelSeries Sensei Ten. Most importantly, this ambidextrous mouse boasts a top-of-the-line sensor, making it one of the best gaming mice we’ve tested in 2019. It delivers such impressive acceleration and deceleration customization options, as well as butter-smooth performance. SteelSeries tops it all off with Tilt Tracking, which essentially keeps tracking consistent and precise even when you’re lifting your mouse and putting it back down at tilted angles.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Sensei Ten

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration.

With up to 450 hours in Bluetooth mode, the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed is one of the longest lasting wireless mouse on the market. But, it’s got more going for it than just longevity. It also boasts excellent performance with 450 IPS tracking speed and up to 40G acceleration. It’s key feature, however, is the HyperSpeed Wireless, which reduces the time it takes to send data between your mouse and PC so it’s 25% faster than any other wireless gaming technology.

Read the full review: Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

Corsair Ironclaw RGB

The Corsair IronClaw RGB is an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users.

Most of the best gaming mice on the market are either too small or too light, or even a bit of both, leaving gamers with big hands with few options. To make matters worse, some of the big mice out there come loaded with gratuitous buttons and weird shapes that make them more like asylum-seekers from an alien robot planet. The Corsair Ironclaw is just the opposite. It’s an eye-catching mouse for big-hand users, with a design that won’t make you want to squirrel it away in your desk drawer every time company comes around. It’s quite tough as well, so it can handle quite a bit of heavy use, making it the best gaming mouse for you.

Read the full review: Corsair Ironclaw RGB

Razer Basilisk V2

The Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you're looking for a mid-range gaming mouse.

A solid gaming mouse at a decent price point, the Razer Basilisk V2 is the only choice if you’re looking for a mid-range gaming mouse. It allows you to effortlessly hop from game to game with minimal fuss, and has 11 programmable buttons, a tactile scroll wheel with a tension dial and up to five different sensitivity levels. On top of that, it has the Razer Speedflex Cable, which boasts incredible flexibility and produces minimal drag. And, for comfort, it’s well-suited for a palm grip, as well as claw and fingertip styles.

Read the full review: Razer Basilisk V2

Roccat Kain 202 AIMO

Keep things simple with the Roccat Kain 202 AIMO.

The Kain 202 AIMO from Roccat is the perfect mouse for the gamer who likes to keep it simple. No wires, no weight adjustment, no-nonsense. The 202 is easy to set up, works like a charm and comes with a solid battery life, ensuring that you won’t need to be plugging it in too often. Overall sensitivity and physical feedback is good, with particular mention going to the rugged scroll wheel, which feels great to roll and click. It’s not the most portable of mice, but its anti-wear coating ensures that this mouse should remain looking fine for the duration of its life.

Read the full review: Roccat Kain 202 AIMO

Razer Deathadder V2

Don't knock the Razer Deathadder V2's simple design.

The Razer Deathadder V2 may be a simple mouse with a simple design, but don’t let that fool you. This is one of the best gaming mice out there, touting a response time of 0.2ms, 650IPS tracking speed, 8 programmable buttons and Razer Speedflex Cable. It’s pretty lightweight as well, making it possible to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. And don’t knock that simple design, either, as it only makes this mouse look right at home in the office as much as it does in your gaming setup. Best yet, it boasts a 70M click durability, which means it’ll last you for a long, long time.

Read the full review: Razer Deathadder V2

How to choose the best gaming mouse

While you’ll definitely find the best gaming mouse of your gaming dreams, doing so might take some time and effort. That’s expected; there’s a ton of complicated technical jargon that goes into the best gaming mice – terms like polling rates and DPI ratings that a regular buyer may not be familiar with. For the record, you’ll want a higher number of both, even though these two terms mean very different things.

For newcomers to the world of PC gaming, when you come across the term DPI, that is shorthand for ‘dots per inch.’ The higher the number, the wider the range wherein you can specify how sensitive your mouse is. If you don’t have a lot of desk space available, but you still want accuracy and precision, then opt for the best gaming mouse with a higher DPI rating that can toggle to a lower DPI, in case you get a bigger desk.

Meanwhile, a high polling rate means you’re getting faster response times. The polling rate is measured in hertz, and it usually ranges from around 125 to 1,000Hz. The latter means that your mouse’s position is reported to your computer 1,000 times per second.

Other key gaming mouse factors you’ll want to keep in mind are ergonomics – particularly if you’re left-handed – and RGB lighting.

Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article

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macOS Catalina is here: everything you need to know about macOS 10.15

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:23 PM PDT

The macOS Catalina is officially here. After being unveiled at the WWDC 2019 conference in San Jose, California, earlier in 2019, Apple’s latest macOS, also called macOS 10.15, is now available for everyone to download on their Mac. And, it brings in some fresh features, necessary updates and a few new skills, all designed to improve your computing experience.

Sadly, some older features are also going away, most notably the beloved iTunes. It’s retiring after almost two decades to make way for Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV and Apple Books. But, exciting new features like the ability to use newer generation iPads as a secondary screen, as well as this new feature called  "Project Catalyst,” which allows iOS 13 and iPadOS developers to easily port their work over to the macOS, will make it easier to mourn its loss.

Curious what other amazing updates the macOS Catalina brings to the table? We’ll run through all things macOS Catalina. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading from the previous macOS or looking to make the most of Catalina, this will help you make sure that it’s what you want on your mac. And, if you're having issues, check out our macOS Catalina problems: how to fix the most common issues guide for help. 

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? macOS 10.15 Catalina, successor to macOS 10.14 Mojave
  • When is it out? Out now
  • How much will it cost? Nothing. Apple software updates are always free

macos 10.15 Sidecar feature

The macos 10.15 features Sidecar so you can use your iPad as a secondary screen.

macOS Catalina release date

Apple held its iPhone 11 event on September 10, but the show came and went without so much of a mention of macOS 10.15. Still, Apple's macOS 10.15 Catalina page was updated with an "October 2019" release window. Apple didn't share any more specifics about the release, so when it launched it caught us all by surprise.

Fortunately, this does mean you can now download macOS Catalina, so long as you have a compatible Mac. You might want to wait until the next update comes out, just to ensure that any serious bugs are squashed. You see, updating your operating system is definitely a large undertaking, and you could possibly break something, losing a lot of valuable data. So, if you don't absolutely need the new software, waiting may be your best bet.

We'll update this hub as soon as we know a new update is on its way, but if you want to live on the edge, go ahead and hit that download button. We'll show you how.

macOS Catalina compatibility

If you want to get your paws on the latest macOS update, you'll have to make sure your Mac can really support it. Fortunately, if you already have macOS Mojave installed, you're probably in the clear. Unless, of course, you circumnavigated Apple's restrictions.

  • 12-inch MacBook (2015 and later)
  • MacBook Air (2012 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2012 and later)
  • Mac mini (2012 and later)
  • iMac (2012 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (2013 and later)

Goodbye, iTunes – hello, Apple Music, Podcasts Books and TV

It's official, iTunes is no more. From its ashes, however, rises a unique collection of magnificent apps for macOS: Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts and Apple Books – and they will be polished versions of those already found on iOS.

Apple Music gives macOS Catalina users access to their entire music libraries regardless of whether the tracks have been downloaded or are being streamed. This also holds music that's been ripped from CDs, incorporated into the same libraries.

Apple TV, on the other hand, is home for the app's channels and offers more than 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows that you can browse to buy or rent. And, content will be available in 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio wherever it’s offered. Apple TV+ can also be accessed courtesy of this app now that the service has rolled out.

At the same time, Apple Podcasts brings the service's more than 700,000 podcasts, as well as new episode updates, to the Mac in a totally fresh interface. This rendition of the app also offers better search functions that can pull up episodes by hosts, guests or even discussion topics.

Finally, Apple Books is the portal to all the audiobooks you would want to purchase, download and listen to. Similar to the other new apps, it also features a familiar interface for anyone who is used to iTunes.

Concerned about all your existing music and playlists, as well as iTunes gift cards and credit? Don’t worry. All your music and playlists will be transferred over to the Apple Music app in macOS Catalina. Plus, any iTunes gift cards or unspent iTunes credits are still valid to be used in these new apps.

In macOS 10.15 Catalina, the iTunes Store, which is accessible through the Sidebar in the Apple Music app, is still available to buy new music. And of course, you can also subscribe to the Apple Music streaming service using the app – if you do, you can hide the iTunes Store for a cleaner, more minimalist interface.

macOS 10.15 iPhone management

You'll sync your devices via Finder in macOS Catalina.

With iTunes making its exit, syncing devices in macOS Catalina is now taken care of courtesy the Finder app. It can back up and sync those devices. According to Apple, it will be easier to drag and drop files for quick transfers as well.

macOS 10.15 Sidecar feature

Apple Sidecar at work in macOS Catalina. 

Sidecar turns your iPad into another display

This is perhaps the most thrilling update that macOS 10.15 Catalina offers: the ability to extend your Mac's display to a nearby iPad, whether wired or wirelessly. A good amount of MacBook users are already own an iPad, so this essentially means that a significant number of mobile workers just received a secondary display for free.

Possibly even more notable for designers is that this connected iPad can also be used as a drawing tablet with specific supported apps. Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Illustrator and iWork are the first apps listed that support this capability.

The Sidecar feature is supported by those models that can also run the new iPadOS, specifically the iPad Pro (all models), iPad (6th generation or later), iPad Mini (3rd generation or later), and the iPad Air (3rd generation).

Apple says that the following Mac apps will support Sidecar's Apple Pencil input and other enhanced features:

  • Adobe: After Effects, Illustrator, Premiere Pro
  • Affinity Designer & Affinity Photo
  • Cinema 4D
  • CorelDRAW
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Final Cut Pro & Motion
  • Maya
  • Painter
  • Principle
  • Sketch
  • Substance Designer & Painter
  • ZBrush

macOS 10.15 screen time

Screen Time for macOS has a special "One more minute" feature.

Screen Time comes to macOS

One of Apple's most meaningful changes to iOS 12 was Screen Time, an app that tracks your iPhone or iPad usage time and offers insights into the trends. This time around, this feature will not only come to macOS with Catalina, but also offer a new “One more minute” feature, giving you more time to save your work or finish up a game.

This information will also be synced across your other Apple devices, so that you have a complete profile of how often you look at your collective screens, as well as get tips on what to do with that information. Additionally, it will also include parental controls on time spent using a Mac, as well as with whom kids are able to interact with on those devices.

macOS 10.15 Project Catalyst

Twitter's return to macOS was made possible by Project Catalyst.

Project Catalyst

Thanks to Apple's new Project Catalyst initiative, macOS 10.15 Catalina will soon be populated with a slew of iOS and iPadOS apps. There are a number of them available at launch, but the real potential of this initiative is that it opens up the floodgates for all kinds of apps to come over to the Mac.

For developers, it all seems to start with simply checking off a box within the Xcode app in macOS 10.15 Catalina. A series of new features and protocols then become available to the app in the development phase, from which the developer can choose to add to their apps – presumably with additional yet lighter coding.

It looks to make the process smoother and even quicker, with even the likes of Twitter using the tool to more effortlessly bring its native app back to macOS from iOS.

Other fun improvements

Safari browser now has a new startup page that uses Siri Suggestions to surface commonly visited websites, bookmarks, iCloud tabs and more.

Mail now lets users block messages from senders, mute message threads from issuing push notifications and send unsubscribe requests from within the app to mailing list providers.

Lastly, Reminders gets an overhaul in the visual interface so that it will allow users to more easily create, keep track and organize their reminders.

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The best MMO games 2020: live a second life on console and PC

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:08 PM PDT

Explore vast, fantastical worlds with the best MMO games 2020 has to offer. Also known as Massively Multiplayer Online Games, these games capture a gaming experience like no other. What’s so unique about these games is that they give gamers these extraordinary, incredibly detailed worlds where players essentially create their avatars, which they can then level up and enhance over time through interactions, battles and play. And, these worlds get filled with enough players – all plugging in from all corners of the Earth – to fill a small country.

World of Warcraft player fighting two-head ogre

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth

The best MMO games offer you a chance to actually lead a second life or simply a break from your current one. They also offer a certain level of freedom you don’t have in the real world, with so many possibilities, a world of adventures, opportunities to make new friends and even the possibility to fly across space in your own ship. And, even if they don’t exactly appeal to all gamers, the best MMO games have become so popular that even Amazon has been busy building its own – a 17th century set game called New World.

If you’re new to the acronym MMO or its popular variation MMORPG (RPG means Role Playing Game), don’t panic. We gathered the best MMO games 2020 has to offer. Whatever it is that appeals to you, one of these MMO games will draw you in.

What can I play it on? PC

What’s the payment structure? Free trial up to level 20, then a monthly subscription fee

Let's face it, this was an obvious one. Blizzard's World of Warcraft has been going since around 2004 and it's been the reigning champion of the MMO genre for a long time. But in that time it's changed quite a lot. 

It's one of the most successful and influential games in the genre with new content frequently being added for a thriving, dedicated player base. If subscriber numbers look like they're wavering even slightly, you can be sure Blizzard will come out with another great expansion to corral everyone back into the fold and maybe bring some newbies with them.

The latest expansion, Battle for Azeroth, hit in August and packs in a new load of dungeons, with a raised level cap for experienced players, and an option to 'boost' your level for newer ones wanting a more level playing field.

World of Warcraft is kind of an essential for anyone interested in the high fantasy MMORPG and we can’t see it being knocked from prominence any time soon. 

You can download the game for free on the official website

What can I play it on? PS4 and PC

What's the payment model? Free-to-play

Planetside 2 is a first person shooter on a massive scale. If you're not interested in the kind of granular play offered by games like Black Desert Online, then this game's focus on all out war against other players might appeal to you.

The game revolves around three factions in a constant state of war. Players will choose their faction and then spend their time attacking and defending bases on a huge map to remain ahead of the competition. One day you could be on the attack, the next you could be desperately defending. Either way you're always fighting. 

Planetside 2 is now five years old and though it doesn't have quite the same popularity or playerbase as it once did, it offers something a little different to the rest of the MMOs on this list. 

You can get going for free on the official site

What can I play it on? PC

What's the payment model? Free-to-play 

Rather than a sprawling world with endless choice, Secret World Legends is an MMO which places a lot of focus on storytelling. If you're tired out by the usual high fantasy and space fare, this is a game which is set in a world very close to our own. Well, kind of. It's our world if cults, mythological creatures, crazy conspiracies and supernatural phenomenons were commonplace. 

There's more than 100 hours of story to enjoy here and players are able to explore locations all over the world and take part in a range of missions to unlock the mysteries of the world. 

While it's possible to play through the story on your own, you can also team up with others and adventure with players from across the world. 

You can start your story via the official website or on Steam

What can I play it on? PC

What's the payment structure? You can download the base game for free and then each expansion is buy-to-play

If you're looking for player-versus-player combat then you should definitely give Guild Wars 2 some of your time. Whether you like fighting other players in contained structured modes or you'd be interested in fighting against hundreds across sprawling maps in World-versus-World mode, Guild Wars has you covered. 

For those that don't enjoy the grinding that's traditionally involved in MMOs then guild Wars 2 will also appeal – this is an accessible game and it doesn't try to copy World of Warcraft. The game's world is dynamic and player decisions have real consequences which promises a story that feels individual.

You can download the game and purchase expansions on the official site.

What can I play it on? PC

What's the payment model? Free-to-play, with purchasable DLC and optional subscription

Few fictional worlds are as perfect for the MMO treatment as Tolkein's Middle-earth. Sure, Frodo's adventure was thrilling, but we all know we could have one equally as exciting if we had the chance.

You get to choose between being a Human, Elf, Dwarf or Hobbit before you drop into Middle-earth and explore the locations you know and love with an intimacy that no other Lord of the Rings game has allowed. 

You can expect to find the usual World of Warcraft style of questing here, alongside crafting mechanics and the ability to purchase and set up a home. Overall, it's a pretty standard MMORPG in terms of mechanics, but its setting really helps it stand out. 

Though the game is free-to-play, there are expansions available for purchase which add to the game's story and introduce new items and mechanics. Even better for Tolkien fans: the storylines follow in line with the books. 

You can fine the base game for free on the official site or Steam.

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One, PC

What's the payment structure? Buy-to-play

It's been a while since the last mainline Elder Scrolls release and we're pretty sure it'll be a while until the next one so if you're a fan looking to breathe fresh life into Tamriel, Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent option.

Like Final Fantasy 14, this is a game that struggled initially. But since dropping its subscription fees for a buy-to-play model, perception has dramatically improved. Despite being one of the most modern and recent MMOs to hit the market, Elder Scrolls Online has really picked up traction, which is undoubtedly helped by being in a recognizable universe that many wish to return to. 

After the success of Morrowind, Elder Scrolls Online has had several DLC updates including Summerset, Wolfhunter and Murkmire.

Here you'll find the traditional Elder Scrolls viewpoint and combat but it’s all neatly tied in with those traditional MMO features like looting, crafting systems and PvP and PvE missions. 

What can I play it on? PC and mobile later in 2018.

What's the payment structure? Free-to-play but can pay monthly membership for more items, character customization, quests and game world access. Membership will also include mobile game access when it's launched. 

Like World of Warcraft, Runescape is one of those names that's renowned in the MMO world, partly because it's one of the oldest games in the genre still going. And yet, with its user base managing to double in 2018, it's still very much alive and kicking.

Originally a browser-only game, over the years Runescape has expanded into its own program with vastly improved visuals and mechanics. At its heart, though, it remains a game that's dedicated to giving players freedom in combat and questing. It's perhaps for this reason that it remains one of the most popular and updated games in the MMO genre.

You can start playing via the official Runescape site. 

What can I play it on? PC, Xbox One, PS4

What's the payment structure? Buy-to-play with optional in-game purchases

Black Desert Online certainly isn't one of the more accessible games on this list, but it's one that you may find it worth investing some time into. As a Korean MMO it does place a heavy emphasis on grinding, but for anyone looking for in-depth profession and crafting systems it's a contender.

More than many other MMOs, this is one that will try to draw you into a second life. It also has one of the most robust character creation systems in the genre. This is a game that has something to engage with on big and small scales. Want to fish and farm? You can do that. But you can also take part in guild wars and sieges past a certain level. 

Don't expect a vast story here – this is very much a sandbox game where you craft your own story and adventure. 

But there are various systems and mechanics to engage with and connecting them together can be rewarding, even if the process proves time-consuming and complicated. 

Black Desert Online is a complex but stunning game. It has its problems, but its move from PC onto Playstation and Xbox One has only made it more relevant for a mainstream audience.

What can I play it on? PC

What's the payment structure? Free-to-play or subscription

There's been a lot of high fantasy in this list so far – if you're more of a space age type then you might want to take a look at Eve Online.

A word of warning, though: we said Black Desert Online is complicated but Eve Online edges to beat it. This is a game world that's been going for 14 years and it's become somewhat infamous for being one of uncaring betrayal. While you can do whatever you want in the game, just remember that others can do whatever they want. And sometimes that involves ruining you. Space colonization is a tough game and there's no room for lasting friendships. 

EVE Online is kind of the ultimate in sandbox MMO gaming – it's a game world driven by its playerbase; a playerbase capable of dragging out wars and schemes over periods of months with plenty of fighting, smuggling and sabotage in between.  

Just because it's not the easiest game to learn doesn't mean you can't do it, though. Unlike the creators of Black Desert Online, over the years developer CCP has attempted to make it slightly more accessible and the developer has put together a thorough and helpful tutorial for beginners. 

Besides, sometimes there's no better lesson than getting something horrifically wrong. The introduction of a free-to-play option is also a great chance to dip your toes in and see if you're interested in delving deeper. 

What can I play it on? PS4 and PC

What's the payment structure? Buy-to-play

It's not been an easy journey for this Final Fantasy MMO. First launched in 2010 to an overwhelmingly negative response (and for good reason), Square Enix then spent two years reworking and rebuilding it to create something much better. 

In its latest and vastly improved form, Final Fantasy XIV is a game that will appeal to franchise fans and newcomers alike. 

Boasting an accomplished class system and a story that builds steadily over the game's various expansions, this is an MMO which really captures the essence of the Final Fantasy franchise with plenty of fan service. 

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Best Nvidia graphics cards 2020: finding the best GPU for you

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:05 PM PDT

The best Nvidia graphics cards have long been the top dogs when it comes to performance. Even with AMD’s Navi cards giving them a good run for their money, the Nvidia GeForce cards have largely been maintaining their position as kings of the gaming world, and they’re definitely among the best graphics cards around. In fact, Nvidia's flagship cards like the RTX 2080 Ti push performance to the limit so that nothing has come close to what they can do.

They are, however, a bit pricier than the competition. Luckily, you can still buy some of the best Nvidia graphics cards without burning a hole in your pocket. Nvidia makes a variety of graphics cards so there are quite a few options to choose from. Whether you want to build the most powerful gaming rig possible or you want the best value for less money, you’ll find something to suit your needs and your budget.

And, with our exclusive price comparison tool included, you’ll definitely get the best available deal for you. These are the best Nvidia graphics cards 2020 has to offer.

The best Nvidia graphics cards at a glance:

  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super: best Nvidia graphics card
  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti: best 4K Nvidia graphics card
  • Nvidia Geforce RTX 2060 Super: best QHD Nvidia graphics card
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super: best Full HD Nvidia graphics card
  • Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000: best Nvidia graphics card for creatives
  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super: best VR Nvidia graphics card
  • EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 XC Black Gaming: best mini Nvidia graphics card
  • Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G: best budget Nvidia graphics card
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB: best eSports Nvidia graphics card
  • Gigabyte Aorus RTX 2080 TI Xtreme Waterforce 11GB: best liquid-cooled Nvidia graphics card

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super is impressive, especially in 1440p gaming.

Until Nvidia actually rolls out that Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super, the RTX 2070 Super might just be the best Nvidia GeForce purchase you’ll make. This graphics card is impressive, especially in 1440p gaming and if you’re looking to get on the ray tracing bandwagon, a souped up RTX 2070 that’s also very affordable so pretty much everyone can add it to their setup without breaking the bank.

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti

There's also nothing else that can compete with a RTX 2080 Ti in terms of performance.

There's no doubt that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is a total pain in the budget, coming in a price higher than plenty of complete gaming rigs. But, there's also nothing else that can compete with a RTX 2080 Ti in terms of performance besides maybe a board partner's version of the RTX 2080 Ti . If you want the highest frame rates at 4K or the best looking ray-traced graphics, the RTX 2080 Ti is the way to go. That is, as long as your budget can handle it.

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 

Nvidia Geforce RTX 2060 Super

The Nvidia Geforce RTX 2060 Super is what most gamers are looking for.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super is hardly perfect – that is, it can’t handle 4K gaming. However, this graphics card positioned as the more affordable alternative to the RTX 2070, giving you the same level of performance as the popular mid-range GPU at a much cheaper price and offers great 1440p gaming. The RTX 2060 Super is what most gamers are looking for, and it definitely deserves a spot on our list of the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Read the full review: Nvidia Geforce RTX 2060 Super

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is the best Nvidia graphics card for you, if you're on the budget.

The more expensive graphics cards in Nvidia's arsenal get a lot of attention these days, what with all the ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling. But, if you don't have a ton of cash to throw around, the GTX 1660 Super is the best Nvidia graphics card for you. This little GPU absolutely tears through any game in 1080p, and with its modest price tag, it's perfect for anyone that wants killer performance on a budget. 

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super

Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000

Nvidia's Quadro RTX 6000 loads up on 24GB of GDDR6 memory while also packing plenty of performance.

If you're involved in creative workloads like 3D design or video editing, you might be running into some serious VRAM needs. In those cases, it can be worth it to have a graphics card that is going to give you tons of headroom to keep information in the GPU's memory, instead of constantly needing to load it in from your storage solution. While it comes at a high price, Nvidia's Quadro RTX 6000 loads up on 24GB of GDDR6 memory while also packing plenty of performance. And, you can combine multiple cards for even more performance.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super offers smooth and buttery VR performance all the way.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super may just be your match made in heaven if you’re all about the best VR games. This latest addition to the Super RTX lineup is VR-ready and packed with the latest Turing architecture, so it’s smooth and buttery VR performance all the way. Even outside of VR, it handles all your favorite PC games at 1440p without breaking a sweat, and gets you closer that that incredible 4K gaming that the RTX 2080 Ti delivers. And, did we mention it’s a lot cheaper than the RTX 2080, offering a better price-to-performance value?

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super

EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 XC Black Gaming

EVGA has a well-priced model in the EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 XC Black Gaming.

If you're trying to keep your build small so it doesn't take up a ton of space in your room, you might be looking at a Micro ATX build. And, mini graphics cards can be a major helper there, since a graphics card tends to be one of the bigger components attached to a motherboard. EVGA has a well-priced model in the RTX 2060 XC Black Gaming. It may be thicker than your typical dual-fan variant, but that extra radiator thickness helps it dissipate heat with the single fan, and its short length can help it fit in tight builds. 

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G

Gigabyte offers the GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G for an excellent budget price while still giving you a touch of overclocking.

While the higher end graphics cards get all the hype, they tend to have a worse performance-per-dollar value then budget cards. And, while AMD often hits that sweet spot, Nvidia sometimes remembers to offer value as well. That is represented nowhere better than the GTX 1660. Gigabyte offers the GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G for an excellent budget price while still giving you a touch of overclocking, so you can enjoy 1080p or even 1440p with some tweaked settings. Best of all, you won't need to take out a mortgage to afford this card.

Read the full review: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 has enough power to run 1080p even at high settings and still get smooth visuals.

With all the new Turing cards coming out, Pascal may be easy to forget about. But, if you're into eSports games, you're probably more concerned with getting 1080p at 120+ FPS. And, you can do that with the older Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 no problem. For popular eSports titles, the GTX 1060 has enough power to run 1080p even at high settings and still get smooth visuals. Best of all, the prices are driven down by newer cards, so you can score a GTX 1060 at a discount. 

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 2080 TI Xtreme Waterforce 11GB

The Gigabyte Aorus RTX 2080 TI Xtreme Waterforce 11GB comes with the card, radiator, tubing and fans.

When you're trying to maximize performance for your graphics card, you might turn to liquid cooling. And, the Gigabyte's Aorus RTX 2080 TI Xtreme Waterforce 11GB comes with the card, radiator, tubing and fans you need to get started. The serious water cooling solution allowed Gigabyte to push the RTX 2080 Ti  well beyond its base specs. This model has a base clock higher than the Founders Edition's boost clock. And, to top it off, there's a little flair of RGB lighting on the radiator fans and card's metal backplate.

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Best monitor 2020: the top 10 monitors and displays we’ve reviewed

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:01 PM PDT

There’s nothing like the best monitor to immensely enhance your computing experience. PC displays, after all, are like windows to your computer’s soul, and they have the power to make or break that experience. 

In other words, the best monitor is one of the wisest investments you’ll ever make. Whatever kind of monitor you’re looking for – whether it’s one with insanely fast refresh rates and therefore perfect for gaming, a display with ultrawide real estate or a USB-C monitor that will serve as the secondary screen for your Ultrabook – your computing experience will change forever and for the better if you get the best. Especially since these monitors will be easier on your eyes, lessening eye fatigue. 

Whether you’re immersing yourself in the most graphically-intensive games, doing the most demanding creative tasks like video editing, or simply staying in touch with friends and family via Zoom, go through our picks for the best monitors. You’ll find the ideal one with the best available price for you here.

BenQ PD3200U

3D designers particularly love the BenQ PD3200U.

Now that the best PCs can handle 4K easier than ever before, the best 4K monitors are all over the place. That’s why BenQ released the PD3200U, a massive 32-inch Ultra HD display, as part of its Designer Monitor range. 3D designers particularly love this display, thanks to the factory-calibrated color accuracy and CAD/CAM mode. Marketed to creatives and professionals, BenQ has designed, seemingly by mistake, a panel that gamers will enjoy as well, making it one of the best monitors all-around – so long as they can find the space for it on their desks.

Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U

AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition

The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is one of the best monitors if you're wanting an ultra-wide display.

Though the AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is a gaming monitor through and through, it’s one of the best monitors if you’re wanting an ultra-wide display. With its exceptional color support, strong contrast ratio incredibly speedy 120Hz refresh rate, everything you do on your PC will look better and feel faster. It’s on the more expensive side, but this ultra-wide monitor can significantly boost productivity, making it totally worth the hefty price. As long as you have the hardware to drive it, it’s one of the best monitors money can buy.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition 

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ combines so many high-end features.

If you’ve been searching for one of the best monitors, and you’re ready to just give up and buy the most expensive monitor you can find, you’re in luck. The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ combines so many high-end features that it almost seems like too much. It doesn’t just feature a 4K UHD display at 144Hz, but it also rocks Nvidia G-Sync and HDR. This is simply the best monitor on the market, but it will also cost an arm and a leg. If you’re playing games, doing photo and video editing work, or even just general desktop work, you can’t go wrong with this monitor, as long as you have the cash to shell out.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

Acer Predator X34

The Acer Predator X34 is a fantastic example of what an ultra-wide monitor can do.

When you’re growing tired of the same old 16:9 aspect ratio, nothing hits the spot like a cinematic 21:9 display. It’s not the best for watching Netflix or YouTube, but the Acer Predator X34 is a fantastic example of what an ultra-wide monitor can do. Boasting an eye-catching aluminum bezel and polygonal stand that looks like a bird’s foot, this massive 34-inch monitor is a marvel to behold. More significantly, armed with Nvidia’s G-Sync tech, you won’t require V-Sync stressing out your graphics card. The Acer Predator X34 does all the heavy lifting for you. This is about as immersive as a gaming monitor can get, and one of the best monitors to buy this 2020.

Read the full review: Acer Predator X34

Asus Designo Curve MX38VC

The Asus Designo Curve MX38VC has a massive 3,840 x 1,600 resolution.

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.

Read the full review: Asus Designo Curve MX38VC 

Dell UltraSharp UP3218K

The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K's build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well.

We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either. Dell went so far as to ensure that the build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is aimed at professionals, obviously, so if that sounds like it’s made for you, it’s probably the best monitor you’ll ever find.

Read the full review: Dell UltraSharp UP3218K 

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the BenQ PD3200U 

BenQ EX3203R

The BenQ EX3203R offers a ton of high-end features in a product that is very reasonably priced.

If you’re looking for a first-rate 1440p monitor with HDR for multimedia and gaming, then the BenQ EX3203R might be the display for you. One of the best monitors this 2020, this one’s noteworthy as it offers a ton of high-end features in a product that is very reasonably priced. Sure, 32 inches might sound like a bit much for a monitor, but the 1800R curvature on this BenQ panel means that it’s easy to use, both for productivity, as well as for immersion in your games and media.

Read the full review: BenQ EX203R 

  • This product is only available in the US at the time of writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Acer S277HK  

Alienware 25

The Alienware 25 will all but eliminate screen tearing.

If you’re on a tight budget, then this might break the bank – like any Alienware product would. Still, Dell’s 25-inch gaming monitor will all but eliminate screen tearing, and whether you’re using an AMD Radeon VII or an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, there’s a configuration for you. With G-Sync or FreeSync taking some of the heavy lifting off the GPU that would otherwise be spent on VSync, the Alienware 25’s 120Hz refresh rate might actually be reasonable. The 1ms response time? Well, that’s just the cherry on top.

Read the full review: Alienware 25 

BenQ Zowie XL2540

The BenQ Zowie XL2540 gives up dazzling lighting effects for a ridiculous 240Hz refresh rate.

It might seem farfetched, but the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is every bit the gaming monitor that the Asus Predator X34 is. While it may not appear like it from the outside looking in, it does its job incredibly well too, giving up dazzling lighting effects for a ridiculous 240Hz refresh rate and almost-instantaneous 1ms response time. There’s no G-Sync or FreeSync, as this monitor assumes you already have a rig that’s more than capable of eliminating screen tears without any help. Instead, this monitor keeps it simple by providing you with lots of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and a pair of adjustable light screens.

Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540

MSI Optix MPG341CQR

The MSI Optix MPG341CQR has a super-wide resolution, incredibly fast response time and a viewing angle of 178 degrees.

If you’re searching for a gaming monitor with a super-wide 1440p resolution, incredibly fast response time of 1ms, a viewing angle of 178 degrees and a quick refresh rate, then the MSI Optix MPG341CQR is something you should consider. If not for those, then perhaps for the fact that MSI has decided to go with a VA panel, as opposed to IPS, giving it more contrast and punchier colors. A few bonuses are included, as well: snazzy “Mystic Light” RGD LEDs, USB-C connectivity, an integrated camera and a competitive price.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR

Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article

Image Credits: TechRadar

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Windows 10X: Everything you need to know about the foldable PC OS

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 01:54 PM PDT

Windows 10X is perhaps going to be one of the most important operating systems to hit the computing world, especially with the age of foldable PCs and laptops already upon us. Foldable PCs are about to take over the computing world. 

Dual-screen laptops like the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo and the HP Omen X 2S are out. Meanwhile, both foldable phones and laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, Dell’s Concept Duet and Intel’s Horseshoe Bend (hopefully) are well on their way. It’s no surprise that Microsoft is throwing its hat in the ring, with not just two foldables – the Surface Neo and the Surface Duo, but also an operating system that will power such devices.

Codenamed Santorini, Windows 10X is the upcoming version of Windows 10 specifically designed to power foldable PCs and dual-screen laptops. Basically, it’s going to be the operating system for such Windows-based devices. And, as such, it will bring in quite a features and capabilities that other Windows 10 versions won’t.

Windows 10X is key to making sure that this new generation of portables runs seamlessly when they hit the streets. And, it’s time to know everything about it, from its release date to its unique features. 

 Cut to the chase 

  •  What is it? The upcoming operating system for foldable PCs 
  •  When is it out? Q3 2020
  •  How much will it cost? Most likely free 

 Windows 10X release date 

Having showcased their concept foldable PCs at CES 2020, both Lenovo and Dell might release them sometime in late 2020. Lenovo said as much of its ThinkPad X1 Fold, at least. Dell still hasn’t shared any hints as to when the Concept Duet will officially launch, so we might not see it until 2021 – if we see it at all. As for the Surface Neo, Microsoft says we’ll see it hit the shelves “Holiday 2020.”

It makes sense, therefore, for Windows 10X to be ready before these foldables hit store shelves, as Microsoft’s partners will need to test it on their respective foldable devices. Microsoft will also be making the operating system available to developers earlier to give them plenty of time to port their apps over to the unique dual-screen Windows 10X ecosystem. As to when that will be, Microsoft has yet to say. We’re sure we’ll hear more details at Microsoft Build 2020 in May.

As for us consumers, we don’t have long to wait. According to Microsoft, the operating system will be “available on dual-screen and foldable devices starting in the fall of 2020.” If everything goes according to plan, Windows 10X will be polished and ready before Microsoft releases Surface Neo. 

 Windows 10X compatibility 

According to Microsoft, Windows 10X will be available on both Microsoft Surface and devices from several Windows ecosystem partners including ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo.” That’s as specific as Microsoft is willing to get at this time. 

We don’t know exactly if it will work with already existing dual-screen laptops, though from the looks of it, Windows 10X has different orientations that will ideally fit with those laptops’ layouts. The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo’s second screen, ScreenPad Plus, for example, looks like it’s perfectly set up to home Windows 10X’s Wonder Bar.

What we do know for sure is that Windows 10X will be available on the Surface Neo. And, according to Tom’s Hardware, Lenovo has confirmed that ThinkPad X1 Fold will be utilizing the OS as well, though not at launch.

But, that’s about it. We’ll make sure to update this page as soon as new Windows 10X compatibility information comes our way, so be sure to bookmark it.

 Windows 10X features 

Different orientations, different layout
Thanks to the Windows 10X emulator that Microsoft made available, we now know that even though it’s another version of Windows 10, much like Windows 10 S, it’s noticeably different in terms of look and layout. The changes aren’t all that drastic, but they are noticeable and will certainly feel like a whole new experience for Windows users.

Gone, for example, is the Start Menu, replaced by what Microsoft is calling a Launcher. When on dual-screen or book mode, this Launcher appears on both screens and may be controlled on either. And, instead of the regular tile mode, your apps will now appear as they would on your tablet home, only in a pop-up menu. This pop-up menu also now houses the search bar.

But, what’s really impressive about the Windows 10X’s design is its orientations. Microsoft designed it to have a more adaptive user interface (and experience), changing its orientation as you change the mode of your device.

When you have your device in tablet mode, this operating system takes on the typical single-screen tablet interface. When you have your device in book mode, it takes a dual-screen orientation. It’s also got a laptop mode and an extended canvas mode. Microsoft calls it “multi-posture.”

In addition, Windows 10X will let you snap two windows in a screen – allowing you to have four applications neatly stacked and next to one another when in book mode. And, if you enjoy landscape orientation, it will also let you drag an app across the two screens so it spans both.

So, even though it’s looking more like a trimmer version of Windows 10, Windows 10X looks like it’s going to deliver its own brand of versatility, taking advantage of the strengths that only foldable PCs and dual-screen laptops can offer.

Running Win32 applications in a container
While Windows 10X is not as stripped down as Windows 10 S, it does have a couple of similarities to the lightweight OS. 

It doesn’t look like it has Windows Defender, Windows 10’s anti-malware program, which could mean that its final version may not be able to run all desktop applications. For example, PCWorld has reported that its emulator isn’t able to run certain applications like Slack.

Now, bear in mind that they did test it on an emulator, and the final version of the operating system could very well support many of your favorite desktop apps. Microsoft did also say that it does support Win32 applications.

However, it’s worth noting that Windows 10X will be running Win32 applications within a container. In essence, the app will be running within a sandbox separate from the operating system, and this could cause performance issues.

At least, you won’t have to suffer through long updates. Microsoft has promised that Windows 10X will download and install an update in under 90 seconds.

The Wonder Bar
Another good thing about Windows 10X is its Wonder Bar, a touch panel that takes Surface Neo’s magnetic flip keyboard experience to a new level. When the keyboard is flipped into place on Surface Neo’s second screen in laptop mode, the Wonder Bar appears above the keyboard, fully stocked with emojis, gifs and kaomojis.

However, it’s much more than that. It has a clipboard and a keyboard, and it can host that Netflix show you’ve been binging on, while you’re getting some work done on “main” screen. 

It’s a nifty feature that we, for one, can’t wait to test.

Bye, Cortana. Windows Hello!
The Start Menu and tile layout aren’t the only things that Windows 10X ditched in an effort to become a more streamlined version of Windows 10. Cortana fans will not be able to utilize their favorite virtual assistant when they’re on their Windows 10X devices.

That’s right: it doesn’t look like Windows 10X will be utilizing Cortana.

Microsoft has yet to explain the snub, however. And, again, we only have the emulator to base this on. It’s entirely possible that Microsoft is waiting until the last minute before adding Cortana back to the mix.

For now, we can at least take comfort in the fact that Windows 10X will support facial recognition with Windows Hello. It will even forgo the need to dismiss the lock screen once you’re logged in, saving you a bit of time.

There are a few other bonuses as well. Aesthetically-inclined foldable PC users should enjoy jazzing up their devices, as Windows 10X will feature dynamic wallpapers programmed to change to reflect the current time of day (or indeed night). And finally, those who are concerned about staying connected will be happy to know that the operating system will support 5G, LTE and cloud connectivity.

Windows 10X will, of course, offer more features that Microsoft will reveal the closer we get to the operating system’s release date. Again, keep this page bookmarked as we will update it as soon as new information comes our way.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best gaming monitor 2020: the 10 best gaming screens of the year

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 01:51 PM PDT

Invest in the best gaming monitor 2020 has to offer, if you want a truly immersive gaming experience. When diving into the best PC games, you want a display that not only delivers stunning image quality, but also has the power to keep up with the fastest and most demanding games out there.

The tricky thing is that there’s not one metric to rule them all. Different gamers have different demands, whether it’s a massive screen real estate that takes precedence or the speediest refresh rate that’s most important. Much like when you’re picking the best graphics card and the best processor for your gaming PC, choosing the best gaming monitor is all about finding the best one for your needs.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help you with that. To make your search for the best gaming monitor easier, we gathered the best gaming monitors we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves. Whether you’re a big Control fan or obsessed with Red Dead Redemption, you’ll find the perfect fit on this list.

Best gaming monitors at a glance

  1. Samsung CRG9
  2. Alienware AW3418DW
  3. AOC Agon AG352UCG6
  4. Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
  5. BenQ PD3200U
  6. MSI Optix MPG341CQR
  7.  Acer Predator CG7 
  8. BenQ Zowie XL2540
  9. AOC Agon AG322QC4
  10. MSI Optix MAG271CR

Samsung CRG9

The Samsung CRG9 is the best gaming monitor if you've got the extra cash laying around.

It may be very expensive and requires a killer gaming PC setup to run, but the Samsung CRG9 is completely worth it and the best gaming monitor if you’ve got the extra cash laying around. This bigger-than-average 49-incher boasts bezels thinner than most gaming monitors and a picture by picture mode feature that lets you use two different inputs, simulating a dual monitor setup in a single monitor. And, that’s without mentioning that the Samsung CRG9 produces an out-of-this-world image right out of the box.

Read the full review: Samsung CRG9

Alienware AW3418DW

The Alienware AW3418DW delivers a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can.

The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that deliver a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also offering up a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, ridiculously fast 4ms response times and a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, this ultrawide monitor gives you the best of both worlds. All these features don’t come cheap though, so budget-minded gamers might want to look elsewhere or start saving up. Still, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best gaming monitors 2019 has to offer.

Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW

AOC Agon AG352UCG6

The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 carries over the original's best features.

The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we ever got our hands on, so when we heard that a follow-up was coming – one that comes with a higher refresh rate and better contrast – it was hard not to get excited. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition carries over the original’s best features but ramps them up to 11, making it a stunning display on which to experience ultra-wide gaming. It’s expensive, yeah, but if you have the hardware to back it up, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not investing.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition 

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced gaming monitor to add to your arsenal.

The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced – not to mention, best – gaming monitor to add to your arsenal... as long as you’re ready to pay for it. This display features a gorgeous 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, as well as G-Sync and a lightning-quick 144Hz refresh rate. These specs add up to one of the most impressive gaming monitors that’s ever existed – and when you see it in action, it will blow you away. The only thing that holds this gaming monitor back from true greatness is its ridiculous price tag. But, then again, if you have this kind of cash lying around, you should be able to afford a PC powerful enough to drive it.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

BenQ PD3200U

Originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming.

While originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming, making it one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today. This is mostly thanks to its rock-solid focus on graphic design so it’s able to offer incredibly wide viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your game in comfort. And, unlike most 4K monitors on the market, you won’t have to mess around with the settings to get the best picture, since every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. This is definitely one of the best gaming monitors out there, even though it wasn’t actually designed for gaming.

Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U

MSI Optix MPG341CQR

The MSI Optix MPG341CQR's super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge.

While all of its extra frills make the MSI Optix MPG341CQR an even more appealing selection for potential buyers, it does an outstanding job of standing out on its own. The use of VA rather than IPS panel technology, for one, is a welcome advantage, offering punchier colors and better contrast. Plus, its super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. The best part might be that this display is also reasonably priced, making it one of the best gaming monitors to consider in 2019.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR

Acer Predator CG7

An epic gaming experience awaits you with Acer Predator CG7’s 43-inch screen, 4000:1 contrast ratio, 1ms response time and 120Hz refresh rate. To be fair, there are bigger and badder gaming monitors out there, but for some people – particularly, those looking for a TV with gaming-level specs, this one’s a winner. It’s got some extra features as well – namely, a remote control, icons on that stand to encourage game controller storage, and RGB lighting that can sync to your music and games – so you’re getting your money’s worth, even if you are paying for a lot.

Read the full review: Acer Predator CG7 

BenQ Zowie XL2540

The BenQ Zowie XL2540 forgoes flashy lighting effects for a blazing 240Hz refresh rate.

Don’t be turned off by its limitations. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 still absolutely deserves its place right up there on the best gaming monitors list. It forgoes flashy lighting effects for a blazing 240Hz refresh rate and rapid 1ms response time. This monitor is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, and if you have a setup that’s able of keeping up with this refresh rate, then this gaming display will blow you away. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things simple by supplying you with a ton of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and even a pair of adjustable light screens. This is one of the best gaming monitors to consider if you’re a pro or hardcore gamer.

Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540

AOC Agon AG322QC4

The AOC Agon AG322QC4 has a lot of aces up its sleeves.

A bit of HDR is always a welcome addition, even if it’s not true HDR. And yet, the AOC Agon AG322QC4 has more aces up its sleeves. That includes a 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync 2 and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, ranking this among the best gaming monitors of 2019. And it offers users beautiful, super smooth visuals, all while looking good doing so. It’s not exactly a steal, but the Agon AG322QC4 is still reasonably priced for gamers who aren’t shopping in the bargain basement.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG322QC4

MSI Optix MAG271CR

The MSI Optix MAG271CR proves that the best gaming monitors in 2019 are all about the high refresh rates.

When you’re playing competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you’ll need speed above all else in order to stay on top of the leader boards. That’s where displays like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With a 1080p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of latency, you’re equipped with incredibly fast, super smooth gameplay, as long as you have the hardware to drive it. After all, 60Hz panels are so 2014 – the best gaming monitors in 2020 are all about the high refresh rates.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR

How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2020

If in the market for the best gaming monitor 2020 has to offer, know that there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing which display should grace your desk.

You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to help guarantee that you’re getting the best gaming monitor that’s most ideal for you. It also means you won’t have to pay extra for additional features that you might not actually care about.

Screen size: When looking for the best gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also have to make sure that you have the space to keep a large monitor. And, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the price as well.

Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor helps determine the width and height of the display. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3 that might feel pretty out of date in 2020. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wider view of your games, which is why many ultra-wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2020.

Resolution: One other critical factor to consider when searching for the best gaming monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K).

Refresh rate: When you’re mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more vital. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading to a considerably smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is still the most common in 2020, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more prominent – not to mention, more and more necessary.

Response time: The best gaming monitors offers low response times, which means you’re getting fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we’ll get to this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s vital to keep this number as low as you can in order to avoid latency.

Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are often more affordable, have the lowest response times but usually don’t come with great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels are between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world.

Viewing Angle: While most people play games right in front of their gaming monitor, this isn’t always be the case, particularly when there is an audience. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below.

G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably noticed that many of the best gaming monitors in 2020 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so it requires an Nvidia GPU. And, the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. FreeSync, on the other hand, was made by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are usually more economical.

Check out our HDR Explained video below.

Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article

Image Credit: TechRadar

  • Looking for a more general monitor? Check out our list of the best monitors

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Best wireless routers 2020: the best Wi-Fi for your home network

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 01:45 PM PDT

These days, a solid connection is vital, and only the best wireless routers can get you there. These routers are a marked improvement over whatever you might be renting from your internet provider, and a surefire way to upgrade your home network.

Besides delivering an excellent and consistently reliable connection to multiple devices in your space, the best wireless routers also bring in a few useful features such as boosting connectivity for certain apps like games and covering a larger than usual area. They’ll also help ensure there’s no disruption to your service regardless of whether you’re getting immersed in the best PC games, bingeing the best Netflix shows, or working remotely.

Take a look at our selection for the best wireless routers available in 2020, from the traditional ones to the newer mesh routers. We’ve put each of these routers through their paces, so you know that whichever one you choose, you’ll have the best home network connection you’ve ever had.

Google Nest Wifi

Google Nest Wifi takes the Google Wifi and gives it the capabilities of Google Home.

Google kicks things up a notch in its Google Wifi line with its latest installment. Don’t get us wrong; the original Google Wifi is still among the best wireless routers today. However, if you’re all about the smart home life, then you’ll appreciate the pure genius of Google Nest Wifi. This wireless router takes the Google Wifi, gives it the capabilities of Google Home and wraps it all up in an even sleeker and more appealing package. It’s a mesh router and a smart speaker in one, all with the simplicity that Google Wifi is known for.

Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi

Google Wifi

Google Wifi is proof that the mesh revolution is coming.

The days of traditional wireless routers are coming to an end; the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wi-Fi, alone, is proof that the mesh revolution is upon us, which means that you might be saying goodbye to the days when the only way to have wireless bliss was to install a number of wireless extenders. The idea of Google Wi-Fi is simple: purchase a set of points, put them in strategic places around the house and then scan a QR code. And, just like that, you’re connected anywhere you are in your home. It’s no surprise that this wireless mesh router claims the loftiest spot on our best wireless routers list of 2019, as it’s also the one that’s most effortless to set up and get going.

Read the full review: Google Wifi

Asus RT-AC86U

Asus RT-AC86U easily outclasses practically all the wireless routers on the market.

If you’re well-acquainted with Asus, especially its gaming computers, then you likely have a general idea of what the Asus RT-AC86U brings to the table. This wireless router may look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router making machine. But, inside that kitschy gaming aesthetic is a wireless router that, for its price, effortlessly outclasses almost all of its rivals on the market. Even better, you’re also not paying a premium for a gaming device, so if you’re looking for a high-speed connection with an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U should be at the top of your list.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U 

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 is supercharged for your online gaming needs.

The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 might be pricey and lacks a broadband modem. However, this is still a router that delivers, especially on getting those pings down. Designed for homes with gamers in-house, it’s supercharged for your online gaming needs, keeping those high “ping” and latency rates down to deliver an excellent connection whether you’re playing Call of Duty or PUBG. If you’re willing to pay a pretty penny – and if you’re a serious gamer, you should be – this is one of the best wireless routers to consider.

Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Google Wifi. 

TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point.

Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2019 and don’t mind a quirky design. If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it will fit right in your home, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be the best wireless router for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router out there, but it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with a relaxed setup. It’s peculiar looking, yes; however, if you’re scouring the market for a wireless router that can cover a mid-sized home, you can’t go wrong with this.

Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

Netgear Orbi Pro

Netgear Orbi Pro is a modular Wi-Fi mesh router.

If you need to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best routers of 2019, then you must seriously consider getting the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance inspiration from its business-grade competitors. It’s on the more expensive side. However, if you’re running a business where you cannot afford any lags due to poor Wi-Fi, then it’s absolutely worth every penny.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro

Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 is an economical alternative for casual users.

When the Netgear Orbi hit the streets, it changed the wireless router scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear released the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, an economical alternative for casual users who don’t have a grand manor to cover. This makes it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its higher end counterpart. However, it does deliver more than enough to provide very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will have no issues blending in­ – not that you will feel the need to hide it.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 

TP-Link Deco M9

TP-Link Deco M9 incorporates IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage.

The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these wireless routers brings tops anything we’ve seen before. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best routers of 2020, we can see how they’re only getting better and better. By incorporating IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without question, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning though, this router is a tad expensive. However, you’re also getting all these features and an outstanding performance in exchange.

Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M9

D-Link Covr-C1203

D-Link Covr C1203 is one of the best wireless routers if you want to upgrade and save at the same time.

Ready to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon, but without breaking open that piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s one of the best wireless routers, if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. It offers comparable coverage to that of the Google Wi-Fi while also being affordable, and it also looks futuristic in a great way. It’s somewhat slower than Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. It’s no surprise that the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote as one of the best wireless routers of 2020.

Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203 

Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Eero Home Wi-Fi System gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI.

If you’re in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the answer. It has a price more premium than that of your standard router, but it also gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone linked to your network safe and secure. 

Read the full review: Eero Home Wi-Fi System 

Joe Osborne, Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Uy have also contributed to this article

Images Credit: TechRadar

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2020 NFL Draft live stream: how to watch online from anywhere in the world

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 01:20 PM PDT

The 2020 NFL Draft is the first virtual player selection event in the league's history, but despite this year's proceedings being unprecedented in so many ways, some things about the draft never change: a stud QB goes at number one, the Patriots trade out of the first round to stockpile even more picks, and Roger Goodell gets booed. Yes, even remotely, Roger Goodell manages to get jeered. Here's how to watch the NFL Draft for free online - live stream every round from anywhere in the world as your favorite team hunts for its next star.

It was supposed to be one of the glitziest drafts ever, taking place under the bright lights of Las Vegas to herald not only a new rookie class but the arrival of the league's newest team - the Las Vegas Raiders, recently imported from Oakland. 

Instead, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is announcing picks and making dad jokes from his basement - we probably don't need to tell you this is because of the coronavirus pandemic?

Nevertheless, fans are still getting three full days of draft action, with more than 250 collegiate athletes set to realize their dreams and make the leap to the NFL. And despite the new virtual setup, the NFL Draft's format remains unchanged.

Whoever you root for on Sundays, we're sure you're as excited as we are to see how the 2020 rookie class takes shape. Enough chit-chat, though - here's how to live stream the NFL Draft online and watch every round online from anywhere on the planet.

NFL Draft live stream: how to watch online in the US for free

If you live in the US and own a TV, then you have plenty of options to watch this year’s action, as the 2020 NFL Draft is being shown on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network - plus ESPN Deportes for anyone who prefers Spanish language coverage.

All three channels offer an online streaming option and have apps that are compatible with a wide range of devices:

However, to make use of these you'll need to create an account and log-in with details of your cable provider - which poses an obvious problem if don't have cable.

This is where over-the-top streaming services come into their own, and the best deal right now is Sling TV's Happy Hour offer, which lets you live stream the 2020 NFL Draft completely for free and gives you the NFL Network feed.

After that, you could consider the Hulu + Live TV package, which gets you access to both ESPN and ABC, so you have two options for 2020 draft coverage. While it's the most premium of Hulu's offerings and normally costs $54.99 a month, there's currently a FREE 1-week trial promotion - so you can watch the entire NFL Draft for free!

How to watch an NFL Draft live stream from outside your country

If you're eager to watch the NFL Draft but find yourself abroad, you may find that access to the streaming service you normally use and pay for at home is unavailable due to geo-blocking.

This is annoying, for sure, but the good news is there's a readily available solution in the form of a VPN. This handy software changes your IP address to one back home, so you can access the 2020 NFL Draft live stream of your choice from anywhere in the world and watch the picks roll in just like you normally would.

Watch the NFL Draft: UK live stream and start time

How to live stream the NFL Draft 2020 and watch online in Canada for free

NFL Draft live stream: watch online in Australia for free

NFL Draft first round picks

NFL draft live stream

1st pick - Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Burrow, QB, from LSU

2nd pick - Washington Redskins select Chase Young, EDGE, from Ohio State

3rd pick - Detroit Lions select Jeff Okudah, CB from Ohio State

4th pick - NY Giants select Andrew Thomas, OT, from Georgia

5th pick - Miami Dolphins select Tua Tagovailoa, QB, from Alabama

6th pick - LA Chargers select Justin Herbert, QB, from Oregon

7th pick - Carolina Panthers select Derrick Brown, DT, from Auburn

8th pick - Arizona Cardinals select Isaiah Simmons, LB, from Clemson

9th pick - Jacksonville Jaguars select C.J Henderson, CB, from Florida

10th pick - Cleveland Browns select Jedrick Wills, OT, from Alabama

11th pick - NY Jets select Mekhi Becton, OT, from Louisville

12th pick - Las Vegas Raiders select Henry Ruggs, WR, from Alabama

13th pick - Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade up one spot (San Francisco 49ers) and select Tristan Wirfs, OL, from Iowa

14th pick - San Francisco 49ers select Javon Kinlaw, DL, from South Carolina

15th pick - Denver Bronos select Jerry Jeudy, WR, from Alabama

16th pick - Atlanta Falcons select A.J Terrell, CB, from Clemson

17th pick - Dallas Cowboys select CeeDee Lamb, WR, from Oklahoma

18th pick - Miami Dolphins select Austin Jackson, OL, from USC

19th pick - Las Vegas Raiders select Damon Arnette, OL, from Ohio State

20th pick - Jacksonville Jaguars select K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, from LSU

21st pick - Philadelphia Eagles select Jalen Reagor, WR, from TCU

22nd pick - Minnesota Vikings select Justin Jefferson, WR, from LSU

23rd pick - Los Angeles Chargers (traded pick with Patriots) select Kenneth Murray, LB, from Oklahoma

24th pick - New Orleans Saints select Cesar Ruiz, C, from Michigan

25th pick - San Francisco 49ers (traded pick with Vikings) select Brandon Aiyuk, WR, from Arizona State

26th pick - Packers select Jordan Love, QB, from Utah State

27th pick - Seattle Seahawks select Jordyn Brooks, LB, from Texas Tech

28th pick - Baltimore Ravens select Patrick Queen, LB, from LSU

29th pick - Tennessee Titans select Isaiah WIlson, OL, from Georgia

30th pick - Miami Dolphins select Noah Igbinoghene, CB, from Auburn

31st pick - Minnesota Vikings select Jeff Gladney, CB, from TCU

32nd pick - Kansas City Chiefs select Clyde Edwards Helaire, RB, from LSU

NFL Draft number 1 picks - a short history

NFL draft live stream

Getting selected with the first pick of the NFL Draft is an honor unlike any other - but it can also be a burden. For every Cam Newton there's a JaMarcus Russell, and for every Peyton Manning a Tim Couch. 

Here's a look back at the last 35 years of NFL Draft first round picks.

  • 2019: Kyler Murray
  • 2018: Baker Mayfield
  • 2017: Myles Garrett
  • 2016: Jared Goff
  • 2015: Jameis Winston
  • 2014: Jadeveon Clowney
  • 2013: Eric Fisher
  • 2012: Andrew Luck
  • 2011: Cam Newton
  • 2010: Sam Bradford
  • 2009: Matthew Stafford
  • 2008: Jake Long
  • 2007: JaMarcus Russell
  • 2006: Mario Williams
  • 2005: Alex Smith
  • 2004: Eli Manning
  • 2003: Carson Palmer
  • 2002: David Carr
  • 2001: Michael Vick
  • 2000: Courtney Brown
  • 1999: Tim Couch
  • 1998: Peyton Manning
  • 1997: Orlando Pace
  • 1996: Keyshawn Johnson
  • 1995: Ki-Jana Carter
  • 1994: Dan Wilkinson
  • 1993: Drew Bledsoe
  • 1992: Steve Emtman
  • 1991: Russell Maryland
  • 1990: Jeff George
  • 1989: Troy Aikman
  • 1988: Aundray Bruce
  • 1987: Vinny Testaverde
  • 1986: Bo Jackson
  • 1985: Bruce Smith

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Going fast: iPhone SE 2020 price is just $184 somehow

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 12:56 PM PDT

Apple's most affordable phone, the iPhone SE, is officially available to order today, and Visible is offering an incredible deal that's going fast! For a limited time, you can get the 64GB iPhone SE on sale for just $184 when you switch to Visible's unlimited plan.

Visible is a relatively new cell phone carrier that's owned by Verizon, which means its plans run on Verizon's network. The low-cost carrier offers online-only services with contract-free prepaid plans, so there's no cancelation fee. Visible is currently offering a $200 Prepaid MasterCard when you buy the iPhone SE on Visible's $40 unlimited monthly plan and pay for the first two months of service. The Prepaid MasterCard Virtual Account will be sent via email, and you can spend it however you like.

That brings the price of the all-new iPhone down to just $184, which is one of the best deals we've seen for the iPhone SE. We expect this limited-time offer to sell out fast, so you should take advantage now before it's too late.

Note: this iPhone SE deal is going fast, so you're likely only to find certain storage sizes and iPhone SE colors in stock.

See more of the best iPhone SE deals: the best prices and plans available right now

Learn more about Apple's budget phone with our iPhone SE 2020 review.

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WHO says it has seen huge rise in cyberattacks targeting its work

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 12:52 PM PDT

Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has observed a “dramatic” increase in the number of cyberattacks directed at its staff as well as email scams targeting the public.

According to the organization, around 450 active WHO email addresses and passwords were recently leaked online alongside the credentials of thousands of others working on the coronavirus response.

However, the leaked credentials have not put its systems at risk because the data was not recent though the attack did impact an older extranet system which is currently used by both its active and retired staff as well as its partners.

The WHO has begun the process of migrating its affected systems to a more secure authentication system to prevent falling victim to future attacks.

Increased cyberattacks and scams

In addition to cyberattacks against the WHO itself which are five times higher than during the same period last year, cybercriminals have also begun to impersonate the organization in scam emails in an effort to channel donations to a fake version of the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

In a press release, chief information officer at the WHO, Bernardo Mariano expressed his gratitude to the member states and private businesses that have alerted the organization to these cyberattacks and scams, saying:

“Ensuring the security of health information for Member States and the privacy of users interacting with us a priority for WHO at all times, but also particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the alerts we receive from Member States and the private sector. We are all in this fight together.”

The WHO is also working with the private sector to improve the security of its internal systems and to educate its staff on cybersecurity risks.

Via ZDNet

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Best home printer 2020: versatile printers for use at home

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 11:03 AM PDT

If you don’t think you need one of the best home printers in your house, think again. Just like in the office, you need a printer in your household that can handle printing without a snag. After all, your time at home is just as important as your time at work, especially given the current ongoing situation and compulsory work from home periods.

The best home printers need to be more versatile than regular printers since the modern household needs to print out a wide range of documents. You'll often find you need to print out forms and documents in your day to day.

Plus, a home printer that can do an excellent job printing your holiday snaps will save you from shelling out a lot of money. And, unlike big and bulky business printers, these are all-in-one printers that take up a small bit of space and can be either laser or ink-based.

No matter what size of household and family demands you have, you’ll find the best home printer for you on this list. And, our price comparison tool makes sure you get the best deals on the one you pick as well.

Best home printer - at a glance

  1. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW
  2. Canon Pixma TS9120
  3. Epson EcoTank ET-3760
  4. HP LaserJet Pro M15w
  5. HP Envy 5055
  6. Epson WorkForce WF-7210DTW
  7. Kyocera Ecosys P5026 
  8. Brother MFC-J5945DW
  9. Samsung Xpress C1810W
  10. Brother HLL2395DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer 

Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW


Despite its compact size, the Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW is a monster printer. It’s incredibly efficient, being able to print for up to a year without having to change its ink cartridge. And, it’s also a feature-rich and intuitive machine perfect for any home or small business office. You can print to it from just about any device wirelessly and, for mobile, you don’t even need a network to do it, thanks to its NFC (near field communication) technology that connects directly to the printer. While interfacing with its 2.7” color display, you can even print from and scan to the cloud.

Canon Pixma TS9120


Thanks to its 6-color individual ink system, the Canon Pixma TS9120 delivers exceptional photo quality results. The Canon also is very flexible with its connection capabilities, allowing for both bluetooth and wi-fi to print. And you’re not limited to any device. If you want to print from a tablet or smartphone or even from the cloud, the Canon can handle it. The printer also comes with some photo-specific features such as Photo Blue ink as part of the 6-color system and built-in creative filters to add something a little extra to your photos. Lastly, this printer comes in a choice of three different two-tone color options, giving you some cosmetic choices that you don’t really see with printers.

Epson EcoTank ET-3760


Whether you’re trying to run a more eco-friendly household or you’re just fed up with having to run out go get ink at the most inconvenient times – in the middle of printing your important documents, for example – you might love the Epson EcoTank ET-3760. This all-in-one printer is cartridge-free and comes with refillable bottles that contain up to two years’ worth of ink instead. It doesn’t have a massive paper capacity, only 150 sheets at a time, that’s hardly a deal-breaker, especially if you’re just mostly using it for personal stuff. It’s a bit expensive, but think of all the money you’ll save not having to run to the store and get replacement cartridges all the time.

HP LaserJet Pro M15w printer


When we tested it, this was the smallest laser printer around and likely to remain so. Being as small and inexpensive as an inkjet, yet with all the speed, economy and consistency of a laser, the LaserJet Pro M15w is in many ways the ideal home printer. It manages to hold one hundred sheets of paper and print on them at the respectable rate of 19ppm. There’s no duplex mode, sadly, and no display, but at this price it’s hard to argue.  

Read the full review: HP LaserJet Pro M15w

HP Envy 5055


This humble all-in-one can scan and copy, but its real strength is in printing photos. Frustratingly, there’s no Ethernet port, nor a USB port for printing from a flash drive and it churns very slowly, but the results are surprisingly good for such an affordable inkjet. The supplied starter cartridges are rather light on ink, but if you replace them with high-capacity carts, then the running cost is competitive too.

Epson WorkForce WF-7210DTW printer


Printers aimed at the home office that can handle A3 paper are not common, but ones that can automatically print on both sides of an A3 page are downright rare. The WorkForce WF-7210DTW is one such beast and it does so quite successfully. Print quality is impressive, be that monochrome text, or a glossy photo. The long list of features includes both Wi-Fi and  NFC connectivity and the two paper trays can hold 500 sheets combined.  

Read the full review: Epson WorkForce WF-7210DTW

Kyocera Ecosys P5026cdw printer


This stout laser printer takes up relatively little space, given its high capacity for paper and toner. It means you can keep printing quickly and efficiently and with lower running costs than an equivalent inkjet. The display is rather fiddly, but in all other respects, this colour printer is easy to use and can be relied upon for immaculate mono and colour documents time after time.  

Read the full review: Kyocera Ecosys P5026cdw

Brother MFC-J5945DW Printer


This big Brother blurs the line between home and office printer by combining the fast print speed and high capacity of a laser machine with the superior photo finish of an inkjet. We would recommend it for both applications because although it is smaller than the laser equivalent MFC-L8690CDW, the inkjet MFC-J5945DW can handle A3 paper. There’s really nothing that this fully featured 4-in-1 can’t do and it carries out all tasks satisfactorily.   

Read the full review: Brother MFC-J5945DW

Samsung Xpress C1810W printer


Samsung’s smart-looking laser printer is equipped with both Wi-Fi and NFC for easy mobile printing and is supported by a sophisticated mobile app. It’s an easy size to accommodate at home, but you can fit a useful amount of paper and toner inside, making it good for a monthly cycle of 40,000 pages. It won’t automatically print both sides of the page, but it does have a manual duplex mode.

Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer


The Brother HLL2395DW is an ideal printer for any small business that needs to do a lot of printing and to do it quickly. So while you may be limited to black and white with this printer, you’ll be able to print up to 36 pages in a minute and could probably spit out a whole book before having to reload the printer, thanks to a 250 page capacity. Like other recent Brother printers, it has an intuitive display that allows you to print from and scan to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive as well as its NFC “touch to connect” printing which allows you to access it from a mobile device without even needing a network connection. All-in-all, this is a pretty nifty printer.

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StrongVPN adds WireGuard support to all its apps, becomes biggest project backer

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 10:32 AM PDT

StrongVPN has announced that it has integrated the new WireGuard VPN protocol across all of its platforms and apps making it the first VPN provider to deploy the technology globally.

Additionally, StrongVPN's parent company, NetProtect is also a Platinum Supporter of the WireGuard project after it made an extremely generous donation which was used to cover a significant portion of the project's development costs last year.

Head of StrongVPN's support Team, Doug Haden explained how the company's users and even the entire VPN industry as whole will benefit from the introduction of WireGuard in a press release, saying:

“Making advanced security available to all our customers is important to us. Since the development of WireGuard, StrongVPN has been working hard to implement this exciting new protocol across our apps and platforms. WireGuard will have many positive impacts on the functionality of StrongVPN, and we believe this is a huge step forward for VPN users as well as the entire industry.”

WireGuard

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol which uses state-of-the-art cryptography and was built by the developer and founder of Edge Security, Jason A. Donenfeld. The protocol was designed to be a faster and more secure connection type that significantly improves user experience.

One of WireGuard's other advantages over existing VPN protocols such as OpenVPN or IPSec is the fact that it contains far less code. For instance, OpenVPN is made up of 100,000 lines of code while WireGuard consists of just 4,000 lines of code, which makes it much easier for security experts to review and audit for vulnerabilities. 

The new protocol is now available across all of StrongVPN's major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

In addition to its new WireGuard integration, StrongVPN also provides apps for all major devices and platforms as well as support for 12 concurrent connections and no speed limits.

  • Check out our picks for the best VPN services

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The Dell XPS 15 2020 may have been redesigned to take on the MacBook Pro

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 10:31 AM PDT

Dell looks poised to release an all-new version of its XPS 15 laptop that will take a number of design clues from the recently-revamped Dell XPS 13.

That’s according to leaked images posted on the Korea Energy Agency Efficiency Standardization Certification Center website, which all but confirms that a new model of the Dell XPS 15 is coming – with its sights set firmly on Apple’s MacBook lineup.


While this news will be exciting to the XPS faithful, the XPS isn’t the only series due for an imminent upgrade. A series of images shared by Reddit user stblr shows off a number of new Dell Latitude laptops, including the Latitude 7310, Latitude 7310 2-in-1, Latitude 7410, Latitude 7410 2-in-1, Latitude 5310, Latitude 5310 2-in-1, Latitude 5410 and Latitude 5510.

It remains unclear when Dell will unveil its redesigned laptops, but online speculation suggests the new devices could land as early as next month.


A ton of changes

The most notable change will be sized-down bezels, with Dell adopting a small webcam in the top bezel and less-obtrusive bottom bezel to make for a true edge-to-edge 15-inch InfinityEdge display on the so-called XPS 15 9500. These slimmed-down bezels will also allow the laptop to adopt a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, compared to the 16:9 ratio on the previous-generation XPS 15 laptop.

The top-mounted webcam will reportedly use a new camera module, suggesting it will offer an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition. This is something that has been sorely missing on previous-generation Dell XPS laptops, despite being a key feature on many new Windows 10 laptops such as Lenovo’s Yoga ThinkPad 15 and Microsoft’s similarly-specced Surface Laptop 3.

The Dell XPS 15 also looks set for a speaker revamp, as the leaked images show that the XPS 15 9500 will have upward-firing speakers, much like those on the 16-inch MacBook Pro. And that’s not the only area where Dell is looking to steal the crown from Apple, as it looks like the company will also adopt an all-new, larger trackpad that’s similar to the Force Touch trackpad on Apple’s MacBook Pro laptops.

Elsewhere, the leaked images suggest that Dell will embed a power button into the XPS 15’s keyboard to allow for a more sleek and minimalistic look, and that the XPS 15 9500 will be made available with a choice of touch and non-touch displays, which will have glossy and matte finishes respectively.


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8 new TV shows and movies to watch on Netflix, HBO, Apple TV Plus and more this weekend

Posted: 24 Apr 2020 09:59 AM PDT

Wherever you're reading this right now, the chances are you're going to spend most of the next few days indoors. Thankfully, streaming services will have you covered over the weekend, with new movies and TV shows dropping to help you kill the time. 

Netflix, as ever, has so much stuff in any given week that you'll struggle to get through it all. Soon, too, US viewers will have even more options to choose from, with HBO Max launching in late May. 

Below, then, check out our highlights of what to stream this weekend, including what's new on Netflix, HBO, Showtime and more. Pick out a couple of things, add them to your watch list and drop us an email if any of them turned out to be completely terrible. 

After Life season 2 (Netflix)

watch After Life season 2

The second season of Ricky Gervais' tragedy-infused comedy-drama has arrived on Netflix. You probably already know whether a TV show released in 2020 that stars Gervais is the sort of thing you're likely to enjoy. Here, the comedian and writer plays a local newspaper journalist, wounded with grief over the death of his wife. In this new set of episodes, he tries harder to connect with people in his community, hopefully generating a few laughs along the way. After Life is full of familiar British comedy faces, like Extras' Ashley Jensen and Penelope Wilton. 

Now streaming on Netflix. Here's how to watch After Life season 2.

Extraction (Netflix)

This new action movie stars Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake (sigh), a mercenary hired to rescue the son of a big-time criminal. We've not seen Extraction yet, but it is produced by Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo, and what better things do you have to do this week than watch Thor gun down a load of dudes that may or may not deserve it?

Now streaming on Netflix

Middleditch & Schwartz (Netflix)

Technically this dropped earlier this week, but if you need a few laughs on Netflix this weekend, this is a great place to start. 

You no doubt know comedians Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) and Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) from two of the best sitcoms of the modern age, and this trio of Netflix comedy specials brings them together for some totally improvised comedy. Each of the three parts here are themed, with the specials named Dream Job, Law School Magic and Parking Lot Wedding, which gives you an idea of what they're about. If you like the actors' other work, consider giving this a try, and check out our list of best Netflix comedy specials if you need more comedy this weekend.

Now streaming on Netflix

The Last Kingdom season 4 (Netflix)

After the BBC produced the first two series of this Saxon-based historical drama, adapted from the work of Sharpe writer Bernard Cornwell, Netflix snapped up the rights to continue it. Featuring a significantly sized ensemble cast, it's been well over a year since season 3 of The Last Kingdom came to Netflix. Dads worldwide will no doubt be relieved to have 10 more episodes of big-budget swords-and-shields action to binge.

Streaming on Netflix from 26 April

Defending Jacob (Apple TV Plus)

Chris Evans stars in the latest big Apple TV Plus show, an eight-part drama entirely directed by Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game). A Massachusetts family faces the possibility that their youngest son (played by IT's Jaeden Martell) is a murderer, leaving the father (Evans), who works for the DA's office, to grapple with the consequences. 

The first three episodes are available now, with new episodes releasing every Friday thereafter. You can watch this globally on Apple TV Plus, and the service has a 7-day free trial if you want to give it a look. 

Now streaming on Apple TV Plus

Bad Education (HBO)

Based on the 2004 embezzlement scandal which saw millions stolen from a school district in New York, Hugh Jackman and Alison Janney co-star in this new HBO movie, Bad Education, which explores how a student journalist helped to uncover the whole thing. (Vanity Fair has an excellent feature about the true story behind it, if you're interested in the events depicted by the movie too.)

US HBO subscribers can watch Bad Education from April 25. Since Sky Atlantic has an exclusive output deal with HBO, we expect to see it on there later this year. 

Streaming on HBO Now and HBO Go from April 25

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (Showtime)

Airing this Sunday on Showtime but available now to stream, City of Angels is the long-awaited follow-up to the original Eva Green-starring Penny Dreadful, which suddenly concluded without any prior notice in 2016, shocking fans at the time. This series is again created by screenwriter John Logan (The Aviator, Hugo), but now the horror-fantasy weirdness has shifted to 1930s Hollywood, starring Natalie Dormer as a shape-shifting demon. City of Angels doesn't appear to require any previous knowledge of the series, but you will need to be subscribed to Showtime to watch it.

UK viewers will have to wait until July to see City of Angels when it premieres on Sky Atlantic and Now TV. 

Episode one is now streaming on Showtime

Gangs of London (Sky/Now TV)

Created by The Raid director Gareth Evans, Gangs of London is one of Sky's biggest budget dramas yet. It stars Peaky Blinders' Joe Cole as the privileged son of a murdered gangster boss who has to take over the family business, and fend off violent competition from all comers. All nine episodes are available to stream on Sky and Now TV right now.

US viewers will have to wait a little longer for this one. Cinemax co-produced the series, but hasn't announced an air date yet. 

Streaming on Sky and Now TV now, Cinemax TBA

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