Apple : Surface Book 3 appears in mistaken advert, and could launch soon alongside Surface Go 2 |
- Surface Book 3 appears in mistaken advert, and could launch soon alongside Surface Go 2
- ICANN delays .org sell off
- Windows 10 May 2020 Update release date, news and features
- Facebook cancels large-scale physical events through June 2021
- All iPhone SE 2020 deals on Three come with free Beats X earphones
- How to watch the One World: Together at Home concert online this weekend
- Apple Watch price cut: the all-new Apple Watch Series 5 is on sale at Best Buy
- Xbox One X deals are still offering excellent discounts in massive Microsoft sale
- The Sims 4 up to 89% off in latest digital game download deals
- You won't find a better cheap 4K TV than these Currys deals with £100 savings
- New iPhone 12 release date, leaks, price, news and what you need to know
- Streets of Rage 4 gets a release date – and there's a retro surprise for older fans
- Paid software and services available for free during the pandemic from Microsoft, Facebook and more [updated daily]
- Google launches fresh attack on Android fleeceware
- Apple Watch 6 release date, price, news and leaks
- Waitrose online: how to book a food delivery or click-and-collect slot today
- The best Sony phones of 2020: find the right Sony Xperia smartphone for you
- Sky Mobile has the cheapest iPhone SE deals to pre-order in the UK
- Calm down, PS4 fans – you won't be losing another exclusive to PC just yet
- Apple starts reopening some stores outside China
| Surface Book 3 appears in mistaken advert, and could launch soon alongside Surface Go 2 Posted: 17 Apr 2020 12:00 PM PDT Editors note: John Lewis has got in touch with us saying that this wasn't a leak, but just an internal error for the Surface Laptop 3. We've amended the original article below. The Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 have been seeing a lot of rumors pointing to a possible release in the near future, and a clerical error by John Lewis was mistaken for a product confirmation. We’ve already been hearing plenty of rumors about these two Surface devices – including purported pricing being leaked by online retailers – and this fresh speculation comes from a source who spoke to Windows Latest.
That anonymous person claims that Microsoft has been planning a virtual event to announce the Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 taking place at the end of April, and that could still happen – although this online press shindig might now have been delayed until the first or second week of May. Bear in mind that we only have the word of the source for this, so who knows if this is correct or not, but it doesn’t seem improbable given the weight of rumors of late concerning the release of these two devices. That includes a recent FCC filing allegedly for the Surface Go 2, and as mentioned, several batches of leaked pricing details, which unfortunately make it look like the Surface Go sequel could be more expensive than the original. The leaked Surface Book 3 price tags seem pretty much in line with what we’d expect looking at the existing models. Mistakenly advertisedAs we mentioned at the outset, what seems like further evidence of the Surface Book 3 being imminent has turned up in the form of an advert from John Lewis accidentally (and only briefly) posted online which Windows Latest also spotted and screen-grabbed. The advert simply referred to a ‘Surface Book 3 by Microsoft’ and is a brief snippet that just mentions a ‘powerful laptop with a variety of features’, but no specs. However, John Lewis has reached out to us and clarified, saying ‘Unfortunately an error was made in the wording of a Surface Laptop 3 search terms advert. The wording was quickly corrected and the updated Laptop 3 advert was re-published'. So far, the spilled details we have got from online retailers have been leaked by pretty minor outfits, but John Lewis is a huge UK retail presence, and would have been a more credible leak source than, say, Italian retailer Breakpoint which is where the latest alleged prices came from. We have heard chatter about the specs of both these devices though, and rumor has it that the Surface Book 3 will have 10th-gen Intel processors (the Core i5-10210U and Core i7-10510U), with memory in 8GB, 16GB or 32GB configurations, and storage running up to 1TB. It will supposedly stick with the same design as the existing models. Whereas the Surface Go 2 will run with the same screen, a choice of Intel Pentium 4425Y or Core m3-8100Y processors, and either 4GB or 8GB of system RAM. Storage will top out at 256GB if the speculation that has been aired is on the money. The good news is that with this event possibly only a fortnight away, if it’s happening at the end of April and this rumor is correct, we should hear something very soon given that Microsoft will doubtless want to publicize the launch a little while in advance.
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| Posted: 17 Apr 2020 11:52 AM PDT The internet registration outfit ICANN has once again delayed a decision on the sale of the .org registry to Ethos Capital. As reported by The Register, the organization's board of directors was close to coming to a decision on whether or not to approve the $1.13bn sale of the .org domain from Internet Society to the private equity firm Ethos Capital, when a letter from California's attorney general Xavier Becerra disrupted ICANN's plans. Instead of taking a vote on the matter, ICANN's board debated the issue and ended up deciding to hold off on making a decision until May 4 and this is the fourth time such a delay has occurred.
In a pres release, ICANN confirmed that it would push back its decision, saying: "We have agreed to extend the review period to 4 May 2020, to permit additional time to complete our review”. Ethos CapitalAttorney general Xavier Becerra's letter arrived at ICANN just hours before its meeting to decide on the sale of the .org domain. The letter urged the organization not to approve the sale as it “raises serious concerns that cannot be overlooked”. For instance, Ethos Capital has an unusual corporate structure and its purchase of the .org domain involves six different companies that were all registered on the same day back in October of last year. The private equity firm has also refused to answer specific questions about its ownership. Becerra provided more information on his doubts about Ethos Capital taking over the .org registry in his letter to ICANN, saying: “Little is known about Ethos Capital and its multiple proposed subsidiaries, including PIR LLC, which will be converted from a nonprofit corporation into a for-profit corporation. Even less is known about how these for-profit corporate entities and private investors will operate their businesses. Without such information, it remains unclear how the .ORG registry and community will be impacted. Given the lack of transparency regarding Ethos’ future plans, approval of the transfer may place at risk the operational stability of the .ORG registry.” As ICANN's decision has been pushed back until May 4, non-profits and other concerned parties still have time to try and talk the organization out of going through with the sale of the .org registry to Ethos Capital.
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| Windows 10 May 2020 Update release date, news and features Posted: 17 Apr 2020 11:43 AM PDT The Windows 10 May 2020 Update, the first full Windows 10 update that Microsoft is releasing in 2020, is set to bring in a whole lot of fresh features and performance refinements to Microsoft’s popular operating system. And, it’s just around the corner, as it’s officially finished and its final version, build 19041.207, has been pushed out to Microsoft’s Release Preview ring. Because Microsoft has made past builds of Windows 10 May 2020 Update, formerly Windows 10 20H1, available to Fast Ring Insider testers since early 2019, we already know some of the details behind the new features and changes it’s bringing to the table. Those include a more efficient algorithm for Windows Search, improved Cortana experience and even more kaomojis, to start. Unfortunately, while the Windows 10 May 2020 Update is technically finished, it may still be delayed for some reason. However, based on its name, we already know that it should roll out later, rather than sooner, in May. So, we thought we’d lay out all of the most exciting, interesting and generally useful features that are coming with it. Cut to the chase
Windows 10 May 2020 Update release dateWhile we’re still not sure exactly when the Windows 10 May 2020 Update release date will be, the name '20H1' does mean that we'll be getting it sometime in May. It’s final version is finished and now available to a handful of testers. Still, it might come out later, rather than sooner, in May due to its issues with Windows Mixed Reality hardware. This does, however, support a previous leak. According to Windows Latest, in Build 19041, which has all cumulative updates installed, Windows Powershell’s “Get-VMHostSupportedVersion” command lists the Windows 10 May 2020 Update/Server 2004 as one of the results. In the past, major Windows 10 updates that are released in the first half of the year are usually released in April, such as the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, though last year we saw the Windows 10 May 2019 Update due to delays. Windows 10 May 2020 Update nameThis first full update of 2020 has gotten an official moniker: Windows 10 May 2020 Update. Before, it was going by a few names, including Windows 10 20H1 and Windows 10 build 2004. Clearly, Microsoft is sticking with the naming convention of previous Windows 10 updates and naming it after the time it's released, for example Windows 10 April 2020 update, or Windows 10 Spring 2020 update – although that latter name might be confusing to people living in the Southern Hemisphere. Windows 10 May 2020 Update featuresRegardless of the release date, the Windows 10 May 2020 Update will likely bring a load of new features to Windows 10 – certainly more than the relatively low-key Windows 10 November 2019 Update, anyway. So, here are all the new Windows 10 May 2020 Update features that we know of. Windows 10 May 2020 Update brings a new lookWe've seen more than one hint that Version 20H1 could be making a move toward a more rounded design instead of the sharp angles seen currently in Windows 10. This would extend from windows and buttons to sliders and pop-up dialog boxes. This would work to provide some more consistency between the desktop user interface and apps, as well as aligning it more with modern web and app style. This change isn't certain though, but has been hinted at more than once. Windows 10 May 2020 Update brings new virtual desktop namesWhen you make virtual desktops in Windows 10 right now, they get rather unhelpful, numbered names: Desktop 1, Desktop 2, etc. The Windows 10 May 2020 Update should introduce the option to create custom names for each virtual desktop. So, if you use virtual desktops to separate work and play or various projects, you can make sure each is clearly labeled for which project each is dedicated to. And, as Windows Central notes, the custom virtual desktops can be saved so they aren't reset after each reboot. Windows 10 May 2020 Update brings commitment to Windows HelloMany computers are now built with fingerprint scanners or advanced cameras that provide facial recognition to work with Windows Hello. This lets you sign on without a password, but Windows still requires a password for the account even if you don't have to use it to sign on every time. The Windows 10 May 2020 Update may include an option to make your device password-less, letting it exclusively rely on Windows Hello for signing into your Microsoft account, Windows Central reports. In addition, the update is also adding Windows Hello PIN sign-in to Safe mode, so Windows 10 S mode users won’t have to rely on their password when troubleshooting their laptops. Windows 10 May 2020 Update will improve CortanaIt seems like Microsoft isn't giving up on Cortana, its voice assistant, any time soon. The Windows 10 May 2020 Update will bring improvements, with a better conversational experience that will make it feel more natural to 'chat' with Cortana. More importantly, Cortana will be evolving from just a lowly digital assistant to a “personal productivity assistant.” In other words, it will have even more productivity skills to help you manage your tasks and time, as well as connect with people, in the Microsoft 365 apps. Cortana will also have its own app, rather than being built into Windows 10, so we can expect more regular updates in the future – rather than having to wait for Microsoft to release major Windows updates. Windows 10 May 2020 Update has a better Windows SearchThis new update will introduce at least a couple of changes to the Windows Search function. The Windows 10 May 2020 Update will bring in a new algorithm for Windows Search that will have a more efficient disk usage. This new algorithm should reduce excessive disk and CPU usage. Other Windows Search features to come with this major update include the Enhanced search mode feature, which allows users to easily expand search across all folders and drivers, as well as Windows Search integration into File Explorer for more consistent results. Windows 10 May 2020 Update improves video playback performanceAlso according to Windows Latest, this update will bring in Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.7, which has been designed to improve users’ overall gaming performance as well as video output and the refresh rate on multi-monitor setups. There will be support for hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling that should allow video cards to manage their video memory, and result in reduced latency and improved average FPS for smoother video playbacks. Plus, this update will finally fix reported multi-monitor and sing monitor stutter issues with better refresh rates support. Windows 10 May 2020 Update makes it easier to reset Windows 10Another welcome addition is that the Windows 10 May 2020 Update will make it easier to reset Windows 10 to how it was when you first installed it, or when you first bought your device. It includes the Cloud Download feature, reinstalling Windows 10 from an updated version that's held online, and should make resetting or reinstalling Windows 10 even easier. Windows 10 May 2020 Update brings in more kaomojisFans of kaomojis will be happy to know that the Windows 10 May 2020 Update will bring in even more kaomojis for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t know what kaomojis are, they’re basically old school emojis – instead of individual graphical pictures, you have a bunch of symbols and characters to represent characters and facial expressions. These are just some of the new kaomojis the update is adding to the list.
Michelle Rae Uy also contributed to this article.
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| Facebook cancels large-scale physical events through June 2021 Posted: 17 Apr 2020 10:07 AM PDT After canceling its F8 developer conference due to the coronavirus outbreak back in February, Facebook has now announced that it will no longer host local events as an alternative. Instead, the social networking giant is planning to do a series of updates throughout the year with the first one taking place soon, though the company has yet to provide an exact date. Facebook provided more details on how it will reach developers and customers with news and product announcements in a statement, saying:
"Because we can't come together in person for F8 this year, Mark Zuckerberg and other Facebook leaders will do a series of updates throughout the year to share what we're working on to help people connect, as well as updates to our developer products, where applicable." Large-scale physical eventsFacebook CEO and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg also announced that the company will require most of its employees to work from home through at least the end of May. In addition to having its employees continue to work remotely, the company is also canceling all of the large-scale physical events it had planned with 50 or more people through June 2021. Zuckerberg explained the company's reasoning behind this decision in a post on the social network, saying: “Even beyond this next period, guidance from health experts is that it won't be advisable to have large groups of people get together for a while. Given this, we're canceling any large physical events we had planned with 50 or more people through June 2021. Some of these we will hold as virtual events instead and we'll share more details on that soon. Similarly, we're extending our policy of no business travel through at least June of this year as well.” Other tech businesses including Microsoft now plan to hold their events virtually and it now looks like Facebook is going to take a similar approach at least for the foreseeable future.
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| All iPhone SE 2020 deals on Three come with free Beats X earphones Posted: 17 Apr 2020 10:04 AM PDT The new iPhone SE is now available for pre-order, ahead of an on-sale date of April 24, and if you grab it on any of Three’s plans the network will chuck in a pair of Beats X earphones for free. Three is stocking both 64GB and 128GB versions of the new iPhone SE in all colours (red, black and white) and with plans starting at £29 per month (for which you can get a 64GB model with 4GB of data at a £49 upfront cost). Or at the other end of the scale you can max out with a 128GB iPhone SE 2020 and unlimited data for £44 per month and £49 upfront. Whatever option you choose you’ll get the Beats X earphones too. These usually cost £89.95 and we awarded them four stars in our review, praising their comfy fit, speedy charging and balanced sound. The iPhone SE 2020 itself meanwhile stands out not just for its low price, but also for offering top-end power, as it packs the same A13 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 11 range. Plus, its small 4.7-inch 750 x 1334 screen means this has the potential to be the best compact phone in years. Whether it will live up to that promise remains to be seen – keep an eye out for our full review to find out. But either way, the free addition of Beats X earphones makes an already affordable phone even better value.
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| How to watch the One World: Together at Home concert online this weekend Posted: 17 Apr 2020 09:56 AM PDT Whether you're cautiously gazing towards the end of self-isolation or starting another few weeks of lockdown, this weekend's must-watch TV is an absolute no-brainer - the music and cultural event of the century is upon us and it's all happening online this Saturday. Something of a spiritual successor to Live Aid, here's where to watch the One World: Together at Home concert for free this weekend. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, the One World: Together at Home line-up reads like a festival organizer's dream. There's musical legends in the form of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder; celebrity royalty like The Beckhams, Oprah and Samuel L. Jackson; and three of biggest acts of 2020 in event curator Lady Gaga, Billie Ellish and Taylor Swift. Beyond that, disgruntled 90s youths get their fix thanks to Eddie Vedder, Billie Joe Armstrong and Alanis Morissette. Even classical music fans have a treat in store courtesy of Andrea Bocelli and Lang Lang, while those after an even smoother groove can look forward to Alicia Keyes, Usher, and Jenifer Hudson - by way of Pharrell, Rita Ora and Sam Smith. And for those who want to watch with their kids or parents, there's Chris Martin, Michael Buble and The Killers - because nothing screams 'lockdown' like a singalong on Houseparty. Heck, even the cast of Sesame Street is scheduled to appear! We're sure you'll want to tune in to this massive global event, which will see proceeds donated to the World Health Organization and frontline coronavirus healthcare workers, so without further ado - here's how to watch One World: Together at Home and stream the biggest concert of modern times for free no matter where you are in the world.
How to watch One World: Together at Home live in the US - free online streaming detailsWatch One World: Together at Home - free UK live streamWhere to watch One World: Together at Home for free in CanadaLive stream One World: Together at Home and watch in Australia for freeHow to watch One World: Together at Home from anywhere in the worldThe One World: Together at Home concert is being widely shown on free-to-air channels all over the globe, as well as being available for free online streaming via a number of popular services. However, if you can't access the platform you want due to geo-blocking restrictions, there's an easy solution. Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream One World: Together at Home no matter where you are. This simple bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access content from anywhere in the world, simply by pointing yourself to the location where it's available. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Apple Watch price cut: the all-new Apple Watch Series 5 is on sale at Best Buy Posted: 17 Apr 2020 09:54 AM PDT Best Buy has a rare price cut on the all-new Apple Watch Series 5. For a limited time, you can get the 40mm Apple Watch 5 on sale for $384. That's a $15 discount and a fantastic price for a feature-rich smartwatch. If you're interested in a cellular plan, Best Buy also has the Apple Watch 5 with LTE connectivity on sale for $484. Apple Watch 5 deals:See more smartwatch offers with our roundup of the best Apple Watch 5 prices and deals and shop other models with the best cheap Apple Watch prices and sales. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Xbox One X deals are still offering excellent discounts in massive Microsoft sale Posted: 17 Apr 2020 09:48 AM PDT Xbox One X deals are still holding strong in the US, with a $299 sales price continuing to save savvy shoppers some serious cash. Over in the UK, we've seen a slip in that original discount, but Microsoft is still the best place to pick up the 4K Xbox, with bundles offering the latest games for £349 this weekend. The latest price cuts come at a time of incredible demand, making them even more impressive as we head into a weekend full of gaming. With previous Xbox One X deals only just tickling the $349 price mark, picking up the latest Xbox console alongside some of the hottest games for under $300 is a marvel. You'll find Xbox One X bundles offering a wide range of titles included for free - with big-name games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, the entire numbered Gears of War collection, Forza Horizon 4, and NBA 2K20. So, if you're tired of staring at the same four walls, mix it up with some eye-watering gorgeous 4K gaming courtesy of the latest Xbox One X deals.
Today's best Xbox One X bundle deals in the USToday's best Xbox One X deals in the UKMore Xbox One dealsLooking for more? We're tracking all the latest Xbox One deals and sales as well as the best Xbox One X prices right here on TechRadar. If you haven't made up your mind about the console you want to pick up, you might also want to check out where to buy a PS4 and where to buy a Nintendo Switch. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The Sims 4 up to 89% off in latest digital game download deals Posted: 17 Apr 2020 09:47 AM PDT If you missed the first round of The Sims 4 deals, never fear - there's a new roster of savings available via Amazon and CDKeys this weekend. Amazon's new emphasis on digital game downloads has yielded some significant discounts on expansion packs, with CDKeys owning the best price on the base game. So, whether you're looking to live out an alternative life - because the one we're in right now is so fun - or seeking some evil thrills, you'll want to check out the latest Sims 4 deals. You can save up to 75% on The Sims 4 expansions at Amazon right now, and if you're in the US that's the best place to pick up your base game (now available for just $4.49) and expansions, starting at $14.99. If you're in the UK, you'll have better luck picking up the game itself from CDKeys for £4.49. The latest Sims 4 deals are offering some fantastic prices to lure you back to the world of Simlish and money trees. Whatever you choose to do in the world you create, you'll be safe in the knowledge that you spent far less Simoleons to do it. The Sims 4 dealsIf you're looking for more inspiration, you'll find plenty of cheap games deals on Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One right here on TechRadar. Or, if your rig isn't quite up to the job, check out our top picks of the best gaming laptop deals going right now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| You won't find a better cheap 4K TV than these Currys deals with £100 savings Posted: 17 Apr 2020 09:37 AM PDT Looking for a cheap 4K TV this weekend? Look no further than this truly excellent selection from Currys, where we've got not just one 4K TV deal to chose from, but three-weekend mega-deals, with savings of up to £100. This fantastic SHARP 4T 50-inch 4K TV for just £269 at Currys will save you a hefty £80 on a full-fat HD bad boy. Capable of rendering beautiful colours and pumping out some great sounds, thanks to full HDR10 support it's inbuilt Harman Kardon speakers, it's easily one of our favourite cheap 4K TVs right now. Next up, this JVC LT 55-inch 4K TV with Alexa for just £349 features a great saving of £100. This isn't just your average cheap 4K TV - it's much smarter than you would think thanks to it's built-in Amazon Alexa. With this JVC, you'll not only get a great picture, but also be able to other smart home devices with your voice - a really helpful tool. Last but not least is this stunner of a 4K TV deal on a Samsung UE50RU 50-inch 4K TV for just £399 at Currys. Onboard is a host of premium tech, including Samsungs Dynamic Crystal Colour picture enhancement and Bixby voice assistant. This one's a little more expensive but you're still saving yourself £100 and getting yourself one of the best cheap 4K TV deals in the UK right now.
The best cheap 4K TV deals at Currys
While you're here why not check out some of our other awesome content on cheap TV deals. Our roundup of the best cheap 4K deals in April, for example, looks at over 20 models, the whole range of screen sizes, and many different retailers. If you're willing to dish out the big bucks then we'd recommend checking out our OLED TV prices article, where we only look at the very latest (and most expensive) TV's on the market, looking to save you some serious cash in the process. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New iPhone 12 release date, leaks, price, news and what you need to know Posted: 17 Apr 2020 08:25 AM PDT We'll say it now: the iPhone 12 needs to be a huge change to Apple's smartphone. The iPhone 11 range brought very little in terms of an upgrade. With new camera tweaks and some more power inside, they were modest updates to the popular iPhone range. So what will the next iPhone - the first of a new decade - bring? Is Apple going to give us a truly new iPhone instead of an incremental upgrade? The good news is that in the build up to the iPhone 11 launch we heard lots of rumors and leaks of a much-altered iPhone. These include the possibility of a 5G iPhone model, new cameras, a new design, a supercharged screen... if all of those rumors were referring instead to the iPhone 12, it could prove to be the big upgrade we’re hoping (and waiting) for. We've mixed together all the latest leaks and updates on the new iPhone in the article below, and added in some thoughts on what we're expecting, based on well over a decade of monitoring the growing rumor mill around the latest iPhone... What is Apple doing in the world of phones before the iPhone 12? It just unveiled the new iPhone SE, which is a cheaper member of the company's range of handsets. It features an A13 Bionic chipset, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and a similar design to the iPhone 8. Latest story: A massive leak has shown us what the iPhone 12 Pro Max could look like, and it's... divisive. Cut to the chase
iPhone 12 release date and priceThere isn't any official iPhone 12 release date information as yet, but come on - we're almost certain that we know when it will appear. Apple launches its new phones almost metronomically, and while every year there's a rumor of it changing, it's always held to a similar time. Firstly, the new iPhone release date will almost certainly be September 2020 - and it's always around the second week. So we're going to guess that we'll see Apple unveil the iPhone 12 on 8 September (or possibly 15 September if it wants to hit a later on-sale date). You'll be able to pick it up 10 days after that, so you'll need a Friday off work if you're desperate to get your hands on one. That said, there's a chance that the novel coronavirus outbreak in China may impact on the production of the next iPhone. We had heard that development would be unaffected, and there are even now reports that the main manufacturing factories are fully staffed up. Plus, an exec at Foxconn (the main manufacturer of the iPhone) has said that company aims and hopes to make up for lost ground. But elsewhere there are reports that the phone will be delayed until October or November, with Apple apparently not even having finalized the design yet (as of late March 2020). Some sources even say it could slip into 2021. Reuters has also talked about a delay being likely. The latest release date information suggests Covid-19 might cause a delay, but only one of a few weeks. Apple seems to be able to release the new iPhone SE without many hitches, so it may also be able to provide the iPhone 12 without major delays too. The iPhone 11 Pro When it comes to the iPhone 12 price, it’s likely to stay broadly in line with the current models. For reference, the iPhone 11 starts at $699 / £729 / AU$1,199, the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999 / £1,049 / AU$1,749, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 / £1,149 / AU$1,899. Having said that, one report suggests that the cost of materials for the iPhone 12 range might go up, which could mean even higher prices at retail. Should I wait for the iPhone 12?The iPhone 12 release date is still half a year away, if the September 2020 launch window stays constant, so you should probably consider the discounted iPhone 11 if you need a new iPhone in the next days, weeks or even months. In an ordinary year, this is a long time to wait anyway – like, say, if you broke your phone and need a replacement as soon as possible – but it’s possible Apple’s launch date might be pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A report has claimed that won’t be the case and it will launch on time, but it’s always possible that the outbreak’s disruption of supply chains and/or retail options inhibits the release. In any case, if you need a new top-tier Apple phone now, you’re looking at the iPhone 11 or the higher-spec iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max. Here are the best prices in your region: iPhone 12 nameFirst things first: we're pretty confident the 2020 Apple phones will be called the iPhone 12 series, not the 11S or similar thanks to an industry analyst (with a great track record) saying as such. That's why we're calling it the iPhone 12, even though Apple hasn't confirmed this name. Others might be calling it the iPhone 2020 or the 'new iPhone' - but we're not thinking that will be the moniker Apple plumps for. iPhone 12 designThe iPhone 12 could have an angular design, like the iPhone 5, according to a huge design leak, and if true this new look could be hugely divisive. On one side it looks a lot like the iPad Pro models, so professional and sleek, but it's also likely quite uncomfortable to hold too. One of the upcoming phones might lack a notch according to analysts, with the front-facing camera potentially set to be embedded under the screen instead. If this happens we’d expect it to be the most expensive iPhone 12 model that has this feature – likely the iPhone 12 Pro Max, or whatever it launches as. The first design leak suggests the phone will have a notch though, just a smaller one to before. The iPhone 11 Pro Max Another leak suggests Apple is developing new Face ID tech which will lead to a redesigned and potentially slimmer notch. Allegedly, the company is trying out several combinations, including ones that minimize the front-facing optics so much that they fit in the top bezel. Indeed, a leak from Jon Prosser (a reputable leaker) points to four iPhone 12 models, all of which would have smaller notches. Additionally, the smallest of these models would apparently have a 5.4-inch screen, and that along with a 6.1-inch model are said to have an aluminum body, while another 6.1-inch model and a 6.7-inch one (the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max) are said to use stainless steel. One report has also suggested Face ID will be dropped entirely in favor of an under screen fingerprint scanner, though this seems unlikely. We might get more than just a notch reduction or removal, with Kuo also saying that he expects the metal frame to be more like the iPhone 4’s frame, suggesting it won’t be curved like on current models. He also says that overall the design is likely to be “significantly” different to current iPhone models. Indeed, sources speaking to Bloomberg claim similar, though make comparisons to the design of the iPad Pro, saying that the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have flat stainless steel edges, more sharply rounded corners, and flat screens. They also point to smaller notches on all four rumored models. Then again, another leak suggests that the designs will actually be staying much the same, other than some differences in the camera layout and the dimensions. Based on this leak, the 5.4-inch iPhone could be around 131mm tall, the 6.1-inch could be around 147mm, and the 6.7-inch model could be slightly taller than the 158mm iPhone 11 Pro Max. However, it's also said to be thinner, apparently coming in at 7.4mm thick, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max is 8.1mm thick. In any case, the leak above from Kuo affirmed several much-rumored trends, like the iPhone 12 Pro versions adding a time-of-flight sensor, the budget flagship adding a telephoto lens, and series-wide support for 5G as well as finally switching to USB-C. It might not just be the camera that’s built into the screen either, as Apple is also rumored to be equipping its next phones with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. This would be a big change for the brand, since current models don’t have a fingerprint scanner at all. That said, if the camera really is in-screen then it might not be possible to have all the Face ID sensors, so it could be that this fingerprint scanner will replace Face ID, though we're not convinced Apple would go that far. As for colors, we've heard a rumor that the iPhone 12 will drop the forest green of its predecessor for a navy blue - a svelte hue more in line with dress colors, for sure. But like the divide between the 'fun' pastel colors in the standard iPhone 11 and the classier hues in the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, we might not see the blue come to the lower-priced model. A new display for the iPhone 12?One or more 2020 iPhone models might also have a 120Hz refresh rate, up from 60Hz on current models. This – which has been rumored by a reputable leaker - could make interactions feel smoother. This is a claim we've now heard more than once, and some phones already have higher refresh rates than 60Hz, as do some iPads, so this isn’t unbelievable. The screen sizes could be changing too, with respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo saying that the iPhone 12 Pro Max could have a 6.7-inch screen (up from 6.5 inches on the iPhone 11 Pro Max), and the iPhone 12 Pro could have a 5.45-inch screen (down from 5.8 inches on the iPhone 11 Pro). He adds that the standard iPhone 12 will apparently stay at 6.1 inches, but will get upgraded from LCD to OLED. That’s a claim we’ve heard more than once, and would mean all three 2020 iPhones would have an OLED screen. Another source has broadly agreed, but said to expect a 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone 12 Pro. They also said that the two Pro models will use a form of OLED that's both thinner and cheaper to produce than the screens used in the iPhone 11 Pro range. That could mean lower prices, but we wouldn't count on it. The side of the iPhone 11 Pro Elsewhere we've heard a similar selection of sizes, but that Apple could launch four new models in September. According to an analyst, Apple will launch a 6.7-inch phone, a 5.4-inch one, and two 6.1-inch ones. They don't go into any more detail but that suggests there will be both a top-end and slightly lower end model in a 6.1-inch size, if this claim is accurate. And it might well be, because it's claim that we've now heard again, this time from reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who adds that all four models will have OLED screens and 5G, but that one of the 6.1-inch models and the 5.4-inch one will have two rear cameras, while the other two models will have three. Jon Prosser (another leaker) agrees with all of that (other than the OLED bit, which isn't mentioned one way or another), but adds that the two top-end models will have a LiDAR scanner as well as three camera lenses. We've also heard that at least some iPhone 12 models could have thinner, cheaper and more energy-efficient screens than the iPhone 11 range. This in turn may allow the phones themselves to be thinner, as well as lasting longer between charges. iPhone 12 specs and cameraAnother big change could take the form of 5G, which has been widely rumored for the iPhone 12. Kuo even says that he thinks all three models will support 5G. We fully expect at least one of them will, given that multiple sources have suggested as much and that a number of other phones already support 5G. That could well be supported by both a custom-made 5G antenna, an a 5nm A14 Bionic processor inside the iPhone 12 - what that means for the average consumer is an iPhone with an even longer battery life and more power than ever. That would be rather impressive, given the iPhone battery life is currently the best we've ever seen from Apple. The RAM could also get a boost, with analysts claiming that the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have 6GB of the stuff, up from 4GB on their predecessors - though the standard iPhone 12 will apparently stick with 4GB. This is something we've now heard again, so it may well be true. The chipset seems ready to wow too, as an A14 Bionic leaked benchmark showed it had a single-core and multi-score score that was ahead of the Snapdragon 865, the processor you'll find in almost all Android flagships in 2020. And the iPhone 12 might also support the new 802.11ay specification, which could allow it to share content at speeds of at least 20-30Gbps. So in every sense this phone is likely to be fast. The iPhone 12 might also get a camera upgrade, with a laser-powered 3D camera rumored for inclusion. This would be on the back, and while only one rumor mentions lasers, another also talks about a depth-sensing snapper, while one mentions 3D sensing, so this might well be something we see in some form. We've also now seen a leaked sketch showing four rear lenses on the iPhone 12 Pro. This sketch supposedly came from a build of iOS 14 and is backed up by lots of sources. Three of the lenses look like those on the iPhone 11 Pro, if perhaps slightly bigger, but the new fourth lens looks like the LiDAR scanner found on the iPad Pro 2020. This can accurately judge distances and therefore depth, so it's in line with the rumors above and would allow for improved augmented reality and Portrait mode. We've since heard specific mention of a LiDAR scanner being included on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max (alongside three lenses), while the basic iPhone 12 is said to have two camera lenses and no LiDAR scanner. These claims have been made by multiple sources. Elsewhere, one source says the iPhone 12 might have a 64MP main camera, over the 12MP snapper on the previous few versions, which would be a huge upgrade. This leak also suggests that the phone will have multiple lenses that support night mode shooting, and the ultra-wide snapper could have a dedicated macro mode. Another report from Fast Company cites sources close to production of the phone and says these same features are in development. One of the sources for this rumor claims the two top models would get this, along with a triple-lens camera, while the two lower end ones would just get a dual-lens camera without 3D sensing. Elsewhere, we've heard that the top end iPhone 12 (likely the iPhone 12 Pro Max) will get a new image stabilization tech called 'sensor-shift', which would allow the sensor to move in order to counteract camera shake. A recent EU ruling may also mean future iPhones won't be able to use Lightning cables in Europe. That may force Apple to switch the connector on future phones to USB-C, and while it's not clear yet whether this will be the case for the iPhone 12 it may be something to consider. Another report from Chinese publication Caifa news also suggests Apple and other manufacturers may soon use GaN power adapters. These are currently used by Xiaomi, and allow for fast-charging speeds up to 65 watts. There's no gurantee this will debut on the iPhone 12 - or any future iPhone for that matter - but it may mean we see an improved fast-charging experience along the line. Of course, the iPhone 12 will also use new software, namely iOS 14, and while we don't know much about this yet, one leak suggests it could feature a new, iPadOS-inspired app switching screen. What we want to see from the new iPhoneThe iPhone 11 range is a strong - but safe, and thus a bit dull - upgrade for Apple. So for the iPhone 12 we want to see bigger, riskier changes, such as the following. 1. Exciting new featuresFirst things first - the new iPhone needs to be good. Brilliant. Better than expected. We’re talking things that we haven’t even thought of. Things that we’re hoping Apple’s brightest minds are currently dreaming up in the company’s labs. This might sound like a very vague request, but Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world and if any brand could make a decent folding handset, or one with detachable VR glasses, it's Cook's Crew. Because a tweaked design and improved specs are expected, ordinary, and no longer enough as consumers are holding onto their handsets for longer than ever. Come on Apple, give us something mind-blowing. 2. A new designThe back of the iPhone 11 Pro Perhaps the thing we want most from the iPhone 12 is a new design. Apple has been rolling out basically the same design for several years now, ever since it refreshed the look with the iPhone X. Sure, some things get tweaked, but the core is the same. And it’s starting to look a bit dated. That’s thanks mostly to the large notch, which might be necessary for all the camera components needed for Face ID, but which we’d like to see shrunk or removed if possible. Beyond that, we’d really like a whole new look. There’s not too much wrong with the rest of the iPhone 11 Pro’s design, but it certainly feels overly familiar at this point. 3. An in-screen everythingWe’d like the iPhone 12 to have an all-screen front, and one way to achieve that is to move the front-facing camera under the display. If Apple can effectively achieve that, it’s sure to impress. While it’s on, we’d like Apple to re-add a fingerprint scanner, for those times when Face ID isn’t working quite as slickly as it should. But we want this in the screen too, or better yet, make the whole screen one big fingerprint scanner, as it has been rumored Apple might be planning for a future phone. 4. A higher refresh rateThe iPhone 11 Pro One way some companies are further improving their displays is by upping the refresh rate from the standard 60Hz. The OnePlus 7 Pro for example has an optional 90Hz refresh rate, while the Razer Phone 2 goes up to 120Hz. This can help make interactions with the handset and animations feel silky smooth, so we’d like to see Apple offer a higher refresh rate of its own. It’s not out of the question, especially as some iPad Pro models have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Indeed, exactly that refresh rate has been rumored for the upcoming iPhones. 5. Further battery boostsFor the first time in years, with the iPhone 11 range it feels like Apple has really prioritized battery life in its phones, but we want the company to go even further with the iPhone 12. Or at the very least not go backwards. We’re still waiting on an iPhone that can comfortably last two days, and we’d like the iPhone 12 (or at least the iPhone 12 Pro Max) to be it. 6. 5G supportSamsung's Galaxy S10 Plus 5G Apple is behind when it comes to 5G, as none of the iPhone 11 range offer it, while rival handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S20 family and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G do. Apple’s lack of support isn’t a big deal right now, as 5G coverage is still very sparse in most countries, but by the time the iPhone 12 launches it will be more widely available and a large number of other handsets will support it, so it will be time for Apple to jump on board. The good news is that it’s heavily rumored that 2020’s iPhones will support 5G, so this is one thing we’re likely to get. 7. A lower priceWe ask for this every year with new iPhones and this year we actually kind of got it, with the base iPhone 11 starting at less than the iPhone XR did. So it’s actually not impossible that we could see an even lower price – or a reduced price for the rest of the range – with the iPhone 12. We wouldn’t count on it, but Apple’s more affordable phones are typically its best-selling in recent years, so there should be some incentive to cut costs where possible.
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| Streets of Rage 4 gets a release date – and there's a retro surprise for older fans Posted: 17 Apr 2020 08:10 AM PDT Some of us may be stuck inside until at least the end of the month, but gamers will soon be able to hit the streets – figuratively speaking – when Streets of Rage 4 releases on April 30 for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Oh, and Xbox Game Pass subscribers will get it on launch day for free. Streets of Rage 4 co-developers Guard Crush Games and Lizardcube (makers of the fabulous Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap) made the announcement alongside a new trailer, which reveals a first look at the game’s new Battle Mode. Last seen in Streets of Rage 2 and 3, Battle Mode is where you can settle feuds with your friends – maybe you accidentally punched them in the face during the co-op campaign. And if the fourth iteration of Streets of Rage is anything like its predecessors, you’ll definitely smack each other about a bit – by accident, of course.
Smells like nostalgiaThe premise for Streets of Rage 4 is simple: fight your way through a city full of threatening goons as you attempt to clean up the streets. You can gang up with a friend or go it alone. Gamers who played the original games on Sega Genesis will be delighted to hear that Streets of Rage 4 also brings back the timeless pixel-art characters from Streets of Rage 1 and 2, in all their retro-fighting glory. Your ears are in for a treat, too, as the widely-renowned, head-bobbing, electronic dance soundtracks return. It’s been 25 long years since the last entry in the Streets of Rage series, but you can finally reunite with Axel, Blaze and the excellently-named Adam when the retro beat ‘em up sequel returns for the tempting price of $24.99.
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| Posted: 17 Apr 2020 07:06 AM PDT Companies all over the world have ordered employees to work from home in response to the introduction of widespread quarantine and social distancing measures. Top of the list of concerns for many businesses is whether employees are properly equipped to go virtual-only. The lack of appropriate software could prove a significant stumbling block for workers asked to suddenly abandon their office workstations. Thankfully, technology vendors of all shapes and sizes have come to the rescue, with many offering free access to premium services for a limited time. Here’s a rundown of the best free products and services to help your business navigate the ongoing pandemic: *We update this guide daily with all the latest offers, so be sure to check back regularly.
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| Google launches fresh attack on Android fleeceware Posted: 17 Apr 2020 06:53 AM PDT Google has announced the introduction of new Play Store policies designed to prevent in-app subscription scams on Android. The new policies demand app developers offer clear information about the obligations associated with subscription models and free trials, and provide a simple avenue through which users can cancel subscriptions. Google has also pledged to provide Android users with direct assistance in the form of notifications when a trial is about to spill over into a paid subscription, or a subscription is about to renew automatically.
Android subscription scamsThese latest measures are part of a wider Google campaign, aimed at protecting the privacy and security of Android users. The company took the opportunity to remind developers that its new evaluation process will take effect in August, which will require developers to gain approval from Google before requesting location data from the end user. Further Play Store tweaks are also in the pipeline, which will reportedly address issues associated with deceptive content and applications. The newly announced policies take aim specifically at fleeceware, a form of application that manipulates trial periods and subscription models to defraud victims. This type of application often buries the user in complex terms and conditions, obscuring unfair subscription commitments. As part of the new requirements, developers must distinguish clearly between features available for free and those available only to paying subscribers. In turn, Google will deliver a warning to users when a free trial is set to end or a subscription longer than three months is due to roll over. The firm will also issue notifications if a user attempts to uninstall an app attached to an ongoing subscription. The new measures will come into effect on June 16, so users should take particular care when handling in-app subscriptions on Android in the interim.
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| Apple Watch 6 release date, price, news and leaks Posted: 17 Apr 2020 06:48 AM PDT We don't expect the Apple Watch 6 to be released until later in 2020, but it’s never too early to start tracking all the rumors we've heard. We'll also compare those early rumors with all the features we actually want in Apple's next high-tech smartwatch. We’ve collected all the current news and rumors about Apple’s next wearable, along with our expert analysis on when it might launch and what it might feature. Below the known information, you’ll find our wish list of the things we want most from the Apple Watch 6 in order to make it a substantial upgrade on the Apple Watch 5. That wearable was good, but it wasn't a huge upgrade on the Apple Watch 4, so we're hoping for more this time around. Update: An Apple patent suggests that a future Apple Watch could work like a personal lifeguard. Plus, yet another leak suggests the Apple Watch 6 is set to bring in blood oxygen monitoring as well as sleep tracking. It may not be an exclusive feature for the upcoming watch though. Cut to the chase
Apple Watch 6 release date and priceWith the exception of the original Apple Watch, each new model has launched in September of their respective years, so while there are no Apple Watch 6 release date rumors yet we’re fairly confident that it will land in September this year. More specifically, based on the days and dates that Apple tends to release new models we’ll probably see the Apple Watch 6 on September 8 or 15. That’s not when you’ll be able to buy it though – expect to wait roughly 10 days from the announcement to the on-sale date. As for price, it's likely to cost at least as much as the Apple Watch 5, meaning a starting price of at least $399 / £399 / AU$649. Apple Watch 6 news and rumorsWe’re already hearing a few rumors about the Apple Watch 6, including the possibility that it could switch to a new screen type. The Apple Watch 5 uses an OLED screen, but a report suggests the Apple Watch 6 might use microLED. The main advantage of microLED is that it should be more power-efficient, which could mean the Apple Watch 6 would have better battery life. Another possible change to the screen is the addition of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. Currently the Apple Watch range doesn’t have any biometric security, but building a scanner into the screen would be a slick way to offer it. This theory is based on a patent, and you can see a related image above. The patent explains that this could be achieved by moving the wireless antennas to the strap so there’s more room for other components under the screen. It’s a change that as well as potentially creating space for a fingerprint scanner could also theoretically leave room for a larger battery. It would however limit the ability for third-party companies to offer straps, and likely mean that strap replacements would be very expensive. One other feature the Apple Watch 6 might offer is native sleep tracking. That’s according to “people familiar with the work” speaking to Bloomberg and other sources speaking to The Verifier. The Apple Watch range already supports third-party sleep tracking apps, but surprisingly Apple still doesn’t offer its own, so it’s a believable addition. But we've been waiting for a first-party solution that's more directly integrated with Apple's ecosystem. Another massive leak suggests sleep tracking is coming, along with better parental controls and new 'tachymeter' distance-tracking markings (a feature on traditional analog wristwatches) ringing the Apple Watch face. Also revealed in the leak: the Apple Watch 6 could get the capability to monitor blood oxygen levels and warn wearers if those drop low enough to risk a cardiac arrest. And, predictably, better ECG. Another feature we might see is the ability for the Apple Watch to tell if you're in danger of drowning and contact the emergency services if so. This idea is based on an Apple patent which details a system where a device could detect if you're in say, open water, or salt water, and then based on your calendar and location data work out precisely where you are and whether you likely intended to be in that water. And as well as new features, the Apple Watch 6 might also sport improved water resistance and wireless connectivity, as well as faster general performance. None of that is terribly surprising, except perhaps water resistance, since the Apple Watch 5 is already water resistant to depths of 50 meters. This claim comes from Ming-Chi Kuo (a respected Apple analyst), who says a switch to liquid crystal polymer (LCP) materials in the circuit boards will allow for it. A big departure for an upcoming Apple Watch may be a switch to a digital crown rather than the rotating option that sits on every Apple Watch model. There's no guarantee this will be included on the Apple Watch 6, but it may be something the company is experimenting with thanks to a patent that we've seen from the company. It's very likely the Apple Watch 6 will come with a new version of the company's software onboard. We currently expect that to be called watchOS 7, but so far we've yet to learn of any of the features that will come with it. It's likely we'll be hearing about that at WWDC 2020, which is set to be an online-only event in early June. We may also hear about new software such as iOS 14 at that event, and perhaps even the iPhone 9. What we want to seePlenty more Apple Watch 6 rumors are sure to roll in, but in the meantime here’s what we’re hoping the wearable will offer. 1. Better battery lifeThe Apple Watch 5 actually has worse battery life than the Apple Watch 4, and while there’s a good reason for that (the addition of an always-on screen), we’d still like to see some big improvements for the Apple Watch 6. At a minimum we want it to match the Apple Watch 4’s life, but ideally we want it to be even better, comfortably offering two or more days of life between charges. That would also make it more viable for sleep tracking – a feature that Apple is rumored to be adding. 2. More fitness featuresThe Apple Watch is a great health and exercise device already, but we were disappointed to find that no significant new fitness features were added for the Apple Watch 5, so we’d like to see some for the Apple Watch 6. What exactly they might be we’ll leave up to Apple, but possibilities include the ability to more accurately track more exercises, or additional sensors for monitoring your health. The more granular the health info, the more accurately we can track progress and personal development. 3. A dimmer option for the always-on screenThe always-on display was a great new feature for the Apple Watch 5, but one significant issue with it is that it’s too bright to comfortably use at night in the dark. As such we want an option to have it go very dim, without turning off completely. This would also likely improve battery life, so it’s a win-win. 4. Always-on for all appsAnother issue with the always-on screen is that it’s not properly supported by all apps, meaning that rather than a basic version of an open app being shown on the always-on display, it will in many cases switch to a basic digital clock, meaning you can’t view the app without properly waking the screen up. We’d like to see this changed for the Apple Watch 6, so that every app is able to fully support the always-on screen. 5. Sleep trackingWe’ve been asking for sleep tracking on the Apple Watch for years and so far Apple hasn’t listened. There are rumors that sleep tracking might be in the works, so this might be something we finally get. But on the other hand, with third-party apps offering it, Apple might decide not to bother. 6. Improved syncingWe found syncing things (such as songs and podcasts) to the Apple Watch 5 was a lot fiddlier than it really should be, as not only do you need it to be charging and near your iPhone, it also just didn’t seem to reliably work even then in our tests. Coupled with it being hard to see what’s saved on your watch, the whole process just lacks the polish we’d expect from Apple, so this definitely needs some work for 2020’s model. 7. A circular screenWhile our other wishes are realistic, this one isn’t. We can’t see Apple ditching the current screen shape – and nor do we want it to – but we would love to see a circular option added alongside the square screens. While it won’t happen, it would be a huge selling point for the new model if it did, especially since the Apple Watch 5’s design is very similar to the Apple Watch 4’s.
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| Waitrose online: how to book a food delivery or click-and-collect slot today Posted: 17 Apr 2020 06:34 AM PDT Waitrose’s food delivery service got off to a slow start as the supermarket prioritised slots for the elderly and vulnerable, but the retailer has said it will offer an extra 10,000 online delivery slots to help with demand. Waitrose is also planning to add 5,000 rapid delivery slots, which will allow customers to order their groceries and receive them in two hours or less. We’ve been checking Waitrose’s website for delivery slots each day, but haven’t had much luck. If you want to order your grocery delivery from Waitrose, customers are advised to check back daily as more slots are added. You should only book one slot per week, too, to ensure others can find a delivery slot. Waitrose opening hoursThe first opening hour of Waitrose supermarkets is dedicated to elderly and vulnerable shoppers. Opening hours remain the same 8am to 8pm, but some shops may also close earlier than normal to keep shelves stocked. This will vary in different parts of the country, store to store, however. Waitrose is also setting aside a proportion of hard-to-find and essential products exclusively for NHS staff. NHS staff will also be given priority access to shops and checkouts, to ensure they can complete their shop as quickly and efficiently as possible. Waitrose has launched a Volunteer’s Shopping Card for self-isolating customers who can’t get to the shops themselves. It’s a simple, safe and contact-free way to get your groceries delivered by a friend or family member, and can be purchased online. Once you’ve added some funds of up to £10 to £500, you can email your e-gift card to your designated shopper which they can then use in store. Volunteers can also pick up your click & collect order on your behalf if you’re self-isolating. All they need is the order confirmation number and their own form of ID (a debit or credit card, driving licence or utility bill).
How to get a Waitrose delivery slotYou might be sick of hearing it, but checking back daily is the best way to find a Waitrose delivery slot. The website shows when slots are available, and it’s easy to switch between different addresses if you’re looking for family and friends. It’s also worth checking if any click & collect slots are available if you can’t find a delivery slot. The supermarket will expand its online collection service by the end of May to a further 70 shops across the UK, too, with 40 shops able to offer the service by the end of April. From today (April 17), the ‘rapid’ service will be available in 20 additional shops across London, and should help 2.5 million households get food and essentials more easily. How does Waitrose click & collect work?If you’d prefer to use click & collect, simply select your groceries with Waitrose online and select click & collect before you checkout. Unsurprisingly, availability is extremely limited, so we can only advise that you keep checking for new slots when you can. More food delivery services: quick linksGrocery delivery
Recipe box and meal delivery
Pizza delivery
Takeaway delivery
Alcohol delivery
Takeaway delivery
Alcohol delivery
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| The best Sony phones of 2020: find the right Sony Xperia smartphone for you Posted: 17 Apr 2020 06:13 AM PDT We can’t talk about our guide to the best Sony phones without talking about one that isn’t in it: the Sony Xperia 1 II. But that might change soon, as while it was announced back in February with no clear release date, Sony Spain has now posted on Twitter that the phone will land before the end of April. And it could be worth waiting for if you’re after a Sony flagship, as the Sony Xperia 1 II is the company’s latest and potentially greatest – though you’ll have to wait and see whether it can take the top spot in our list from the Sony Xperia 5. In the meantime, there are loads of other great Sony phones in our list too – ones that you won’t have to wait to buy. We’ve included handsets across a range of budgets and sizes, from the big Sony Xperia 10 Plus to the small Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, and from the high-end Sony Xperia 1 to the affordable Sony Xperia XA2, among a number of others, so there should be something for almost everyone. You’ll find them all ranked below, complete with specs lists and a clear overview of why they’re great. So if you’re in the market for a Sony phone, this is the place to start. Best Sony phones 2020 at a glance:
Best Sony phones 2020The Xperia 1 might be Sony’s true flagship, but the Sony Xperia 5 is newer and arguably slightly better. Sure, its screen is smaller and not quite as sharp, but it’s actually a more manageable size for many people, and still fairly large at 6.1 inches. The loss of pixels meanwhile is unlikely to be noticed unless you have the phone pressed against your eyeballs, as at 1080 x 2520 you still get 449 pixels per inch. And in most other ways the Sony Xperia 5 matches the Xperia 1 – it has the same 21:9 aspect ratio that makes it great for movies, the same high-end Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, the same amount of storage, and the same triple-lens rear camera. Plus, the battery lasts slightly longer and the price is slightly lower. So if you want a high-end Sony handset and don’t fancy waiting for the Sony Xperia 2 (or Xperia 3 as it might be called), then the Sony Xperia 5 is the best choice for most buyers. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia 5 It didn't look like 2019 was going to be Sony's year after the poorly-received Xperia 10 and 10 Plus, but the company knocked it out the park with the Xperia 1. It's a true premium smartphone, that utilizes the best parts of previous phones and charges it up with improved specs in loads of areas. The Xperia 1 has a 21:9 screen, and now there's content to match. It's also got a dedicated film-making app for budding directors, that recreates the experience of using a Sony Alpha camera. On top of that you've got three powerful cameras, a cutting-edge Snapdragon 855 chipset, and 4K screen. Although it is definitely on the expensive side, it's close to being the best Sony smartphone you can get right now. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia 1 The Sony Xperia XZ3 is getting on a bit but it's still a great Sony phone, offering up a great mix of features that are particularly handy if you're addicted to movies, TV shows and gaming on your phone. The main feature on the XZ3 is its 6-inch HDR OLED display, with a QHD+ resolution, ensuring video looks great. If you have a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription, the HDR content offered by these services really shines. There's enough power under the hood, and the camera on the back is a solid snapper, although it won't blow you away. On top of that it's no-where near as pricey as the Xperia 1, so if you're a Sony fan who doesn't want to blow the bank, this is a more viable option. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia XZ3 There's just one spec you really need to know about the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium: it has a 4K display. This isn't the first Sony phone to pack a 4K screen (it's actually the third), but it's the newest generation and the one that you can actually easily buy. If you have a bank of 4K video, or have the right subscription on streaming services, no other smartphone can offer you the clarity and detail on screen. However if 4K content isn't your priority there are probably better Sony phones to suit your needs, so keep on reading! Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium The Xperia XZ2 is technically two flagship generations old (having been superseded by the Xperia XZ3 and then more recently by the Xperia 1), but it's only 18 months old itself and still has plenty to offer. There's the HDR-supported QHD display, feature-packed camera, 4K HDR video recording and you can even capture super slow motion footage at 960fps in Full HD. What's more, it's now more affordable than ever with several price drops since launch. The design isn't going to wow you, but at this price it's a reasonable compromise. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia XZ2 review Smartphones are getting bigger and bigger each year, and Sony phones are no exception - well, apart from the Xperia XZ2 Compact. This dinkier device comes with a 5-inch display, which is small by today's standard, and it means the XZ2 Compact nestles nicely in the palm. Don't be put off by its diminutive proportions though, as this handset packs the same power and camera as the larger, former-flagship Xperia XZ2 - ensuring it can still cope with most apps and games you throw at it. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact If money is a little tighter, but a big screen smartphone is a must, this could be the Sony phone for you. The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra boasts an affordable price tag and a large 6-inch display, giving your games, videos and apps plenty of space. What's more, the XA2 Ultra offers great battery life. You can easily get a day and a half from a single charge. The camera feels like it should be better, the design isn't the most attractive or modern, and the Android overlay won’t be to everyone’s taste, but these are compromises you should be able to live with. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra This is the cheapest Sony phone in our round-up, and the Xperia XA2 represents great value for money if you opt to get it on contract. It's a no-frills phone, but its performance is rock-solid and despite being thicker than most it's easy to handle and scores fairly high on the plain likability factor. If a Sony phone is a must but your finances don't allow for much wiggle room, this is the handset for you. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia XA2 Want something a little different? Something to spark conversations with friends, family and maybe even strangers? Say hello to the very, very tall Sony Xperia 10 Plus. This Sony phone boasts a skyscraper of a screen with the 6.5-inch display packing a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it perfect for movie playback. It's not always easy to find movies at 21:9 on the popular streaming services, but when you do find one the experience is great. It's rather unwieldy in the hand though, and the battery could be better. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia 10 Plus Like its plus-sized sibling, the Sony Xperia 10 also boasts a 21:9 aspect ratio screen, but this time it's in a slightly more manageable (but still tall) 6-inch form factor. Its performance, battery and camera are slightly weaker versus the 10 Plus, but overall it's still a solid, mid-range smartphone with the latest software and a range of features. Read our in-depth review: Sony Xperia 10 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Sky Mobile has the cheapest iPhone SE deals to pre-order in the UK Posted: 17 Apr 2020 06:05 AM PDT Today's the day! Apple's newest handset - the iPhone SE 2020 - is officially available to pre-order now. After a somewhat sudden announcement this week, retailers are now putting on the fighting gloves to offer the best prices - including Sky Mobile. Of all of the retailers looking to score knockout blows, Sky Mobile may just be the champ. The retailer is really committing to the iPhone SE's raison d'être of cheap pricing. Sky has managed to go as low as £21 a month, which is a superb starting tariff for a 2020 smartphone - especially for one sporting an Apple logo - and one that is looks like other retailers are really going to struggle to beat. You don't even have to pay anything upfront! So if you've been waiting patiently for cheap iPhone deals and the iPhone SE has seriously attracted your attention, now is finally the time. Scroll down to see Sky's low cost iPhone SE plans in full, together with more information about what signing up with Sky Mobile gets you. Sky will then send out your new iPhone SE this time next week - Friday, April 24.
Sky Mobile's best iPhone SE deals:
Why go for Sky Mobile?Looking past the obvious reason of the affordable pricing above, Sky Mobile has a few special features that make it stand out: Roll: Don't use all of your data one month? No problem! Sky will let you roll it over into the next month. You can keep rolling data over for up to three years, perfect if there's a time where you'll need it more. You can even cash in your unused data for a range of rewards from Sky or gift it to other phones if you're on a family account. Watch: If you're also a Sky TV customer, you can watch the Sky Go app on your mobile without using up data on your phone - perfect for train journeys. Mix: Go for that £21 per month tariff now and, if you realise later down the line that 2GB of data just isn't enough, you can change it up at any time. Swap: Sky lets you swap your phone contract after 24 months, meaning you can upgrade to a new phone if you like. Obviously, you will need to pay for the upgraded contract price but otherwise, it is pretty simple. Just to be clear, Sky's Swap 24 plans keep you contracted in for 36 months. What's the new Apple iPhone SE actually like?Finally...a cheap iPhone. It's been years since Apple offered us a budget handset but the SE 2020 is clearly that. It comes at almost half the price of the iPhone 11 while offering some 2020 specs. 4K video, Apple's super-powered A13 Bionic, wireless charging, an increased battery and an IP67 rating feature amongst the more impressive features of this device. To lower the price however, Apple has gone back to the design of the iPhone 8, brought the camera lenses down to just one and dropped the screen quality. Overall, this falls in place as the best budget device Apple has out, coming way under its more recent devices in price but offering some impressive specs to out-do the iPhone 8, 7 and other such devices. To read more, head to our dedicated iPhone SE guide. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Calm down, PS4 fans – you won't be losing another exclusive to PC just yet Posted: 17 Apr 2020 05:58 AM PDT The critically-acclaimed Horizon: Zero Dawn and Death Stranding may be making their way to PC this summer, but we won’t be seeing other PS4 exclusives follow suit, according to Sony. PC gamers were rightly excited by the prospect of more of Sony’s big-hitters coming to their platform of choice, such as Gran Turismo Sport, Days Gone, Bloodborne and even The Last of Us: Part 2, when a slew of listings went up on Amazon France. But perhaps somewhat predictably, the rumor was swiftly quashed by Sony itself who, in a statement to IGN, said: “The listings are not accurate. We have made no announcements to bring these games to PC.”
Strangely, some PlayStation fans were so worried (and even angry) following Horizon: Zero Dawn’s PC announcement that they feared more exclusives would soon make their way to PC. Sony were seemingly aware of the bizarre backlash, as PlayStation worldwide studios boss Hermen Hulst went on to release a statement saying, “...to maybe put a few minds at ease, releasing one first-party AAA title to PC doesn’t necessarily mean that every game will now come to PC.” Hulst went on to add, “We don’t have plans for day and date [PC releases], and we remain 100% committed to dedicated hardware.” Xbox hearts PCMicrosoft has already embraced the fact PC gamers want to play console exclusives, and have been releasing first-party titles day and date on both Xbox consoles and PC. This has already included the likes of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Gears 5 and Forza Horizon 4, and is set to continue with the release of Xbox Series X. It’s clear the two companies have a different approach, then, but the thought of playing Bloodborne at a silky-smooth 60fps (or higher) will never stop being a mouth-watering proposition, so to speak. And no, streaming it on PlayStation Now doesn’t count. Exclusives? Who needs 'emIf you do own a PS4 or PS4 Pro, don’t forget to grab Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection for free, as part of Sony’s ‘Play at Home’ initiative. The Uncharted games won't be coming to PC anytime soon, however, so we've rounded up a selection of alternatives below that give Nathan Drake a run for his money.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Apple starts reopening some stores outside China Posted: 17 Apr 2020 05:45 AM PDT Apple is set to reopen its first retail store outside China to resume operations since the coronavirus pandemic began. The information available on Apple’s Korean website says the store, located in the South Korean capital Seoul, will open on April 18 but will operate with altered working hours The tech giant shut down its stores across the world nearly two months ago, asking some of its retail employees to work remotely, offering tech support and sales assistance to the customers.
Apple storesApple explained the store's focus would also shift from sales to after-sales support for existing customers with products such as MacBooks, iPhones and iPads. To ensure customer and employee safety, Apple is urging customers to order online for delivery or pick up from the store. “To start, we’ll have an adjusted schedule and guidelines to ensure customers and employees continue to stay healthy. A focus for the store will be service and support at the Genius Bar. For customers who want to make a purchase, we have several options including ordering online for delivery or pick up in-store,” the company said in a statement. Initially, the physical stores in the US were scheduled to resume operations from March 27, but the growing impact of the coronavirus outbreak led to the deadline being extended further. Though all its 42 stores in China have been operational since mid-March, Apple has not yet issued any information about reopening its stores in other parts of the world. Like many other global tech companies, Apple is expecting to take a major hit on revenues due to the pandemic and the resultant slump in demand for gadgets. The company is also unsure when it will be able to resume regular business operations soon, as while supply chain and production lines have resumed in China, weak demand in other regions may still be a worrying factor.
Via: Bloomberg This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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