Apple : Google Pixel 4a release date, price, news and leaks

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• Google Pixel 4a release date, price, news and leaks
• Google Chromecast Ultra 2 release date, price, news and rumors
• MacBook deal: the 13-inch MacBook Pro gets a $300 price cut
• Business VPN usage likely to remain high even as the pandemic subsides
• iPhone deal alert: get the iPhone SE for only $5 a month at Sprint
• Apex Legends Season 5: latest update news, tips, patch notes and more
• Best Wi-Fi extenders of 2020: top devices for boosting your WiFi network
• Best webcams 2020: top picks for working from home
• Best wireless routers 2020: the best Wi-Fi for your home network
• Best monitor 2020: the top 10 monitors and displays we’ve reviewed
• Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes
• Best Mac 2020: the best Macs to buy this year
• The Intel Core i9-10900K is up for preorder – but it's expensive
• 10 best gaming laptops 2020
• The best PC gaming headsets of 2020
• AMD vs Intel: which chipmaker does processors better?
• Best free games 2020: the top free games to download on PC
• 6 new TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu this week
• Best ultrawide monitors 2020: the top ultrawide monitors we've tested

Google Pixel 4a release date, price, news and leaks Posted: 13 May 2020 03:16 PM PDT The Google Pixel 4a is starting to look like the Pixel 4 device you might actually buy, and it might end up being one of the best affordable phones to come out in 2020. Google surprised everyone in 2019 by releasing the Pixel 3a and 3a XL in the middle of the year as affordable versions of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL that retained some of the hardware and software of the premium devices at a mid-range pricetag. In short, consumers could once again buy the famed Pixel photography at an affordable price. It looks like Google will follow a similar strategy in 2020 by releasing both Pixel 4a and 4a XL handsets, which should preserve some of the best perks from the Pixel 4 and 4 XL in a more affordable frame. Leaks have started flowing in since the beginning of 2020, so it looks like a budget Google Pixel 4a could be coming at some point soon - although it might be released alone without its larger XL sibling. That might make sense, though we'd hope the regular 4a wouldn't fall prey to the standard Pixel 4's battery issues. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL were popular devices, but didn't land with quite the fanfare of the Pixel 3 handsets. The upcoming cheaper Pixel 4a phones could be Google's opportunity to win back consumers, especially those who have been reducing their phone budgets amid the current outbreak. Below we've put together everything we know so far about the upcoming phones including details on when to expect it and the first images of the upcoming handsets. Latest story: While initial rumors pegged the Pixel 4a release date at May 22, it may be pushed back to June 5 to coincide with the Android 11 developer beta launch event – which is the only mid-year event now that Google IO 2020 has been cancelled. Cut to the chase What is it? An affordable variant of the Pixel 4 smartphone When is it out? Maybe May 22, if leaks are true How much will it cost? Around $399 / £399 / AU$649 Google Pixel 4a release date and price The Google Pixel 4 Originally, we had expected to see Google introduce its next affordable devices at Google IO 2020, which was expected to take place between May 12-14, but that event has now been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL were announced at last year's Google IO, but in its absence, we've heard a rumor that the Google Pixel 4a could release on May 22. That release date leak was for Germany though, and it's possible it'd be different in different parts of the world. But a subsequent rumor pushed that expected date back to June 5. Why? Probably to coincide with the Android 11 developer beta's launch – which is getting its own minorly-hyped event on June 3 which will likely introduce several features coming in the next operating system update. For introducing a new phone, it's the next best thing to a Google IO stage.   The Pixel 3a cost $399 / £399 / AU$649 at launch, while the Pixel 3a XL cost $479 / £469 / AU$799. In terms of how much you'll pay, the Google Pixel 4a price could actually be lower than the Pixel 3a price. We say that because the Pixel 4 cost less than the Pixel 3 (when directly comparing release prices), and we could see that pattern repeat here. Having said that, current price rumors point to $399, which is exactly the same as the Pixel 3a, so prices in other markets might be similar as well. Google Pixel 4a news and leaks The Google Pixel 3a XL We're going to start with a rumor that might disappoint some of you: word is that Google might not put out a Pixel 4a XL, only focusing on the smaller device.  Apparently this is so people looking for a bigger phone stick with the Pixel 4 XL, as supposedly the Pixel 3a XL stole sales from the Pixel 3 XL. While that rumor is seemingly backed up by the relative lack of Pixel 4a XL rumors, we've heard there could be three Pixel 4a devices, including a 5G model. This comes from Android code which refers to three different devices, presumably consisting of a main device as well as an XL and 5G phone, although they aren't named as such. Those devices have appeared again in subsequent Google code, and this time two of them were alongside the phrase ‘pixel_20_mid_range’, all but confirming that they're unannounced mid-range Pixel phones, though the source speculates that the third code name might refer to a circuit board rather than a device. As such, we'd say there might well be a Pixel 4a XL, but either way there's almost certainly at least going to be a Pixel 4a. So what will the base Pixel 4a look like? We think it'll be like the below, which we don't believe are hands on shots of the phone and are instead doctored image of the original Pixel. We've left these images here though as they show what other sources believe the device may look like. It may have a punch-hole selfie camera in the top left of the screen, which would be a first for a Pixel phone. Some unofficial renders of the device as well as a leaked case render show a similar design to the fake photos above too, and it's likely these were where the design was taken from. Elsewhere, we've also seen leaked images seemingly showing retail boxes for the phone, which match the design above. We've also seen a full specs leak for the Pixel 4a, claiming that it will have a 5.81-inch 1080 x 2340 OLED screen, a mid-range Snapdragon 730 chipset, 6GB of RAM, a 3,080mAh battery, 128GB of storage, a 12.2MP main camera, an 8MP front-facing one (in a punch-hole), a 3.5mm headphone port, and that it will come in Just Black’ and ‘Barely Blue’ shades. There's also said to be no Soli chip, which allowed you to navigate the Pixel 4 hands-free (well, in theory). This is unlikely to be available on the Pixel 4a in order to keep the price as low as possible. What is powering the Google Pixel 4a? That's currently a little uncertain as while the leaks above points to a Snapdragon 730, an investigation run by XDA Developers dug up prototypes of the phone that run both the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 and the Snapdragon 765. The Snapdragon 765 prototype may be a 5G-ready version of the phone as that chipset is designed to power 5G hardware. We've heard conflicting rumors on whether there will be a next-gen internet version of the Pixel 4a, but consistent rumors suggest it may be a reality. A leaked benchmarks score also suggests the phone will be more powerful than the Google Pixel 3a but won't be as capable about the Pixel 4 series. It scored 6,366 in Geekbench 4 testing, which is quite impressive. Based on a leaked image posted to the web, we're looking at 6GB of RAM (as leaked above) and faster UFS 2.1 flash storage when the Pixel 4a finally appears, with 64GB being one of the storage options. When we say faster, it's an upgrade on the flash storage used in the Pixel 3a.  Then we have the camera to talk about. We're expecting it to be similar to the Google Pixel 4's shooter - one of the best smartphone cameras around - but it's unlikely to have all the bells and whistles of that device's tech. Someone with an early piece of hardware has provided the below camera samples with the Google Pixel 4a. It seems the shooter works well at color reproduction, but there's no gurantee this sort of tech will make its way onto the final device. The tweet adds more evidence to the suggestion we'll see a 12MP main shooter on the Google Pixel 4a. What we want to see in the Google Pixel 4a The Google Pixel 4 was an innovative flagship feature, but when it comes to adapting this feature to a budget price tag, there are a few things we'd like it to consider. Here's what we want to see: 1. Bring back the fingerprint scanner The Google Pixel 4 has no rear-mounted fingerprint scanner like the Pixel 3, not does it have an in-screen one like many premium smartphones around. Instead, it relies on facial recognition unlocking for you to access your phone. For some, this is a useful feature to help them get into their phone quickly and easily; others find this an unsecured and frustrating experience. For the Pixel 4a, we'd like Google to drop this feature, and instead have a physical or screen-mounted fingerprint sensor. It's likely Google will make this change, as the tech involved in efficient face unlocking adds quite a bit of price to the phone, so if the company wants to slash the price of the new device, it'd make sense to remove face recognition first. 2. Improved battery life A recurring problem with Google Pixel smartphones is that their battery lives always leave a lot to be desired, and plummet quicker than competing devices. Saying that, the Pixel 3a solved that problem with a bigger battery capacity and a weaker processor, which meant it drained battery less. Since most normal people need smartphone batteries that'll last them a day, even in a pinch, the more affordable and accessible Pixel 4a needs a battery that'll last it this long, which means a bigger capacity than the 4 as well as tools in place to keep it going longer, like canny optimizations. 3. Drop the 90Hz screen This is bound to be a pretty controversial suggestion, but if Google is looking for features to cut to keep the Pixel 4a price down, we'd argue the 90Hz screen is an unnecessary luxury that could be lost without making the device worse. While some people really love 90Hz screens in phones like the Pixel 4, as it makes the viewing experience a little smoother, many more people struggle to notice the difference, especially people who aren't huge tech fans who don't know the feature is in place. That means it's not a vital feature, and when there are aspects of the Pixel 4 that we would like to see in the 4a, we'd say the 90Hz screens are expendable. 4. Keep the telephoto camera The Google Pixel 4 smartphones bumped the number of cameras on Google's devices from one to two, adding a telephoto snapper for optical zoom. The Pixel 3a devices saw the cameras slightly downgraded from the Pixel 3 line, but that was purely in terms of software post-processing, and the hardware was exactly the same.  A telephoto lens in a camera is really useful, so you can take better pictures of a subject without dropping the quality dramatically, and we'd love to see it kept in the Pixel 4a. We'd be surprised if this wasn't the case, as the telephoto lens really ties the rear design together. And talking of Pixel 4a design... 5. Stick with the weird design The Google Pixel 4 smartphones are weird looking devices, there's no getting around that. They're bare on the back except for a pretty sizeable camera bump (no fingerprint sensor, like in previous Pixels), with a glass back but a rubber frame around the edges. Yep, you read that right, rubber in a smartphone! On the front, there's a notch the likes of which you barely see in modern smartphones, with a sizeable chin at the bottom of the screen. All in all, the Pixel 4 devices are far from 'conventional' Android phones, for better or worse. Well, we kind of like the design. It's unique, and the Pixel 4 feels distinct in hand when you're using it. We'd like to see the Pixel 4a retain the 'weird' design, especially the rubber frame, as we found it great for protecting the phone.  Everything we know about the iPhone 12 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Google Chromecast Ultra 2 release date, price, news and rumors Posted: 13 May 2020 02:38 PM PDT Expectations are high for the Google Chromecast Ultra 2, the rumored 2nd Generation 4K streaming device from Google that follows in the footsteps of the amazing Chromecast Ultra.  If the rumors are true, the Chromecast Ultra 2 could offer two things we’ve never seen on any Chromecast product before – Android TV and a fully functional remote control.  You see, while Chromecast has always been the best platform to Cast to from your phone or tablet, we’ve never seen a full, robust smart platform on the device with its own apps and app store, and that’s what could be coming in the next generation. The benefit of it supporting Android TV (or, Google TV, if they decide to change the name back) is that Android TV apps can support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, two next-gen audiovisual standards that are supported on the Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield and other rival devices that aren’t fully supported on Google’s current flagship streaming dongle. So what do you need to know about the Chromecast Ultra 2? We’ve broken down all the rumors below so you can brush up before its potential unveiling at the next Google I/O or, even before then, if Google surprises us with a virtual event. Cut to the chase  What is it? A 4K HDR streaming dongle with a remote and Android TV built-in  When is it out? Rumors point to a 2020 launch, but nothing more specific  How much will it cost? Likely around $80 (£60/AU$120)  Chromecast Ultra 2 price and release date  Most of the information we have about the Chromecast Ultra 2 comes from a source who spoke confidentially to 9to5Google who claims to know about the device.  While said source couldn’t pinpoint a launch date, based on an FCC filing by Google for a new remote, it sounds like we could see the streamer sooner rather than later.  Based on some specs floating around, other publications are saying that we’ll likely see the 4K HDR streaming dongle at the next big Google event, whenever the company decides to re-schedule its annual Google I/O conference, and likely at a price point that’s similar to other Chromecast devices – around $80 (£60/AU$120). Chromecast Ultra 2 design rumors  Most rumors point to the Chromecast Ultra 2 having a remote and a design that’s very similar to what we’ve seen on the Chromecast lineup thus far – i.e. a circular streaming dongle that hangs off the back of the TV and plugs into the HDMI port. Inside, it’s likely that Google will upgrade the processor to something a bit more current than the processor it plugged into the 2016 Chromecast Ultra but exact specs are TBD. The closest approximation of what the Chromecast Ultra 2 could be rocking under the hood comes from the ADT-3 developer device that Google released in 2019 that has a quad-core A53 processor and 2GB of DDR3 memory, with support for HDMI 2.1.  The ADT-3 developer device rolled out late last year – does it share similar specs with the Chromecast Ultra 2? There’s no guarantee that the Ultra 2 will have the exact same configuration, but considering this is the device Google sells to developers when making Android TV apps, there’s a good chance we’ll see something that’s either around the same power level or a little better. As for the purported remote, images in the FCC filing point to something simple and refined – something similar perhaps to the remote that launched with the Google Daydream View VR headset. A small plastic remote would help keep cost down (the whole premise of Google’s streaming dongle, after all) while adding in the ability to navigate an interface. The Nvidia Shield, another Android TV streaming device, already comes with a remote like that and has been pretty successful, so the idea isn’t entirely unprecedented. The current Android TV interface. Chromecast Ultra 2 feature rumors  All the rumors so far point to an interface that’s going to be the latest version of Android TV (version 10, if you’re keeping track).  Admittedly, the latest version of the software wasn’t a massive improvement for the platform and mostly focused on some back-end improvements in the way of security and reliability, but Google is constantly experimenting with new row ideas and isn’t afraid to roll out major overhauls mid-release like it’s done in the past. If you’ve never used it, however, Android TV tries to show you a buffet of content from different sources: the top row is your most regularly-used apps, with several rows underneath that follow content recommendation snippets for each of the main services.  In terms of supported services, all the main players are available on current Android TV devices – Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu, HBO, Twitch, Hulu, Sling TV, Crackle, EPIX and many, many more are all available, and on the Nvidia Shield, two of those services offer Dolby Vision streaming (it’s Netflix and Vudu) which means that we could see the same functionality on the Chromecast Ultra 2 if it decides to go the full fat Android TV route. Besides the quality of life enhancements offered by Android TV, a new Chromecast Ultra device could definitely tap into the Nest ecosystem should Google decide to go down that path. Android TV already has a fair amount of smart home integration using Google Assistant, and there's always a chance that Google could re-brand the streaming device under its Nest banner like it did with the Google Nest Mini. Finally, we can’t shutdown the rumor mill without talking about support for Google Stadia, the company’s cloud gaming service that it launched in 2019.  Considering that the service launched on the original Chromecast Ultra, there’s little doubt in our minds that we’ll see the service again make an appearance on the Chromecast Ultra 2 and will be compatible with the Stadia Controller. Looking to buy a better, smarter TV? Don't miss our guide to the best smart TVs in 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

MacBook deal: the 13-inch MacBook Pro gets a $300 price cut Posted: 13 May 2020 01:41 PM PDT Thanks to the recent release of the 2020 MacBook Pro, you can now find fantastic deals on older models. For a limited time, you can get the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro on sale for $1,199.99. That's a $300 discount and a fantastic price for the 256GB laptop. The 2019 MacBook Pro features a 13.3-inch Retina display and packs an 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The MacBook Pro includes a Touch Bar which adds a row of multitouch controls to the top of the keyboard and includes a Touch ID sensor so you can conveniently unlock your laptop and use Apple Pay with a swipe of your finger. The ultra-thin laptop weighs just 2.75 pounds and provides an impressive all-day battery life of 10 hours. As we mentioned above, this is a fantastic deal for a 2019 MacBook Pro and the lowest price we've found for this specific model. We don't know how long B&H Photo will have the MacBook on sale, so you should take advantage now before it's too late. See the all-new 2020 MacBook Pro here MacBook deal: See more laptop deals with our roundup of the best laptops under $500 and you can see more of the best MacBook deals. Learn more about the Apple laptop with our MacBook Pro review. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Business VPN usage likely to remain high even as the pandemic subsides Posted: 13 May 2020 01:36 PM PDT As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, businesses around the world have quickly had to adapt to working remotely in order to continue operating. However, this transition to remote working has also led to a massive surge in business VPN use according to new research from OpenVPN. The May 2020 OpenVPN study surveyed workers from 300 different companies across a variety of industries including technology, energy, education, healthcare, engineering and construction in order to answer the question: “Is remote work really the future?” Businesses have begun to see that a layered approach is the best way to combat cyberattacks and a necessary component of this approach is to invest in a reputable business VPN. Even if every device used by company employees is equipped with a personal VPN, organizations still need a secure way for their workers to remotely access private network resources and securely connect to other branches and locations around the world. VPN usage soars across the world US government issues guidance for enterprises using VPN software Rise in remote work leads to major cloud-based VPN growth Of those surveyed, nearly 70 percent of employees said their companies have expanded business VPN usage with 29 percent of organizations using a VPN for the first time. This represents a huge surge in the number of employees using a VPN but will they continue to do so once the pandemic subsides? Business VPN usage Unfortunately not all of the companies that OpenVPN surveyed are on board to continue using business VPNs in the future. Of the 21 percent of respondents whose companies have never used a VPN, 71 percent said their organizations are still neglecting to utilize this essential security tool despite switching to remote work. This suggests that many businesses still do not have a network security plan in place for working from home even during the current crisis. The good news however is that the companies that have started with secure remote access are almost unanimously in favor of maintaining that protocol. Of the employees surveyed, 99 percent whose companies use a VPN believe their organizations will continue to do so after the emergency phase of the pandemic is over.  This statistic suggests that business VPNs will continue to be an essential part of secure remote access in the future. Check out our complete list of the best business VPNs This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

iPhone deal alert: get the iPhone SE for only $5 a month at Sprint Posted: 13 May 2020 12:29 PM PDT Looking for a cheap iPhone deal? For a limited time, Sprint is offering the all-new iPhone SE for just $5 a month on a Sprint Flex 18-month lease. At month 18, you can either return the phone and upgrade to a new model, buy it, or pay the balance in six monthly payments. The 2020 iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch Retina display and packs Apple's A13 Bionic chip, an impressive camera system, and a 12-hour battery life. The affordable iPhone is available in three color options: black, white, and Product Red, as well as three storage configurations: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Sprint's deal not only slashes the price of the iPhone SE down to just $5 a month, but you can also get a $100 prepaid Mastercard when you lease a phone and bring your number to Sprint. Sprint's offer is ending soon, so you should take advantage now before it's too late. Looking for a trade-in deal? Save up to $170 on the iPhone SE at Apple iPhone SE deal at Sprint: See more of the best iPhone SE deals: the best prices and plans available right now You can also learn more about Apple's budget phone with our iPhone SE 2020 review. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apex Legends Season 5: latest update news, tips, patch notes and more Posted: 13 May 2020 11:54 AM PDT EA surprised many with the sudden announcement of Apex Legends back in February 2019, a free-to-play battle royale shooter that sees the publisher going toe-to-toe with genre mammoths PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Fortnite Battle Royale. Developed by Respawn Entertainment and set in the Titanfall universe, Apex Legends is a squad-based battle royale shooter where teams of three go up against 57 other players to try to gather loot and be the last person (or squad) standing. However, unlike Fortnite and PUBG, Apex Legends sees players take on one of eight classes, each represented by a unique character (imagine Fortnite mixed with Overwatch and you’ll be on the right track.)  Apex Legends has now sailed past its one year anniversary and is into its fifth season, Fortune's Favor, which began on May 12 2020. If you're new to Apex Legends and looking to see what you're missing or you've dropped off the map for a while and you'd like to catch up on the latest, we're here to keep you up to date on what's fresh in Apex Legends.  Apex Legends review: the official TechRadar verdict As we said in our full Apex Legends review: "Truth be told, the Battle Royale movement has never quite grabbed me. I dabbled in PUBG and spent a dozen hours or so with Fortnite, yet nothing ever quite stuck the landing. Apex though, has got me hook, line and sinker. Featuring intuitive controls, an outstanding comms system and remarkable rogue’s gallery, Respawn has created what feels like the AAA outing for the genre."  Apex Legends update news What's new? Season 5 has started Apex Legends Fortune's Favor As of May 12 2020, Apex Legends: Fortune's Favor is underway. So what's new? Well, there's a new Legend, some map changes, an all new Battle Pass and the first ever season quest to get stuck into. Read on for a rundown of what to expect.   New Legend As with previous seasons, Apex Legends Season 5 has introduced a brand new Legend. This time, it's Loba. Described by Respawn as a High Society Thief, she's expected to bring a touch of class to proceedings. Loba, last name Andrade, is seeking revenge against last season's new Legend, Revenant, for the murder of her parents when she was just 9 years old. According to Respawn, "Left with nothing, Loba survived by picking pockets. As her skills improved, Loba used every tool at her disposal to lift herself from the gutter. Everything changed when she broke into a supposedly impenetrable facility and got her hands on the Jump Drive tech stored inside. With her new teleportation bracelet, the most secure and unattainable items were within her reach. So was her dream of living the high life." As far as Loba's abilities are concerned, her Tactical Ability is Burglar's Best Friend which enables her to teleport to hard-to-reach places or quickly escape trouble. Her Passive Ability is Eye for Quality with which she can see epic and legendary loot through walls. Finally, her Ultimate Ability is Black Market Boutique with which you can place a portable device that allows you to teleport nearby loot to your inventory.  Map Changes Season 5 has brought some map changes, which see some big alterations in Kings Canyon due to ongoing excavations. Respawn has called it "a new beast, forever changed by the actions of Loba and the Syndicate." So what's changed? Well, both Skull Town and the Thunderdome have been removed with the hope of making other parts of the map stand out as, now, The Broken Coast stretches from Octane’s Gauntlet through to the cliffs that lead into Water Treatment. A place of interest called Salvage has been added to the Broken Coast and players will find some high-tier loot and a two-way zipline balloon for a speedy way to move around the bay. Also uncovered on the Broken Coast is a part of the underground network Loba snuck through. Another change has been made to the upper east corner of Kings Canyon. Respawn has added more land mass and created more playable space in order to "bring more balance to how players flow through the map."  A new zone called The Offshore Rig is a large addition, connecting to the former Relay and Wetlands, which has been replaced by the excavation of the Capacitor with an underground pathway to Singh Labs.  There are also some new camps around the Capacitor area where players should be able to take a moment and re-stock to decide what path they want to take next.  Players will also noticed the Reclaimed Forest looks a little different with some new routes leading through the area and the expanded exterior of Singh Labs.  Charged Towers are another interesting addition uncovered in the excavation. At these glowing towers spread across the map, players can mess with a control panel and set off a blast that restores the ultimate of every player on the Charge Tower platform. For the first two weeks of the new season Kings Canyon will be the only map available so that players can get used to it. After this, map rotation will start again and bring World's Edge back in.  Brand new season quest For the first time, Season Quests have come to Apex Legends and this one is called The Broken Ghost. Players embarking on this quest will spend the season searching for nine pieces of a strange artifact. They'll be able to collect Treasure Packs in competitive matches once per day in order to unlock rewards and Hunts for the pieces. Though players can only unlock one Treasure Pack per day, those who fall behind can purchase them for 25-ac. There are 45 Treasure Packs to collect which could contain Crafting Metals, BattlePass XP, Apex Packs, or the ability to play a new weekly Hunt for the next piece of the artifact. There will be nine weekly Hunts in Kings Canyon at Night in order to retrieve pieces of the artifact which players can do solo or with their squad. Succeeding in a Hunt will yield a weapon charm and unlock chapters that reveal the full Broken Ghost story.  Hunts that have been unlocked will be re-playable and the first will be available on May 19 after players have five Treasure Packs.  Battle Pass It wouldn't be a new season of Apex Legends without a brand new Battle Pass. For 950 Apex Coins you can pick up this pass which offers 110 levels to climb by completing daily and weekly challenges, with more than 100 exclusive items including Legendary Skins, Apex Packs, Loading Screens and Music Packs to earn.  Players who pick up the battle pass immediately unlock the Legendary Hemlock Retrofitted skin and three new Rare Legends skins. Getting through the rest of the levels could see you earn Rare and Legendary rewards like the Fool's Gold Mirage, Sky Marshal Bangalore, and the Precision Caliber Reactive Wingman. Ranked League Series 4 Alongside Season 5, Ranked League Series 4 has also launched.  Largely, things are looking the same for Series 4 Ranked League, with none of the huge changes that were introduced last time. Respawn has decided Splits are working well and that these won't be changing. This series will start with Kings Canyon before moving to World’s Edge on June 23rd. Scoring, the RP cost of entry and assists will also remain unchanged.  In order to help players who find their progress frustrated by things out of their control like crashes and internet outages, Respawn has said it's introducing a new feature called Reconnect. With this, players who have been disconnected by accident can simply restart and, if their session is still going, they'll be reloaded back into the session.  Apex Legends tips and tricks Apex Legends can be difficult to get to grips with. There are a lot of different characters each with their own abilities and skills, plus this battle royale arguably leans more heavily on strategy and teamwork than some of its competitors.  Get ahead of the pack with our selection of Apex Legends guides, designed to help you become a champion. Apex Legends beginners: essential tips and tricks Apex Legends characters: which Legend is best suited to your playstyle Apex Legends solo: here's how to win without a good team Apex Legends landing spots: here's where your Jumpmaster should touch down Apex Legends loot map: here's where to find the best in-game gear How to download Apex Legends Apex Legends can be downloaded for free from the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Origin Store or Apex Legends website. Simply search for the title, download the game and enjoy!  But do keep in mind that a good internet connect and subscription to either PS Plus, Xbox Live or Origin Access is required to play. The good news is that Apex Legends is also coming to mobile in the future, following in the footsteps of Fortnite and PUBG. Apex Legends roadmap - what's next? Respawn Entertainment shared a roadmap for the first year of Apex Legends which showed players its plans for the first four seasons. Now that we're into season 5, that roadmap has expired. Respawn hasn't confirmed if it will release a similar roadmap for year 2 but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.  Is Apex Legends coming to mobile? Yes. In EA’s quarterly earnings report, the publisher announced that it’s looking at bringing the Respawn Entertainment-developed game to mobile platforms and to both South Korea and China.  “We’re in advanced negotiations to China and mobile”, EA’s CFO Blake Jorgenson stated, before later mentioning South Korea as another expansion point.  We shouldn't expect to see Apex Legends on mobile for at least a year, though. According to EA Chief Executive, Andrew Wilson, the game won't launch until the fiscal year 2021. Read more: Apex Legends Battle Pass - price, release date and roadmap This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best Wi-Fi extenders of 2020: top devices for boosting your WiFi network Posted: 13 May 2020 11:01 AM PDT When you’ve got a large area to cover, utilizing the best Wi-Fi extender for your personal or work space might just be the way to go. These days, there’s no excuse to live with a terribly slow or unreliable Internet connection. Households typically have multiple devices that its members rely on for many reasons, while businesses could potentially lose money or clients over connections that are constantly dropping.  The best Wi-Fi extenders might just be the answer to that problem, especially if you’ve been considering routing network cables to every end of your property to fix that problem. Larger spaces require special solutions, and Wi-Fi extenders provide the type of coverage that most typical routers simply don’t have the capacity to offer. By taking your original network and boosting it beyond its original boundaries, they’ll cover any area where your network starts to deteriorate. In short, Wi-Fi extenders are a critical component for anyone whose current network doesn’t cover their entire home or office. If such a solution is what you need, then check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders of 2020. You’ll never worry about unreliable connections again. We've also featured the best wireless access points for small business and the home office. If you're after a Wi-Fi extender that provides best-in-class performance for expanding your wireless network throughout your home, then the Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender is the one for you. You can use this extender to create a mesh network, so you have a single, large, Wi-Fi network, rather than smaller separate ones. This allows you to easily roam your house, and your device will seamlessly keep connected. It's expensive, but it's the best Wi-Fi extender you can buy right now, offering fast speeds and dependable network coverage throughout your home. Bring the power and convenience of a mesh network to your home with the Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700. Not only does this extend the area of your Wi-Fi network, but it creates a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your home or office - so you don't need to switch networks while moving around. Thanks to the powerful hardware inside the Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700, you can stream 4K content, play games and hook up all kinds of devices to your Wi-Fi network without a hitch. The included Ethernet ports are also a nice addition for bringing your network to wired devices. TP-Link is a Chinese networking company that has been steadily gaining popularity in the west, and for good reason. With devices like the TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range extender, it’s easy to get why: this extender – among the best Wi-Fi extenders you can buy right now – does the job well, and it’s affordable. It’s not going to be the fastest Wi-Fi extender out there, but with the range this extender provides at the price it’s available at, it’s a steal. Finally, thanks to an LED signal indicator on the front, installation is a breeze. D-Link DAP-1650 boasts features like four gigabit Ethernet ports, and speeds of up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867 Mbps (5GHz). The D-Link DAP-1650’s sleek cylindrical form will certainly find an audience among smart speaker users out there. However, that’s not its only selling point here. Among the best Wi-Fi extenders on the market, this device not just extends coverage and improves signal strength. It also boasts features like four gigabit Ethernet ports, for multiple high-speed wired connections, speeds of up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867 Mbps (5GHz), and a setup that’s effortless even to folks who are not technologically savvy. This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the TP-Link RE350  The Linksys Velop offers a solid argument for a wireless mesh network’s ease of setup. Looking to replace both your router and your now-antiquated range extender, the Velop comes at a time when companies like Google and Netgear are trying to accomplish the same thing. The main way Linksys hopes to stand out from its competitors in the wireless mesh networking space is with a user-friendly setup that anyone with a smartphone can easily do. With just a visit to the App Store or Google Play marketplace, you’ll have the Linksys Velop up and running in a matter of minutes. It's certainly a worthy addition to our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders. Read the full review: Linksys Velop If you need a great way to upgrade your network so you can have fantastic coverage anywhere in your house, a powerline adapter is a remarkable option. Not only do they offer the same functionality as the best Wi-Fi extenders, but the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline might just be a dream come true. It’s not exactly visually pleasing, and the price tag may be a bit much. However, this unit more than makes up for those issues with sheer performance. And, unlike other powerline adapters, the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere features a clone button that will clone the SSID and WPA key of your network so that it can double as a Wi-Fi extender. Read the full review: Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere powerline 1200 AV2  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys Velop  If you want a small, discrete, Wi-Fi extender that will reliably spread the coverage of your network throughout your home or office, then the Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender is a great choice. It's small enough that it won't block other power outlets (like some larger Wi-Fi extenders can do), and it offers pretty good performance for a nice low price. Best of all, it comes with a 'dead spot' finder that allows you to locate where your network strength is the weakest. By installing it there, you should see a nice boost to your Wi-Fi. Product Plume Superpods Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150 D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1520 TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender 5. Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2 Bands 802.11b/g/n/ac 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11n 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11n (up to 300Mbps) 802.11ac (up to 866Mbps) Connectivity 2x Gigabit LAN ports 1x Gigabit LAN ports N/A 1x Gigabit LAN ports 4 x Ethernet, Audio Jack N/A 2 x Gigabit Ethernet per unit 3x Gigabit Ethernet ports This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best webcams 2020: top picks for working from home Posted: 13 May 2020 10:49 AM PDT The best webcams are having another moment. Webcams are some of the most vital tools of the trade, especially for business calls and video conferencing with clients and colleagues, as well as producing YouTube. But, with more and more people working from home or connecting with loved ones from far away, these peripherals are in demand again. While the laptops or all-in-one PCs already come equipped with decent webcams built-in, the desktop users out there need to buy theirs separately. 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. Some come with 4K resolution or a high-quality mic while others can swivel around 360 degrees. With our help, you’ll find an ideal webcam 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. We've listed the best webcams that are still in stock first, and then our usual best webcam list is underneath. 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. 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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  You can't stream without the best wireless router This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best wireless routers 2020: the best Wi-Fi for your home network Posted: 13 May 2020 10:44 AM PDT Only the best routers, especially the wireless ones, can deliver that solid connection that’s vital to your needs, whether you work from home and rely on it for your business or you have a family’s worth of devices that need a stable network without dead spots. 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. Beyond giving you a reliable and consistent connection, even in the face of multiple devices utilizing it at the same time, the best wireless routers also bring in a few useful features. Among those are boosting connectivity for certain apps like games, covering a larger than usual area and ensuring that there’s no disruption of service, even when you’re downloading one of the best PC games. Don’t just binge on the best Netflix shows or immerse in that highly popular online game without one of the best routers of 2020. Take a look at our selection, from the traditional ones to the newer mesh routers, make the investment, and experience the best home network connection you’ve ever had. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 We’ve also picked out the best best wifi extenders of 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best monitor 2020: the top 10 monitors and displays we’ve reviewed Posted: 13 May 2020 10:40 AM PDT Enhance your computing experience with the best monitor 2020 has to offer. PC displays are like the windows to PCs’ souls, which means that they can immensely enhance your computing experience. Much like how poor quality monitors have the power to break it. Adding one of the best monitors might just be one of the wisest investments you’ll ever make for that best PC you’ve just spent a lot of money on. 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, your computing experience will change forever and for the better. Let us help you find the most ideal investment for your needs. 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, you’ll find something on our list of the best monitors of 2020. 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 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  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  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 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  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  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   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  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 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 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2020: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes Posted: 13 May 2020 10:38 AM PDT With the best mesh Wi-Fi routers on the market, you’ll never have to worry about network issues again. Whether you’re having spotty connections or trying to cover a large office, switching to a mesh Wifi router gives a much more reliable and robust signal to every corner of your space. It’s all thanks to its multi-node setup. Basically, while typical wireless routers only have a single device providing coverage, mesh Wi-Fi routers can have several nodes that you can position around the area you want covered. With these nodes, you’re able to cover a large space while maintaining the connection and without requiring multiple networks. Sounds complicated? Not really; in fact, setting up the best mesh WiFi routers is usually easy enough that you can do it without expert IT help. If you’re ready to switch, check out our picks for the best mesh Wifi routers available in 2020. Whether its best value, easiest setup, or even the most aesthetically pleasing, one of these will more than satisfy your network needs. We found the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market right now Best mesh Wi-Fi routers at a glance Google Nest Wifi  Google Wifi Netgear Orbi Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Netgear Orbi AC1200 TP-Link Deco M5 Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Linksys Velop The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch. What’s better than the best mesh router? Well, a mesh router with a smart speaker, that’s what. Especially if you’re a smart home fiend, you will appreciate the pure genius of this upgrade in Google’s Wifi line. The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch, taking Google Wifi’s incredible yet simple design and performance then merges it with the convenience of a smart speaker so you’ve got a two-in-one device in an even sleeker and more attractive package. And, if you’re tired of the color white, this one also comes in Mist and Sand colors. As far as the best mesh Wi-Fi routers go, the original Google Wifi is still the one to beat. This one just gives it that extra oomph. Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi With Google WiFi, Google has taken dominion over the mesh WiFi world. (Image credit: Google) The Google Wifi tops, possibly, the best wireless mesh routers we’ve ever used, and we’re not saying that casually. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say that it may be the best wireless mesh router, at least to date. Not only does it have the power to push fast Wi-Fi throughout your house – an even more impressive feat considering its diminutive size, but it’s also fairly cheap and not that hard to set up. Setting up is so simple that all you have to do to configure Google Wifi is to download an app to your smartphone, scan some QR codes and just place the nodes where you want around your house. With Google WiFi, the company has taken dominion over the mesh WiFi world. Read the full review: Google Wifi  The Netgear Orbi boast more than enough Ethernet ports. (Image credit: Netgear) If you have deep pockets, then check out the Netgear Orbi, which may be one of the best wireless mesh routers money can buy this year. Instead of something like the Google WiFi, which uses three identical nodes to create the network, you’ll get one main router and several satellite nodes to plug into power outlets around your home. In addition, the Orbi touts more than enough Ethernet ports, making it an exceptional option for anyone with a number of devices that need a hardwired connection. This mesh router is the best choice for consumers who use their network mostly for gaming, particularly across multiple devices. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi  The Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi routers. If you’re ready to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon, the Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi routers. It’s not by any means a casual purchase, with its steep price tag, but if you’re looking to upgrade to a faster and more reliable router to cover a massive space – like your countryside mansion, perhaps, or your crowded smart home – then this one’s absolutely worth the money. Plus, it’s easy and straightforward to setup, making it great for people who don’t have too much experience with Wi-Fi networks. Read the full review: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 The tri-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 offers solid performance at a reasonable price. The tri-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 offers solid performance at a reasonable price, and will be a good choice for most small and medium-size homes that need to improve their Wi-Fi coverage. It’s simple to set-up and use for newcomers, although Netgear’s decision to use Disney’s subscription-based Circle service for parental controls is discouraging, considering that rival routers and mesh systems have often provided better parental controls for free. The lack of Ethernet ports for wired connections as well as more advanced features in the Orbi app might turn off experienced users as well. The TP-Link Deco M5 is an affordable way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home. (Image credit: TP-Link) If you’re looking for a way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home without having to spend a lot of dough, then look into the TP-Link Deco M5. It’s not as speedy as some of the other best mesh Wi-Fi routers on this list, but if you’re not too concerned about getting the maximum theoretical throughput, which you probably won’t be able to take full advantage of anyway, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Setup, similar to the other devices here, is a breeze, even if you’re not tech-savvy. The TP-Link Deco M5 is among the best wireless mesh routers for those who don’t want to get too technical. Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M5 You'll find a lot to love in the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD. (Image credit: Ubiquiti) If you love Apple’s design philosophy, enjoy having attractive gadgets set up around your home and have more than enough extra money sitting around, then the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD is the perfect mesh router for you. You’ll find a lot to love with this device, especially if you live in a large house and can take advantage of the full power that this mesh Wi-Fi setup provides, as it’s capable of a very large amount of throughput. You might find that the value diminishes quite a bit when you live in a smaller space however, since there are more affordable alternatives on hand for small to medium homes. The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD may be pricey, but you’re paying for a piece of tech that both exudes style and a ton of substance. That’s more than enough to justify the price tag, making this a great addition to the best wireless mesh routers list. Read the full review: Ubiquiti Amplifi HD There's something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop delivers. (Image credit: Linksys) While it’s expensive and not quite as powerful as the other Wi-Fi mesh routers on this list, there’s something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop offers. It might come with a heftier price than the competition, but the Velop will appeal to people who need to create a Wi-Fi network and want to avoid setting it up. More tech-savvy users will most likely look elsewhere – why spend money when you can do the work yourself for free? However, for most users, the Linksys Velop is among the best wireless mesh routers because of the convenience it offers from the start. It’s also completely modular, so you only have to pick up as many nodes as you actually need – one node will cover up to 2,000 square feet. Read the full review: Linksys Velop  These are the best routers of 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best Mac 2020: the best Macs to buy this year Posted: 13 May 2020 10:37 AM PDT From the best MacBooks to the best Macs, Apple’s PC offerings have been extremely influential in the computing world, so much so that they occupy a space of their own. It’s more than just their svelte yet surprisingly touch chassis and minimalist, modern design. The powerful specs under the hood, nifty features that are uniquely Apple’s, and an OS environment that’s incredibly seamless make Mac computers a favorite among creative professionals. It’s no surprise that many are getting on the Mac bandwagon. Your computing experience on one of the best Macs and MacBooks is simply a unique and smooth one. And, even though every single one comes with a premium price, they’re worth every penny in the long run, especially since they last you quite a while as well. So, whether you’re looking for your very first or currently upgrading your aging one, we thought we’d lend you a helping hand. These are our picks for the best Macs and MacBooks money can buy, from the latest MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) to Apple’s impressive all-in-ones like the Mac Pro 2019. The MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) is truly the best MacBook for content creators, designers and other creative professionals. While we are sad that Apple has retired the 15-inch MacBook Pro, we’re more than happy to see the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) hit the shelves. As thin, light and sleek as ever, this doesn’t feel like a 16-inch behemoth. If you’re worried that this was going to be bulky and awkward to use, don’t be. Yet, despite its svelte frame, you’re still getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it. Apple then rounds those out with amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard. This is truly the best MacBook for content creators, designers and other creative professionals. Read the full review: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) Apple Mac mini (2018) is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors.  Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been upgraded with modern hardware, ushering Apple’s smallest Mac to the modern age and naturally warranting it the top spot in our best Macs list. This tiny thing is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same adored form factor. It’s a tad pricier this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, you’ll find that it’s worth the price increase. Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018 MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019) is refreshed with hexa-core 9th-generation processors. If you want the most performance you can get in a MacBook without needing to pull off a heist, you’ll want to look into the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Now refreshed with hexa-core 9th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at it – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With that kind of performance, the MacBook Pro takes a lofty spot on our best Macs list without breaking a sweat. Read the full review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019) If you're looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac might just be the best Mac for you. The iMac has long been one of the cheaper ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. Though what has changed, we also appreciate. The new iMac is packing with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors, letting this stylish all-in-one reach that fabled 8-core performance. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac might just be the best Mac for you, at least if you’re on a budget. Read the full review: iMac (27-inch, 2019) The MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2019) is quieter and more reliable. The biggest issue with the older MacBook Pro was that it was still packing Kaby Lake processors while its rivals had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, making it more powerful than ever. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but that’s also been improved so that its quieter and more reliable. It’s not hard to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2019 to anyone looking for the best Macs. Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2019)  Apple's thinnest and lightest MacBook is back in 2020 with a vengeance. Apple’s thinnest and lightest MacBook is back in 2020 with a vengeance. Not only has it fixed a lot of the complaints with its predecessors – namely, that problematic keyboard is now gone, replaced by a drastically improved keyboard. But it also comes with new and more powerful internal components, even more storage space options, and a lower price of entry. There are a couple of things we’d do better, like the muted screen and the average battery life, but this model of the MacBook Air is better than anything we’ve seen from the line to date. Read the full review: MacBook Air (2020)  iMac Pro can handle any workload you can possibly throw at it. Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If you’re one such user, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive though, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.  Read the full review: iMac Pro  Though we have yet to finish our full review of the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch, we’re already impressed by Apple’s latest release. Obviously, the lower end configurations don’t offer much upgrade because of their aging 8th-generation Intel Core. However, we appreciate the higher configurations, which tout Intel’s more powerful 10th-generation chips. That’s on top of the amazing Magic Keyboard and more storage capacity all configurations have received, as well as up to 32GB of memory on hand.  Read the full review: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) If you're looking for a MacBook that's easy to take with you wherever you go, you will love the MacBook (2017). While Apple has officially taken the MacBook out of its MacBook lineup, many third parties are still carry it. And because the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop, it’s still deserving of a spot on our best Macs list… that is, until stock runs out. It’s low on ports, but that’s hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further. Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017) Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article  What to look for in the best Macs and MacBooks Whether it’s the new 16-inch MacBook Pro that just came out or the Mac Pro 2019 that’s also just released, it’s not hard to see why the best Macs are the weapons of choice of creative professionals. And, even if you don’t go for the newest releases, there’s already a few excellent options to choose from, especially with Apple recently giving its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro that much-needed update. The best part is that the best Macs come in different shapes, sizes and price so that whether you want the cheapest MacBook you could find, a professional workhorse that breezes through all your extensive workloads like a pro, or an all-in-one that saves you space, there’s a Mac on the market for you. Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2020 Stay safe online with our pick of the best Mac VPNs This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Intel Core i9-10900K is up for preorder – but it's expensive Posted: 13 May 2020 10:24 AM PDT The Intel Core i9-10900K has gone up for pre-order in the US, and it’s bad news for those who planned on rushing out to buy the flagship Comet Lake processor.  As spotted by Tom’s Hardware, US retailer B&H Photo Video already has the CPU available for pre-order, and despite Intel’s recommended price of $488 (about £395/A$765), it’s flogging the processor for some $600 – and that’s before you’ve bought a new motherboard, which you'll unfortunately have to do.  Here are the best gaming PCs Check out the best gaming laptops We'll show you how to build a PC That price is much higher than the suggested price set by Intel for the Core i9-10900K, which is supposed to be just $488 (about £395/A$765). However, when Intel launches a new processor, the prices it releases are mere guidelines, rather than strict prices that retailers need to stick to. This is also way more expensive than the Core i9-9900K, which fetched around $525 (around £420, AU$810) at launch. It’s also pricier than the 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, which arrived last year with an official price of $499. Either way, it looks like you'll be paying a premium if you want to get in on Comet Lake-S early.  B&H Photo and Video doesn’t say when it expects to have the CPU in stock, though it’s expected to launch at some point in May 2020. We've reached out to both Intel B&H Photo and Video for comment, and Intel reiterated that "Intel’s Recommended Customer Price (RCP) is only a guidance for end users of which could be consumers in the box versions." We'll update the article if we hear back from B&H.  Worth it? Despite its hefty price-tag, the Intel Core i9-10900K is shaping up to be a champion performer. Specs-wise, the CPU, which debuted earlier this month as the flagship CPU in Intel’s 10th-generation Comet Lake-S lineup, packs 10-cores, 20-threads, a TDP of 125W and boost clock speeds of up to 5.3GHz thanks to Intel’s Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) technology. However, early benchmarks show that the CPU is capable of hitting 5.4GHz across all 10 cores. This overclocking feat saw the Core 10900K score 3,002 points in the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, way ahead of the Intel Core i9-9900K which scored 2,184. However, the processor failed to match the AMD Ryzen 3900X, which racked up 3,168 in the same test. It remains to be seen how the incoming Intel Core-10900K performs in single-core tests, but if anything like the chipmaker’s previous releases, it’s likely to come out on top when it comes to gaming. However, those that haven’t yet decided whether to upgrade to the Core i9-10900K, it’s worth remembering that AMD will be launching its long-rumored Ryzen 4000 ‘Vermeer’ desktop processors later this year. The Zen 3-based CPUs are expected to deliver a significant step up over AMD’s current Zen 2 CPUs, with 10-15% IPC gains, faster clocks, and higher core counts than ever before, and they’ll even be compatible with existing AM4 motherboards. Here are the best graphics cards This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

10 best gaming laptops 2020 Posted: 13 May 2020 10:20 AM PDT The best gaming laptops are the only way to go if you’re looking for an immersive-yet-portable gaming experience. Thanks to the latest mobile versions of cutting-edge internals like the latest Intel Coffee Lake Refresh processors, Nvidia Turing or AMD Navi graphics cards, and speedy SSDs, these portables are now closing the performance gap between them and the best gaming PCs.  In fact, the best gaming laptops are now capable of giving you an edge over your rival players and even helping you get to the top of the scoreboards. And, quite a few of them do so without compromising their more svelte design and portability. Whether you’re a casual gamer who plays in your spare time or a competitive pro who needs the most powerful internals, there’s no better investment than the best gaming laptop. We’ve tested and reviewed quite a few of them, so to make your search easier, we gathered our top rated ones in one place. Best gaming laptops 2020 at a glance Asus Zephyrus G14 Alienware Area-51m Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 MSI GS65 Stealth Razer Blade Lenovo Legion Y740 Gigabyte Aorus 17G Alienware m17 (2019) Asus ROG Strix GL502 Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GX Best gaming laptops 2020 The Asus Zephyrus G14 is an absolute beast of a gaming laptop. The Asus Zephyrus G14 is not perfect, missing a webcam and a Thunderbolt 3 port. However, it’s damn near close to being one, garnering our coveted yet rarely given five-star rating. We couldn’t resist. This is an absolute beast of a gaming laptop, delivering an incredible performance with its AMD Ryzen 4000 processors and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card while touting best-in-class battery life that will last you all day long, a fast display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a lightweight, ultrathin design. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a hole in your pocket. Don’t get us wrong; it isn’t cheap. However, for a laptop this impressive, we’re surprised Asus isn’t asking for more. Read the full review: Asus Zephyrus G14  Alienware Area-51m is among best gaming laptops of 2020, packing a hefty punch, gaming-wise. If you fell head over heels upon seeing the Alienware Area-51m’s stunning yet quirky white chassis, you’re not alone. And, if you happen to shell out that couple of thousand dollars based on looks alone, we’d be the last people to judge. Anyway, you’ll be happy to know that it wasn’t all for naught, as this gaming laptop – or rather, the best among the best gaming laptops of 2020 – packs a hefty punch, gaming-wise. This is so far the most powerful gaming laptop on the market currently, and you won’t be able to help but be impressed. Its comfy keyboard and VR readiness are just cherries on top. Read the full review: Alienware Area-51m You can play any PC game under the sun on Ultra on the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701. These days, the best gaming laptop manufacturers are scrambling to craft the thinnest gaming laptop packing raw power. Right now, the one that might be leading the charge is the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX701. At just 0.7 inches thick, this beast of a laptop boasts an Intel Coffee Lake Core i7 chip, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics and 16GB of RAM. That means you can play any PC game under the sun on Ultra, and also take it with you wherever you go – ideal for travelers with a penchant for gaming. Plus, it’s packed with RGB lighting that’ll dazzle just about anyone. Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701  MSI GS65 Stealth packs a punch in its very thing package. Play some of the best PC games on the move and very discreetly with the MSI GS65 Stealth, which might just be the gaming laptop of your dreams if you’re a traveler. Coming in at just 0.69 inches thick and packing impressive internals like Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-series – refreshed with RTX 20-series graphics at CES – the MSI GS65 Stealth packs a punch in its very thing package. There’s nothing you won’t be able to throw at this thing that’ll slow it down. And, thanks to the smart aesthetic, you’ll be able to lug this beefy rig everywhere you go, making it among the best gaming laptops to hit the streets.  Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth  Razer Blade has constantly been named one of the best gaming laptops on the market. For several years now, the Razer Blade has constantly been named one of the best gaming laptops on the market. For good reason, since it rocks some powerful components and boasts a stunning display in its elegant chassis. That’s true for the 2019 model as well, which now rocks up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080. That is, frankly, a ton of power for a laptop with this thin. If that’s not enough graphics power for you, you can use the Razer Core for future expansion. Make no mistake: it is pricey; but it might be worth it if style and power are equally important to you. Read the full review: Razer Blade Lenovo Legion Y740 is as close to a complete package as you can get. The Lenovo Legion Y740 packs a lot of muscles inside its stylish yet accessible chassis, combining a very high refresh rate, Nvidia Turing graphics and a powerful processor with a gloriously effective thermal cooling, a nifty cable management system and a number of applications to make it truly yours. It’s as close to a complete package as you can get, wrapped in a beautiful chassis that you’d be proud to show off to friends and strangers. It still has the remnants of that gaming aesthetic, but it’s made classy so that you could be gaming in public without anyone knowing. Despite its shortcomings – unfortunate keyboard and webcam placement, as well as its subpar battery life – it’s still one of the best gaming laptops to date. Read the full review: Lenovo Legion Y740 If you want an absolute beast of a gaming laptop, Gigabyte’s Aorus 17G is a worthy candidate both inside and out. While this megalithic portable has a substantial weight of 5.95Ib to match, it’s a small price to pay for such power inside – namely, 10th-generation processors and up to 64GB of memory, as well as Nvidia’s most powerful RTX and Super RTX cards. There’s nothing this laptop can handle (or annihilate), making it a prime example of what a next-generation desktop replacement can be. And, that’s without mentioning its 1080p display touting a whopping 240Hz refresh rate and its solid build. Just be ready to break that piggy bank, as this won’t be cheap. Read the full review: Gigabyte Aorus 17G The Alienware m17 (2019) will let you have the most immersive gaming experience of your life and look good while gaming. Dell has reinvented its flagship gaming brand. The Alienware m17 (2019) touts more powerful internals and a bold new design you won’t see on any other gaming laptop of its caliber. This Alienware gaming laptop looks good inside and out, so you can have the most immersive gaming experience of your life and look good while gaming, whether you’re at home on your couch or at a cafe. That’s not all; it’s impressively portable as well, with a thin and light chassis that’s ideal for gaming on the go. This is a well-rounded gaming laptop that is worth every penny you spend on it, though you will be spending a hefty amount. Read the full review: Alienware m17 (2019) Asus ROG Strix GL502 is still one of the best laptops when it comes to gaming in 1080p. It may not have the most original or innovative design, trading in the usual black and red aesthetic for one that makes you feel like its Halloween all year round (no complaints here, but some might find it particularly unattractive). Yet, Asus ROG Strix GL502 is still one of the best laptops when it comes to gaming in 1080p. In fact, during our tests, we were able to crank the settings all the way up in Overwatch without ever dipping below 60fps. It doesn’t offer the longest battery life, but there’s an easy fix – just have your charger on hand at all times. Rounding it all out are the display, power and onboard sound system, all of which more than make up for that middling battery life. Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix GL502 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 Alienware 17 R5 Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GX should take you a long way in gaming. Thin like an Ultrabook, yet powerful like a gaming laptop should, and with a very effective cooling system to boot, the Asus Zephyrus S GX531GX is one of the best gaming laptops we’ve gotten our hands on in 2020. It packs an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 backed by Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics and up to 24GB RAM, which means that this beast should take you a long way in gaming, whether you’re a casual gamer or a pro. We’re massive fans, though probably not of that price tag. This pricey powerhouse is not for the shallow-pocketed, but with premium components come a premium price. Only invest if you’ve got the tenders. Read the full review: Asus Zephyrus S GX531GX Choosing the best gaming laptop When choosing the best gaming laptop for you, there are a few things you must take into account. First and foremost, the most crucial thing to consider in the best gaming laptops is how well they play the latest games. When creating this list, not only do we delve deep into the specifications of each gaming laptop to see if they are up to snuff, but we also run benchmarks on each one to check out the raw performance. Benchmarks only tell part of the story however. So, we also make sure we play a number of the latest games on each laptop to see just how well they perform. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. Display, sound quality, keyboard, trackpad and the overall design of the laptop matter as well, so these are definitely things you’d want to check out before hitting that buy button. In fact, if the device scores highly in all these areas, it has a good chance of making it to our best gaming laptops 2020 list. That means you can buy any of the best gaming laptops in this list in full confidence that you're getting a killer gaming device that will last you for years to come. Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptop 2020 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The best PC gaming headsets of 2020 Posted: 13 May 2020 10:16 AM PDT The best gaming headset helps bring any game, movie and music to life, and it’s a vital part of any gaming PC setup. Poor audio is an effective way to ruin your gaming experience, whether you're traversing an open world game, sniping opponents in the best PC games or watching the biggest blockbusters on your PC. And, there’s really nothing more immersive than a quality gaming headset. Sure, there are many excellent computer speakers out there. However, the best gaming headsets deliver superb sound quality while also bringing depth to the sound with excellent sound staging and surround sound. They’re also less disruptive – when you’re battling monsters in Doom Eternal late at night, you know you won’t wake your family or neighbors with those loud weapons. And finally, they cater to all types of gamers in terms of comfort, from those who play casually to the hardcore ones who spend hours upon hours gaming. There are a few excellent candidates out there, so we handpicked the best gaming headsets of 2020 for you. Each one has been tested and reviewed by us, so you’re making a sound investment, whichever one you choose. The pure comfort and top-notch sound of the HyperX Cloud Revolver S more than make up for its high price.  When we first sat down to review the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were a tad conflicted. On one hand, it boasts incredible 7.1-channel surround sound, delivered through Dolby's trademark digital signal processor. On the other, it's extremely expensive when compared to other similar headsets. Fortunately, as one of Kingston's most subdued pair of cans we've ever seen (or heard), the pure comfort and top-notch sound more than make up for its high price and weirdly placed detachable mic. And that’s why it tops our list of the best PC gaming headsets.  Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes SteelSeries' impeccable audio to the next level. SteelSeries is known for offering impeccable audio, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes things to the next level. This headset doesn’t just offer up immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro also serves you well when listening to your favorite music. One of the best PC gaming headsets to date, this one’s a little on the pricey side, but when you consider just how comfortable and exceptional sounding this headset is, well, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today. Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro  For years, the Astro A50 has been one of the best gaming headsets. For years, the Astro A50 has been one of the best gaming headsets, known for premium comfort and audio quality. And, the 2019 model improves it on almost every level. Not only is the sound quality still there in full, but it looks better, with a full-black design, rather than the clashing colors of past models. The docking station is also smaller and less of an eyesore. Just keep in mind that this is still a pricey headset.  Read the full review: Astro A50 Wireless Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best PC gaming headsets we've used in some time. While it’s more expensive than we’d like, the Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best PC gaming headsets we’ve used in some time. It doesn’t feature flashy surround sound or wireless functionality, unfortunately. However, this headset does excel in two of the most important categories: sound and comfort. Seriously, once you put it on and experience your games in headphones this amazing, there’s no looking back. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Custom Game The Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset has sound and mic quality that rivals headsets. Usually when you're purchasing anything, including gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for. You don't go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away, at least not usually. Well, Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head. The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best PC gaming headset you can get today. Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound and mic quality that rivals headsets that are double the price. Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. If you don't mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50. Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset  You can get high quality lossless audio playback with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Compromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually enjoys making them. Luckily, you won’t have to with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. With it, you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset. And, when you add the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity to the mix, you have a formula for one of the best PC gaming headsets we've ever had the chance to use. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet. Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless  The Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements Creative's legacy. Creative has made a name for itself over the years for crafting sublime audio products – and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. Instead of just sitting back and iterating on the same winning formula of its previous products, Creative gives the Sound BlasterX H7 a full overhaul, resulting in a PC gaming headset that looks just as great as it sounds. If you’re looking for a comfortable, solid and meaty-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition is one of the best PC gaming headsets you can get. Read the full review: Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition  The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero offers great sound quality coupled with its ProSpecs Glasses Relief system. Yes, there might be a few things that hold the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero back from true greatness – namely, its tight fit and not-so-appealing aesthetic. However, when it comes to what really matters, this headset delivers. With great sound quality to start, coupled with its ProSpecs Glasses Relief system to make it more comfortable for wearers with glasses, plethora of features and incredibly powerful software, this is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve ever put over our ears. And, for it, you’ll be happy to pay what would have felt like an exuberant price.  Read our full review: Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero The Razer Nari Ultimate has haptic motors in the ear cups that make your ears vibrate. Anyone can simply just listen to their games, but with the Razer Nari Ultimate, you can feel them as well. This gaming headset has haptic motors in the ear cups that make your ears vibrate. That’s more than enough to make this at least a curious headset, but when paired with the long battery life, amazing sound quality and comfortable build, it’s clearly one of the best gaming headsets out there. Do yourself a favor and turn off the haptic feedback, even when you’re listening to music. Read the full review: Razer Nari Ultimate The Astro A20 boasts solid stereo sound performance. If you're searching for one of the best PC gaming headsets, but the $300 price tags on those high-end cans make your stomach turn, you should take a closer look at the Astro A20. Boasting solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the superb 15-hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary qualities that you might want in its price range. Sure, it doesn't come with surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life. Read the full review: Astro A20 Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards. The Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 joins their ranks. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. It’s even compatible with other gaming platforms, so you won’t have to switch between different headsets. It’s a little pricey, but considering how good this headset sounds and how flexible it is, we’d say it’s worth it. Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700  HyperX Cloud Flight gives you two full days of gaming in between full charges. The HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset that boasts up to 30 hours of battery life. This means you can likely get two full days of gaming in between full charges. There is a catch, however – unlike the Cloud Flight’s competition, namely the Astro A20, this gaming headset only offers stereo sound, ditching any surround sound capability. You can thankfully get circumvent that by messing around with the Dolby Access app, though, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this a non-issue, making this one of the best PC gaming headsets in 2020. Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset boasts virtual surround sound capabilities. Corsair unveiled one of the best PC gaming headsets late last year with the Corsair HS50, and now, it has taken it to the next level by making it wireless and flourishing it with virtual surround sound capabilities. These features on their own might make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, you get a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup. Read the full review: Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset  The Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and RGB lighting. It wasn't that long ago that Corsair was only known for PC components. However, over the last five years or so, it has possibly become better known for its gaming peripherals. With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, it's not hard to understand why. While at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and – perhaps most importantly – RGB lighting. Plus, if you've already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in perfectly, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine. Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless  Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament is extremely comfortable to wear and boasts top-notch sound. If you're the type of gamer who likes to let the world know you're playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament may just be the best PC gaming headset for you. Not only is it extremely comfortable to wear, but its 50mm drivers mean that sound quality is always top notch – even if it could have a bit more bass in the mix. You really do have to like the 'gamer aesthetic' however, as its plastic build and orange highlights personify the style. Still, if you can get past or embrace the looks and the price tag, there's a lot to love about the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament. Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament   Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article Put your audio quality to the test in the best PC games This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD vs Intel: which chipmaker does processors better? Posted: 13 May 2020 10:13 AM PDT If you haven’t heard of the AMD vs Intel rivalry by now, then you’ve been living under a rock. Anyone who’s interested in PCs – whether for gaming or content creation – knows that these two manufacturers have been battling it out in the components arena for years. And, with newer internals that are more powerful than ever rolling out from either side, the battle rages on. In a way, it’s harder than ever to pick the best processor or graphics card for you because of this AMD vs Intel rivalry. Both sides are releasing better and better components faster than you can say CPU, so much so that even if you’re an experienced builder looking for the best PC components, you might have to take a bit more time to decide. It doesn’t help that these two don't get along with one another on a technical level. Since the two brands don't really mix, you’ll have to actually pick one manufacturer over the other. And, that might be the most important choice you'll have to make when you're looking for components for your next PC build. The good thing is that both brands have their benefits as well as flaws when it comes to graphics, overclocking capabilities, price points and component variety. So, whichever one you choose, you’ll find quality parts ideal for your needs. Let us help you make sense of it all. We can assist you in sorting out the differences between AMD Ryzen 3000 and Threadripper CPUs, including the latest AMD Ryzen 3 3300X and AMD Ryzen 3 3100, and Intel's latest Coffee Lake whose desktop processors just dropped, Ice Lake and Cascade Lake-X chips. We'll also break down each brand's available components, and look at overall costs, performance and where each brand is headed in the coming years. AMD vs Intel: price In the past, if you were looking for a decent CPU with a budget-friendly price, your go-to choice was AMD. However, with their newest generation of Ryzen CPUs, AMD has been on par or even surpassed Intel components on price. The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X, for instance, is easily the brand's most expensive unit, retailing for around $750 (£580, AU$1130). However, the sticker shock you feel backs up some impressive technology. The Ryzen 9 3950X boasts 16 cores and 32 threads, exceeding the previous flagship, the Ryzen 9 3900X. And it doesn't just have more cores and threads than its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 3950X has more cache memory and faster processing speeds. It also has the ability to store up to four different profiles for different performance and overclocking settings, so no matter if you're a casual or hardcore gamer or hobbyist artist and animator, you'll always have the best performance you can get out of your CPU.  On the much cheaper end, AMD just rolled out the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X and AMD Ryzen 3 3100, it’s new budget champions. These cost $120 (about £100, AU$190) and $99 (about £79, AU$150) respectively while delivering truly impressive power, proving once again that AMD is king when it comes to affordability and multi-threaded performances. When it comes to Intel, Coffee Lake Refresh processors are probably what most people are familiar with. The latest generation of Coffee Lake Refresh processors from Intel includes the i9-9900K which retails for around $550 (£420, AU$830) and gives you 8 cores to work with as well as native integrated graphics.  However, the new Comet Lake-S desktop processors have just been unveiled and are well on their way, led by the Core i9-10900K. At $488 (about £395/A$765), this high-specced chip boasts 10 cores, 20 threads and a boost of 5.3GHz. Another notable chip in this new line is the Core i7-10700K, which offers 8 cores and 16 threads with a 5.1GHz turbo for just $374 (about £300, AU$571).  Comet Lake’s mobile processors, on the other hand, have been filtering out for months now, with the Core i7-10710U leading them. These chips start at $281 (about £215, AU$405) and cost up to $443 (about £340, AU$635). Their gaming laptop counterparts, the Comet Lake-H processors, have also been trickling out, with the Core i9-10980HK leading the charge at $583 (about £470, AU$910). If you're in the market for a really high-end CPU and have super deep pockets, the third generation of AMD Threadripper units is the best choice for professional 3D modeling artists, animators, filmmakers, and data scientists. The Threadripper 3990X retails for a whopping $3,900 (£3,030, AU$5,890), putting it well out of range of casual PC builders and average PC gamers. This CPU is built with 64 cores and 128 threads to give you plenty of power to render 3D models and rip through complex mathematical models to get the most out of your workday.   AMD vs Intel: performance So you've set yourself a budget for a new CPU, but you still have a ton of options when it comes to performance. On the whole, AMD and Intel Processors have been on a pretty even keel when it comes to overall performance. Between the two, it all comes down to whether you need to multitask well or want to play games at their highest settings.  If you're looking at buying an AMD processor, be advised that very few of their available CPUs feature integrated graphics. Those that do are referred to as an Accelerated Processing Unit. The ultra-low budget AMD Athlon 240GE retails around $80 (£62, AU$120) and features Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics. This makes it perfect for low- to mid-grade gaming as well as video streaming for high quality graphics rendering at a low price.  Now that AMD has rolled out its budget gaming champions, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X and AMD Ryzen 3 3100, you’ve got a few more options here. These two might set you back a bit more, but not by much, while offering a much better performance. The Ryzen 3 3300X, for example, delivers performance that until now was only available on mid-range or high-end hardware. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 3 3100 is simply excellent for 1080p gaming. If you're into higher-end gaming, however, you'll have to pair a Ryzen 7 or 9 CPU with a dedicated GPU to take your game to the next level. For day-to-day work and multitasking, the AMD Ryzen line is also a safe bet, as they offer the most PCIe lanes so you can use more solid-state drives for super-fast computer start up and file recall. Just keep in mind that AMD processors tend to run hotter than their Intel counterparts, so you'll need to consider either a supplementary fan or liquid cooling system for your new CPU. With Intel, on the other hand, each chip has on-die integrated Intel HD or Iris graphics, so you can play most mainstream games or stream quality video right out of the box, no matter what CPU you pick. However, like their AMD cousins, if you want to play more graphically demanding games, you'll need to choose a companion GPU.  But with the newest Coffee and Ice Lake processors, each CPU will beat out AMD Ryzen and Threadripper units on core-by-core performance - though that gap is minimal. The late 2020 introduction of Tiger Lake could see even more integrated graphic rendering ability for a better streaming or gaming experience right out of the box. Intel has also heavily hinted at plans to release their own dedicated Intel Xe GPU in 2020.  AMD vs Intel: specs We've reviewed both the Ryzen 9 3950X and the Intel i9-9900K to give you more insight on each processor's capabilities, performance, and price. Both processors give you plenty of power, but each has their own pros and cons. As mentioned before, the Ryzen 9 3950X has 16 cores and 32 threads. This gives you all the power you need and then some to tackle everyday multitasking and general workloads in an office setting. It also has enough juice to give you great frame rates in both full HD and 4K gaming settings so you don't have to deal with terrible amounts of lag or screen tearing. The entire Ryzen 3000 series are all fairly evenly-matched when it comes to frame rates and multitasking abilities, so it all comes down to how many cores and threads you'll need. The Ryzen 9 3950X features dual channel memory support and 64MB of cache. This ensures faster recall of your frequently-used files and programs. With a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a Max Boost Clock of 4.7 GHz, you'll be able to tackle just about any game or work task at blazing speeds. The Intel i9-9900K has half the number of cores and threads as the Ryzen 9 3950X, but it makes up for some of that with slightly stronger single core performance. The i9-9900K has a base speed of  3.6GHz and a Turbo clock of a whopping 5GHz. It also uses just 95 watts of power compared to the Ryzen 9's 105 watts - though you are getting around half the total performance.  With Intel's integrated graphics, you'll get both full HD and 4K video and graphical support right out of the box. You'll not only get a great picture for both streaming video and playing the latest games, you'll also get awesome frame rates as well, preventing lag and screen tearing. AMD vs Intel:  technical and customer support  AMD has an entire webpage dedicated to customer and technical support of their CPUs. On this page, you can download the latest drivers for integrated Radeon graphics processors or GPUs. You can also check up on your product's warranty, download full spec sheets, and ask other AMD users questions on a dedicated forum. If you have a problem with a specific unit, you can use a drop-down menu to select your CPU to be directed to a page of driver download links and a customer support page for more in-depth troubleshooting. Intel's official site also has a dedicated page for technical support when you have trouble with your new or existing CPU. You'll be able to browse a variety of blog posts that answer frequently asked questions, view spec sheets, download drivers, and access the support community forums if your question isn't answered by the FAQ. Intel also offers live phone or chat support if you need help walking through a solution.   AMD vs Intel: future speculation AMD has had a massively successful past few years with their Ryzen and Threadripper lines of CPUs. With twice the number of cores and threads as their counterparts, they've given Intel something to worry about and proven their worth as a reliable choice for PC components. Intel, on the other hand, has seen some embarrassing failures such as their lackluster release (or lack thereof) of Cannon Lake. However, they seem to have taken their knocks and learned a few lessons to apply to future releases. Intel has announced plans for future releases of their Tiger Lake and Comet Lake-S lines of processors for laptops and desktops, respectively. The new CPU line will most likely try to stay abreast of AMD's Ryzen and Threadripper products. However, it's unlikely that Intel will be able to top AMD any time soon, as even Intel CFO George Davis has admitted that Team Blue won't reach parity with AMD's 7nm manufacturing process until 2021. Future generations of AMD's Ryzen processors will most likely continue to give you more cores and threads for faster and more efficient multitasking. Whenever AMD Ryzen 4000 processors for desktop make their way to market - which should be some time this year - the shift to a more efficient 7nm+ manufacturing process should see further boosts to IPC (instructions per clock) performance along with power efficiency. Threadripper's future seems to stay on track to offer powerful CPU options to industry professionals for 3D modeling and animation or data science work.  Interested in graphics cards? Check out the Nvidia vs AMD smackdown This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best free games 2020: the top free games to download on PC Posted: 13 May 2020 10:07 AM PDT We’ve put our gaming expertise to good use, and found all the best free games for you. Our picks won’t just offer hours of entertainment free. They’ll also offer you an escape from the stresses of daily life, all without costing you a dime.  You’ll find quite a few free games to match your gaming sensibilities, from the best PC games to premium indie titles for zilch through the Epic Games Store app and fantastic co-op PC games you can enjoy with your friends. The best free games even include some hugely-popular titles, which means they’re available practically everywhere – from Steam and GOG to even (brace yourself) EA’s Origin client.  Since there’s a deluge of these titles to choose from, our picks for the best free games should start you off on the right foot. As free games cover a wide range of genres and styles – from free-to-play Battle Royale games like Fortnite to online CCGs like Hearthstone, we’ve even compiled a pretty diverse list. Trust us; these will be the cheapest form of entertainment you’ve ever indulged in on your lazy day off yet.  Linux, Windows or Mac - which one is best for you? Watch our guide video below: Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article This extensive, immersive multiplayer role-playing game hailing from South Korea is among the most anticipated games to be launched in the West, fingers-crossed. Lost Ark delivers graphics that are an absolute stunner, an action-centric MMORPG game set in a gorgeous, unbelievably detailed world that you can explore, go on quests and even meet-and-greet other players. Sadly, it’s still not officially available in the Western market. On the upside, the CEO of Smilegate has already voiced the company’s interest in bringing it to the US, Canada and Europe. In fact, rumor has it that the South Korean developer might follow through this year, though when exactly this year, we have yet to find out. When it does, it would make it one of the best free games 2020 has to offer… at least, if it does happen. Things are looking promising though, as the beta is now available in Russia. Release date: Hopefully sometime soon 1. Fortnite Battle Royale  The Battle Royale is huge right now, and Epic Games has refined it to perfection with Fortnite Battle Royale. Originally designed as a kind of add-on for Fortnite, Battle Royale blew up in a way that nobody expected, fast becoming among the best free games 2020 has to offer. Fortnite Battle Royale is entirely based on a simple scenario: you’re dropped in a map with 99 other players in a free-for-all melee, and the last one left standing at the end wins. Because of its meteoric success, Epic Games is working hard to steadily integrate new game modes and fresh features. Take Playground mode, for example – it drops you in the map and lets you build up structures for a set amount of time before the floodgates open and the carnage begins. What’s particularly cool is that with Fortnite, you can actually play with your friends, regardless of which platform they’re on. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android or PS4, you’ll be able to match up against millions of other players from all these different platforms. Play Fortnite Battle Royale for free  2. Dota 2  The Dota universe may have evolved from a WarCraft 3 mod, but Dota 2 is very much its own entity, and holds its own as one of the best free games of 2020. This top-down arena battler is very dynamic, drawing in multimillion-dollar prize funds for serious tournament players. Yet, it’s not just for the most hardcore gamers. A brief tutorial now shows you how to play, with the Steam Community offering guides to the original MOBA. Don't expect a warm welcome or an easy learning curve from its complex gameplay mechanics. However, bring a few friends, and Dota 2 will have you hooked on one of the biggest crazes in PC history. Play Dota 2 for free  3. Planetside 2  Two years prior to Destiny, we had Planetside 2, an all-out, epic first-person battle that’s so unbelievable, you’ll want to pinch yourself each time you boot it up just to remind yourself that a game this incredible is completely free. There are in-game purchases, naturally. However, you can still dive into the largest battlefield in gaming and still have a remarkable time with your starter equipment. There's simply nothing as thrilling as taking part in a mass assault on an enemy base and coming out on top, or existing in a world where an enemy convoy might materialize on the horizon at any second. Planetside 2 is proof that 'free' doesn't mean prosaic. Play Planetside 2 for free  4. Path of Exile Path of Exile is a free dungeon crawler that might remind you of Diablo III, and it’s rather different than most of the best free games available in 2020. It’s not just about fragging real-life people until they scream at you in shrill pubescent tones through their Skype headsets. Path of Exile takes its time, more than your standard multiplayer game. But, give it a chance, and you’ll find yourself obsessed. There are hidden mechanics and features to discover after playing for hours, as well as a huge skill tree to slowly progress through. It really is the best free game for former Diablo addicts. Even basic loot can be of use since there's always the possibility to enhance even the simplest weapon with magic. If you’re bored with the grind of Diablo III, it's a good one to check out. Play Path of Exile for free 5. League of Legends Pick your champion and charge into battle in this trailblazing free-to-play title from the folks that brought you the Warcraft III mod, Dota. League of Legends’ automated matchmaking, sundry cast of characters and exquisite maps have made it a multiplayer behemoth over these last few years, and one of the best free games 2020 has that will absolutely stand the test of time. It’s an aggressive gameplay experience to be sure, but one that rewards great teamwork and careful tactics. There is a bit of a learning curve as well, but you’ll be taken on a thrilling ride shortly after pressing play. Like Dota 2, League of Legends attracts many high-end players, and the top tournaments offer prize pools of over $1 million. The wacky world of esports, eh? Play League of Legends for free 6. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Ever played Magic the Gathering? Hearthstone is Blizzard’s attempt at building an online version of it, for free. As a typical Blizzard offering, this one’s truly impressive. It’s instantly enticing, lacking the terrifying learning curve you would expect from an online fantasy card game. Hearthstone plays fast, has a very casual visual approach and benefits from a basic rule set, all of which add up to a very accessible card battler that offers you plenty of fun – especially if you’re a World of WarCraft fan. Not that it's not challenging as well, especially if you go against an opponent that plays their cards right, which is why it gets our vote for one of the best free games to date. How to play Hearthstone Play Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft for free 7. Star Wars: The Old Republic Taking the Star Wars MMORPG mantle after Star Wars Galaxies ended its run (may it rest in peace), Star Wars: The Old Republic was not intended to be free at release. However, it has since, like so many MMORPGs before it, adopted the free to play model. If you want to satisfy your inner Sith, this is the best way to do that for free. Subscriptions are on hand for more in-game potential and end-game content, but in true best free games fashion, all the story missions are still accessible for free – it just might take a bit longer now. It’s worth your time just to experience the Star Wars universe from different sets of eyes, like the hyper-professional Imperial Agent and Bounty Hunter. If you want to go with the dull option and just have a generic Jedi Knight, though – you can totally do that as well. Play Star Wars: The Old Republic for free 8. Forza Motorsport 6 Apex When Xbox head Phil Spencer said he was going to bring the console's best franchises to the PC, he wasn't joking. Among these notable games is Forza Motorsport. Forza Motorsport 6 Apex in particular brought a complete Forza Motorsport game to PC gamers for the first time – before Forza Horizon 3 arrived in 2016. It’s not quite the full-fledged experience you get from full entries to the series. However, Forza Motorsport 6 Apex is the best free game that we could have asked for from Microsoft’s long-standing racing series. Shunned by petrol-heads and embraced by gamers, Forza Motorsport may seem like an arcade-y offshoot of its biggest rival on PlayStation, but it consistently looks and feels incredible, which is reason enough to add it to our best free games 2020 list. Play Forza Motorsport 6 Apex for free 9. Dauntless Dauntless is a household name at this point, after becoming an overnight success on PC, thanks to Monster Hunter World. It offers a remarkably similar experience that’s free and easier on your PC. Drifting away from the clear environmentalist focus of Monster Hunter: World, where you’re trying to preserve the habitats, Dauntless simplifies things a little, just tasking you with slaying behemoths to protect a human colony. The gameplay itself is much more straightforward as well, free of some of the more obtuse gameplay systems that you either love or hate in the Monster Hunter series. The core DNA of the series, however, is there – hunt monsters, craft gear, hunt more monsters, making it one of the best free games to have right now. Play Dauntless for free 10. World of Tanks World of Tanks is a different kind of MMO, as you may have already guessed from the title. Team-based, massively multiplayer action with a wide array of war machines to drive into battle awaits, with new players able to jump into the fray right away. The upgrade system lets you personalize, while being surrounded by an entire army at all times to remind you that loners won’t make it on the battlefield. But be forewarned: get sucked in, and you may find yourself spending a hefty sum on great big chunks of virtual metal. Some premium tanks go for just a few dollars, while others require a bit more coin. You can see where maker Wargaming is earning some money from World of Tanks enthusiasts. Still, this doesn’t stop it from being one of the best free games right now. Play World of Tanks for free 11. Heroes of the Storm It was only a matter of time before Blizzard joined the fray in the MoBA phenomenon, and with Heroes of the Storm, we’re only left asking: what took it so long? It’s an astonishingly approachable esports title, sitting somewhere between League of Legends and DOTA 2 in terms of complexity, but with the added bonus of playing characters you know and love. You read that right: the roster is made up entirely of Blizzard characters from across its library of classic games. If you’ve ever wondered who would win in a fight between Thrall and Kerrigan, Heroes of the Storm can show you how that fight plays out on the battlefield. Blizzard knocked it out of the park here, making it one of the best free games that keeps getting better by the day. Play Heroes of the Storm for free 12. Everquest Its future was briefly in question after the sale of Sony's online entertainment division in February 2015, but Everquest is back with a vengeance, swaggering with new expansion packs and continued support by Daybreak Game Company. That’s one of the many reasons why it’s made our best free games 2020 list. The first of its kind to commercially succeed with a 3D game engine, Everquest was released in 1999 as an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) and has since been documented as one of the most important games in the medium's history. Featuring steadily released expansion packs (quite massive in scale, at least early on) with vast new areas, races and classes, Everquest brings to the table just about everything you could want or need from an MMO. Plus, it's notably better at handling co-op than its alternatives. Play Everquest for free 13. Rift Initially hailed as the game that would finally depose World of Warcraft, Rift had its moment – and is still going strong depending on who you ask. It brought innovation to a genre that was evolving very slowly, letting you change your class whenever the urge compelled you. The whole game is focused on separating giant boss battles and events that inhabit entire zones. It’s ambitious, thrilling, and monumental with dozens of interdimensional rifts that keeps things exciting and unique from other MMOs. And, even after Rift went free to play, Trion has stayed on top of things, bringing out regular expansions for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you can ride a landshark. Play Rift for free 14. Runescape Runescape is one of the largest free-to-play MMOs available, and now is a good time for a deeper look. In 2013, it entered its third reboot – this is actually 'Runescape 3', although just jumping in now, you may not even realize that it has been around in one form or another for more than 10 years. Despite the overhaul, it's definitely not the sparkliest MMO in the world, but hanging onto this many players shows it's doing something right. The big change introduced in Runescape 3 that made it appear a lot more updated was the ability to see much further. In Runescape 2, the horizon quickly gave way to fog… not so now. You can download the game for free or run it in your browser using Java, making it much more convenient than most other online role-players of this enormous scale. Play Runescape for free 15. Maplestory If you’ve grown tired of the dark fantasy aesthetic of most MMORPGs, you’ll love Maplestory’s creative and inspired flair. Described by Nexon as the original 2D side-scrolling MMO, Maplestory takes the classic Dungeons and Dragons-inspired genre, and makes it kawaii. The lighter tone and customization of Maplestory makes it feel more like Harvest Moon than World of Warcraft or Rift. And, it has more emphasis on improving aesthetics than many other MMOs, letting players a lot more personalization over how their characters look. Maplestory even has in-game weddings and dinosaurs that play guitar. Really, the only thing missing from Maplestory is an Oasis-inspired soundtrack. Play Maplestory 16. Warframe If you're into third-person co-operative shooters, Warframe may be one of the best free games available. Players take control of members of the Tenno, an ancient race warring against enemies such as the Grineer, the Corpus, the Infested and the Sentients. Your Tenno soldier uses a Crysis-style Warframe armor equipped with guns or melee weapons to fight back. Better looking than your usual free-to-play shooter, there’s a lot of fun to be had in Warframe's player-vs-enemy raids – so much so that some gamers see it as, "The Destiny that never was.” High praise all around. Play Warframe for free 17. Smite Gods from every pantheon come together in Smite to duke it out in a free Dota/MOBA inspired clash. Even though Smite is pretty overt with its influences – it comes from the same developer that brought us the FPS smash Tribes Ascend, it’s still a completely different beast. The camera is behind the characters this time, which lets you a more direct connection to the action than simply ordering your lord around with a mouse. However, the idea will either be familiar if you've played its inspirations, or a way to get a feel for the style, if you haven't. Gods include Zeus, Thor, Kali, Artemis and... Cupid? Well, at least he has his own bow… Play Smite for free 18. Lord of the Rings Online There are so many MMOs that have been released or re-released as free-to-play games. However, Lord of the Rings Online is one of those titles that most deserves another look. It’s already an incredible game in its own right, but it’s also one of the more mature MMOs on the market. Ultimately, you’ll have to pay to unlock adventure packs. However, there’s no subscription fee and no up-front cost, making it one of the best free games 2020 wants you to check out. If you missed it at launch, or even if you quit playing since then, it’s time to give it another chance. Play Lord of the Rings Online for free  19. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit  Life is Strange and its sequel are one of the best modern adventure games on PC. Lucky for us, there’s now a free way to experience this spectacular series. Unveiled back at E3 2018, the Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit puts you in the shoes of 9-year-old Chris as he, and his alter ego, Captain Spirit, go on a grand adventure. It’s a free-to-play single player adventure game without any kind of monetization – simply a nice prelude into Life is Strange 2. Just don’t go in anticipating the longest gameplay experience in the world, as you’ll likely finish it in just a couple of hours. That still doesn’t stop it from being one of the best free games, however. Play the Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit for free 20. Eve Online In 2003, Icelandic developer CCP Games unleashed Eve Online, an immersive and in-depth “sci-fi experience” that would ultimately grab the attention of well over 500,000 players. Eve Online is unlike any game in its category due to the vast range of activities to participate in as well as its (appropriately) out of this world in-game economy. Unfortunately, the Eve Online player base has been shrinking since 2013. It shouldn’t be surprising that as time goes on, fewer and fewer gamers are interested in paying a subscription fee for a glorified space sim with a steep learning curve. However, since the Ascension Update, released back in November 2016, Eve Online has gone free to play – at least to some extent. The new ‘alpha clones’ system featured in Eve Online is like the “unlimited free trial” feature in World of Warcraft. You can still engage with other players in piracy, manufacturing, trading, mining, exploration and combat, but there are limitations such as certain skills that are off limits. If you don’t want to limit your access to some of the game’s most lumbering ships, you can always opt for the Omega subscription. Otherwise, the game won’t cost a penny, which is why it makes for one of the best free games to grace the gaming world. Play Eve Online for free 21.  Apex Legends  To say that Battle Royale games are popular in 2020 would be a massive understatement. However, the level of success that Apex Legends has reached so quickly after launch speaks volumes. It’s certainly earned its spot on this list as one of the best free games. Not only is the game itself incredible, bringing unique mechanics from the awesome Titanfall games to a Battle Royale, but the game itself has reached over a stunning 25 million players after a week. Apex Legends places 60 players in the middle of a gigantic map, armed with a bunch of unique abilities that make both combat and traversal awfully addicting. It’s not exactly the chaos of 100 player battle royale titles like Fortnite or PUBG, but it feels balanced. If somehow you haven’t joined the Apex Legends bandwagon yet, you’re sorely missing out. Play Apex Legends for free 22. Hawken Hawken is a game about mechs. Not just any mechs, but fast mechs. These aren’t your average slow, lumbering tanks of MechWarrior Online. These are more in line with the Exoskeletons of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Of course, being a free-to-play game, expect to spend some money for upgrades to your starter mech. However, economic players can still get a taste for Hawken without spending a dime. Plus, attach an Oculus Rift, and you can see first-hand what VR games have in store for you. Admit it, you've always wanted to know what it feels like to power a mech for yourself since Pacific Rim came out. Play Hawken for free 23. Let It Die Much like Dark Souls – though perhaps not quite as good and elegant, Let It Die is a free-to-play game of PlayStation 4 fans who have a taste for gore, brutality and absurdity in their preferred games. Let Is Die is weird, narrated by a skateboarding grim reaper and features flimsy weapons that break often and Christmas decor in places around the mysterious and ever-changing tower it’s set in. But, it’s also better than expected, great actually for a free game. And, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get to the top of the Tower of Barbs, unleashing bloody carnage as you go. Play Let It Die for free 24. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall As we wait eagerly on news about The Elder Scrolls VI, you should take the time to give the classic The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall a try. This 1990s RPG is a precursor to the iconic ones that came after, and is a bit of a classic in its own right. Its game world is many times the size of any of its sequels – indeed it’s the size of a continent, and is absolutely filled with atmosphere. It might look a little rough around the edges by today’s standards, but it’s worth diving into if you’re an Elder Scrolls fan. It's available direct from Bethesda. The publisher started offering it for free to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the game. As if we don't feel old enough already. Play The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall for free Elder Scrolls 6 release date, news and rumors 25. Starcraft II Among the most popular games to ever hit the PC/Mac landscape is Starcraft II, a competitive real-time strategy game whose Wings of Liberty installment is just one of three parts of the campaign. At one time, it was massive in South Korea, but the scene fizzled out a bit when MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 hit the scene. Maybe that’s why Blizzard decided to transform Starcraft II to the free-to-play business model. As a result of its engrossing strategy game mechanics, combined with creatively designed environments and a gripping narrative that can only a video game can tell, Starcraft II is one of the most widely enjoyed eSports in the entire world, not to mention one of the best free games. Of course, being a Blizzard game, you’ll need a Battle.net account to access it. Other than that, both the campaign and the multiplayer are free to enjoy. Only certain characters need your prized coin. Play Starcraft II for free 26. Destiny 2 Though not exactly an open world game, Destiny 2 does follow a similar concept, letting players traipse around freely and going to different locations to pick up quests or just exploring aimlessly. This online multiplayer fps lets you start or join missions, run into your friends, follow around other players, or simply stick to doing whatever it is you feel like, eliminating the bad guys  you encounter. The graphics are pretty good as well; there’s no doubt that this is a AAA-level game that’s only free as it takes advantage of microtransactions. And, the campaign is better this time around. Play Destiny 2 for free 27. Team Fortress 2 It may be an old vet in gaming terms, but nothing offers such crazy fun as Team Fortress 2. Unlike most shooters of its age, players in this game are still there to have a good time instead of spitting insults at newcomers. And, there's no shortage of cool toys to have fun with. Infinitely silly and incredibly fresh, it's still one of the shooter genre's kings, free-to-play or not. Of course, it makes sense to add it to our best free games 2020 list. As you might have guessed, there are some micro-transactions included. You can buy additional items, often used to personalize your character. You can even create your own. It's fun, and gets you even more involved in TF2. Those cheeky devils at Valve obviously know what they're doing. Play Team Fortress 2 for free 28. Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links If you grew up in the ‘90s, you probably have a lot of memories of playing Yu-Gi-Oh, or maybe even watching the anime. Well, an injection of nostalgia is waiting for you in Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, and it’s free to boot? In Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, you won’t just have access to the titular card game competitively online.  You’ll also get to play against AI opponents voiced by actors from the anime. There are a lot of microtransactions here – you can buy new cards – but it’s a CCG in 2020, so there’s no real way around that. Be prepared to spend some cash. Play Gigantic for free 29. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game Command an army of Witchers, sorcerers, knights and even monsters, and lead them to an epic battle, using what else but the cards you’re dealt with. This is a card game, after all. Originally a game inside The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Gwent has evolved into a standalone spinoff of the wildly popular fantasy game. You play against other players online in rounds, and to win each round, you need to gain more points than your opponent. The player that wins two out of three rounds comes out the victor.  Originally, Gwent was only available for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. However, iOS users can now partake. Play Gwent for free 30. DC Universe Online  While it's yet another free-to-play MMO on this list, DC Universe Online places characters like Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and more into a massive (and shared) public world. Choose whether you want to be a member of the Hero or Villain faction, then personalize your character. Soon, you'll be thrust out into the world of DC Universe Online at the hands of Daybreak Game Company. After some initial training, the game assigns you a position, either a member of the Justice League or The Society, depending on your choice of hero or villain. Unlike other MMOs on this list and outside it, DC Universe Online is meant to be much more interactive while also keeping traditional MMORPG elements such as leveling, raiding, inventories and post-game progression. It's also easy using real-world currency too, which is why it has our best free games vote. Play DC Universe Online for free 31. Paladins It’s not difficult to see why Paladins gets a lot of grief because its similarities to Overwatch. At the same time, the team-based shooter is also decidedly different from that of Blizzard’s. Abilities are upgraded based on a collectible card system, and can entirely change the way each character plays. What’s more, unlike Overwatch, Paladins is completely free-to-play. While cosmetic items are available to buy using real-world currency, everything else can be unlocked just by playing. For instance, you’ll start Paladins with a single deck of basic cards, and from there, unlock more dramatically impactful decks. Regardless of how you choose to play Paladins, you’ll get XP as you go. As long as you’re completing the daily quests and achievements featured in the game, you’ll be compensated with Radiant Chests and Gold, which can then be used to purchase more cards, costumes and weapon skins to make your characters more unique and skillful on the battlefield. Play Paladins for free 32. Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 Lite You may be familiar with FIFA already, but Pro Evolution Soccer – or PES – is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all-time, not to mention one of the best free games 2020 has on offer. It doesn’t have all the flair (or licensing) of its EA Sports rival, but some would argue that it’s the better soccer game series, not to mention one of the better sports series overall. Much like the PES Lites before it, Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 Lite is the more stripped down version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2019, and it’s heavily focusing on Konami’s fantasy football mode. It gives you unrestricted access of myClub mode, in fact. However, you also have access to offline exhibition matches, skill training and 1v1 or Co-op competitions. Play Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 Lite for free 33. Pokemon Go When it was first released, Pokemon Go took the world by storm. Not just the gaming world, mind you, but the rest of the population that had to deal with teens and grown folks filling the streets in the hunt for those elusive legendary Pokemon. After all, nothing was more exciting that catching a Pokemon in the actual wild. Unfortunately for Niantic, the frenzy died down, and considerably too, as the game got a bit monotonous.  Still, a lot can be said about a game that had practically everyone, even non-Pokemon players, clocking in a lot of steps just to catch and train non-existing creatures. Pokemon Go is actually loads of fun; now, it just needs to get to its next evolution. Play Pokemon Go for free 34. Neverwinter As a free MMO, Neverwinter sets the bar high for itself as it's based on perhaps the most iconic role-playing game of all-time, Dungeons & Dragons. Like everything else in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, the game is set in the Forgotten Realms, specifically, as the name suggests, in Neverwinter. Touting eight character classes with groups of up to five players supported, Neverwinter is based on the fourth-edition rules of Dungeons & Dragons. However, the rules are somewhat different, as it allows players to heal their allies in addition to allowing for the use of special abilities in combat after racking up enough action points. Play Neverwinter for free 35. Doki Doki Literature Club An ostensibly charming visual novel on the surface, Doki Doki Literature Club is a game that’s best experienced blindly. It comes from Dan Salvato, a game developer most known for his work in the Super Smash Bros. Melee modding community, who says he developed Doki Doki Literature Club because of his indifference towards anime. It’s ironic, considering that the main character in Doki Doki Literature Club is consumed by anime and manga, and has minimal experience with the writings of more prestigious authors. As absorbing as the trio of female supporting characters appear to be in Doki Doki Literature Club, we would advise against getting too attached to them. Without spoiling the story, the first thing you see when you boot up Doki Doki Literature Club is a content warning, indicating that those with severe anxiety should consider NOT playing. It’s not entirely unfounded, as you’re certain to learn the hard way that Doki Doki Literature Club is more horror than generic fan service. Play Doki Doki Literature Club for free 36. Puzzle Pirates: Dark Seas For nearly 15 years now, Puzzle Pirates has been a household name for kids with unfettered access to the computer labs at school. It’s a massive, totally free-to-play multiplayer online role-playing game – among the best free games, in fact – originally created by the Sega-owned Three Rings Design. The objective is to join a crew and eventually become a captain by completing puzzles alongside other players. Puzzle Pirates: Dark Seas, on the other hand, is the Steam-exclusive version of Puzzle Pirates that includes an entirely new ocean known as Obsidian. Dark Seas introduces factions and player-versus-player (PvP) combat in a way unique to the Steam release of Puzzle Pirates. It also comes from a different developer, a nonprofit called Grey Havens, which was established by several former members of Three Rings Design. Before the advent of Dark Seas, you could only get the multiplayer portion of Puzzle Pirates on Steam. Now, the single-player mode can be downloaded and installed from Valve’s client as well. Play Puzzle Pirates for free 37. Phantom Dust Despite its development cycle being a disaster, the Phantom Dust remaster still succeeded. A new IP in the form of a Japanese budget card game for the original Xbox, it seemed too good to be true when Microsoft announced back at E3 2014 that a complete remake was in the works… and, as it turns out, it was. The remake was shelved in 2016, but Microsoft still wanted to revive the cult classic one-off. And turns out, the company did so with a remaster, instead of a remake. Luckily, the new version of Phantom Dust for Windows 10 (and Xbox One, for console-goers) is free to play unless you opt to purchase some of the in-game “multiplayer cards”. Play Phantom Dust for free 38. Dwarf Fortress Inspiring the creation of Minecraft was no small feat for 2D sandbox game Dwarf Fortress. Dubbed a construction and management simulator, Dwarf Fortress took simple text-based graphics and turned it into a reasonably modern, 2006 piece of software. It’s often deemed a cult classic, thanks to its open-ended nature, and serves as one of the most iconic examples of a procedurally generated roguelike. This means Dwarf Fortress both randomizes its environments and makes the game's permadeath system a much harder problem to avoid. This led to the unofficial motto for the game "Losing is fun," which was either ironic or an accurate description of what happens in the game. Hard to say either way. One thing's for sure. If you’d like to play an important part of gaming history, Dwarf Fortress is a solid start. It was even exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City back in 2013. Can't say that for a lot of free-to-play games, making this one of the best free games 2020 has on offer. Play Dwarf Fortress for free 39. Fable Fortune Surviving a troubled development cycle, Fable Fortune is the collectible card game that you undoubtedly expected to never see the light of day. Either that, or you’ve never even heard of it. We can’t blame you. The team behind the Fable franchise – the illustrious group of individuals at Lionhead Studios – closed their doors two years ago. In the time following Lionhead’s closure, its parent company, Microsoft, licensed off Fable Fortune to a group of former Lionhead developers at a new company called Flaming Fowl Studios. It was there that Fable Fortune found private funding in spite of a failed Kickstarter campaign. The end result is a moderately competitive card game that’s absolutely free to play. Skeptics will be quick to compare Fable Fortune to Hearthstone. But other than the fact that they both make our best free games list, the two games differ quite a bit due to Fable Fortune’s more complex set of hero powers, less randomness and a morality system that rewards a grasp of its ‘good’ and ‘evil’ points. Play Fable Fortune for free Fallout Shelter doesn't feel that much different on PC, and that's a good thing. (Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks) 40. Fallout Shelter If you prefer the property management systems of Fallout 4 rather than the great majority of the role-playing game's content, Fallout Shelter is an excellent place to start. Up until recently, the simulation game was only on the mobile Android and iOS platforms. However, with the introduction of Quests in version 1.6 of Fallout Shelter, Bethesda Softworks also decided to port the game to PC by way of the Bethesda.net client. All in all, Fallout Shelter doesn't feel that much different on PC, and that's a good thing. Mouse controls work well in lieu of a touchscreen, graphics look good even for low-end hardware and with windowed mode enabled by default, it's easy to find yourself caring after your vault residents during your downtime at work. With an unquestionably manageable price point (free), however with micro-purchases on hand, Fallout Shelter could very well become the next Solitaire in your office or at school. Play Fallout Shelter for free Fallout Shelter tips and tricks 41. Brawlhalla Have you been missing out on the action, just watching all your friends play Super Smash Bros Ultimate, because you don’t have a Nintendo Switch? Well, with Brawlhalla you’re in luck. Brawlhalla is a 2-8 player 2D brawler that pulls quite a bit of inspiration from Nintendo’s classic franchise. And, it pulls it off. It’s an exceedingly fun way to pass a few hours. With an esports league, you can rest assured that you'll always have people to throw down against. It might not quite be the same as playing some Smash on a friend’s couch, but it’s close enough to be worth your time. That’s why Brawlhalla makes it to our list of best free games. 42. Battleborn CEO and president of Gearbox Software Randy Pitchford will tell you differently, but Battleborn is free-to-play. Officially branded as a “free trial” on Steam, there isn’t much to separate this hero shooter from other free-to-play games on the market. You can play for as long as you want using six of the game’s 30 characters, rotated weekly to shake things up. Battleborn originally hit the market in May 2016, the same month as Overwatch. The main distinction is that Battleborn is influenced by MOBA games. Overwatch, on the other hand, is a more traditional PvP shooter with an eccentric cast of characters. Battleborn also has a single-player campaign, which can be purchased using real-world currency. Play Battleborn for free 43. The Elder Scrolls: Legends There appears to be this never-ending arms race developers are caught in to put out the next Hearthstone. That is, an incredibly popular collectible card game (CCG) that’s “easy to learn but challenging to master.” Those are the words, verbatim, publisher Bethesda Softworks is using to describe The Elder Scrolls: Legends. A CCG that takes inspiration from the lore of the firm’s beloved RPG franchise, The Elder Scrolls: Legends distinguishes itself from the likes of competing virtual card games such as Hearthstone and The Witcher 3’s Gwent by using a two-lane system that keeps players on their toes when it comes to devising strategies. And, if you simply want more Skyrim, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Heroes of Skyrim expansion for The Elder Scrolls: Legends packs in 150 additional cards, some of which are familiar faces like Aela the Huntress, J’Zargo and Delphine. It’s no doubt this one’s earned its spot on our best free games list. Play The Elder Scrolls: Legends for free 44. Robocraft Whether you loved or hated World of Tanks, you’ll be delighted to learn that Robocraft, a worthy addition to our list of best free games, is what you get when you take traditional vehicle combat and twist it into something completely new. From independent developer and publisher Freejam, Robocraft allows you to commandeer jet cars (not jets and cars, but jet cars), tanks, flying warships, helicopters and drones. In doing so, you’ll spend a lot of your time engaging in combat with other players online. Like a vehicle-based Fortnite, you’ll also play with different combinations of 250 preset blocks using a simple crafting interface, letting you equip the vehicle of your choosing with the weapons of your choosing as well. Likewise, Robocraft lets you create or join clans with up to 50 members. Within those clans, you can invite friends to ‘parties’ and play cooperatively in an effort to beat other teams. When everything is said and done, and you’re happy with your creations, you can showcase them at the virtualized Community Robot Factory to get likes and shares. Play Robocraft for free 45. Total War Battles: Kingdom Real-time Strategy (RTS) games don't get much grander than those in the Total War series, and the latest entrant, Battles KINGDOM, is free-to-play. Available to play on iOS and Android, as well as PC, you can pick up where you left off even when you're not at your main battle station. Total War Battles: Kingdom is set at the turn of the 10th Century and combines army management with kingdom building to deliver a bite-sized RTS game you can dive into and play anywhere, anytime. Play Total War Battles: Kingdom for free This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

6 new TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu this week Posted: 13 May 2020 10:06 AM PDT A number of fantastic-looking shows are new to stream this week. Across Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services, you've got a brand-new interactive episode of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a crime docuseries about a Mexican drugs killing and a new show from the creator of Netflix's Money Heist. Below, we've picked out the best new shows to stream this week, and we'll explain why you might want to consider checking each one out. We'll also explore how you can watch each new series in both the US and UK. Happy streaming! The best Netflix shows The best Netflix movies The best Amazon Prime shows Bordertown season 3 (Netflix) If you've cleared your Netflix backlog (which is surely an impossible task), consider checking out this Finnish crime drama, about a talented detective who moves his family to a town bordering Finland and Russia for a quieter life. While he hoped to focus on his family after his wife recently survived cancer, he's instead dragged into solving more murders. Ain't that always the life of a TV detective? The third season has dropped on Netflix.  Now streaming on Netflix Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs The Reverend (Netflix) Netflix's latest interactive special should be a good deal less harrowing than Black Mirror's Bandersnatch (though Kimmy Schmidt has certainly had her fair share of trauma). Will you make out with Daniel Radcliffe, or instead plan your wedding with him?  That's one of the choices you'll make in this new instalment of Netflix's first big sitcom, which focuses on Kimmy's search for a bunker where her former captor of many years, reverend Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm), is keeping more women locked up in an underground bunker. Hey, maybe this will be as harrowing as Bandersnatch. Streaming on Netflix from May 12 White Lines (Netflix) This could be the Netflix show to watch this week. White Lines is from Álex Pina, the creator of the Netflix smash hit Money Heist. This drama is about a woman trying to find out what happened to her brother, a famous DJ, whose body has shown up in Ibiza 20 years after his initial disappearance. She journeys into the island's underworld, putting herself at serious risk to uncover the truth. Laura Haddock and Daniel Mays are among the cast of this thriller, which is presented in both English and Spanish.  Streaming on Netflix from May 15 The Great (Hulu) Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, this period comedy is about Catherine the Great's emergence as Russia's longest-running ruler. And it looks really funny. If you get a similar vibe to 2018's Oscar winner The Favourite, which also co-starred Hoult, that actually makes a lot of sense. The Great shares the same writer as The Favourite, Tony McNamara. This could be a lot of fun. While The Great is a Hulu original in the US, in the UK it'll air on Channel 4 at an unspecified time.  Streaming on Hulu from 15 May The Last Narc (Amazon Prime Video) This four-part documentary series is about the high-profile kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena, who was killed in a plot conspired by drug traffickers. The Last Narc will feature previously unseen interview footage that helps to tell his story.  Streaming on Amazon Prime Video from May 15 The best Hulu shows This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Best ultrawide monitors 2020: the top ultrawide monitors we've tested Posted: 13 May 2020 10:03 AM PDT You can’t go wrong with one of the best ultrawide monitors if you’re a content creator or a hardcore gamer. That massive screen real estate that these widescreen displays offer is simply incomparable, and definitely ideal for not just playing the best PC games. In fact, as that extra bit of space actually helps streamline workflows and cuts the time you spend on work, they’re actually ideal for getting a lot of productivity and creative tasks done. The best part is that the best ultrawide monitors come in many shapes, sizes and feature sets. That means that depending on your budget, needs and desk space, you’ll definitely find one that fits the bill. If you need one for video or photo editing, there’s an ideal one out there with a vibrant design and excellent color accuracy. If you need a gaming monitor, you’ll find one with low latency and fast refresh rates.  We gathered the best ultrawide monitors 2020 has to offer, all of which we tested and reviewed ourselves. When just having a nice monitor won’t cut it anymore, the best ultrawide monitors are here to take over. Go wide or go home. Best ultrawide monitors at a glance BenQ EX3501R AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition Alienware AW3418DW Asus Designo Curve MX38VC MSI Prestige PS341WU AOC CU34G2X  LG 34UC79G-B The BenQ EX3501R is equipped with a USB-C input and an astonishing 2,500:1 contrast ratio. Ultrawide resolutions are already pushing our computing experiences to the edge, so when we came across the BenQ EX3501R, a 3,440 x 1,440 monitor with HDR, we sat up and took notice. This is an absolutely incredible gaming monitor – though BenQ advertises it as a 'video enjoyment monitor' – and considering it’s equipped with a USB-C input and an astonishing 2,500:1 contrast ratio, you'll be hard pressed to find anything not to love about one of the best ultrawide monitors out there. Well, at least until you look at the price tag. Read the full review: BenQ EX3501R The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is an excellent ultrawide monitor Ultrawide resolution? Check. Fast 120Hz refresh rate? Also check. The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition is certainly more than its clumsy name lets on. This 3,440 x 1,440 ultrawide monitor isn't just stunning with its perfect VA panel, but coupled with a 120Hz refresh rate and a low 4ms response time, it should make the top of any gamer's list of the best ultrawide monitors. Just bear in mind, that if you want to take full advantage of the AOC Agon, you're going to need a little help from something like the RTX 2080 Ti. Read the full review:  AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition The Alienware AW3418DW has been around a while, but it's still great. The best ultrawide monitors aren't just great for experiencing the best PC games, they're also amazing for creatives and professionals. And, the Asus Designo Curve MX38VC is an exceptional example, providing excellent color accuracy, and a high resolution that'll be a boost to photo and video editors. Considering its price tag, it would have been nice to have HDR included, but this gets the creative job done so well that we can easily overlook that little exclusion. Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW The Asus Designo Curve MX38VC is a great ultrawide for creatives. The best ultrawide monitors aren't just great for experiencing the best PC games, they're also amazing for creatives and professionals. And, the Asus Designo Curve MX38VC is an exceptional example, providing excellent color accuracy, and a high resolution that'll be a boost to photo and video editors. Considering its price tag, it would have been nice to have HDR included, but this gets the creative job done so well that we can easily overlook that little exclusion. Read the full review: Asus Designo Curve MX38VC The MSI Prestige PS341WU is a cut above the 4K norm. If you’re looking for a monitor that’s a cut above the 4K norm, then you’ve got the MSI Prestige PS341WU. Showing up any impeccable 4K monitor is by no means an easy feat, but this monitor does so with the huge 5K2K native resolution (and 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio) of its luscious 34-inch IPS screen. It doesn’t come cheap, but it does have a great feature set to make up for that, including a Nano IPS panel with DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR support and comprehensive connectivity. All that packed in a beautiful white aesthetic, and you’ve got yourself one of the best ultrawide monitors of 2020. Read the full review: MSI Prestige PS341WU  There's no arguing with this monitor's exceptional performance. This 'frameless' monitor works hard to provide best-in-class performance, rather than advertising its gamer-centric nature via sharp angles and aggressive RGB lighting. Though if you are looking for gaming features, it boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and 1440p resolution for immersing gaming that looks incredible as well. And, with a $450/£450 price tag, you’re certainly getting a lot of value for your money. Read the full review: AOC CU34G2X The LG 34UC79G-B is an affordable ultrawide monitor. One of the main drawbacks of the best ultrawide monitors is that they happen to be on the expensive side. Sure, having an extremely wide screen is fantastic, but if you can't spend a grand on a new monitor, you're out of luck. Luckily, the LG 34UC79G-B is here to save the day on a budget. Now, this display doesn't have as high a resolution as some of the other selections on this list, coming in at 2,560 x 1,080, but with the amount of money you're saving, it almost doesn't even matter. Plus, you're getting FreeSync, too. Read the full review: LG 34UC79G-B Want to know how to build a PC? This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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