Thursday, May 14, 2020

Apple : Popular VPN jumps on WireGuard bandwagon

Apple : Popular VPN jumps on WireGuard bandwagon

Popular VPN jumps on WireGuard bandwagon

Posted: 14 May 2020 01:43 PM PDT

VyprVPN is the latest VPN provider to add WireGuard to its Android, iOS, Mac and Windows apps with the release of the VyprVPN 4.0 beta.

WireGuard is a new VPN protocol, built by Edge Security's founder Jason A. Donenfeld, which uses state-of-the-art cryptography to provide users with the highest level of privacy, security and speed. VyprVPN is so excited about this new protocol that the company believes it “will ultimately become the default protocol for all users”.

Another one of WireGuard's advantages over existing VPN protocols is the fact that it contains far less code that OpenVPN or IPSec. While OpenVPN is made up of 100,000 lines of code, WireGuard has only 4,000 lines of code and this makes it much easier for security experts to review and audit for vulnerabilities.

VyprVPN 4.0 beta

In a blog post, director of product at VyprVPN, Tucker Stern explained that mobile users will see a boost in performance and battery life when using WireGuard, saying:

“Mobile users, in particular, should experience a noticeable improvement as soon as they connect! Speaking of, you don’t have to drop your connection when you change your network to or from mobile so you’re always connected and secured.”

The addition of WireGuard to VyprVPN means that users will be able to establish a connection more quickly than ever and enjoy both faster upload and download speeds. All of the company's global servers also support the new protocol so users will always have a completely private connection and VyprVPN's publicly audited, no-log policy provides an additional level of protection.

Since WireGuard is open source, the protocol will be continually improved by the VPN developer community and according to Stern, VyprVPN's development team is also prepared to quickly respond to WireGuard updates so that its users can continue to benefit from the latest advancements.

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

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Nikon offers free course with Game of Thrones photographer – sign up here

Posted: 14 May 2020 01:01 PM PDT

Nikon School is hosting a free online photography course with official Games of Thrones snapper Helen Sloan – so if you fancy finding out how to land a similarly snazzy job on the sets of HBO's next big smash, it's well worth signing up for a place.

The Nikon School, which has been offering a range of free camera tutorials and one-to-one photography classes during the global lockdown, will be offering the "At Home with" course via Zoom on 22 May starting at 2pm BST / 9am EDT / 11pm AEST.

According to Nikon, the two-hour session will see Helen Sloan "talking about her long career in the photographic industry and invaluable tips and tricks she has picked up along the way".

There will also be an interactive element, with "the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their techniques, kit and photography style".

Helen is certainly a good person to quiz, given she's worked on every single episode of Game of Thrones. Having learnt her trade on a Nikon F3 film camera as a child, she kicked on from her art degree to work on a variety of film projects, from sci-fi to horror and fantasy, eventually landing the Game of Thrones gig in 2008.

On the series she shot 1,000 images a day and apparently now has half a million shots from the show. Not that Game of Thrones is her only big TV show – Helen's also worked on season two of The Fall and The Frankenstein Chronicles with Sean Bean.

Game of Thrones Nikon

How to sign up

While Nikon's "At Home With: Helen Sloan" will be available to watch for free via Zoom, there aren't unlimited places. In our experience, these free courses have a tendency to fill up pretty quickly, so it's worth reserving your spot.

To do that, just head to the official course page , choose the number of attendees and hit "add to basket". There's no charge, you'll just need to sign up for a free Nikon School account.

If you fancy picking up some more snapping skills while you're there, the only other Nikon School course that isn't already fully booked up is one with wildlife photographer George Turner.

Another "At Home With" talk, it promises tips and tricks from George's wildlife assignments in Singapore and Mull, plus "a few otter-related stories and anecdotes along the way". If that doesn't tempt you, nothing will. You can sign up for George's Nikon School session on its official page. 

Nikon's free sessions and courses have topped off something of a golden period for photographic home learning, with a wide variety of options from the likes of Leica, Creative Live, and universities like Harvard. To find out which ones are still going, check out our guide to the Best free photography courses, apps and YouTube channels for lockdown learning.

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Apple’s AR glasses won’t launch in 2020, but they just got closer to reality

Posted: 14 May 2020 12:29 PM PDT

Apple just took a very real leap in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality, acquiring VR content startup NextVR. It's also one small step for Apple AR glasses.

NextVR should help Apple's long-suspected efforts to release an AR/VR product, according to Bloomberg. The startup held content-licensing deals with sports leagues, including the NBA as well as Fox Sports, and Apple has recently been keen on expanding its content and services portfolio.

While the NextVR didn’t have a VR device of its own, its experience broadcasting content in virtual reality to users could help Apple design its own headsets or glasses, which the company has been rumored to be building for years.

NextVR held content-licensing deals with sports leagues, including the NBA as well as Fox Sports. While the startup didn’t have a VR device of its own, its experience broadcasting content in virtual reality to users could help Apple design its own headsets or glasses, which the company has been rumored to be building for years.

The first of those AR/VR products to be released could be the Apple AR glasses, but don’t expect those to launch until at least 2022, according to a separate report citing noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

An optimistic rumor suggested an Apple AR glasses release date in 2020, though the last hint we’d heard back in November suggested an augmented reality headset would come in 2022, followed by proper AR glasses in 2023. But Ming-Chi Kuo’s corroboration lends more weight to a release that’s two years away.

Kuo’s 2022 prediction is based on supply chain information from GIS, which is rumored to have partnered with Apple for AR lens lamination, according to a research note AppleInsider saw. Lamination costs for what he reportedly called ‘Apple Glasses’ will probably be high since it takes multiple layers to achieve an ‘innovative MR/AR user experience.’

AR glasses, now closer to reality

Patents going back to 2015 have indicated Apple’s interest in AR and VR, with rumors suggesting the company is developing head-mounted products for one or both applications. 

Reports in the last few years favored AR glasses, though they were mostly sourced from analysts and supply line watchers, which could mean that a product isn’t close enough to consumer release to get leaked. Alternatively, Apple’s characteristic secrecy could just be keeping development under wraps.

What both news points do indicate is that Apple is still investing in AR and VR – and even if it doesn’t result in a product years down the line, its acquisition could bear fruit in other devices, like its perennial improvements to AR applications in its iPhone and iPad lines.

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Intel unveils new vPro platform to go head to head against new Ryzen Pro

Posted: 14 May 2020 12:15 PM PDT

Just days after AMD announced the launch of its updated Ryzen Pro CPU range, Intel has introduced its new 10th Gen Intel Core vPro processors that are designed to power the next generation of business computing innovation for an increasingly remote workforce.

The chip giant's new mobile and desktop PC processors deliver increased productivity improvements, connectivity, security features and remote manageability to help employees stay connected and more secure with minimal interruptions.

Systems powered by the latest Intel vPro processors will also provide users with the best Wi-Fi technology for video conferencing while working remotely as they include integrated Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+). Wireless CTO at Cisco, Matt MacPherson provided more details on the addition of Wi-Fi 6 in Intel's new vPro processors in a press release, saying:

“For more than a decade, Cisco and Intel have partnered to deliver an unrivaled wireless experience, helping to elevate Wi-Fi’s business relevance and impact. This close partnership provides early and extensive testing that ensures, as new industry standards and innovations emerge, Cisco and Intel customers can quickly and confidently embrace the latest technology. We’re excited for customers to experience the more reliable connections, faster downloads and improved application performance of the new 10th Gen Intel Core vPro processors and Cisco’s latest Wi-Fi 6 certified access points.”

Performance enhancements and Intel Hardware Shield

In total, Intel announced nine mobile 10th Gen Core processors with vPro as well as 18 Core and Xeon processors based on its Comet Lake architecture for desktop.

According to the company, its new vPro chips offer 40 percent faster application performance and a 36 percent boost when using office productivity apps when compared to a three-year-old laptop. Compared to a five-year-old laptop, the chips can analyze and visualize data 44 percent faster.

On the security side, Intel's latest vPro processors sport its expanded Hardware Shield which provides built-in hardware-enhanced security features to help prevent cyberattacks by locking down mission-critical elements in a PC's BIOS in the event of an attack. Hardware Shield also now has the ability to shift some functions of the CPU on to the GPU when an attack does occur. This allows the CPU to continue handling mission-critical work even while under attack.

Both desktop and laptop PCs built with the new 10th Gen Intel Core vPro processors are expected to be available from PC manufacturers over the next several months.

Via AnandTech

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How to watch Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe: stream the special online from anywhere

Posted: 14 May 2020 11:03 AM PDT

Returning to screens not a moment too soon after a four-year break, Charlie Brooker is back to take issue with the Covid-19 pandemic tonight - so read on to find out how to watch Antiviral Wipe online and stream a healthy dose of sardonic satire no matter where you are in the world.

After winning a Bafta Award for Screenwipe in 2016, Brooker put the show on ice, opting to instead concentrate on the hugely successful dystopian science fiction anthology, Black Mirror.

But being quarantined has lured Charlie back out for what what promises to be an an acerbic look at life under lockdown. As well as taking aim at the political fallout from the outbreak, he'll also be reviewing what we’ve been doing to keep ourselves occupied during the crisis.

Alongside Brooker, there's also the welcome return of collaborators Barry Shitpeas and the divinely deadpan Philomena Clunk (played by Diane Morgan). It's set to be an show no self-respecting comedy fan will want to miss - so here's how to watch Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe online tonight no matter where you are in the world.

How to watch Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe for FREE in the UK

How to watch Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe from abroad

While anyone in the UK will find it easy to watch Antiviral Wipe tonight courtesy of the BBC, folks elsewhere in the world may struggle to tune in to the bastion of British television because of geo-blocking.

If this is the case, anyone from the UK who's currently abroad and holds a valid TV license in Blighty could consider using a VPN. This nifty bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access all the content and services you already pay for back home - just from anywhere in the world.

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HBO Max: release date, movies, price and more

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:56 AM PDT

HBO Max, the upcoming streaming service from WarnerMedia, is poised to take on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus later this month. Including shows from Cartoon Network, CNN, DC Comics, HBO Originals, TNT, Crunchyroll, and Sesame Workshop, that's over 10,000 hours of content that puts the current streaming giants in WarnerMedia's crosshairs, and it's launching soon.

But in the vicious, dog-eat-dog world of streaming, you don't even have a hope if you can't put your money where your mouth is. That's why HBO Max features serious scalps like The Big Bang Theory, Rick and Morty, and South Park. Not only that, but iconic '90s sitcom Friends will be a subscription driver on its own, let alone with a Friends reunion on the way.

With the HBO Max release date fast approaching, it's time to start asking yourself whether the content on offer is worth the cost of another monthly sub, especially given that HBO Max will be one of the more expensive platforms around when it goes live. We know the launch offerings, second wave slate, and plenty more content to come, and it's looking healthy. So, below you'll find everything you need to know about HBO Max's launch offerings, price, supported devices, and more.

HBO Max release date: May 27

HBO Max has a release date: it will launch on May 27. Check out a trailer of what to expect below.

HBO Max price: what it'll cost you each month

HBO Max will cost $14.99 (around £11, AU$22) per month. That puts it on the dearer end of the streaming service spectrum. However, it's also the same price as HBO Now, and HBO Max should offer a lot more entertainment goodness for your hard-earned cash. By comparison, Disney Plus is $6.99 per month, while Netflix's Standard tier is $12.99. HBO Max's subscriber target is 50 million by 2025 – a lot by anyone's standards, but considering HBO had 54 million US subscribers as of 2017, it's really not out of the question. 

HBO Max won't replace HBO Go and HBO Now: both services will apparently set to carry on, though HBO Max has been characterized as the "workhorse" of Warner's pay TV efforts. Still, given there's three variations on the platform, below you'll find a breakdown of their differences.

HBO Max vs HBO Go vs HBO Now: what's the difference?

One potential problem facing HBO is the confusion between the different HBO-branded services. Here's a quick explainer:

  • HBO Max: the new direct-to-consumer streaming service that we're focusing on in this article. 
  • HBO Now: the existing direct-to-consumer streaming service that costs $14.99 a month.
  • HBO Go: features the same content as HBO Now - but you can only access it as a bonus with a cable subscription to HBO. In addition, you can access the same HBO content on both services through Amazon Prime Video for $14.99 per month. 

When HBO Max launches in May, HBO Now subscribers can switch over to Max for the same monthly price, but only if they're directly subscribed through hbonow.com. If you're subscribed to HBO Now through a third-party, the HBO Max FAQ says to 'stay tuned for more details'. The same notice is used for those subscribed to HBO through a cable or TV provider. 

People subscribed to HBO through AT&T-related services, meanwhile, can watch all the HBO Max content they want for no additional cost, too. If you have HBO via AT&T TV or U-Verse TV, that comes with HBO Max. People subscribed to 'premium' AT&T mobile and broadband services will apparently have the offer of bundles with HBO Max 'at no extra charge'. 

It's a little complicated to unpick, then, but if you're among the millions already directly subscribed to HBO Now, switching to HBO Max should be nice and simple. 

HBO Max devices: how will you be able to stream it? 

hbo max devices

Apple devices will be supported at launch on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. Users can subscribe to HBO Max in-app, too. If you're already subscribed separately, of course, you can log in to the app and use it as normal. 

In addition, subscribers can access HBO Max seamlessly within the Apple TV app. If you own a second or third generation Apple TV device, you can stream HBO Max via AirPlay. Also, following a deal with Google, the service will also be available on Android, Chromecast, and Android TV.

A more complete list of compatible devices for HBO Max hasn't been revealed yet, and probably won't be until closer to launch. Still, if HBO Now is any indication, it'll hopefully work on the majority of phones, tablets, games consoles and other devices.

HBO Max launch shows: everything you can stream day one

Original content is the lifeblood of any new streaming service, and HBO Max has a lot in the works alongside the content coming from HBO itself. Here are the HBO Max original launch shows that'll be available straight away:

  • Love Life: an anthology series starring Anna Kendrick that explores a single person's romantic relationships.
  • On the Record: this documentary explores the accusations surrounding music mogul, Russell Simmons, and the relationship between women of color and the #MeToo movement.
  • Craftopia: a crafting competition for kids, fronted by YouTuber, LaurDIY.
  • Legendary: eight houses of 'divas' compete for a cash prize in this unscripted series.
  • The Not-Too-Late-Show with Elmo: A 'late-night' talk show for kids with the iconic puppet.
  • Looney Tunes Cartoons: The new series of 80 11-minute episodes will feature Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Marvin the Martian.

Upcoming original shows and movies coming to HBO Max

But launch content is just the start: there will be 31 original HBO Max series in 2020, a number that'll swell to 50 by 2021. Here's what's to come in the second wave of Max Originals:

  • Karma (June 18): hosted by YouTuber Michelle Khare, Karma test the mental and physical stamina of kids aged 12-15 by taking them completely off-grid and setting them challenges.
  • Adventure Time: Distant Lands (June 25): these four breakout specials of the hit animation start with the adventures of the adorable little robot, BMO.
  • Doom Patrol season 2 (June 25): DC's motley group of heroes return now that they're shrunk in size and stranded on Cliff's toy race track.
  • Esme & Roy (June 25): this animated series from the makers of Sesame Street sees colourful monsters overcoming obstacles as a team.
  • Search Party season 3 (June 25): a comedy thriller about over-privileged young people  in search of a missing friend, and bad things ensue.
  • Close Enough (June 9): surreal animated comedy that follows families navigating their thirties, and the many commitments that entails.
  • Expecting Amy (June 9): three-part documentary on comic Amy Schumer. Includes her difficult pregnancy and her work on a comedy special.
  • The House of Ho (July 16): This non-fiction series traces the multiple generations of the Ho family, from Hue and Binh who migrated to the US from poverty in Vietnam, to the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by their children.
  • Tig N' Seek (July 23): this zany animation follows 8-year-old Tiggy and his pet cat, Gweeseek as they cause chaos in the Department of Lost and Found.
  • The Dog House (July 30): the British Dog Rescue Centre is a place where homeless dogs are matched with new owners. Happy crying inevitable.
  • Frayed (July 30): this 1989-set comedy follows Sammy Cooper, a wealthy London housewife that must return to her home in Australia and confront the reasons why she originally fleed there.
  • An American Pickle (August 6): Seth Rogen is a struggling laborer who somehow becomes perfectly preserved in brine and wakes in the present day.

When it comes to future originals, arguably the biggest is the Friends reunion, which is likely to film at the end of the summer. "We’re holding out for being able to get this special done hopefully by the end of the summer, if the stars align and hopefully we can get back into production" WarnerMedia Entertainment and Direct-to-Consumer chairman Bob Greenblatt said. The six-character reunion was originally slated to launch day one, but has been delayed by Covid-19. Then there's the brand new House of Dragon Game of Thrones prequel, coming at some point in the future, too.

There are six DC Comics adaptations in the mix, including Green Lantern, a live-action series from Arrow producer Greg Berlanti, and Justice League Dark from JJ Abrams. Abrams is also making two other series for HBO Max, The Shining-related show Overlook, and a 1970s-set show called Dusters. 

Strange Adventures comes from Berlanti, too, which is an anthology show that "will explore close-ended morality tales about the intersecting lives of mortals and superhumans." There's also a three-part animated Aquaman show on the way. Called Aquaman: King of Atlantis, the show will follow the early days of Arthur Curry's rule as king.

Also from DC Comics comes DMZ, a show about a modern-day American civil war adapted by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. Along with Doom Patrol, HBO Max will also become the new joint home DC Universe shows such as Titans and the Harley Quinn animated series. These are examples of how HBO intend for Max and DCU to work in tandem, but "we're still working out what those mechanics are" an HBO exec said at the TCA winter press tour in January 2020. Elizabeth Banks will produce DC Superhero High, imagining life in high school for the comic book icons. 

Michael Mann will direct the pilot Tokyo Vice, about American journalist Jake Adelstein's life as a police reporter in the Japanese city, which sounds like its biggest swing at a conversation-starting original – and will star Ansel Elgort of Baby Driver fame. 

Dune: The Sisterhood is a spin-off of the upcoming Dune film, with the pilot sharing a director in Denis Villeneuve. Raised by Wolves is a Ridley Scott-produced series about two androids raising a child on another planet, while 80s cult hit Gremlins is an upcoming animated series too. Speaking of animated series, Santa Inc. is an eight-part animated comedy starring Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman, set on the North Pole during Christmas season.

College Girls, meanwhile, is a teen show from The Mindy Project's Mindy Kaling. Rap Sh*t is about a Miami-based female rap group trying to get famous. Search Party, a great-but-overlooked TNT adult mystery drama, is moving to HBO Max for its third and fourth seasons. Post-apocalyptic drama Station Eleven is based on the book of the same name. Made For Love is an adaptation of Alissa Nutting's novel, starring Cristin Milioti. Generation is a Lena Dunham-produced show about modern sexuality in a conservative environment. A new version of teen drama Gossip Girl is in the works, with Kristen Bell returning as the titular character in voice only and Selena Gomez is fronting a cooking show, so far called Untitled Cooking Project.

In terms of original movies in the works, Superintelligence, starring Melissa McCarthy, author film Let Them All Talk from Steven Soderbergh, and legal comedy Bobbie Sue starring Gina Rodriguez. Expect a suite of original reality TV shows and kids' shows, too. Animated original Scoob!, starring Mark Wahlberg and Zac Efron, will launch on-demand while cinemas are closed by the coronavirus, but it hasn't been confirmed for HBO Max yet. The Sundance 2020 award winner, Charm City Kings, is also coming to HBO Max after the company picked it up from Sony. There's also a ten-part dark comedy starring Jean Smart (of Watchmen fame) as a Las Vegas diva.

And following the news that Audience Network will no longer be a home for original content, raising questions over series like Mr. Mercedes and Loudermilk, but sources say that at least three originals transition over to HBO Max. However, don't expect Cinemax content to come to the service: programming production at the company is to wind down, which leaves series like Jett and Warrior in unknown territory.

HBO Max: other shows and movies you'll be able to stream

HBO Max will have an enviable backlog of TV shows to binge, so we'll just list some highlights here, even if the timeframe of their respective releases is a bit unclear at this point: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, South Park, Rick and Morty, The OC, The Big Bang Theory, Adventure Time, The Office UK, Luther, Doctor Who series 1-11, The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Westworld, Barry, Veep... Basically, there's a lot to look forward to if you've paid attention to any TV in the past 20 years. 

That's the key thing with HBO Max: if WarnerMedia owns it, that means it's probably coming to HBO Max at some point. New original shows from The CW, like Katy Keene and Batwoman, are coming to HBO Max, though older shows like Riverdale are part of a pre-existing Netflix agreement. Cartoon Network and Adult Swim shows will be part of the offering, too. And let's not forget everyone's favourite TV chef, Anthony Bourdain: all 12 seasons of Parts Unknown are heading to HBO Max.

And what about movies? It's looking promising. The Matrix trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, The Conjuring movies, Lego movies and Gremlins movies will all arrive within the service's first year. So too will every Batman and Superman movie from the last 40 years. 

Notably, the Harry Potter films won't be on HBO Max – Universal has an exclusive streaming deal on those until 2025, which includes the Fantastic Beasts movies. However, fans will have been heartened to hear Reilly's comments on the subject at the TCA winter press tour: "Those discussions will continue on. At some point, you can’t have our experience without having Harry Potter be a part of it."

HBO Max has another ace up its sleeve: the rights to Studio Ghibli's complete library, including Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. Speaking of anime, streaming service Crunchyroll will provide a 'curated' selection of shows for HBO Max, too, which will rotate on a quarterly basis. 

That's a lot of different places to draw content from, and you can expect newer Warner movies to make it on there, too. Joker, the billion dollar-grossing Joaquin Phoenix-starring DC film, will be on HBO Max in 2020. 

HBO Max app features: downloads and recommendations explained

hbo max app features

HBO Max will let you download content for offline viewing. It'll also have a PIN system for parental control, personalized profiles, and brand-based content hubs similar to how Disney Plus categorizes Star Wars and Marvel. You'll also have the option of 'co-viewing' homepages that represent the tastes of multiple people in your home. 

If you're sick of Netflix's algorithm-based recommendations, HBO Max will feature picks from "talent and influencers", with short videos accompanying the content they chose. That is a little different from how the other streamers are doing it. As you can see above, that talent includes actors like Bill Hader (Barry) and Regina King (Watchmen), both of which are synonymous with existing HBO shows. 

HBO Max could win the streaming wars, if price doesn't slow it down

HBO is a name synonymous with prestige TV, from shows like Oz and The Sopranos through to Game of Thrones and Chernobyl. With HBO Max, it'll likely come to mean something else entirely – but that association is still a massive asset. In the 'Peak TV' age, HBO has more than held its own, producing the likes of Succession and Watchmen and remaining the center of the TV conversation while a streaming arms race occurred around it.

That is what HBO Max is building upon: the best TV of the last two decades, coupled with every major brand Warner can throw at it. Not all streaming services will survive this content war, but HBO Max has a lot in its corner.

That said, HBO Max's content chief doesn't see the current landscape in terms of "streaming wars" at all. During the Television Critic's Association winter press tour (via THP), Kevin Reilly took to the stage to admit that he sees most households subscribing to multiple services, rather than each of them being at war with each other: "These are all going to be different products where each household is going to be piecing it together," Reilly said. 

HBO Max probably won't launch in the UK

In October 2019, Warner Bros and European broadcaster Sky renewed their programming deal in the UK, with part of that deal involving co-development of new shows with HBO Max (via Deadline). That means it's extremely unlikely HBO Max is going to launch any time soon in the UK. Indeed, the Game of Thrones spin-off House of Dragon will launch on Sky, just like its predecessor. 

The upside for UK subscribers? That subscription to Now TV should still get you all that great HBO content for years to come without you needing to spend anything extra. It's a smaller pond for streaming services in Britain, after all.

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You’re going to want a speedy NVMe SSD if you want to keep up with the PS5

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:47 AM PDT

A lot of fuss has been made about how the SSD is actually key to the PlayStation 5’s expected performance levels, and the new Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) demo on PS5 seems to bear this out – and highlight that PC gamers who haven’t already made the move to a fast NVMe SSD might feel the need to do so.

As we’ve already observed elsewhere, the UE5 demo from Epic Games is pretty breath-taking stuff, built around lofty goals like achieving photorealistic graphics on a par with what you might expect from movies and CGI.

The lighting and level of detail looks extremely impressive, and part of the realization of all this is, by all accounts, that much talked about SSD in the PS5. Sony has already made it clear that its next-gen console leverages the solid-state drive not just for faster game loading times, but that the SSD will also make it possible for developers to make more impressive and expansive open world games – because assets won’t have to be crammed into system memory.

The huge bandwidth on offer means data for the environment can be loaded on the fly from the SSD when needed, meaning that the off-putting phenomenon of texture pop-in will be much less of an issue.

As Epic’s Chief Executive Tim Sweeney explained to PC gamer, it means “you can bring in [the demo’s] geometry and display it despite it not all fitting in memory.” So when the player is moving about a large open world environment, this becomes a much more fluid, seamless experience thanks to that super-fast storage.

Sweeney further told PC Gamer that Unreal Engine 5 is being “optimized for next-generation storage” and that the PlayStation 5’s SSD is “God-tier” no less.


What does it mean?

What does that mean for PC gamers looking to run next-gen titles alongside PS5 players? A high-end PC with an SSD should still get you what Sweeney describes as “awesome performance” on UE5-driven games, but you’re especially looking at an NVMe SSD to achieve this.

Although this doesn’t mean that a PC which still runs with a hard drive will be left out in the cold, though – it just won’t be able to render UE5 titles with these spectacular details, and visual quality will simply be dropped down appropriately to marry with the performance level of the storage medium.

You know, as with your CPU and GPU right now – except in the future, the speed of your SSD could play a much more vital role, potentially right up there with those key components. Which is quite a contrast to the current state of play, where when you’re building a rig, a fast SSD is regarded as a nice thing to have – but hardly a key factor. Contemporary philosophy is that as long as you have an SSD of some kind, you should be fine, but Sweeney is pointing to what sounds like a pretty different future.

Pass the crystal ball, someone

Now, whether this pans out or not is another matter entirely – cue a bunch of caveats. For starters, we are focusing on open world games, and one single game engine here, and the (somewhat vested) thoughts of one CEO. Further remember that UE5 is still some way in the future beyond the next-gen console launch timeframes – it’s not expected to be released until late 2021, and only then can the real work begin with the game engine.

But the theory that superfast SSDs will be driving not just incredibly quick loading times, but also pushing up levels of visual detail in-game is an intriguing one. And there’s also the consideration that Sony presumably wouldn’t have thrown a good number of its eggs into this particular basket if the firm wasn’t confident that it was onto something here.

Regardless of how reality turns out comparing to what Sweeney is claiming now, it’s true enough that PC gamers should be looking at upgrading to an SSD anyway if they haven’t already – not just for games, but for overall performance on the desktop and, well, everything really. The question which just became a bit more awkward is how fast – and expensive – does that SSD need to be if you’re looking at a good degree of future-proofing?

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How to watch Rick and Morty season 4 online: stream part 2's new episodes anywhere free

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:44 AM PDT

Fans of eccentric cartoon series Rick and Morty are finally being rewarded for their patience, with the beloved show now into the release of a new batch of episodes. Read on and we'll tell you how to watch Rick and Morty season 4 online for free - including where you can stream all of part 2 anywhere, including the all-new episode 7 this week.

Having gone off-air at the end of 2019, the show has now returned to help us get through what's hopefully the dregs of the global Covid-19 lockdown. The part 2 trailer promised us all the unpredictability and madcap adventures we've come to expect from the show, including manga-style superhero outfits, electrocutions, and light sabres. Perhaps the latter should have come as no surprise given that the first new episode of Rick and Morty season 4 - episode 6 'Never Ricking Morty' - was first released on May 3, just 24 hours before Star Wars Day 2020, in the United States.

Now, we're into the second week of brand spanking new Rick and Morty season 4 episodes - and with episode 7 dubbed 'Promortyus', we can't wait to see what bizarre spin the show puts on the famous Greek myth of Prometheus.

Created by Dan Harmon (of Community fame) and Justin Roiland, the show originated from a short parody of Back to the Future and first aired back in 2013. Since then, it graduated from its original cult status and grown to a show that counts the likes of Taika Waititi, Elon Musk and Liam Cunningham as some of its guest stars.

Not bad going for a drunken mad scientist and his naive 14-year-old grandson, really? For anyone totally new to the show, those are the titular characters of Rick and Morty, respectively. 

Will the wait have been worth it? We reckon so - read on and discover how to watch Rick and Morty season 4 and stream every new part 2 episode for free no matter where you are  in the world right now.

How to watch Rick and Morty from outside your country

Below we'll take yo through your Rick and Morty streaming options for various regions around the world, where you can see it for free in the likes of the US and UK. Those who already have a streaming service they use to watch Rick and Morty online may find themselves unable to access it when abroad, due to pesky geo-blocking restrictions. We know, we know - most people aren't going anywhere anytime soon right now. But global travel will one day resume and, god forbid, you may even be stuck abroad.

Fortunately, there's an easy solution to geo-blocking. Downloading a VPN will allow you to watch Rick and Morty no matter where you are. This simple bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access episodes on demand.

Watch Rick and Morty season 4, episode 6 FREE in the US with Sling TV

We'll cut right to the chase because, like us, you've been waiting for part 2 of Rick and Morty season 4 for a while now. Your patience has paid off, however, as you can watch new episodes for free courtesy of Sling TV and its ongoing Happy Hour promotion 

Sling TV's Happy Hour is even better than a free trial, as it lets you watch prime time TV every night without paying a penny - or handing over your credit card details!

Alternatively, read on and we'll explain all the other ways you can watch Rick and Morty season 4 in the US and beyond.

If that sounds like you and you want to watch the Rick and Morty online, all you need to do is head over to Sling and sign up with an email address - that's all there is to it.


Where else to watch Rick and Morty season 4, episode 6 in the US 

How to watch Rick and Morty season 4 FREE in the UK

How to watch Rick and Morty in Canada

How to watch Rick and Morty in Australia

Is Rick and Morty on Netflix?

In many countries, yes! For instance, Rick and Morty is one of the best Netflix UK shows around and - as we've just said - it's also available on Netflix Australia. 

But Rick and Morty season 4 hasn't yet dropped on the servicea nywhere - and we don't really expect it to until part 2 has finished airing on Adult Swim.

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Avatar 2: release date, first images and everything we know

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:36 AM PDT

The original Avatar took over the world with its astonishing performance capture, CG backgrounds, and 3D photography. James Cameron's awesome adventure became the highest grossing film of all time when it released in 2009. Success often leads to sequels, so will there ever be an Avatar 2? And how much will production be impacted by Covid-19?

Originally slated for 2014, the as-yet-untitled follow up is the first of four sequels on the way. We're heading back to Pandora, where the indigenous Na'vi people fought off the human invaders ravaging their beautiful lands to mine precious "unobtainium".

But what will we see from the movie that – until 2019's Avengers: Endgame – was the biggest blockbuster hit of all time? We've sent out an early recon mission to Pandora to find out everything you need to know about Avatar 2's release date, title, plot, cast and more. Just no unobtainium this time, promise.

Avatar 2 release date (and Avatar 3, 4 and 5's release dates)

You know that Star Wars-shaped hole that’ll be making December release schedules feel rather empty after The Rise of Skywalker? From 2021 onwards, Avatar sequels will be ready to fill it. 12 years after James Cameron's original movie smashed box office records, Avatar 2 will be making its debut on December 17, 2021, unless the coronavirus has anything to say about it. 

Like Peaky Blinders, No Time to Die, and A Quiet Place II, the novel coronavirus has thrown the Avatar 2 release date in doubt. However, while it had delayed live-action production in New Zealand, filming resumed in May 2020. 

Virtual production and visual effects still progressed as normal during the brief cessation in filming, however, because such activities are "much more conducive to social distancing." It remains unclear how much the disruption will delay the sequel's release dates, if at all, so we'll have to wait and see.

Avatar 3, Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 were written simultaneously and are also in the works, but we won’t have to wait nearly as long for those – they’re currently slated for December 2023, December 2025 and December 2027 releases if you want to get them in your diary early.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The big-budget return to Pandora, the vibrant world James Cameron created for the original Avatar back in 2009.
  • Where can I watch it? This will be an absolutely massive tentpole release, so there shouldn’t be a shortage of multiplexes where you can see it – as long as James Cameron doesn’t set the technical bar so high that average cinemas can’t handle the screening specs. You should expect it to arrive on Disney Plus after its theatrical release.
  • When can I watch it? December 17, 2021.

Avatar 2: first images revealed

The first images of Avatar 2 – concept art from the watery parts of Pandora – were unveiled during CES 2020. They show more of the movie's ocean-based settings. Check out a couple more images below:

Does Avatar 2 have a proper title?

Nothing official beyond Avatar 2. A 2018 BBC report claimed that the four new films may be titled Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar: The Seed Bearer, Avatar: The Tulkun Rider and Avatar: The Quest for Eywa (Eywa being the name of the Pandoran deity worshipped by the Na’vi). 

Alas, if you think they sound a tad uninspiring, the bad news is that they may well be real. "Those titles are among the titles that are in consideration," Cameron told ET. "No final decisions have been made yet."

Alternatively, he could just keep things simple by going the Alien route with Avatars, Avatar3, Avatar Resurrection and Avatar Vs Predator. Or maybe not.

Avatar 2's story: what we know

Plot specifics are currently as elusive as the 'Unobtainium' the human invaders were trying to extract from Pandora in the original Avatar. We do know, however, that the story will pick up around a decade after the first film, and that Jake Sully (whose human consciousness was permanently downloaded into his Na’vi body) and Neytiri now have children. It’s also been confirmed that much of the movie will take place around Pandora's oceans, with the newly introduced sea-faring Metkayina clan playing a key role. 

"We made the decision for the sequels not to do necessarily what other science fiction movies do, which is if they want water they go to the ocean planet; and if they want snow, they go to the ice planet," Cameron's long-term producing partner Jon Landau said in an interview with Slashfilm. "We looked at all the wonders the Earth shows us, and we realized we could travel our whole lives and not see all the true wonders Earth has. So Jim made the decision to set the sequels all on Pandora. Our stories introduce us to different environments, and also different cultures." 

Of course, there are also going to be run-ins with those annoying, moon-pillaging humans of the Resources Development Association (RDA). "The storyline in the sequels really follows Jake and Neytiri, and their children," Cameron told Variety. "It's more of a family saga about the struggle with the humans."

While Avatar 2 will be the second act of a five-movie saga, the plan is for it to function as a film in its own right, while still being part of a wider arc. Indeed, Cameron's desire to craft a story that was truly worth telling is one of the main reasons Avatar 2 has taken so long to materialize. 

"We're making standalone movies that will stand alone," Landau told Slashfilm. "Rather than rushing into doing the sequels, because Jim doesn't rush it, we have to build our foundation, and that’s the scripts. Knowing that we wanted to tell multiple stories, we didn't just want to solve one script. We wanted to solve the scripts for all of the movies we wanted to make before we ventured out into making them. That's what took us the time."

Avatar 2 cast: new and returning characters

Unsurprisingly, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana are stepping back into their performance capture suits to play leads Jake and Neytiri, while Giovanni Ribisi (RDA chief Parker Selfridge), Joel David Moore (sympathetic human Norm Spellman) and CCH Pounder (Na'vi spiritual leader and Neytiri's mother Mo'at) are all reprising their roles.

There are also surprise returns for Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang, whose characters Grace Augustine and General Quaritch both died in the first movie. Cameron confirmed to Entertainment Weekly way back in 2014 that Weaver is coming back as "a different and in many ways more challenging character" – it seems reasonable to assume Grace's return may have something to do with her consciousness passing into the Tree of Souls. 

Grizzled soldier Quaritch, meanwhile, seems set to be a key antagonist in the four new movies. "I'm not going to say exactly how we're bringing him back," Cameron told Deadline in 2013, "but it's a science fiction story after all. His character will evolve into really unexpected places across the arc of the new three-film saga." It's worth bearing in mind this quote is from almost seven years ago (it's now a four-film saga), and you never know what might've changed in the meantime. 

There are plenty of newbies joining the cast, too – including Cameron's reunion with his Titanic star Kate Winslet, who's playing a character called Ronal. There are also roles for Flight of the Conchords Jemaine Clement (Dr Ian Garvin), Harry Potter's David Thewlis (Peylak), Star Trek: Discovery's Michelle Yeoh (Dr Karina Mogue), The Sopranos' Edie Falco (General Ardmore), Game of Thrones' Oona Chaplin (Varang) and Fear the Walking Dead's Cliff Curtis (Metkayina chief Tonowari).

There are also seven kids joining the cast. Jake and Neytiri's children are played by Jamie Flatters (Neteyam), Britain Dalton (Lo'ak) and Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey), while there are three free-diving Metkayina kids confirmed: Bailey Bass (Tsireya), Filip Geljo (Aonung) and Duane Evans Jr (Rotxo). Finally, Jack Champion plays a human teenager born on Pandora, called Javier "Spider" Socorro. 

Avatar 2 is made with underwater mo-cap technology

From The Abyss to Terminator 2, Titanic to Avatar, a new James Cameron movie usually pushes the envelope when it comes to cinematic ambition. Expect Avatar 2 to be no different, as Cameron will undoubtedly be creating visuals unlike anything we've seen on screen before. 

One of the key developments will be world-first underwater performance capture technology. "The problem with water is not the underwater part, but the interface between the air and the water, which forms a moving mirror," Cameron told Collider. "That moving mirror reflects all the dots and markers, and it creates a bunch of false markers. It's a little bit like a fighter plane dumping a bunch of chaff to confuse the radar system of a missile. It creates thousands of false targets, so we've had to figure out how to get around that problem, which we did."

Cameron also wants to revolutionize the 3D experience in cinemas again, and it'll be particularly interesting to see how he fares here. Avatar's 3D visuals (arguably still yet to be bettered) kickstarted new levels of interest in stereoscopic projection, and for several years in the wake of its release, multiplexes were dominated by 3D screenings of blockbusters. 

Cinemagoers' interest has subsequently waned – a change Cameron has blamed on Hollywood's preference for converting 2D-shot movies into 3D in post-production, rather than using actual stereoscopic cameras – but in an appearance at the Vivid light festival in Sydney (reported by Movieweb), he said the Avatar sequels "will be, to the best of my ability, the best 3D that [it's] possible to make." 

Will the world still care about Avatar?

2009 was a long time ago. Over a decade has passed since Avatar first hit cinema screens, and 3D has largely drifted into memory as a fad. But people's fascination with Pandora shouldn't be counted out – they still want to be shown something they've never seen in a movie theater before, and Cameron is determined to provide that experience for his audience. We can't wait to see what he comes up with.

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The best Memorial Day sales 2020: deals from Home Depot, Best Buy, and more

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:35 AM PDT

Memorial Day 2020 is almost here, and that means incredible deals from your favorite retailers like Lowe's, Best Buy, and Home Depot. Memorial Day sales are a fantastic opportunity to score record low prices on furniture, TVs, appliances, laptops, and so much more. 

The Memorial Day sales event typically includes huge discounts on outdoor items like grills, patio furniture, and lawn and garden essentials. You can also find bargains on mattresses, TVs, laptops, and major appliances. To help guide you through all the offers, we've put together a list of the best Memorial Day sales that are currently going on. We've also hand-picked the top standout deals from a variety of online retailers. 

We'll also tell you everything else you need to know about the Memorial Day sales event, such as the date, retailers that are participating, and what deals you can expect and from what categories.

Make sure to bookmark this page as we'll be continuously updating it with all the best deals leading up to the weekend sale event. Plus, with Amazon Prime Day sales still up in the air, this might be your last chance to score record-low prices.

The best Memorial Day sales:

Our best Memorial Day sale picks:

When is Memorial Day 2020? 

Memorial Day is an American federal holiday that always falls on the last Monday in May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, with the long holiday weekend kicking off on Friday the 22.

When do Memorial Day sales start?

Most Memorial Day sales start the week before the actual holiday on Monday the 18, and some retailers don't start their promotions till the weekend before. All sales will last through the holiday weekend, and most will end on Memorial Day.

We'll be updating this page daily with all of the current sales so make sure to check back each day for new discounts and deals.

What are the best Memorial Day sales? 

The biggest categories discounted during Memorial Day include appliances, patio furniture, mattresses, and laptops. Because Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, you can find discounts on several outdoor items such as grills, patio furniture, planters, and camping equipment.

Memorial Day is also a fantastic time to find deals on mattresses with retailers like Casper and Temper-Pedic participating in sitewide sales. Home Depot and Best Buy are just a few retailers that will be discounting top-brand appliances all weekend long, and tech retailers like Dell have fantastic deals on laptops.

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How to watch We're Here: stream the new show with RuPaul's Drag Race stars online anywhere

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:35 AM PDT

Boasting an impressive 11 years on air, RuPaul's Drag Race has blazed a trail for drag culture and is one of the most culturally significant shows around. Now, a new reality TV series featuring three of Drag Race's best-loved alums promises an even more dramatic sashay into mainstream America's consciousness. Read on to find out how to watch We're Here online and stream the all-new episode 4, no matter where you are in the world right now.

The show follows three of Drag Race's most familiar stars, Shangela Laquifa Wadley, Bob The Drag Queen, and Eureka O’Hara, as they head to small towns across America and put on drag shows for the locals.

Each episode sees the show's three stars rock up in town and meet up with a handful of locals they’ll be tutoring ahead of a one-night-only drag show. Participants come from both ends of the American landscape, ranging from seasoned Queer artists to former homophobes.

Fans of makeover show's like Queer Eye will appreciate some of the incredible drag transformations that take place, while the show also shines a light on societal differences, with the trio experiencing both hostility and support as their act rolls into town.

Follow our guide below as we explain how to watch We're Here online from anywhere - stream episode 4 and the entire miniseries for free.

How to watch We're Here in the US for FREE

How to watch We're Here from outside your country

As We're Here is a HBO exclusive, anyone from America who's currently abroad won't find it being aired simultaneously in places like the UK, Canada or Australia. Moreover, trying to tune into HBO like you would from home will likely be impossible because of geo-blocking restrictions.

We know that this might not be a likely scenario for many, due to coronavirus travel restrictions, but the fact is people are still being required to travel - and some are even regrettably stuck abroad during this difficult time.

Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of a VPN. This nifty bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access all the content you normally would at home, from anywhere in the world.

However, note that some services require you to verify local credit card or cable subscription details before gaining access, so make sure you have these to hand before signing up for anything.

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Slack update makes it easier to collaborate on mobile

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:28 AM PDT

After updating its desktop app with a major design overhaul earlier this year, Slack has now released updated versions of its iOS and Android apps that aim to provide users with a simpler and more organized mobile experience.

One of the biggest changes in the company's new redesign for mobile is the addition of tabs to provide quick access to all of the things users need at the bottom of the app. Slack's previous navigation system was confusing and unconventional which is why it decided to go back to basics to provide a navigation experience that most mobile users will expect in the form of a tab bar.

The new apps now include swipe gestures that allow users to easily navigate between screens. From any tab in Slack, users can swipe right to open a list of their workspaces or swipe left to go back to their last conversation. From within a conversation, users can also swipe right to get back to their last tab.

Slack has also made it easier to work with other apps by using shortcuts. Some apps include shortcuts that allow users to take actions in another service without leaving the workplace chat app. This makes it easier to take actions in Slack such as initiating a call, setting a reminder or creating a poll. To get started using app shortcuts, users now just need to tap on the lightning bolt icon below the input bar.

Direct messages, mentions and availability

In previous versions of Slack for mobile, it was difficult for users to reach their list of direct messages (DMs). In the redesign though, recent conversations now appear as a tab in the tab bar and can be accessed by tapping on the DMs icon.

While testing its redesigned mobile apps, Slack moved the “Activity” screen to a more prominent location in the app and renamed it “Mentions and reactions”. After making this change, the company received strong feedback from its testers that Mentions and reactions had quickly become a core part of their daily usage patterns and had significantly improved how they work on mobile.

Slack has also made it easier for users to set their availability as in the previous design, these controls were in a menu that was difficult to find. Now users can update their status, set their availability, snooze notifications and access their preferences from the “You” section in the tab bar.

At a time when everyone is now working from home, Slack's redesigned mobile and desktop apps will make it easier for workers to stay connected with their teams while also being more productive.

Via ZDNet

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Don't worry, it looks like Nvidia Ampere may actually be coming to GeForce cards

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:19 AM PDT

Nvidia has seemingly confirmed that its newly-announced Ampere GPU architecture will be coming to both GeForce and data center graphics cards.

When it unveiled its 7nm Ampere microarchitecture earlier today, Nvidia focused entirely on the data center, with no mention of PC gaming or the consumer-facing GeForce RTX 3080. Instead, the 7nm architecture will debut with the Nvidia data center-focused A100 GPU, which should deliver an impressive 20x improvement in raw compute power compared to Nvidia Volta.



The company also announced that it has bundled eight of these GPUs inside the $1 million DGX A100, which can handle up to 56 tasks at once and reach up to 5 petaflops of AI performance.

While none of this means much to the average PC gamer, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a media briefing ahead of its virtual GTC conference that the 7nm Ampere microarchitecture will be used for all of its next-generation graphics cards, according to Market Watch – this presumably includes the next GeForce cards.

This doesn't reveal much about what these cards will actually look like, but we're sure Nvidia will reveal more when it shows off the cards – hopefully later this year. And we've reached out to Nvidia for clarification, and we'll update this article if we hear anything.   

All in the architecture

While it’s yet to release any information about consumer-facing GeForce GPUs using Ampere, when asked by a reporter in the briefing about the difference between enterprise and consumer approaches to Ampere, Huang said “there’s great overlap in the architecture, but not in the configuration.”

This now-confirmed move will mark the first time that Nvidia will unify all its products under a single microarchitecture. It’s previous generation of GPUs, for example, used Turing for its consumer-facing GeForce and Quadro CPUs, and Volta for Tesla GPUs destined for the data center.

The long-rumored Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is widely expected to be Team Green’s first consumer GPU to be based on the 7nm Ampere platform. According to a recent leak, the graphics card will boast 3,840 CUDA cores, compared to 2,944 in the RTX 2080, along with a 320-bit memory bus and probably 10GB of video RAM.

The GeForce RTX 3080, naturally, is expected to launch alongside the 3080 Ti, and a recent rumor suggests this GPU be some 40% faster than the current GeForce 2080 Ti.

Nvidia’s next-gen Ampere graphics cards are expected to arrive in the third quarter of 2020, starting with the higher-spec flagship models.

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How to watch Gangs of London: stream the gangland drama online anywhere

Posted: 14 May 2020 10:09 AM PDT

Up for a journey into the hidden heart of the UK capital? Then Sky's hard-hitting and record-breaking new crime drama is what you need in your life - read on to find out how to watch Gangs of London from anywhere in the world, including free streaming details for every episode.

Created by The Raid director Gareth Evans and his cinematography partner Matt Flannery, this big-budget Sky/HBO Cinemax co-production is far from the straight-to-video fare we've come to expect from British gangster films.

The story takes off as crime lord Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney) is shot dead under mysterious circumstances, causing the network of alliances between London’s underworld to be be ruptured. Amidst the turmoil, Wallace’s heir Sean (Joe Cole), sets out to avenge his father and mentor, whatever the cost.

Keep read as we explain how to watch Gangs on London online no matter where you are in the world - including the best free viewing options.

How to watch Gangs of London for FREE in the UK 

How to watch Gangs of London from outside your country

As Gangs of London is a Sky Atlantic exclusive, anyone from the UK who's currently abroad won't find it being aired simultaneously in places like the USA, Canada or Australia. Moreover, trying to tune into Sky Atlantic like you would from home will likely be impossible because of geo-blocking restrictions.

We know that this might not be a likely scenario for many, due to coronavirus travel restrictions, but the fact is people are still being required to travel - and some are even regrettably stuck abroad during this difficult time.

Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of a VPN. This nifty bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access all the content you normally would at home, from anywhere in the world.

However, note that some services require you to verify local credit card or cable subscription details before gaining access, so make sure you have these to hand before signing up for anything.

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Free cable TV: you only have until Friday to enjoy this brilliant TV streaming offer

Posted: 14 May 2020 09:32 AM PDT

Sling TV and its Happy Hour have been pretty good to us since the country locked down. Keeping the nation entertained with a clutch of free cable channels every night between 5pm and midnight ET for the last few weeks.

But finally, this handy little freebie is approaching its end. Come this weekend, Happy Hour is over and cord cutters will have to find their TV kicks from other TV streaming services.

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

But until then, you can still watch cable channels like Fox, NBC, USA, Bravo, TBS, FX, Syfy, Bloomberg TV, Fox News, Headline News, National Geographic, Comedy Central and MSNBC will all be available to watch live.

And in terms of what actual shows that makes available, we're talking about a massive range. Real Housewives, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, AEW Wrestling, Tacoma FD, Top Chef and Total Bellas are all included (depending on your market), as well as over 50,000 on-demand titles and movies, too.

This isn't a free trial and there's no commitment, contracts or payment details required - you can simply get seven hours' free daily access to the Sling TV Blue service before the weekend without paying a penny. And if you've given Sling a try during Happy Hour and are ready to commit to a full subscription, there's a $10 off offer right now to get you started.

Is Sling TV any good?

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

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

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

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

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Stranger Things season 4 release date, trailer, cast and more

Posted: 14 May 2020 09:30 AM PDT

Stranger Things season 4 already started filming before coronavirus shut the world of TV and film down. There's no Stranger Things season 4 release date for the popular sci-fi horror series yet, then, but you can probably expect the smash hit show to return later than originally expected. 

That said, there's already a Stranger Things season 4 trailer. It shows Hopper held captive in a Russian prison after the events of the season 3 finale, a tease of what's to come in the next set of episodes.

So what we can we expect from Stranger Things season 4? We don't have much to go on in terms of the story, but persuasive speculation sets the season 4 plot against the background of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Either way, Netflix's Momita SenGupta has described season 4 as "bigger, bolder, and more intricate than ever". It also looks like the show is shaping up to somehow get even darker.

Originally intended to be anthology series, like American Horror Story, the popularity of Stranger Things' adorable cast ensured that Netflix fans would get plenty more of the charming little scamps. Here's everything we know about Stranger Things Season 4 so far, including its likely release date, cast, and more. 

Stranger Things season 4 release date: early 2021 is our prediction

The Stranger Things season 4 release date hasn't been revealed yet. Netflix tends to angle its release date around public holidays such as Halloween for Season 2, or the 4th of July for Season 3 – depending on the time of year within Stranger Things itself. There tends to be 1-2 years lead time between each season, so an early 2021 date seems likely. Production began in March 2020, but is currently at a standstill due to the coronavirus as mentioned.

While we're still waiting on news of production returning to normal, Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) gave us an update on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (via Entertainment Weekly): "[The crew] already shot two weeks in Lithuania... We were just about to get into it, but for everyone's safety and well-being and health, obviously, production stopped," Brown said. "But we're ready to get back to work as soon as this is all over."

So a Spring season will likely be the best case scenario – that is, if current plot threads end up leading the show's story to the Chernobyl disaster, which occurred April 26, 1986, which isn't long after the 1985 setting of Season 3. (Yes, this theory is from Reddit, but it's pretty legit, okay?)

But will Stranger Things season 4 be the final year of the show? In an interview with Vulture, Ross Duffer hinted the series would be "a four-season thing and then out." Series producer Shawn Levy clarified that "The truth is we’re definitely going four seasons and there’s very much the possibility of a fifth. Beyond that, it becomes I think very unlikely" (via Entertainment Weekly).

Stranger Things season 4 trailer: Hopper is alive!

When Russian soldiers said "the American" should not be the victim fed to a captive Demogorgon in a mid-credits scene at the end of season 3, suspicious eyebrows were raised the world over. It could only be one man: Hopper. 

In a statement, The Duffer brothers said they were: "excited to officially confirm that production on Stranger Things 4 is now underway – and even more excited to announce the return of Hopper!" "Although it’s not all good news for our 'American'; he is imprisoned far from home in the snowy wasteland of Kamchatka, where he will face dangers both human...and other. Meanwhile, back in the states, a new horror is beginning to surface, something long buried, something that connects everything…

"Season 4 is shaping up to be the biggest and most frightening season yet, and we cannot wait for everyone to see more. In the meantime – pray for the American." Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harington, has also called this the scariest season yet. 

stranger things season 4 release date

We also know that filming started in a new place before returning to the show's normal home of Atlanta. According to Murphy's Multiverse, first the team are setting off to Lithuania and shooting in and around where HBO shot their gripping smash hit, Chernobyl. That makes sense based on where we know Hopper is this season.

Stranger Things Season 4 cast: who's returning?

Brett Gelman plays Murray Bauman in Stranger Things

Brett Gelman plays Murray Bauman in Stranger Things

Despite the fact that Stranger Things has now been officially renewed, there are no official casting announcements. However, you can be sure you'll get a lot of the same faces as season 3 – including Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Sadie Sink (Max), and Joe Keery (Steve Harrington). And, of course, Hopper (David Harbour).

Maya Hawke (Robin), a newcomer for season 3, quickly became a fan favorite - and will almost certainly be a big presence – while Caleb's younger sister Erica (played by Priah Ferguson) will likely continue to enjoy a larger role in the show.

Who won't we be seeing? Spoilers ahead (obviously), but we don't expect to see Dacre Montgomery (Billy) or Alec Utgoff (Alexei) again, though the showrunners could always surprise us. Heck, why not bring back Barb? 

With the Byers family moving out of Hawkins at the end of season 3, it may be that series regulars Winona Ryder (Joyce) and Charlie Heaton (Jonathan) decided to back out from a further season, or will have smaller roles.

However, that's probably not the case if we take Matt Duffer's interview with Entertainment Weekly as gospel, in which he said: “I think the biggest thing that’s going to happen is it’s going to open up a little bit, not necessarily in terms of scale, in terms of special effects, but open up in terms of allowing plotlines into areas outside of Hawkins.”

Stranger Things season 4 could be split into two parts

WeGotThisCovered sources suggest that season 4 could be split in two. The rumor implies that, while there were rumblings that season 4 could be the last, its story will be continued as a second part: season 5. If this rumor bears fruit, it could well be down to the Duffer brothers wanting all the time they can to give the Hawkins kids the send-off they deserve. 

Stranger Things Season 4 Episode 1 already has a working title

The Stranger Things' writers account revealed the title of Season 4, Episode 1 back in November 2019: it's called The Hellfire Club, which Marvel fans will know from the X-Men comics as a group of villains that includes Emma Frost. It's possible this is just a working title, or the kids are fans of these characters, but hey, every little detail counts. 

Stranger Things season 4 is a Netflix exclusive

Stranger Things 3

Winona Ryder, back in Season 1

Stranger Things is one of Netflix's hottest properties, and, like the previous seasons, Season 4 will almost certainly only be on Netflix.

Netflix is a paid-for online streaming service for browsers, TV streaming devices, and mobile and tablets apps. Even the cheapest Basic Plan on Netflix offers access to the whole catalogue of titles for £5.99 / $8.99 / AU$9.99 a month. However, you'll need the Premium Plan to watch the show in the highest video quality possible. You can see a breakdown of all the subscription options in our Netflix plans guide.

Will Stranger Things season 4 be in 4K / HDR?

The neon-lit shopping mall of Season 3 was a highlight of Stranger Things

If you're interested in Stranger Things' good looks as well – as you should be – you may be wondering what video formats the next season will be filmed in.

All three seasons so far have been filmed in 4K Ultra HD resolution, meaning anyone with a 4K TV and a strong enough internet connection will be able to watch in a huge amount of detail. Seasons 2-3 are also in HDR (high dynamic range), meaning an expanded range of colors and enhanced contrast – important for a show awash with bright colors, dazzling neon, and moody skies – though again you'll need an HDR-compatible screen to make the most of it.

Netflix also uses the Dolby Vision HDR format, rather than the competing HDR10+ standard – we know this is a lot to think about with your next TV, but some only support one format over the other.

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Windows 10 May 2020 Update makes first move in ditching 32-bit support

Posted: 14 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT

The next major Windows 10 update is set to mean big changes for PC makers concerning the versions of software they can offer.

Windows 10 May 2020 Update, which is due late in May, will drop support for the 32-bit version of the operating system on the OEM side.

In other words, as of the next big update, hardware manufacturers will no longer be offered 32-bit versions of Windows 10 to install on their devices, and any PC made going forward will have a 64-bit installation.

This isn’t a great surprise, really, and pretty much an expected move from Microsoft. If you look at the number of folks out there actually running Windows 10 32-bit, it’s an extremely small percentage (one fifth of a percent, looking at the most recent Steam hardware survey as an example). And the number of new PCs running a 32-bit version is doubtless even smaller…

Don’t panic

That said, before those with old PCs, or folks who are running the 32-bit spin on Windows 10 for legacy reasons, start to panic, Microsoft will still continue to support existing 32-bit installations of the operating system going forward.

Microsoft clarified: “This does not impact 32-bit customer systems that are manufactured with earlier versions of Windows 10; Microsoft remains committed to providing feature and security updates on these devices, including continued 32-bit media availability in non-OEM channels to support various upgrade installation scenarios.”

However, with Windows 10 32-bit being phased out as of the May 2020 Update, it’s clearly on the path to complete extinction now. And as to how long Microsoft feels it’s viable to continue providing updates for existing 32-bit systems, that’s an unknown factor – we’ll just have to see. But as we’ve already mentioned, the percentage of users out there is already vanishingly tiny, and at some point, a decision might be made about the use of resources in continuing that support.

Of course, Windows 10 32-bit is hamstrung in various ways, not least of which is the ability to only support 4GB of system RAM.

Windows 10 May 2020 Update is expected to emerge on May 28, or possibly a day or two before, according to the most recent leaks and rumors we’ve seen – and it would appear to still be on track to meet that purported schedule.

Via Neowin

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GTA 5 on PC is now free on the Epic Games Store, and yours to keep forever

Posted: 14 May 2020 08:52 AM PDT

GTA 5 is now free to download from the Epic Games Store, which means it’s yours to keep forever if you snag it before May 21. It is now available to download here if you have an Epic Games Store account, though demand is so high that Epic is struggling to meet demand for the time being, so you might struggle to load the page until that's fixed. 

Epic has acknowledged this, and a fix is coming.

Part of the Epic Games Store’s ongoing free games promotion, GTA 5 is arguably the biggest title the publisher has given away yet. 

Rumors were circulating that Rockstar’s action-adventure epic would be given away for free yesterday, and the news was confirmed by Epic themselves, albeit prematurely, who tweeted the announcement below. 

GTA 5 Epic Games Store

The tweet has since been deleted, but not before it was preserved on the internet by eagle-eyed users. Now, the game is live for you to download.

  • GTA 5 cheats: everything you need to get the most out of the game

Making bank 

GTA 5 continues to sell a phenomenal amount of units every month and is one of the most critically-acclaimed games of this generation. It’s understandable, then, that fans are eagerly awaiting GTA 6 with fevered anticipation. 

Rockstar recently penned a deal with Microsoft to bring its other open-world smash hit, Red Dead Redemption 2, to Xbox Game Pass. You can saddle up right now if you’re a subscriber, and we strongly recommend you do as it’s a typically excellent open world adventure from Rockstar. 

To download Grand Theft Auto 5, sign up for an Epic Games Store account and head over to the store. The free games section is clearly marked, so click on GTA 5 and bada bing, bada boom – you’ve got one of the best games of this generation for absolutely nothing. It’s daylight robbery. Note, though, that the store has struggled a little to keep up with demand since the game went live, so you might need to come back later and try again.

Via Comicbook

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Argos online bank holiday sales: the best home, garden and tech deals still available

Posted: 14 May 2020 08:50 AM PDT

The official bank holiday sales may be over but Argos is still offering some good discounts on a range of home, garden and tech deals. We're still keeping a keen eye on the indexes and we've got all the best remaining deals right here. So, even if you missed the big event itself, you still may be able to pick something up.

We've rounded up our top Argos post-bank holiday sales into sections for Home, garden and tech further down in this article, but you can head straight to Argos's entire online range if you'd like to see all the deals first hand. There are also some handy links just below which can take you straight to the relevant sections at Argos if you're on the lookup for something specifically this bank holiday.

We also recommend checking out our main bank holiday sales hub, which is the place to go if you want to see the very best deals across the whole range of retailers, including Amazon, John Lewis, Currys, and much more.

Argos online: bank holiday sale quick links

Argos Bank Holiday sales 

Argos home delivery

Quick delivery is what really sets Argos apart as a retailer as you can get same-day delivery for just £3.95 and Argos will even deliver 7 days a week - super useful if you're trying to fit delivery around a busy working from home or home schooling schedule.

If you're buying small items, which can be delivered by one person, then you're entitled to same-day delivery as long as you get your order in by 6pm. All small items cost £3.95 for delivery, so make sure you're taking advantage of the fast track same-day service that's on offer.

If you're buying large appliances then you'll get the added bonus of free delivery, although be aware that the fast track same-day delivery doesn't apply to these items. You can of course still go for the next-day delivery option, which also means you can pick the delivery time slot that's best for you.

For more information on Argos's delivery times and charges, you can visit their delivery FAQ here.

Are any Argos stores open right now?

Certain Argos stores that are part of Sainsburys supermarkets remain open for business currently, meaning you can make use of their click and collect policy if you’re on your way to pick up essential food items. We'd of course strongly advise against this, as it's essential that everybody puts the health of themselves and others above any other considerations right now. Thankfully Argos has some of the best home delivery in the business - it's fast, cheap, and above all else convenient - so there's no reason to not use it under current circumstances.

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