Apple : This dangerous new keylogger could change the entire malware space |
- This dangerous new keylogger could change the entire malware space
- 4th of July sales 2020: the best deals from Home Depot, Lowe's and Best Buy
- The best Father's Day sales 2020: deals from Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe's, more
- Windows 10 programs not working? This could be why
- Best blogging platforms of 2020
- The best cheap PS4 bundles, deals and prices in June 2020
- Intel Tiger Lake processors will thwart future Spectre and Meltdown attacks
- The best PS4 Pro prices, deals, and bundles in June 2020
- The cheapest Xbox One bundles, deals and sale prices in June 2020
- Best gaming keyboard 2020: the best gaming keyboards we've tested
- So, an AMD Ryzen 4000 APU can apparently run Crysis without a CPU cooler ��♀️
- The best cheap Xbox One X prices, bundles and deals in June 2020 - where to buy the 4K Xbox
- Amazon Father's Day sale: deals on the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick, Kindle, and more
- The best cheap TV sales and 4K TV deals in the UK in June 2020
- Best laptop 2020: our pick of the 15 best laptops you can buy this year
- Star Wars: Squadrons trailer pits X-Wing vs TIE Fighter – and reveals a release date
- Android 11 beta is available now for this Xiaomi phone – but you shouldn't download it
- Google could be planning a controversial update to Chrome
- The cheapest Nintendo Switch bundles, deals and prices in June 2020
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: what we want to see
| This dangerous new keylogger could change the entire malware space Posted: 15 Jun 2020 01:16 PM PDT A new keylogger called “Mass Logger” is currently being tracked by Cofense Intelligence and security researchers believe that it could significantly impact the larger keylogger market as well as the phishing threat landscape. Keloggers make up the largest volume of unique phishing campaigns by malware type today and they continue to grow in both popularity and sophistication. The reason that Cofense is so concerned about Mass Logger is due to how quickly the malware is updated. Its author consistently updates and improves Mass Logger and this allows cybercriminals deploying the malware to overcome security measures taken to detect and defend against it. This rapid development also allows the malware's creator to quickly add features in response to customer feedback.
Cofense Intelligence has identified a campaign that used an attached GuLoader executable to deliver an encrypted Mass Logger binary. GuLoader itself is a popular malware delivery mechanism that downloads encrypted payloads hosted on legitimate file sharing platforms. The email used in the campaign was also recently seen in an Agent Tesla keylogger campaign which could indicate that some cybercriminals have already decided to switch from using Agent Tesla to using Mass Logger. Additional functionalityMass Logger's creator, known as NYANxCAT, is also responsible for several other well-known malware types including LimeRAT, AsyncRAT and other remote access trojans. NYANxCAT's malware is usually feature rich and easy to use which allows for easy adoption by amateur threat actors. However, many of the features incorporated into Mass Logger are quite advanced such as as its USB spreading capability. NYANxCAT continues to improve the functionality of Mass Logger through updates and recently, 13 updates were released in only a three-week period. In patch notes, NYANxCAT explained that new targets have been added for the keylogger's credential stealing functionality and that measures have been taken to reduce automated detection. Sophisticated features help set Mass Logger apart from other common malware. For example, it includes a function that allows cybercriminals to search for files with a specific file extension and exfiltrate them. To defend against Mass Logger and other similar threats, Cofense recommends that network admins watch out for FTP sessions or emails sent from local networks that do not conform to their organization's standards.
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| 4th of July sales 2020: the best deals from Home Depot, Lowe's and Best Buy Posted: 15 Jun 2020 01:14 PM PDT The 4th of July is just around the corner, which means a long holiday weekend filled with family, friends, and outdoor fun. You can also find fantastic 4th of July sales from your favorite retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy, Amazon, and Lowe's. The 4th of July sale event is a fantastic opportunity to score Black-Friday like prices on everything from mattresses, appliances, and furniture to TVs, laptops, and smart home devices. To help you sort through all the offers, we've rounded up the best 4th of July sales that are happening now. We've also hand-picked standout bargains from categories like home, electronics, and appliances. Our top sale picks include the all-new AirPods Pro down to a record low price of $219.99, up to 40% off appliances, tools, and patio furniture at Home Depot, the Westinghouse 50-inch 4K TV on sale for just $249.99, and a $120 price cut on the best-selling Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum. The best 4th of July sales 2020:
Our best 4th of July sale picks:When do 4th of July sales start?The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, so we'll see most sales starting that week on Monday, June 29. All sales will last through the holiday weekend, and most will end on Monday, July 6. Who has the best 4th of July sales?The biggest categories discounted during the 4th of July include furniture, appliances, mattresses, and TVs. Because 4th of July is a summer celebration, you can find discounts on several outdoor items such as grills, patio furniture, lawn mowers, and plants.
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| The best Father's Day sales 2020: deals from Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe's, more Posted: 15 Jun 2020 11:25 AM PDT Father's Day is this coming Sunday, which means you have less than a week to score a last-minute gift for dad. To help you find the perfect present (and save money), we've found the best Father's Day sales from retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy. You'll find record-low prices on everything from grills, lawnmowers, and appliances to TVs, headphones, and smart home devices. The best Father's Day sales 2020:
Our best Father's Day sale picks:Shop more deals with our roundup of the best 4th of July sales happening now and see our Father's Day gift ideas: the 10 best gifts for tech-savvy dads. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Windows 10 programs not working? This could be why Posted: 15 Jun 2020 11:15 AM PDT If you're having trouble launching applications in Windows 10 then a bug, which has now been patched, in security software from AVG and Avast could be responsible. Some Windows 10 users recently discovered that they were unable to launch Microsoft Office and other applications on their systems. When they tried to do so, the were shown a message that said Windows was unable to find the software they were trying to open. At first, it was believed that either an Avast or Windows 10 cumulative update issue was to blame but now it has been confirmed that the issue was caused by programs from Avast and AVG being installed on a user's machine.
A component in AVG/Avast's security software leads to Image File Execution Options registry entries to be created for a number of programs that would launch applications through a filter. However, a recent update led to something in this filter being broken which caused the programs listed in it not to launch. Failure to launchFor users experiencing issues launching programs in Windows 10, don't worry as the issue has now been fixed through an automatic update. In a post on its forum, a product manager from Avast provided more details on the issue as well as a download link to manually patch it, saying: “I am sorry that it took so long but the fixed version is finally here! If you don't want to wait for the automatic update, please download the installation package here: https://honzik.avcdn.net/setup/avast-tu/release/avast_cleanup_online_setup.exe and reinstall the product manually to get the latest available version including the fix. We've tested all the affected scenarios and everything shall get back to the original state after the update/reinstall to the latest version. We sincerely apologize for all the inconveniences.” Microsoft also added the issue to the Windows 10 2004 health dashboard where it stated that Windows 10 2004, Windows 10 1909, Windows 10 1903, Windows Server 2004, Windows Server 1909 and Windows Server 1903 are all affected. Users experiencing issues can either wait for the automatic update or download this installation package to fix the issue themselves.
Via BleepingComputer This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best blogging platforms of 2020 Posted: 15 Jun 2020 10:50 AM PDT The popularity of blogging (which originally derives from ‘personal web log’) continues, whether for profit, or just to have a voice on the web, since over a decade ago when it first captured the internet as the ‘next big thing’. Some blogs are standalone sites, but others are a more personal section that fits into a larger, corporate web site. In order to blog, a blogging platform is required, which takes care of formatting the content in the form of text and images, and provides a framework for getting it onto a website. The blogging platform also makes it easier for a search engine to categorize the blog entries, and to be able to take advantage of marketing and advertising opportunities. So before you start cranking out posts, and welcoming your virtual visitors from around the world, you need to choose the best blogging platform to suit your needs. Check out these great options.
Blogger Ask any old-time blogger about what platform they started their blog with, and chances are they'll answer that it was Blogger. To this day, Google’s offering in the blogging space still retains several advantages, including that your existing Google account already means you have a Blogger account. A broke startup blog will appreciate that it is free to use, and it will even provide the blogspot.com domain name, as well as the option for a custom domain name. It is also one of the easier platforms to use, and provides a choice of templates that can be flexibly modified. As it is a Google offering, it easily integrates with other Google products, including Google Analytics that can provide information about your website’s visitors that should be used to help grow traffic. Also, your blog can be integrated with Google’s Adsense, that will analyze your content, and display relevant ads to monetize your blog, so you can pay for the coffee as you sit in Starbucks and blog into the night. With all that going for it, is there any reason not to use Blogger? Well, the problem is that as your blog grows, its simplicity means that you may outgrow Blogger at some point. In addition, it can be difficult to transition from Blogger to another platform. WordPress WordPress is a popular blogging platform which is used on a claimed 30% of web sites, that offers an excellent balance between ease of use, and more powerful options. They can handle all the details, and take care of the domain name, the security and the hosting for a one stop shopping option. WordPress offers hundreds of themes, with flexibility in fonts and options for a custom look. They also offer expert support, and credit card payments can be accepted via an available plugin. Pricing starts at the Personal plan for $4 (€3.6, £3.1) monthly billed annually, which removes all WordPress advertising. There is also a free tier available, which is suitable for a noncommercial blog as there is WordPress advertising and no way you can monetize it. Jekyll The latest version of Jekyll (4.1) is a “simple, blog-aware, static site generator.” Content gets created in TXT files, which get placed into folders. Then you build your site via Liquid language templates. Jekyll then merges the content and the template together, and voila, a website is generated that can be uploaded to a server. For those that need a host, there is integration with Jekyll to host the website for free on GitHub. While there is a comprehensive ‘quick-start guide’ on the Jekyll website, it hardly offers the simplicity of some competing blogging platforms that can do this all from a web interface. However, the benefits that Jekyll offers are the advanced features, which include options for paginating posts, available plugins, excerpt rendering, templates, and community maintained themes. It also supports blog migration from other platforms. The plus here is that there is no cost to the platform, but the downside is that there is only community support, and the work takes place in the Ruby development environment, so many newbies will be put off. Tumblr While some blogs are well developed, and blur the line between a blog, and a full fledged website, at the other end of things we have Tumblr. It seems to be doing something right as it claims a staggering 450+ million different blogs. It focuses on the more concise end of the spectrum, with an emphasis on shorter content, like just an image, or link, that can appear as more of an alternate social media platform. Content is definitely more short-form, with posts consisting of a variety of material, for example, pics, jokes, quips, Spotify tracks, and video (just remember that adult content is no longer welcome). Like a social media platform, you can also follow other blogs, and republish posts you like to your own blog. The pro is that Tumblr is quite simple to use, costs nothing, and is ideal for use on a mobile device. However, this is not ideal for a more developed blog, as the content remains in the Tumblr ecosystem, and there is no way to monetize it. Typepad Typepad is a fully developed blogging platform, designed for the professional blogger. It offers a ton of flexibility, including the ability to publish from email, a web browser, or mobile. It also easily integrates with Google Analytics, and has its own affiliate plan. Typepad supports design customization with a Theme Builder for a custom look, and the option for creating your own custom template or modifying a theme with custom CSS. Typepad is also fully hosted, and has support available. After the initial 14-day trial, plans start at $8.95 (£8) per month for up to four blogs with unlimited storage.
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| The best cheap PS4 bundles, deals and prices in June 2020 Posted: 15 Jun 2020 10:22 AM PDT The best PS4 deals this week offer not just some of the best games ever released on the venerable PS4, but excellent prices from trusted retailers. If you've been looking for some cheap PS4 deals or PS4 Pro bundles, then you'll a fantastic selection just down below, where we've rounded up all the best ones we can find in the UK. Death Stranding, Nioh 2, Marvel's Spider-Man, and Days Gone are just a handful of titles included in this week's PS4 deals, so whatever genre you want to start your collection with, you're covered. Not only are we seeing PS4 bundles available on the cheaper Slim model, but if you're keen to upgrade to 4K there's also plenty of Pro offers to shop right now as well. With the PS5 price yet to be revealed, now's a great time to pick up a cheap PS4 deal, as older games are expected to crash in price once the new console is on the street. Plus, the PS4 can also double up as a powerful virtual reality machine, and for less than you'd expect to pay for an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, thanks to the latest PlayStation VR deals. This page lists the best cheap PS4 prices in the UK, but we also have dedicated guides for US readers and our Australian ones too. Below you'll find a comparison chart that automatically pulls in the freshest and cheapest PS4 deals from UK retailers, followed by our hand-picked selection of the best PS4 bundles that offer the best value discounts on the additional software or accessories. After those deals you'll find we've also covered the same options for the PS4 Pro prices. Looking to get more from your PS4? Check out the latest PS Plus deals for cheaper online play and access to free monthly games as well. Or, head over to our round up of cheap PS4 games for the lowest prices on top titles this week. Or, if you're undecided which console to pick up for less, take a look at this week's best cheap Xbox One bundles and prices. The PS4 Slim is... slimmer, quieter and smaller The PS4 Slim launched (with no games included) in September 2016 for around £259 (500GB) or £310 (1TB) and has now replaced the original fatter PS4. The new console is smaller, lighter, more power efficient and cheaper than the remaining stock of the older PlayStation 4 deals nowadays, so you're not paying more for the refined tech. We'd advise you check out the cheap PS4 bundles further down this page as many of them are cheaper than buying the console on its own or you can get a lot more for a spending a bit extra on top. You'll often find that the most attractive way to get a cheap PS4 is with a bundle with extra hardware or extra games. These are the best PS4 bundle prices currently available in the UK – we update these deals on a regular basis. Extra PS4 retailer links:Want to look through some more cheap PS4 deals? It's ok, you're only hurting our feelings a little. The links below will take you straight to the PS4 console deals section of the following websites, just in-case you fancy digging out a bargain of your own.
The PS4 that offers 4K HDR gaming and Netflix Essentially, the PS4 Pro is a 4K upgrade of the current PS4, rather than a 'next-gen' console. The keywords to take in from the PS4 Pro are 4K and HDR. The new machine allows game developers to include 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range options in their games, so expect the like of Death Stranding, Red Dead Redemption 2, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, God of War, Uncharted 4, Horizon: Zero Dawn and more to look even better on a HDR-enabled 4K TV. You'll also be able to stream 4K content from Netflix and YouTube. Want to get the right TV? Then check out our cheap 4K TV sales and deals page. We've seen big discounts as Sony fights off the latest Xbox One X deals too.
PlayStation recently released this DualShock 4 back button attachment to add extra functionality to its collection of PS4 controllers. So far, the add-on has proven popular, so we're currently seeing stock shortages in the US. As soon as it's back on the shelves, you'll see the best prices below, so be sure to check back soon. If you're buying a PS4, you'll probably need a cheap PlayStation Plus deal too. PlayStation Plus (aka PS Plus or PS+) allows you to play PS4 games online, along with access to the Instant Game Collection, a bunch of free games for PS4, PS3 and Vita each month. The default price for a year is £50. We can do better than that though, so check out our selection of the best PlayStation Plus deals. If you've got your eye on a few PS4 bundles, but don't know if they represent good value for money, you can always find out how much the included game is separately. Most PS4 bundles retail for the same price as the console by itself or less - £249 for a PS4 Slim and £349 for a PS4 Pro, so if you see one on sale above that price point, make sure you're saving cash by comparing the value of the extra goodies included. That said, even at the £249 price point, there are some PS4 bundles that are better than others. If you're in full-on savings mode, you'll want to find the bundle that offers the most expensive game included at that price point. There are some about offering cheaper games at the standard mark that represent less value than a recent release. In that situation, you may be better off picking up the PS4 bundle with the most recent or most expensive game bundled in and simply grabbing the cheaper game separately. Need an extra cheap PS4 controller? Don't forget to check our Best DualShock 4 deals. Or maybe a cheap PlayStation VR deal? If you're still torn, maybe you'd prefer one of our Xbox One deals? This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Intel Tiger Lake processors will thwart future Spectre and Meltdown attacks Posted: 15 Jun 2020 10:06 AM PDT Intel has announced that its 10nm Tiger Lake CPUs will be boast a new hardware-based security feature to protect against Spectre-like malware attacks. The laptop processors will be the first to come with would be the new Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology (CET), which Intel claims offers protection against the misuse of legitimate code through control-flow hijacking attacks, a type of malware that has been notoriously difficult to mitigate through software. Jointly developed by Intel and Microsoft, the technology provides two new key capabilities to help guard against control-flow hijacking malware: Shadow Stack (SS) and Indirect Branch Tracking (IBT).
Shadow Stack refers to a copy of a program's intended execution flow which is used to ensure no unauthorized changes take place in an app's intended execution order to defend against ROP attack methods. IBT, on the other hand, delivers indirect branch protection to defend against jump/call-oriented programming (JOP/COP) attack methods. "Intel CET is designed to protect against the misuse of legitimate code through control-flow hijacking attacks–widely used techniques in large classes of malware," Intel VP & GM of Client Security Strategy and Initiatives Tom Garrison said. Intel's CET will be available in mobile CPUs that use the Tiger Lake microarchitecture, and the technology will also be available in the firm's future desktop and server platforms. No future MeltdownsAs has been well documented, Intel has had a rough few years when it comes to CPU security. Most notably, it was discovered in 2018 that all Intel CPUs produced in the last 20 years were vulnerable to the "catastrophic" Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities. These hardware flaws enabled normal user programs, such as database applications and JavaScript in web browsers, to identify some of the layout or contents of protected kernel memory areas of the vulnerable chips. More recently, a flaw called 'Spoiler' was discovered that, like Spectre, enabled an attacker to exploit the way the PC’s memory works to glimpse data from running programs and other critical data which should otherwise not be accessible. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best PS4 Pro prices, deals, and bundles in June 2020 Posted: 15 Jun 2020 10:02 AM PDT PS4 Pro bundles and deals are heavily dependent on region this week as we're seeing some fantastic offers returning to the shelves in the UK, but the US is still facing shortages. You'll still be able to get your hands on a PS4 Pro in the US, but if you're on the hunt for that particular bundle, you'll have to wait unfortunately. In the UK, things are looking at lot rosier right now as you'll have your pick of a whole range of new releases including the brand new limited edition The Last of Us Part II bundle at Currys. We've included what we think are the best PS4 Pro deals and bundles just down below, so simply scroll down to see what's on offer this week. With the PS5 price still up in the air, now's actually a great time to grab yourself a cheap PS4 Pro as prices remain fairly low even with stock issues. Plus, there's a whole catalog of exclusive PS4 games dropping in price all the time. So, keep this page bookmarked to stay informed of the latest PS4 Pro bundles. If you're looking for more information on the PS4 Pro, take a look at our handy Q&A below the deals. Looking to buy in Australia? You'll want to take a look at our AU page. If you'd prefer a standard PS4, then check out our PS4 bundles (USA) or PS4 deals (UK) pages. Don't forget to top up your subscription with one of our discounted PlayStation Plus deals too. What is the usual PS4 Pro Price?The PS4 Pro price sits at $399 MSRP in the US and £349 in the UK. That means if you spot a deal above these price points, it's likely not going to be worth your cash unless it's good some hefty goodies included. PS4 Pro bundle deals (USA)PS4 Pro bundles are in short supply right now in the US, with nearly all of the big retailers being sold out currently. However, over the years we've developed an eye for cheap PS4 Pro prices and there are still a few PS4 Pro deals to be had if you know where to look. PS4 Pro bundle deals (UK)Need an extra controller on the cheap? Take a look at the best DualShock 4 deals. We also have a guide to the best PlayStation VR deals too. Cheap PS4 game dealsLooking for something to pair your new PS4 Pro deal with? We've collected all the best prices on the latest and greatest PS4 exclusives right here.
DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment pricesIf you were looking to add extra functionality to your PS4 controller, this DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment from Sony offers just that. The small device slips onto the back of your controller and provides two extra mappable buttons to play with. While it's brand new to market, it's so far been incredibly popular, so you might have to keep an eye out for stock to return, especially in the US. The best prices will be listed right here as soon as this device does hit shelves again, so be sure to check back soon if there's none available right now. Cheap PlayStation Plus dealsIf you're buying a PS4 Pro, you'll probably need a cheap PlayStation Plus deal too. PlayStation Plus (aka PS Plus or PS+) allows you to play PS4 games online, along with access to the Instant Game Collection, a bunch of free games for your PS4 each month. The default price for a year is now £49.99. We've shopped around for you though and found a range of prices. So check out our guide of you want the best PlayStation Plus deals. What is the PS4 Pro?Essentially, the PS4 Pro is an upgrade of the PS4, rather than a 'next-gen' console. The keywords to take in from the PS4 Pro are 4K and HDR. The new machine will allow game developers to include 4K options in their games, so expect the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, Uncharted 4, Spider-Man, Days Gone, Horizon: Zero Dawn and more to look even better on a 4K TV. HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is the other buzzword to be excited about as the PS4 Pro will allow for extra detail to be seen on a range of games and also a wider range of colors not usually displayed by traditional HD TVs. Will my old PS4 games work on PS4 Pro?Absolutely. If you're planning on upgrading to a PS4 Pro from an older PS4, all of your games will still work. Not every title will be patched to take advantage of the new 4K/HDR capabilities, but the default upscaling (if you have a 4K TV) will more than likely see some improvement to the visuals and the improved console power may give the frame-rate a boost on some titles. What else can I watch in 4K/HDR on PS4 Pro?The PS4 Pro is compatible with 4K and HDR, and the content options for both are increasing all the time on services like YouTube and Netflix. Amazon Prime Video is yet to be updated for 4K content on a PS4 Pro though, so you'll need to check out the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K deals if you want to enjoy 4K Prime. Does the PS4 Pro support 4K Blu-rays?No. This was a surprise if we're honest, especially as both the Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles do. It's a bit of a gamble for Sony, but at the same time, 4K Blu-rays are very expensive for now and many consumers look to digital services to provide their 4K movies and TV content instead. Do I need a 4K TV to run a PS4 Pro?No, the PS4 Pro will still work on a regular 1080p TV, you won't get the benefits of upscaling or HDR though. You may see a slim amount of extra detail, or frame-rate boost, but we wouldn't expect a massive leap. If you are thinking of buying a 4K TV soon, then it's probably a good idea to splash out on the PS4 Pro instead of the regular or new PS4 Slim as it'll future proof you for a while. Be sure to look out for a TV that supports HDR too, in order to take full advantage of the PS4 Pro's capabilities.
Will PlayStation VR be better on the PS4 Pro?Yes, but only a little. The PlayStation VR frame-rate is better on PS4 Pro and the resolution gets a bit of a bump too. PlayStation VR will certainly work on the older PS4s too, you don't need a PS4 Pro to get involved there. Does the PS4 Pro have optical audio support?Yes! The optical audio output has been removed from the PS4 Slim though, which is a massive shame. PS4 Pro owners though will still be able to use optical connections for their soundbars and sound systems. What are the best games on PS4 Pro?We've dived through our back catalogue of PS4 games that have received a PS4 Pro update patch to see which ones look the best and have a noticeable difference. Take a look at our extensive feature - The best PS4 Pro games. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The cheapest Xbox One bundles, deals and sale prices in June 2020 Posted: 15 Jun 2020 09:54 AM PDT Our Xbox One bundles, deals and sale roundup is the best place on the entire web to find the lowest prices on one of the best games console you can buy right now. After what feels like months of inconsistent stock levels and bare shelves, Xbox one deals are back again this week in the UK. The official Microsoft store is looking especially good right now, offering a full range of bundles with some of the latest games included. We've rounded up the best offers available just below as well as some great tips on where else to find the best Xbox One sale prices right now. Highlights include a selection of Xbox One bundles at Microsoft offering a free copy of Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, or Forza Horizon 4. All this week's Xbox One prices are sitting at the standard £249.99 or less, meaning that while you're not saving big bucks here, you are managing to avoid any inflated surcharges that may result from the current increased demand. If you've decided it's finally time to shop for some sweet Xbox One deals, you're in luck. Most of these Xbox One bundles include the 1TB consoles now, which are much more accommodating for your library of games and their large install sizes than the 500GB models, which are now mostly discontinued. Whichever Xbox you're looking for, you'll be sure to find it here, so scroll on down and see what we've got on offer this week. Finding the best Xbox One bundles and dealsRetailers are stocking some cheap Xbox One deals as standalone purchases, but the best value is to be found with bundles offering extra Xbox One games. Xbox One bundles often cost less than the prices of the standalone consoles too nowadays, so be sure to check out our hand-picked list of the best Xbox One deals below. Or maybe you're looking for a 4K upgrade? Then you'll want to take a look at the latest Xbox One X bundles. Looking to buy in the US or Australia? You'll want to head on over to our US page or AU page. As the name suggests, this version of the Xbox One does not come with a disc drive. So you will not be able to play physical games or blu-rays on this version. The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition costs £199 in the UK and comes with codes for Forza Horizon 3, Minecraft and Sea of Thieves, or Minecraft, Sea of Thieves and Fortnite DLC depending on which version you pick up. To be honest, we're not entirely convinced at that price point as you can get the regular version for a similar price and with newer games. Actually, we regularly see standard Xbox One S bundles on this page go for even less, so be sure to check out the offers further down the page before jumping on this. That said, we're seeing prices creep closer to £150 for Xbox bundles now, so it does represent a cheap way to get into the Microsoft ecosystem and start reaping the rewards of Game Pass for less. The slimmed-down design of the Xbox One S looks much better than the original chunky box and the power brick is now a thing of the past. The main draw though is 4K visual support meaning you'll be able to watch specialised Blu-Ray and Netflix content in 4K on your new 4K TV. As we turn the corner towards Series X, we'll be seeing better and better Xbox One bundles as retailers start to shift their stock ahead of the new console. That, and the fact that games are about to get real cheap for this system, means it's not too late to bag yourself a brand new Xbox One S deal in 2020.
What is the Xbox One S price?The Xbox One price sat at a very different figure on the console's launch in 2013. Since being twarted in the initial console race by Sony, Microsoft have since brought that RRP down considerably, and in recent months we're seeing plenty of Xbox One S price cuts as the console enters its final phase. Right now, you're likely to find an Xbox One bundle for around £249 - the standard console price with a free game included. There are some Xbox One prices that sit below that point, and they shouldn't be ignored as lower value, but they are offering cheaper games bundled in. More Xbox One dealsStill not found your ideal Xbox One deal in our highlights of the best offers out there? Why not check out more Xbox One bundles directly from the retailers from our list below? When to find good Xbox One salesThe best Xbox One sales usually happen around key release dates and shopping periods. That means you'll find new Xbox One bundles with the launch of first party exclusive games and hot timed-exclusives as well. That may all go out the window, however, with the upcoming launch of the Xbox Series X. With the new console due out within the year, Microsoft and retailers alike are going to be keen to shift as much stock of the older consoles as usual. That's good for shoppers for two reasons; a) it means you'll pick up Xbox One sales far cheaper, and b) the games you'll be playing on your new console will be reduced in price even more. The Xbox One X is capable of displaying games in glorious HDR 4K and is the most powerful console ever made. Sadly, it has the price-tag to match too as it's way more expensive than the Xbox One S. The comparison chart below is mainly full of prices for the new console on its own. However, we're starting to see better offers appear online where you can get discounted and free games included too. For more details, head on over to our extensive Xbox One X bundles page for the best value deals. If you're looking to play your Xbox games online or take advantage of the free Games with Gold initiative, you'll want to check out our cheap Xbox Live Gold deals page where we've found prices considerably cheaper than the default price. If you're looking to play more games on your Xbox One S but don't want to splash on full purchases, you should also check out our best Xbox Game Pass deals. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best gaming keyboard 2020: the best gaming keyboards we've tested Posted: 15 Jun 2020 09:50 AM PDT When you’ve got one of the best gaming keyboards at your disposal, you can count on reliability, accuracy and durability. These are more than just peripherals with some flashy lighting, and although they might not make you an immediate master of the best PC games, they’ll certainly improve your experience and gaming performance in every way. Cheap keyboards might do an adequate job, but there's a level of performance, features and even aesthetics that only come with a great keyboard. Much like with getting the best gaming mouse and the best gaming monitors, upgrading to one of the best gaming keyboards will make a massive difference in your experience. These keyboards will deliver accurate and quick responses, features you didn’t realize you needed or wanted such as Macros, and a level of comfort that will enhance any gaming session. Whether it’s comfort, features or just solid performance that you’re looking for, these are the best gaming keyboards available right now. Be sure to check out our price comparison tool so you’re also getting the best price available.
The best gaming keyboard 2020 at a glance
The SteelSeries Apex Pro gets our coveted 5-star rating. The SteelSeries Apex Pro’s svelte aesthetic and clever OLED display are just the appetizers. The SteelSeries Apex Pro gets our coveted 5-star rating for many reasons, the biggest of which are its stunning and solid build, custom actuation and comfortable – not to mention, quiet – magnetic switches. Performance-wise, it’s among the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested yet, which makes its $199 price tag worth the splurge. Read the full review: SteelSeries Apex Pro Razer Huntsman Elite costs a small fortune, but it's absolutely worth it. If you have the need for speed, then the Huntsman Elite is your best bet, thanks to its new optomechanical switches. That sounds like a mouthful, but essentially, it means that Razer has managed to combine mechanical switches with optical sensors. This unthinkable allows the Huntsman Elite to take its actuation to the next level, and you would be hard-pressed to find a faster keyboard on the market. Switches aside, it’s also remarkably comfortable to type on. Plus, it’s covered with more RGB lighting than you can shake a stick at. Sure, it needs two USB cables for power and costs a small fortune, but with tech like this, it’s absolutely worth it. Read the full review: Razer Huntsman Elite Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo uses Roccat's own Titan switches. The Roccat Vulcan 120 should be at the top of your gaming keyboard wish list, if you want one that looks and feels good. This svelte keyboard uses Roccat’s own Titan switches, rather than the Cherry MX switches found on most other keyboards on this list, and we can vouch for how superb they are. This gaming keyboard combines amazing tactile feedback with quiet and comfort. It really isn’t hard to see why this is one of the best gaming keyboards on the market today. Read the full review: Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 is fitted with mechanical keys, dedicated macro keys and slick aesthetics. When you think Alienware, “value” isn’t the word that comes to mind. But, this time around, the Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 is a genuinely great deal. At under 100 bucks or quid, you’re getting the toughest gaming keyboard fitted with mechanical keys, dedicated macro keys and slick aesthetics. It’s not the most feature rich keyboard in the game, but at this price, it really doesn’t need to be. One of the best gaming keyboards in 2020, the Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 gets the job done, and looks good while doing it. Read the full review: Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is affordable while being up there with its more premium 'mem-chanical' competitors. Not everything has to be super high-end to be good, and the Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is the perfect example. Though this one’s a keyboard and mouse set, the keyboard is the star of the show. Sitting at just under a hundred bucks, the MasterSet’s keyboard is affordable while being up there with its more premium ‘mem-chanical’ competitors in terms of quality. The switches on offer bring a ton of tactile feedback and deep travel. It’s quiet as well, so you can furiously pounding away during an intense late-night Overwatch match without worry. The Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is, without a doubt, one of the best gaming keyboards under $100. Read the full review: Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is one of the best gaming keyboards we've tested. A $159 price tag on a gaming keyboard might a tad too steep, but the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested in the last year, really does give you a lot of ounce for your bounce. We’re not talking the more trivial bells and whistles like fancy RGB lighting either – although since we are on the subject, this one’s got a whole lot of them, not to mention its integrated 19-zone light bar and the 16.8 million color options, to boot. By bang, we actually mean its 6 dedicated macro keys, 8MB on-board storage and aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame. Read the full review: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard is extremely comfortable to type as well as game on. You might be thinking that if you’ve seen one of the best gaming keyboards, you’ve seen them all: big, garish hunks of metal with bright RGB lighting. Well, the Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard will surprise you. While it definitely has the RGB lighting (honestly, how could it not?), it leaves the rest of the cliches in the past where they belong. Appealing and responsive, this keyboard is only as big as it needs to be, and is thus extremely comfortable to type as well as game on. There are no multimedia buttons, but we’d happily make that trade any day for a keyboard this good at such a low price. Read the full review: Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition manages to deliver fast performance without being expensive. Shelling out more than $100 for a great gaming keyboard is to be expected if you’re even slightly serious your gaming performance. But the beauty of Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is that it manages to deliver fast performance without being the most expensive keyboard in town. True, there aren’t a lot of features here, which puts it behind many of its feature-rich rivals, but it makes up for that by being small and boasting a removable to make it perfectly portable for on-the-go gaming. Read our full review: Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition The budget-minded SteelSeries Apex 3 may come with a few concessions, but it also boasts some impressive features. Not all great gaming keyboards have mechanical switches, as this affordable Apex keyboard is proving. The budget-minded SteelSeries Apex 3 may come with a few concessions, but it also boasts some impressive features that more than make up for those compromises. One of those features is its IP32 water resistance for protection against any spills – because who hasn’t accidentally knocked over a can of soda while gaming? Another is its reactive and customizable 10-zone RGB illumination to make your gaming experience all the more impressive. And, if you absolutely hate those clickety clacking noises that mechanical keyboards love to make, you’ll really appreciate this keyboard’s whisper quiet gaming switches. Read the full review: SteelSeries Apex 3 Although the Razer Ornata V2’s mecha-membrane keys aren’t as comfortable to type on as other mechanical switch keyboards, this gaming keyboard does have a few selling points that really set it apart from its rivals. Some of the notable design elements here, which are typically seen in more expensive products, are the dedicated media keys, a volume wheel that has a really nice texture to it, and an incredibly comfortable wrist rest. Plus, those mecha-membrane switches are incredibly quiet, making them perfect for late night gaming when you’ve got a roommate. This is definitely one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested in 2020. Read the full review: Razer Ornata V2 Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| So, an AMD Ryzen 4000 APU can apparently run Crysis without a CPU cooler ��♀️ Posted: 15 Jun 2020 09:05 AM PDT While AMD Ryzen 4000 laptop chips are probably one of the best things to happen to gaming laptops in a while, we haven't really heard much about the U-series chips. However, they might be a tad underrated. Fritzchens Fritz over on Twitter, posted a video of an AMD Ryzen 3 4300U with no cooling whatsoever, running through the entire Crysis benchmark. It's impressive that the board running this chip didn't immediately shut down due to heat, but the fact that it got through an entire benchmark run is seriously awesome.
This was apparently achieved by going into the BIOS and setting the maximum temperature to 90C down from 100C, which caused the processor to start throttling much earlier, stopping it from immediately overheating once getting into the operating system. Now, as should be totally expected with something like this, benchmark scores are unimpressive to say the least. The processor manages a measly 327 points in Cinebench R15, and 395 in 3DMark Time Spy. Now, we've never tested this processor, but if this chip can get numbers like that with no cooling, we can only imagine what it can do in a laptop with a robust cooling system. Either way, this is definitely not something you should try at home. Modern CPUs have failsafes in place that will stop a CPU from frying itself, but it's not impossible to brick your system by testing this out. That doesn't mean you can't be impressed by someone else putting their hardware at risk, though.
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| The best cheap Xbox One X prices, bundles and deals in June 2020 - where to buy the 4K Xbox Posted: 15 Jun 2020 08:58 AM PDT Your chances of picking up cheap Xbox One X deals and bundles will depend greatly on your location this week. Those of you in the UK are especially lucky, as you can pick up an Xbox One X bundle for just £259 at Currys right now. If you're in the US, you'll find things a little more touch and go, unfortunately. There are still a few bundles left in stock at Newegg and Amazon, but they're currently retailing for around $460, so it might be prudent to either wait or go for a refurbished deal instead. Our hunt for the perfect Xbox One X deal continues daily so make sure you bookmark this page and revisit if you don't want to miss the next restock. Those you visiting from the UK should act quickly if you want to bag yourself an Xbox One X deal this week as we've got some for just £259 at Currys. These are sold out everywhere else right now, and it's unlikely this sales price will crop up again for a while so definitely jump on these while you still can. Gamers looking for the most powerful console ever made to date have been keen to pick up Xbox One X deals since release but there was a high cost to pay in the early days. You'll find all the latest Xbox One X bundles available here, with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, the Gears of War collection, and Forza Horizon 4 leading the pack in discounts. If you're after something a little cheaper, you can head over to the latest Xbox One S bundle deals. If you're after information on the latest Australian deals, head over to our Australian page. The best Xbox One X deals
US Xbox One X bundle stock has all but run dry this week after Microsoft's previous sale wiped out most retailer stock. Right now the cheapest Xbox One X bundle is this Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order bundle at Newegg for $469.95 which isn't a particularly good offer as you're not saving any cash over buying a console and game separately. Because of this, we'd probably recommend holding off on a purchase until the normal $399 bundle offers come back into stock at Microsoft, Amazon, and other big retailers. Below we've rounded up a list of the best retailers to keep an eye on for when stock returns back to normal.
UK Xbox One X bundles are running really low this week outside of Currys, where stock has just returned with a £90 off discount. We'd recommend jumping on these quick if you're ready to commit as they're probably going to sell out soon. If you're too late, we've also included some links just below to the main retailers which are waiting for stocks to replenish.
If you're after more games for your Xbox One X, then why not check out our Xbox Game Pass deals page. There's also plenty of savings to be had on online play as well with our top picks of the best Xbox Live Gold sales. What is the Xbox One X price?The Xbox One X MSRP is $499 in the US and the UK RRP currently sits at £449. So sure, it looks like UK gamers are paying considerable more as the direct currency conversion would have it at £390. On the plus side, retailers are starting to cut prices and we're seeing games bundled in too. So you should never pay those costs for the console alone today. Why should I buy an Xbox One X?Just to be clear, this is not what you'd call a 'next-gen' console. Instead it's a more powerful version over the current Xbox One lineup. To simplify things, it's akin to Sony's PS4 Pro. Both consoles are aimed at gamers with a 4K HDR TV who want the best graphical performance possible on their favored console. There will be modest performance boosts on non-4K TVs too, but you're kind of missing the point without a 4K HDR TV. The Xbox One X will play all Xbox One games and there are no games released exclusively for the Xbox One X, so there's certainly no reason to throw away your older Xbox One. The Xbox One X is the most powerful console ever made though, even outshining some of the specs of the PS4 Pro. But given the huge asking price, you'd hope as much. The Xbox One X is making bold claims about true native 4K gaming though and if you have a 4K TV with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, the Xbox One X is ready to seriously impress with the likes of Forza Motorsport 7, Metro: Exodus and Anthem acting as true jaw-droppers in the graphics department. Where can I buy an Xbox One X?Most of the usual big name retailers are stocking the Xbox One X. Prices are much better than they were at launch now too. Keep an eye on the highlighted Xbox One X bundles above and our comparison chart, which we'll keep up to date on the latest prices for the Xbox One X on its own. So feel free to bookmark us and check in again soon to see if we've found the deal that's right for you. What if I don't care about 4K or want to save money?The standard Xbox One S is a fantastic games console and you'll easily be able to get one with a few games for around $220/£200 or less. There are cheap deals all year round on our Xbox One deals and PS4 prices, deals and bundles pages. Only kidding. I want 4K HDR in my face right now.4K TVs with HDR are nowhere near as expensive as you'd think. The prices have come down much faster than the original HD TVs, so you can get a decent model for a low price. Hell we've seen some nice ones for less than the price of the Xbox One X itself (what a ridiculous world we live in). For the best of the best, take a look at our best TV article. We've also rounded up the best cheap 4K TV deals too in the UK, and also a collection of US TV deals. How big is the hard drive in the Xbox One X?For now, the only option available is the 1TB option, that's 1000GB of storage. There are no official plans for larger versions.. With some 4K-friendly update patches to games coming in at over 100GB, we certainly wouldn't hold out for a cheaper 500GB Xbox One X, as it'd be a bit pointless to be honest. We think gamers are going to fill up the 1TB Xbox One pretty soon. Thankfully the Xbox One X is compatible with external hard drives using USB 3.0. So if you need some extra storage, check out our list of the best external hard drives. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Amazon Father's Day sale: deals on the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick, Kindle, and more Posted: 15 Jun 2020 08:52 AM PDT Father's Day is less than a week away, and if you're looking for a last-minute Father's Day gift, then Amazon has you covered. Amazon's Father Day sale is happening right now and includes price cuts on best-selling devices that are all dad-approved. For a limited time, you can save on tablets, e-readers, smart speakers, security cameras, and more. Amazon's top deals for dad include a $20 price cut on the third-generation Echo Dot smart speaker, making it just $29.99, the best-selling Fire TV Stick streaming media player on sale for just $29.99, and the all-new, hands-free, 4K streaming player Fire TV Cube discounted down to $99.99. If you're looking for tablet and e-reader deals, you can get the Fire 7 on sale for just $39.99 or save $25 on the 2019 Kindle Paperwhite. Amazon Father's Day sale picks:You can also shop more deals with our roundup of Father's Day sales 2020 and see the best 4th of July sales that are happening now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best cheap TV sales and 4K TV deals in the UK in June 2020 Posted: 15 Jun 2020 08:31 AM PDT Our weekly cheap 4K TV deals roundup is here to find you not only the best TV for you but to save you as much cash as possible. We're always scanning the top retailers in the UK looking for discounts, sales, and TV deals to put into our recommendations and this week we've got some really great offers to share. We've found cheap TVs ranging from a comparatively small 43-inches all the way to massive 65-inch monsters, so you're sure to find the right TV deal for you. This week's 4K TV deals include savings of up to £300 and some truly great low prices on a range of Sony, Philps, LG and Toshiba displays to name a few. All of these top brands are competing to offer the best tech for the money, so even if you're on a budget you can still bag yourself some top-shelf features in a cheap TV. With powerful upscaling processors, full smart home integration, and industry-standard Dolby Atmos support, all these 4K TV deals are fantastic value. We sort our cheap TVs by size, so you can head straight to the best dimensions for you where you'll find each set organised by price to keep that budget in check. No matter what room you have in mind, we've got 4K TV deals for all applications and places here, be it the bedroom, living room, or study. The best cheap 4K TV deals in this week's roundup all offer awe-inspiring HDR and streamlined upscaling processing to make everything shine. We've got you covered if you're looking for cheap TVs in the US too. If you're looking to push the budget, you can also take a look at the best OLED TV prices and deals available right now. We keep our eye on the latest TV deals throughout the year, so we're poised to find you the best price whenever the need to replace your old TV arises. We're fully behind the 4K TV movement too as a competitive market has seen prices reach affordable levels much quicker than when HD sets first came around. One look at the prices below and you'll see what we mean. Check our picks of the best 4K TVs to scope out the top dogs. Finding you the best cheap 4K TV dealsWe've split our carefully curated 4K TV deals into different size categories immediately after our pick for cheap TV deal of the week. Whatever your budget, we're sure we can find something for you. Note: all of our selected TV sales highlights are for 4K/Ultra HD TVs and include a built-in freeview tuner as standard. Pretty much every deal comes with Smart TV functionality built-in along with HDR technology. If they don't, we'll clearly mention it. The best cheap TV sales available nowExtra retailer cheap 4K TV sales links:Not found the right cheap TV for you today? Or maybe you'd prefer to directly browse the offers at your favourite retailers instead of our highlights of the best cheap TV deals? We're updating this page on a regular basis, so you may have better luck another day. If you want to take a look for yourself now though, here are the direct links to a the full collection of TV sales at multiple stores. More large screen 4K TV salesIf you're after more seriously large TV deals, we should warn you, they don't come cheap. However, if you want to see some more large screen TV deals -we're talking about 65 to 85-inch TVs- we'd recommend heading over to John Lewis, Currys and Amazon as they seem to stock more models than most UK retailers. If you'd like a headstart on some of the very finest TVs money can buy, be sure to take a look at our guides for the best 55-inch TV or if you're going large we've got the best 65-inch TV models covered too. Are 4K TV deals getting cheaper?As the technology progresses, and even leaps into the world of 8K, 4K TV deals are getting cheaper and cheaper, meaning more households than ever are able to afford premium displays like the ones highlighted here. Not only does that show just how cheap these 4K TV deals have become in recent years, but it also means there's more content being made to be displayed on these 4K TVs available as well. So, not only are these sets getting cheaper, but there's also plenty more to watch on them as well. How to tell if cheap TVs are worth itCheap TVs can often wow with price tags but disappoint once they're at home and plugged in, however there are ways to find 4K TV deals that bring premium experiences down to lower price ranges. Sacrificing a few features you won't use to prioritise the ones you will is an easy way to get started, but finding that perfect mix might prove difficult. On the other hand, even displays costing between £200 and £400 are often considered to be cheap TVs, so you'll want to make sure you're getting your money's worth with your new setup. That's where these TV deals come in handy - you can easily get features well above your price range included in your new cheap TV if you know when and where to deal hunt. Nowadays, you'll want to be picking up a 4K TV if you're looking to spend within this price range. Straight HD and HD-ready TV deals are still kicking around some retailers and, for the price you're paying for the previous wave of technology, you could well be picking up a 4K display instead. As the price scale rises, you'll be picking up higher pixel density, better colour differentiation, deeper dynamic range, and better upscaling from pricier units. It's worth checking out the various display specifications to make sure your cheap TV matches up to what others are offering at that particular price point. Or, you could let us do all of that for you with the 4K TV deals listed here. Need something to watch on your new 4K TV? Check out the latest Amazon Fire Stick prices and deals, or shop the cheapest Roku prices and sales available now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best laptop 2020: our pick of the 15 best laptops you can buy this year Posted: 15 Jun 2020 08:22 AM PDT Welcome to our pick of the best laptops of 2020. Whether you're working from home or in the office, after a gaming PC to unwind with or just looking for a budget laptop that can keep you connected to friends and family, we're here to help. We've seen some brilliant new laptops in 2020 from the likes of HP, Dell and Apple, and we've put them all through their paces. During our rigorous laptop review process, if we think a device is worthy of inclusion in our best laptops list, then we put it here. So, you'll find our pick of the top laptops to suit a whole range of budgets and needs – and with our built-in price comparison tool, which scours the internet for the best deals, so you can shop safe in the knowledge that you're paying the lowest possible price for these brilliant notebooks as well. Our best laptops list doesn't just focus on the most powerful – and expensive – laptops out there. We've got a wide range of different laptops for different uses and budgets, including the best gaming laptops, affordable Chromebooks and the best budget laptops as well. No matter what your budget is, or what kind of laptop you're after, our list of the best laptops of 2020 will help you find the right device for you. In our view, the is the best laptop you can buy in 2020. We'd even go so far as to say it's a perfect laptop. It's got a fantastic thin and light design, while also packing some of the best mobile tech on the market in 2020. It's also got that superb build quality we've come to expect from Dell. But, if that's not the right laptop for you, then we've also got a number of excellent alternatives. Every device in our best laptops list has been extensively tested by us, while our price comparison tool will make sure you get the best deals for the best laptops. During our testing process, we make sure that these laptops offer the best battery lives, design, performance and value in their respective fields. Buying any of the laptops in this best laptop list ensures you're getting an incredible mobile PC. The best laptops 2020:The Dell XPS 15 is our new pick for the best laptop of 2020. Dell's 2020 update to its 15-inch flagship ticks pretty much every box when it comes to what we want from a laptop. The end result is that the Dell XPS 15 (2020) is about as close to perfect as a laptop can get; there's really not a lot we can fault it for. It's got some of the latest, and best, mobile tech from Intel, and can even be configured with a discrete GPU, making it adept at image and video editing, and even a spot of light gaming. It also features one of the finest designs we've seen in a laptop, and is arguably the most stylish Windows 10 laptop on the market right now. Battery life is also phenomenal, and the price, while high, isn't that bad considering what you get. We're used to seeing Dell's smaller XPS 13 (featured below) at the top of this list, so we're glad to see its bigger 15-inch sibling bask in the limelight. Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 (2020) The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop has had a big refresh for 2020, and the boost in specs, with 10th-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Plus graphics, along with the impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis, means that the new version has a well-deserved spot towards the top of our best laptops list. HP has been on a roll of late, with the excellent HP Elite Dragonfly also appearing high in our best laptops list (you'll find it a few places below), but when it comes to build quality, design and pure performance, the HP Spectre x360 (2020) is by far the best 13-inch laptop you can buy right now in 2020. While it's certainly pricey, you're getting some excellent extras, such as formidable security features and Bang & Olufsen speakers. If you care about aesthetics as much as you do performance and overall quality, this is the laptop for you. Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 (2020) The Dell XPS 13 has been a regular of our best laptops list for years, and the 2020 again earns a well-deserved spot. It keeps everything we've come to love from Dell's flagship 13-incher, from the gorgeous and light design, to the powerful modern components that power it. The Dell XPS 13 now rocks 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, which means the Dell XPS 13 (2020) is a brilliant performer, while remaining thin and light. What’s more, there’s a wide range of customization options, so you can really make the Dell XPS 13 the best laptop for your needs. The 2020 model refines the already-brilliant design of the XPS 13, but it does come at a high cost. While this is easily one of the best laptops in the world right now, it's also one of the most expensive as well. If you like the look of the Dell XPS 13, but want a bigger screen, check out the Dell XPS 15 (2020), at the top of this list. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 Huawei has done it again, and its latest laptop is one of our picks for the best laptop of 2019. As with last year's Huawei MateBook X Pro, the MateBook 13 comes with some of the latest components, including a discrete Nvidia MX150 graphics card, and a gorgeous lightweight design, that you'd expect to find on a much more expensive laptop. The fact that the MateBook 13 offer so much, yet comes with an impressively low price – compared to its Ultrabook competitors, makes it our choice for the best value laptop. Sure, you may be missing a few minor niceties here and there to achieve such a competitive price, but on the whole, this is the most value-packed flagship laptop that we’ve ever tested. If you're after a few more bells and whistles, like super-fast Thunderbolt 3 ports and a 4K display, then the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro (also on this list of best laptops) may be better choices. Recently, the US government blacklisted Huawei, which many feared would have implications on whether the Chinese company's laptops would still get support from the like of Microsoft and Intel. The good news is that both Microsoft and Intel have confirmed that they will continue to support Huawei laptops, which means the MateBook 13 and other models will still get important Windows 10 updates. Read the full review: Huawei MateBook 13 Beyond the Acer Swift 3's modest exterior, you'll find an excellent laptop that boasts plenty of power for work and study. The Swift 3 (not to be confused with the Switch 3 another laptop from Acer) is an inexpensive laptop; however, that plain chassis is all-aluminum and packed with beefy components. In terms of performance, it gets surprisingly close to the far more expensive Microsoft Surface Laptop. Its display is a little lower-res, but the two are otherwise strikingly similar - other than the price. This laptop is incredible to use as well, with its roomy trackpad as well as its backlit keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience with decent travel. If you're going to be writing a lot – whether you’re traveling or at the office, this is one of the best budget laptops 2020 has on offer. Read the full review: Acer Swift 3 While we are sad that the 15-inch MacBook Pro is no more, we’ve welcomed the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) with open arms. As thin, light and sleek as ever, you wouldn’t think this was a 16-inch behemoth. Yet, you’re getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it. This is, without a doubt, the best MacBook for content creators, designers and other creative professionals. With amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard to boot. Read the full review: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) Apple has once again refreshed and improved the MacBook Air, and the 2020 model represents the biggest upgrade we've seen in quite a while, easily making it one of the best laptops in the world, and certainly the best affordable MacBook ever made. Apple has now included the latest 10th generation Intel processors, and for the first time you're able to get a MacBook AIr with a quad-core CPU, which makes a big difference when it comes to perfomance. You also get more storage as well, with Apple doubling the amount the base model comes with to 256GB. While it's can't compete with the raw power of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (above), this is by far the best MacBook Air the company has ever made. Best of all, Apple has once again lowered the entry price, so you're getting a more powerful laptop for cheaper. What's not to like about that? Read the full review: MacBook Air (2020) 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, and making it one of the best laptops in 2020, and our pick of the best gaming laptop overall. 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, ultra-thin 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, and if you're looking for a more affordable laptop, check out the Dell G5 15 below. Read the full review: Asus Zephyrus G14 If the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 above is out of your price range, then the Asus TUF A15 will be the best laptop for you. It's more affordable than the Zephyrus, but it still offers amazing performance, and is our pick for the best budget gaming laptop in 2020. Much of what we love about the Asus TUF A15 is down to the brilliant AMD Ryzen 4000 mobile processor inside. The Asus TUF A15, however, is not just fantastic gaming performance, but a great value gaming rig with a long battery life and military-grade durability as well. With the help of Nvidia’s best 1080p graphics card (the RTX 2060), this Ryzen 4000-powered laptop will see you through all your 1080p gaming demands without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you play a lot of competitive esports, or need a rugged laptop, this one’s a winner. Read the full review: Asus TUF A15 This laptop from HP is our pick for the best business laptop – put simply, this is one of the most stylish and slimline laptops you'll ever see, and it's also packed with some brilliant features and powerful components. While the HP Elite Dragonfly is primarily aimed at business users, don't let that put you off. Its incredible design and gorgeous screen makes this the best laptop for anyone who can afford it. Battery life is excellent, the keyboard is a joy to type on, and it also has LTE connectivity. This lets you plug in a SIM card and access mobile internet wherever you are, without having to connect to slow (and potentially compromised) Wi-Fi hotspots. It's expensive, but if you can afford it, it's easily one of the best laptops of 2020. Read the full review: HP Elite Dragonfly Thanks to its sleek, 13-inch design, this 2-in-1 is leaner that you might have expected, which works in your favor when engaging it in tablet mode. There are other compelling reasons why the HP Envy x360 (2019) is worth considering when you’re on the lookout for the best laptops, especially in the 2-in-1 form factor. This HP beauty offers a premium build, boasts 9 hours of video playback and delivers a performance that will get you through most of your schoolwork and project, at a very reasonable price. Read the full review: HP Envy x360 (2019) Google's Pixelbook Go is the best Chromebook money can buy right now, with the company showing everyone else how it's done. Its previous Chromebook, the Pixelbook, was a brilliant Chromebook in its own way, but it cost a small fortune. The Pixelbook Go, on the other hand, is a more affordable Chromebook that retains a lot of its predecessor's premium features, while bringing some brilliant upgrades as well, including an astounding battery life and fantastic keyboard. It features some impressive specs for a Chromebook, which ensures that Chrome OS positively flies on this device, and puts its performance on par with many of the more expensive Windows laptops and MacBooks that grace the rest of this best laptops list. If you're looking for the ultimate Chromebook, or just one of the best laptops released in 2019, then the Pixelbook Go is the one to get. Read the full review: Google Pixelbook Go When it comes to the best Chromebook laptop, you have a choice between two stark alternatives. There's the more expensive Chromebook Pixel Go (featured earlier in this list), and then there's the excellent Asus Chromebook Flip C302, which combines premium features in a much more affordable package. For many people, Chromebooks are affordable laptops that are perfect for students, and the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is easily one of the best Chromebooks, and one of the best laptops, money can buy. It comes with an Intel Core processor, full 1080p display, touchscreen, backlit keyboard and USB-C port. Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip The new Asus VivoBook S15 hasn't been out for long, and it's made its way straight into our best laptops list. This is because it combines a thin and light design with great performance and an excellent price. If you're looking for a mid-range laptop that doesn't cost too much, but still performs brilliantly, then this is the best laptop for you. Thanks to its powerful Intel processor, 8GB of RAM and fast SSD storage, this is a laptop that can handle almost any task with ease – though gaming is out of the question. Its 15.6-inch screen is bright and vibrant, and it has loads of ports that makes it easy to hook up your favorite peripherals. However, it doesn't have the longest battery life for a laptop, and the ScreenPad, which replaces the traditional touchpad below the keyboard with a touchscreen, takes a bit of getting used to. Read the full review: Asus VivoBook S15 With the third version of the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft has made its best laptop yet. While it's not a huge leap over its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3 does improve on almost every aspect. Best of all, with the 15-inch version you now get a choice of either Intel or AMD hardware. Previously, only Intel tech was included. Elsewhere, the Surface Laptop 3 continues the Surface Laptop's reputation for being a stunningly designed laptop. These are some of the most desirable laptops in the world that don't have a logo of an apple on them, with a new aluminum body that gives it a premium feel, while protecting it from knocks and drops. There are still a few niggles, like the continued lack of ports, but in general this is one of the best laptops in the world right now. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
What should you look for when buying a new laptop?There are certain things you can look out for when buying a new laptop that can ensure you get the best laptop for your money. Make sure you take a look at the specifications of a laptop before buying. This is a good way of quickly seeing how powerful a laptop is, and what it is capable of – as long as you know what you’re looking for. First of all is the processor. This is essentially the brain of the laptop, and a laptop will usually have a processor (also known as a CPU) made by either Intel or AMD. Intel is by far the most popular CPU maker for laptops, though we’re seeing an increasing number of AMD-powered laptops as well. As a general rule of thumb, Intel processors offer better performance, but AMD processors are better value. To make things more simple, both Intel and AMD have numbered their processors to give you a rough idea of what sort of tasks a laptop with that processor can perform. If you’re after a budget laptop for simple tasks like browsing the web or watching Netflix, then a laptop with an Intel Pentium, Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, processor will do that job without making the laptop too expensive. If you’re after something with a bit more oomph – perhaps to do more complex task like editing your home videos or playing games – then go for a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor as a minimum. The best laptops for media creation, and more complex tasks, come with an Intel Core i7 or Core i9 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 7 processor. Laptops with these processors in them are top-of-the-range laptops that will provide brilliant performance no matter what you want to do – but be warned that they are often found in the most expensive laptops. Finally, keep an eye on how new the processor is. Intel handily gives its processors generations, so the higher the generation, the newer it is. The latest generation is the 10th generation, though 9th generation Intel Core processors are also pretty recent. A newer processor performs better and is more power efficient – so battery life will last longer. They are more expensive, though. RAM (Random Access Memory) is another important specification to look for in a laptop. You’ll want 4GB at the very least for a Windows laptop – though we’d actually recommend for many people to go for 8GB. That will ensure that the laptop runs well for years to come. When it comes to graphics, you don’t need to worry too much, as laptop processors come with built-in (integrated) graphics. However, if you want to play PC games on your laptop, then you’ll want a gaming laptop with a discrete GPU – either from Nvidia or AMD. Battery life considerationsFinally there’s battery life. This is likely to be one of the most important considerations you have when choosing what laptop to buy. The best laptops need to be able to let you work - and play - for hours on end without you having to scramble for a power adapter. Modern laptops are getting ever more power-efficient, which has led to longer battery lives. For a laptop to be included in our best laptops list, it needs to offer a battery life of five hours or more. Bear in mind that the battery life that the laptop makers claim their device has could be quite different to what you actually experience. This is because many laptop makers test their batteries in very controlled environments, with the laptop used in ways that you might not necessarily use. So, while a laptop might have a claimed battery life of 10 hours, you may find that when using it for certain tasks – like streaming high definition content – your battery life could run out faster. That’s where our in-depth reviews come in, as we run a series of tests on each laptop in this best laptops guide to see how long the battery life lasts under certain conditions. If a laptop’s battery is ridiculously short (or impressively long) we’ll tell you. Which type of laptop is best for you?General laptops: Where the best cheap laptops are found, devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $600 or £400. Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – $700 or £500 to $2,000 or £1,800. 2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located. The Surface Book 2 might be a ways off, but many of the best 2-in-1 laptops are available right now. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen. Chromebooks: Where you’ll find the best Chromebooks running Chrome OS. These do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models. They generally cost less than $300 or £200 and some can even withstand a slight tussle. Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost from $800 or £600 to upwards of $3,000 or £2,800 and they’ll likely be the ones to take advantage of AMD’s laptop-grade Ryzen processors first. Laptop-tablet hybrids: Designed from the tablet-first approach to laptop-tablet hybrids, the best Windows tablets pack beyond-HD touchscreens, sometimes with kickstands in their frames or provided via keyboard covers. These generally shine with a stylus, and range from the budget to the premium price ranges.
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| Star Wars: Squadrons trailer pits X-Wing vs TIE Fighter – and reveals a release date Posted: 15 Jun 2020 08:22 AM PDT The Star Wars: Squadrons trailer is here, revealing the newest game set in a galaxy far, far away to be released by publisher EA. It's a first-person space dogfighting game between Rebel and Imperial ships, with 5v5 multiplayer. It'll be released on October 2, 2020, and you'll be able to play the entire game in VR. Star Wars: Squadrons is described as an "authentic piloting experience" where you master the art of space combat, and you can apparently divert power between systems in your ship, which recalls the classic Lucasarts space simulator games X-Wing and TIE Fighter. You can modify your ship for battle, and EA describes it as a "fully self-contained experience from day one", complete with its own progression system. As well as multiplayer, a singleplayer story mode will be set towards the end of the war between the Empire and the Rebellion. You'll see familiar faces from the Star Wars universe turn up, too: Wedge Antilles was spotted in the reveal trailer below. EA says the multiplayer element will allow you to "compete in intense 5v5 multiplayer dogfights or unite with your squadron to tip the scales in monumental fleet battles". To us, that latter part sounds like there'll be co-op if you're not interested in PvP, but we can't be sure about that until EA reveals more. No formats were mentioned in the trailer, but separately it's been confirmed that the game is coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC. It'll cost $39.99 / £34.99, which is on the lean side for a new game, and crossplay will be enabled across all formats. Check out the trailer below:
Will Star Wars: Squadrons come to PS5 and Xbox Series X?Next-gen consoles weren't mentioned in the announcement release, which makes us wonder if this is just a current gen game. Either way, it's almost certain to be compatible with all next-gen hardware, so if you're picking up an Xbox Series X or PS5 console this year, you'll be able to check it out regardless. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Android 11 beta is available now for this Xiaomi phone – but you shouldn't download it Posted: 15 Jun 2020 08:03 AM PDT The Android 11 beta is rolling out to Xiaomi phones, after being made available to Google Pixel and OnePlus phones several days ago. As announced on the MIUI Weibo account (MIUI is the name for the operating system on Xiaomi phones, which is a modified version of Android), the Xiaomi Mi 10 is now eligible for the Android 11 beta. The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro and Poco F2 Pro aren't eligible yet, despite Xiaomi saying the beta would also be coming to those phones, but it's likely that they'll get the update in the coming days.
Despite the announcement being made via MIUI's Weibo channel, the Xiaomi Android 11 beta doesn't use MIUI, instead packing 'stock' Android, according to XDA Developers, which reported the news, and hosts a link to download the software. As with the OnePlus 8 Android 11 beta, though, it's likely not worth downloading the Xiaomi beta just yet, and we'll explain why. Why you shouldn't download the Android 11 beta yetThe Android 11 beta for Google Pixel phones is a 'public beta', so it's for general phone users to download and test out, but the versions OnePlus and Xiaomi have put out are developers' builds, intended for people who'd want to make apps for the corresponding phones. The OnePlus 8 and Xiaomi Mi 10 betas likely won't be as stable as the Google Pixel version, which means you could encounter problems, with the only fix being to reset your phone and lose any data you haven't backed up. Some of the builds even wipe your data in order to facilitate the installation, and the companies releasing them have advised caution. Downloading the Android 11 beta to your Xiaomi phone, then, isn't advised – and since the builds aren't stable, using them may simply not be a very enjoyable experience for now. We'd recommend waiting until a public beta for Xiaomi handsets is released, likely in the form of an official MIUI beta, or just waiting for Android 11's official launch later in 2020. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Google could be planning a controversial update to Chrome Posted: 15 Jun 2020 07:58 AM PDT Google is certainly no stranger to messing around with the address bar – or omnibox as it is actually called – in Chrome. Over the years that have been numerous changes introduced, including hiding the leading 'https://' or 'https://www.'. But changes spotted in the Dev and Canary builds of Chrome 85 show that the company is experimenting with something rather more drastic. If the change rolls out to everyone, and if it is enabled by default, it will make it much harder to see the full address of the web page you are visiting.
In these under-development builds of the browser, several new flags – settings that are used to change the appearance or functionality of Chrome – have been spotted. In all, there are three flags that are of particular note, with the main one being called Omnibox UI Hide Steady-State URL Path, Query, and Ref. When this flag is enabled, the URL of the website you are visiting is reduced down to just the main domain. So if you were visiting the TechRadar profile page at https://www.techradar.com/author/mark-wycislik-wilson, all you would see in the address bar is techradar.com. The complete URL would only be displayed when you clicked the omnibox. Google faced backlash from web developers when it began hiding the 'https://' or 'https://www' in Chrome, and there could be similar consternation over the browser tucking away everything but the domain. Where am I?The flags can be found in the Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS and Android versions of Chrome, but it's not entirely clear what Google's thinking is with this setting. There are two other flags which can be used to change the behaviour of the omnibox slightly. With Omnibox UI Hide Steady-State URL Path, Query, and Ref on Hover enabled, the full URL is displayed when you hover the mouse over the shortened version; with Omnibox UI Hide Steady-State URL Path, Query, and Ref on Interaction enabled, the full address is revealed upon interacting with the page. If you want to try out the preview releases of Google's web browser, you can download Chrome Dev, and Chrome Canary. As this is pre-release software, you may well encounter problems, but the good news is that it is possible to have the release version installed at the same time. More information is available on the Chromium Bug Tracker. Via Android Police This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The cheapest Nintendo Switch bundles, deals and prices in June 2020 Posted: 15 Jun 2020 07:54 AM PDT Nintendo Switch deals are still in a state of flux this week with many retailers shelves still awaiting the next restock. Switch Lite deals are in a slightly better state, although those are starting to wear dangerously thin as well so you might have to spring for the remaining offers while you can. Amazon has currently sold out across the board, although GameStop in the US still has a few Switch Lite deals, while in the UK Very still has a couple remaining standard Nintendo Switch bundles. We're keeping a watchful eye on stock in the US and UK, so bookmark this page as we'll be updating it throughout the week if we get even a sniff of a Joy-Con hitting store shelves. However, until then, check out the remaining Switch deals and Nintendo Switch Lite bundles available in the UK and US right now. We don't know when Nintendo Switch deals will return fully, but until then, we're also taking a look at the best retailers to check when those console do land on the shelves again. So, if you're after Nintendo Switch bundle deals you may be waiting a little longer. If you're in the UK and want to get your hands on Nintendo's catalog of excellent titles, however, there are still a few Nintendo Switch bundles available for delivery right now. You'll find it difficult to get your hands on a Nintendo Switch console right now and it looks like the Switch Lite is also about to sell out. If you are looking for big-screen gaming, then there are some fantastic alternative Xbox One and PS4 deals going right now. We're listing all of the best Nintendo Switch deals right here and we're always on the lookout for the best bundles with extra games, controllers and other accessories so we can share them with you while they're hot. Scroll past the bundles on this page and we'll show you prices on extra Joy-Con and Pro controllers and Nintendo Switch memory cards too. If you want to play online multiplayer and get other benefits like free games you'll want to pick up a Nintendo Switch Online subscription deal. We also have a dedicated page of Nintendo Switch prices for our Australian readers. The latest cheap Nintendo Switch dealsWant to know where to buy a Nintendo Switch bundle? Check out our comparison charts and the latest highlights with extra games and accessories below for the best deals. On its own, the MSRP/RRP Nintendo Switch price is $299 in the USA and £279 in the UK. At the moment, though, you may be paying a premium to get your hands on such an in-demand console. You won't find Nintendo Switch bundles on sale in the US right now - the stock has been completely wiped out. Nintendo Switch Lite stock has resurfaced at GameStop this week, but you'll have to move fast.
Nintendo Switch bundles: how to spot a good dealJust because a Nintendo Switch bundle is cheap doesn't make it a good deal. Many retailers often include cheaper games with their Nintendo Switch bundles and still charge standard price. Games readily available for $20 - $30 can sneak their way into the premium-priced deals, lowering the overall value of the offering. In this case, it's worth picking up a Nintendo Switch deal with a full $60 game and grabbing the cheaper title separately if you're desperate to play it. For this reason, it's always worth double checking the going price of the bundled game you're picking up against the overall cost to make sure you're getting a good deal.
The Nintendo Switch Lite was recently released at just $199.99/£199.99. That's $100/£80 less than the original Switch console. If you want to play games on the TV as well, you should go for the standard Nintendo Switch instead as the Lite is only playable in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch Lite comes in multiple colour options. You can pick one up now in turquoise, gray and yellow. There will also be a special edition Zacian & Zamazenta Edition released on November 8 to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield. It doesn't come with the game, but doesn't cost anything extra either. If you want to learn more about the console and see prices for every individual color and bundle, check out our Nintendo Switch Lite prices and deals guide. How to buy the right Nintendo SwitchThe updated version of the original Nintendo Switch is now being rolled out with an improved battery. That's the only change, but prices are generally the same as the older model. The old version model number was HAC-001 and the box featured a lifestyle image with a hand grabbing the console. While the new model number is HAC-001(-01) and the box has an all-red background and no hand. What are the Joy-Con controllers?The Joy-Con controller is actually a pair of controllers that attach to the sides the the Nintendo Switch when not in use or when playing in tablet form away from the TV. When playing the Nintendo Switch on the TV, you can remove them and play with one in each hand. The left hand gets a controller with an analogue stick and d-pad, the right hand handles the one with a second analogue and the usual A, B, X and Y face buttons. Or you and a friend can use one each in multiplayer games with the d-pad doubling up as impromptu face buttons. You get a pair with the console, but you might want to buy more to allow extra players to get involved in games like Mario Kart 8, FIFA 19 and many more. Or maybe you just fancy some different colors for your own use. What's the Joy-Con Grip controller?The Joy-Con Grip is an additional accessory that joins the two Joy-Con controllers together, forming something something a bit more solid for you to hold thanks to the extended handles and plastic block between the two sides. The square dimension form-factor may remind older gamers of the Dreamcast controller, while everyone else will mainly be thinking how it resembles an odd-looking dog face. Nintendo is providing one in the box with the Nintendo Switch, so you won't have to buy one separately. This won't charge your controller though and doesn't have a battery pack. You won't actually need a Nintendo Switch Pro controller to play any games, so don't feel pressured in to buying one. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a more traditional-style pad and launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Prices aren't cheap though, starting around $69.99/£64.99. There's no sign of a Nintendo Switch Premium Edition console with one included either. Do I need to buy extra controllers for multiplayer on Nintendo Switch?Possibly not! Remember how the Joy-Con controller splits in two? Turn them sideways and you get two basic controllers, each with their own analogue stick and face buttons - the d-pad acts as face functions on the left controller. We've seen 2K's NBA series, Snipper Clips, FIFA 19, and Mario Kart being used this way for local multiplayer in both docked and tablet modes. So you get multiplayer functionality straight out of the box with no additional purchase required. However, if you want to play four-player games, then you're going to need to invest in an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers or some Pro controllers. We'd buy the Joy-Cons as a pair (see our comparison chart above) as you'll save a bit of cash over buying them separately. Better yet, if your friends own a Switch, ask them to bring their controllers to the party! With only 32GB of internal storage, you'll be wanting to pick up a cheap memory card or two for your new Nintendo Switch for any digital purchases or the inevitable game-fixing patches. Don't fret though, they're actually surprisingly cheap, with even 64GB ones coming in at under £20/$25. What memory cards does the Nintendo Switch need? Those will be Micro SD cards also known as, depending on their size, as MicroSDHC (up to 32GB) or MicroSDXC (up to a huge 2TB soon). Nintendo also has their own branded cards, but you'll be paying more just for a label. So for now, we'd take a look at this range of cheap MicroSDXC Nintendo Switch-friendly cards. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: what we want to see Posted: 15 Jun 2020 07:42 AM PDT The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 will almost certainly show up at some point. These past few years, Microsoft has been releasing a steady stream of Surface devices that have done well both commercially and critically, and there's no doubt that Microsoft wants to keep the ball rolling. The Surface Laptop 3 was released at the end of October 2019, and we were impressed with its excellent battery life and premium design. As one of Microsoft's flagship devices, the Surface Laptop is designed to be a showcase for the company's tech, and we hope that continues with the Surface Laptop 4. We haven't heard anything official about the Surface Laptop 4 just yet, but rumors are beginning to swirl. So, in this article we've gathered together every rumor about the Surface Laptop 4, along with what we want to see when the device almost inevitably gets announced. Cut to the chase
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 release date and priceWe don't have an official Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 release date yet, but considering Microsoft's previous Surface Laptop releases, October 2020 is a very likely date. If the Surface Laptop 3 launch is anything to go by, Microsoft could have a launch event early in October, where it shows off the device, then later in the month the Surface Laptop 4 will go on sale. As for price, again we don't have any concrete details. However, we'd like to see Microsoft launch the Surface Laptop 4 at around the same price than the Surface Laptop 3. This means a base configuration for a 15-inch Surface Laptop 4 of around $1,199/£1,199/AU$1,999. It's likely Microsoft will once again offer a range of configurations for the Surface Laptop 4, with a high-end model costing around $2,099/£2,049/AU$3,449. We also expect Microsoft to also offer a slightly smaller, more affordable 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 4. Again, we hope Microsoft stick closely to the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3's launch price, which was $999/£999/AU$1,699 for the base model. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 leaks and newsWe've seen a few rumors emerge about the Surface Laptop 4. A benchmark appeared earlier in 2020 that suggested that the Surface Laptop 4 would come with a choice of either new AMD Ryzen 4000 processors, or the upcoming Intel Tiger Lake-U CPUs. A later benchmark appeared recently that apparently showed a Surface Laptop 4 running running Windows 10 May 2020 Update, and powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor. This is based on AMD’s Zen 2 technology, and is a six-core processor with a 2.3GHz and a boost clock of 4GHz. While these are still only rumors, we think it's safe to assume that Microsoft will offer the Surface Laptop 4 with a choice of Intel or AMD processors, as it did with the Surface Laptop 3. What we want to see from the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4We liked the Surface Laptop 3 a lot, but there are plenty of ways Microsoft could improve the device when it launches its sequel. So, here's what we want to see from the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. 1. Longer battery lifeBattery life is one of the biggest concerns for people when looking for a new laptop, so we'd like to see Microsoft offer best-in-class battery performance with the Surface Laptop 4. The good news is that it was already offering pretty excellent battery life with the Surface Laptop 3 – it scored over 10 hours in our battery life benchmark. With the Surface Laptop 4 hopefully taking advantage of Intel and AMD's more power-efficient mobile processors, we'd like to see the Surface Laptop 4 last even longer without needing to be plugged in. 2. A bit of a redesignDon't get us wrong, we liked the look of the Surface Laptop 3. Microsoft has shown it can produce attractive flagship devices, but we'd still love it if it changed things up a little bit with the Surface Laptop 4. The company has experimented with using uncommon materials you'd usually find in a laptop's design (such as fabric) and it'd be great to see a return of that radical design ethos. 3. More ports, pleaseWhile Microsoft is redesigning the Surface Laptop 4, we'd like it to add a few more ports. With just a USB 3.0 and one USB-C port (alongside a headphone/mic jack), the Surface Laptop 3 was seriously lacking in ports. We'd love to see Microsoft include a few more - and maybe even an SD card reader. It would certainly make the Surface Laptop 4 a more attractive purchase for professionals and creatives. 4. More power as wellWe'd love to see the Surface Laptop 4 with cutting-edge tech that allows it to rival the MacBook Pro. Its predecessor felt too under-powered considering the price. The Surface Laptop 3 also only came with integrated graphics. We'd love to see a version of the Surface Laptop 4 with a dedicated GPU. Not only so that we can play the odd game on it, but also to help with creative workloads like photo and video editing.
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