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With the roaring success of battle royale titles PUBG and Fortnite, the time was ripe for EA’s spin on the genre – Apex Legends – to swoop in and rise to prominence. And that it did. The game managed to draw in 25 million players in its first week, and 50 million in its first month but now the publisher behind the unstoppable success is looking to expand to two more huge demographics – the mobile gaming and Eastern markets. Apex Legends is cracking down on cheatersApex Legends will get less-frequent, more meaningful updatesIn EA’s quarterly earnings report, the publisher announced that it’s looking at bringing the Respawn Entertainment-developed game to mobile platforms and to both South Korea and China. “We’re in advanced negotiations to China and mobile”, EA’s CFO Blake Jorgenson stated, before later mentioning South Korea as another expansion point. While the specific platform details haven't been confirmed, it’s fair to assume that this will include both Android and iOS releases down the line, and as far as the Eastern market releases, this will be via EA’s PC platform and marketplace, Origin. Also revealed in the earnings call is that a solid 30% of Apex Legend’s current players are completely new to EA’s games, which is no mean feat considering how popular some of the company's franchises have been over the decades, such as FIFA, Battlefield, The Sims, and the Mass Effect series. Apex Legends: battle pass, characters, and newsApex Legends: which is the best character for your playstylehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/YbW6CRaut6Y

Following the news that Samsung's Galaxy Fold has been officially delayed with no new release date in sight, the South Korean electronics giant has emailed US customers who pre-ordered the foldable device with an update on its current status, as reported by Droid Life. Stating that it is "making progress in enhancing the Galaxy Fold", Samsung has admitted that currently, it "cannot confirm the anticipated ship date yet" and that it will provide further information on shipping "in the coming weeks." The Samsung Galaxy Fold has a durability problemSamsung Galaxy Fold’s failings could be hard to fixThe next Samsung Galaxy Fold could fold twice overUnless it has a customer's express permission to keep a pre-order active, US Federal Trade Commission regulations mean that Samsung must cancel all Galaxy Fold pre-orders in the US if it hasn't released the device before May 31, 2019. The email goes on to directly ask customers if they would like to keep their Galaxy Fold pre-orders beyond the May 31 deadline, presenting a clickable button that allows them to opt in. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gFkUeHbHNQPYPGorcRx3Qn.jpg Image credit: Droid Life In response to Droid Life's story, a spokesperson for Samsung reached out to offer the following statement: "Samsung Electronics America is committed to keeping our customers informed on the status of their Galaxy Fold preorder. While we continue to make progress in enhancing the Galaxy Fold, a new release date has not yet been announced. Because of this, we have recently contacted our preorder customers to provide them information on their options as we move forward. "As per U.S. regulations, we are required to notify customers that their preorders will be cancelled in the event the product has not been shipped by May 31st. Samsung Electronics America is offering customers an option to keep their orders past this date and customers may also cancel their orders at any time. "Samsung values the trust our customers place in us and want to thank them for their patience and understanding.” The Samsung Galaxy Fold is a vital learning moment for foldable phoneshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Jw0BFHc76Co

We got a closer look at the Wear OS ‘Tiles’ mini-screens at Google IO 2019, and found the newly launched UI is a trajectory toward a cleaner, more purpose-based interface. Tiles are one-and-done mini-apps Wear OS users access by swiping right from the home screen. Each Tile is a discrete mini-chunk of information, from weather to a reminder of your next upcoming event – things that could be combined into single screens on larger devices, but which occupy just enough info on a single Tile screen. Tiles fall somewhere between complications and full-blown apps On paper, Tiles seem a bit superfluous: they’re somewhere between the mini-notification “complications” sprinkled across a Wear OS-running watch’s home screen and full-blown smartwatch apps. In practice, though, they could streamline the way users flow through essential information in bite-sized chunks, which is much simpler to navigate than denser multi-screen apps. “It’s a new surface that’s fast and focused on one use case,” Tiles Product Manager Francois Deschenes told TechRadar. They’re optimized for consuming from wrist devices, with tons of user feedback to refine how much – or how little – info should be parceled out in each tile. Essential info to the front, serious apps to the backTiles aren’t necessarily the next direction for Wear OS – they’re literally an offshoot, nested off to the side by way of a quick-access swipe. But this quickly-consumed essential info makes much more sense partitioned to a shortcut chain rather than buried deep in a menu alongside more robust multi-screen apps. To start, Wear OS has only introduced the most clearly useful first-party services as Tiles: goals, your next scheduled event, forecast (weather), heart rate, news headlines, and timer. You can long-press a Tile or reorder or dismiss it, allowing users to customize their Tile flow. In the future, the Tiles API might be expanded to let third parties access it, though there aren’t currently any plans to do so. This could be how Wear OS users get quick glimpses or essential controls for their third-party apps, should Google grant third-party developers access. Tiles will be available soon on any of our list of best Wear OS 2019 watcheshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/_YEvIIkr5Uo

You won't be able to toggle off the green status light of a Nest and Dropcam security camera, we discovered today at Google IO 2019. It's good and bad news for users. Whenever a Nest camera is live, the green light will shine – soon without user control that used to be there before, according to Google reps we talked to today. It's being done in the name of privacy from the outset on Nest Hub Max, which has a 127-degree field of view camera atop a 10-inch display. We knew this at the keynote. Later, TechRadar found out that this will actually take away the toggle feature on the Nest Cam and Dropcam in a future software update. The ability to toggle the status light off and keep the video-capture running will permanently go away 'soon.' Analysis: why this is a good and bad thingThe decision to rollback the green status light toggle on the Nest app for older Nest cameras was one the team wrestled with prior to Google IO, according to the reps we talked to today. Privacy won out. For: Always shining that green light on an active Nest Home Hub, Nest Cam or Dropcam is, on one hand, a wise decision for privacy. It hampers Nest camera owners' ability to spy on people (think of recent news about AirBnB hosts who have been caught spying on guests). It can also alert Nest owners if a hacker gets access to their Nest login and starts watching them. If that green light is on when it's not supposed to be, you know something is up. Against: A thief doesn't have to be very smart to notice a green light and circumvent your camera – essentially stealing outside of your cone of sight. Example: When I was at work six months ago, I had a landlord enter my apartment to 'show my place off' to future tenants without much notice. He picked up some of my belongings (think: a lot of expensive technology on a shelf) and 'inspected' them. When I was there before, he commented how he 'really loved my 360 camera'. My tech didn't end up walking, but multiple strangers did enter my NYC apartment (I couldn't always be there when at the apartment was shown off), and multiple times people went ahead of grabbed things off my shelf for a look. Turning on the status light in a situation like this could alert someone to the fact that they're being recorded (not a problem) and they could easily turn their back to the camera and slip something into their pocket out of sight (problem). Or they could 'accidentally' knock the camera out of the way and take everything they wanted (major problem). Google's decision is a smart shift in privacy PR for the embattled data-hoarding firm. But it may leave some people vulnerable. The solution? Buy more Nest Cams to get multiple angles. New: Our hands-on Google Pixel 3a reviewhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/L55u0m03LiA

This year at Google IO 2019, we were shown all manner of things - and once again, it was the hardware that stole the show, although there were some rather intriguing new concepts that show Google is both worried about privacy and not seeming inclusive enough. Last year we saw a huge update to its Android P operating system, first mention of a Google Maps AR mode, and a host of new features across Google's extensive software and hardware ranges. This year, there was plenty of hype around the event - helped in no small part by the rumors surrounding the Google Pixel 3a handset, and Google's own accidental leak of a successor to the Google Home Hub. Sure enough, we got the goods on both these products, and more. Read on below for everything that was announced at the Google IO 2019 keynote, and anything we know about their release dates, prices and features. Want to know what happened, as it happened? Read our Google IO 2019 liveblogGoogle Pixel 3ahttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CorpBjQtX6bpymzgpQytEc.jpg Image Credit: Google We'd had a good look at leaked renders in the build up, but this was Google's first public announcement of the Google Pixel 3a handset, a mid-range offering with some flagship specs at $399 (£399, AU$649). Unlike the more premium Pixel phones, you even get a 3.5mm headphone jack, for those of you who haven't yet jumped to wireless headphones. You can see what we make of it so far with our hands on: Google Pixel 3a review. Google Pixel 3a XLhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4zdX9SA4Cqk6VLewemzz8W.jpg Image Credit: TechRadar If you're after a cheaper Pixel handset but don't want to compromise on screen size, then the 6-inch Google Pixel 3a could be the phone for you. It's a touch more expensive than the standard Pixel 3a (AU$799), and you get the same power, cameras, design and features including a headphone jack. It's a solid handset and you can find out what we think with our hands on: Google Pixel 3a XL review. Google Nest Hub Maxhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KsFsLEsqVyL9GXMUJVAg83.jpg Image Credit: Google As accidentally leaked on Google's own product website last month, we are getting a Google Nest Hub Max - a union between Google's Nest and Home product ranges, which apparently will be joined together going forward. Confusing branding aside, the Nest Hub Max boasts a 10-inch screen over the Home Hub Max's 7-inch display, and will also feature a Nest security camera for video calls and keeping an eye on your home when you're out. Google is clearly aware what a hot topic privacy is these days, and was quick to clarify that the Nest camera would only record when actively enabled, while the Hub would come with a physical switch on the back of the device to disconnect the camera and microphone. With Google Duo, users will also be able to chat with any iOS or Android device, or any PC with the Chrome browser. The Nest Hub Max will launch this summer in the US, UK and AU for $229 / £175 / AU$349. Read our hands on: Google Nest Hub Max review to find out what we make of it. Google Home Hub gets cheaper, comes to more territorieshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GToFdKzY3vAHz9oDMQGFQB.jpg Image Credit: Google As Google shifts it focus to the Nest-branded speakers, the Google Home Hub will drop from $149 to $129 (down to £119 in the UK and AU$199 in Australia), and is coming to "12 new markets and supporting nine new languages." Android Q beta 3 and some dark, dark themeshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ubz6yVTpHvcSHt4X795yCV.jpg Image Credit: Google The next Android operating system, Android Q, isn't launching until later this year, but that didn't stop Google from showing off some new features for the next update. The OS will bring your security settings higher up in your phone settings, and give you reminders whenever an app accesses your location history (and stop the app doing this when you've closed it). We also got a glimpse of Android Q's dark theme, which turns your phone's interface black and will automatically turn on with battery saver (you know, to save battery life). Enhanced search results and AR modelshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sq8wiuPueHJRwzpZLk6NDi.jpg Image Credit: TechRadar Google kicked off the keynote with Full Coverage: an expanded algorithm for Google search results that will be smarter about what it shows to you. If you're researching a recent news story (say, Brexit), it will show you a timeline of events and explainers that go into finer detail alongside more general results. Google will also be looking to incorporate 3D models into search results, which can then be conjured into your surroundings with your phone camera. If you're buying some new furniture, it may be what helps you decide what just looks right with the wallpaper. Duplex on the webWe got a glimpse of Google Duplex at last year's I/O keynote, where the AI program managed to book a haircut appointment over the phone. Duplex is currently available in 44 US states, and is continuing to help citizens avoid ever speaking to a small business again. Google is looking to expand this feature into 'Duplex on the web', where Google Assistant will be able to book movie tickets, make car rentals and generally help you complete long detail-heavy forms online without having to type everything in yourself. No word on when we can get it abroad, but it bodes well as a time-saver. Driving Modehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pGhKgVB6TwJucpFNUAMaAj.jpg Image Credit: Google While Google Assistant has flirted with driver-friendly features in the past, Google has only now announced an official Driving Mode for using your phone in your car safely. By calling out "Hey Google, let's drive" the mode will kick into gear, bringing up a simplified interface of your most used contacts and most relevant apps (Google Maps, Calls, etc). Auto-delete your data awayFor those who don't like all their data being stored forever on some Google server in the desert, Google has now launched an auto-delete feature on the Android Q beta, which allows you to set limits on how long you want your data backed up. Three months? Two years? Google will make it so. Transcribing, like, everythinghttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MNL2hRNdWPwmSeZuezw8CE.jpg Image Credit: Google Google made much of its improved text-to-speech and speech-to-text transcription software, with a big stress on helping those who are less literate or struggle with speak impediments. Incoming features included being able to photograph real-life text and hear it spoken and even translated by Google Assistant by the fly. Others included Live Captions for transcribing speech during live videos, allowing you to watch muted video footage or phone calls without missing out on what's being said. Google also formally announced its Project Euphoria initiative, which uses machine learning to incorporate speech patterns from, say, stroke sufferers, or those with degenerative illnesses who struggle to be understood by today's voice assistants. Want to stream your games? Check out our hands on Google Stadia reviewhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/3uFMlDLxphY

The OnePlus 6T currently reigns as champion of the affordable flagship market, a position it’s held for several months – but Google wants a piece of the action, and with the Google Pixel 3a it now has a serious challenger. The Pixel 3a sees Google distilling the best parts of the Google Pixel 3 phone into a more-budget alternative, so it’s got many features which you can find in the high-end phone. But the OnePlus 6T has a few tricks up its sleeve as well. So can the Pixel 3a dethrone the OnePlus 6T? We’ve put the two phones head-to-head to find out. Check out the best OnePlus 6T dealsGoogle Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: PriceIf you’ve not got much to spend on your new phone, you’re best off sticking with the Google Pixel 3a – at $399 / £399 / AU$649 it’s straddling the line between low-end and mid-range in terms of price. However, for that amount you’re getting a device with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, which some may feel is a little on the low side. The OnePlus 6T will set you back a fair amount more, but you also get more bang for your buck. For 6GB RAM and 128GB storage you’ll pay $549 / £499 (roughly AU$875), with the price rising to $579 / £529 (around AU$840) for 8GB / 128GB and $629 / £579 (about AU$900) for 8GB / 256GB. That’s a lot more cash if you’re looking at the best-equipped OnePlus 6T – but you’re getting double the RAM and four times the Pixel 3a’s storage. Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Design and displayWhen it comes to screen size, you get a lot more real estate on the OnePlus 6T – at 6.41 inches, its display trumps the Pixel 3a’s 5.6-inch screen. Bigger isn’t necessarily better, but in the case of displays, the OnePlus 6T is bigger and better – its screen is AMOLED, which makes for better and brighter visuals, and is a step above the Pixel 3a’s OLED display. The resolution is better on the OnePlus 6T too, at 2340 x 1080 against 2220 x 1080 – however, because of its smaller screen the Pixel 3a has a better pixels per inch density at 441 compared to the OnePlus 6T’s 402. The screen on the Google Pixel 3a is unbroken, with prominent bezels to the top and bottom of the front, whereas the OnePlus 6T has a smaller ‘teardrop’ notch that houses the front-facing camera – for some phone users this may be an important point to differentiate the devices, but you’ll still have more screen space on the latter phone. The Pixel 3a is somewhat of a dainty device with dimensions of 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm, which makes it quite a bit smaller than the OnePlus 6T at 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, but as phones go neither is an especially massive handset. You may find some features in the smaller phone that the OnePlus 6T misses out on, though – for example the Pixel 3a has a headphone jack and Google’s Active Edge, which lets you squeeze the phone to bring up Google Assistant. Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: CameraOn the OnePlus 6T you’ll find a 16MP/20MP dual rear camera, as opposed to a single 12.2MP snapper on the Pixel 3a – on paper it looks like the OnePlus 6T wins hands-down here, but processing is just as important as specs when it comes to smartphone photography. Both phones have a range of options and modes to optimize pictures taken depending on the setting – for example, the OnePlus 6T has a ‘level’ to show you if the phone is tilted, and the Google Pixel 3a has a range of weather modes. We haven’t had the Google Pixel 3a long enough to properly judge its camera, or to compare it with the OnePlus 6T, but the Pixel 3a has lots of tech in common with the Google Pixel 3, which we considered the best camera phone when it came out, so it’ll likely give the OnePlus 6T a run for its money. Once we’ve tested the newer handset, we’ll update this article accordingly. On the front of the phones, the OnePlus 6T has a 16MP selfie camera while the Pixel 3a’s snapper is 8MP – again this might suggest the OnePlus 6T will take better pictures, but again the post-processing software is most important. We’ve found that both cameras can take selfies with accurate depth sensing, so they can digitally apply background blur of ‘bokeh’ effects to the background. Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Specs and batteryBoth handsets run Android 9 Pie (although the OnePlus 6T runs OxygenOS over it), so they feel similar to use, although since Google makes both the Pixel 3a and Android, you can expect future OS updates to come to the Pixel 3a before the 6T. As mentioned, you’re getting more RAM with the OnePlus 6T, and you’re getting a better processor too in the shape of the Snapdragon 845, which was one of the best chipsets around when the handset came out last year (although it’s since been bested by the newer Snapdragon 855). In comparison the Pixel 3a runs the Snapdragon 670, a solid mid-range processor, but one that doesn’t compete with the 845. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TrUL8dpzScSDqNUYTY538n.jpg OnePlus 6T. Image credit: TechRadar On paper this means the OnePlus 6T will be slightly better at intensive tasks like gaming and video rendering – but it might also burn through the battery a little quicker. Speaking of battery power, the OnePlus 6T packs a 3,700mAh unit, which is bigger than the 3,000mAh one in the Pixel 3a, although with a bigger screen and more powerful processor the OnePlus 6T needs it, and in practice the battery life on both devices is roughly similar. Neither handset has wireless charging, but both support fast charging – 18W for the Pixel 3a, and 20W for the OnePlus 6T, so although you’ll miss the convenience of wireless charging, you won’t have to wait long for your device to power up. Verdicthttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ynnstCtAABANdojQdHVeSZ.jpg Image credit: TechRadar In many ways, the OnePlus 6T is the better device – it has a bigger and higher-quality screen, a more advanced chipset, and a bigger battery; however, you’re also paying more for these features, and not all phone users need all of them. For its lower price, the Pixel 3a still provides useful features like its competitive camera, Active Edge, and a headphone jack. So if you’re in the market for either of these smartphones, consider whether the extra you’ll spend on the OnePlus 6T is worth it, or if the Pixel 3a’s features are all you need. This is everything that was announced at Google IO 2019http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/9Tq4cYcQBoY

It turns out that after uploading files to cloud storage for backup purposes, users rarely access them which is why Dropbox has created a new layer of storage on its platform called cold storage. After shifting its workloads away from AWS to its own data centers several years ago, the company developed a storage architecture called Magic Pocket to give it more control over how files were stored and accessed. Dropbox's engineers realized over time that most users move files to its service primarily for backup purposes and rarely access them again. However, it doesn't make sense to store regularly accessed files and those that are rarely accessed using the same methods. Dropbox snaps up Hellosign in $230m dealDropbox now lets you create Google Docs, Sheets and moreDropbox partners with Adobe, DocuSign and more to expand platformThis is why Dropbox has now created two levels of storage, warm storage (previously Magic Pocket) and a new level of long term storage called Cold Storage that allows the company to store files less expensively. Cold StorageDropbox customers won't be able to tell which level of storage is being used to store their files according to a blog post announcing the new feature, which said: “The warm tier remains our standard Magic Pocket system, which has high storage density and very fast network connectivity. Our cold tier runs on the same hardware and network but saves costs through innovatively reducing disk usage by 25%, without compromising durability or availability. The end experience for users is almost indistinguishable between the two tiers.” The company expects its dual tier system to save it 10 to 15 percent in costs over time. While Dropbox's Cold Storage layer will be missed completely by its users if implemented properly, the idea to separate recently used files and those that haven't been accessed in a long time represents a fundamental shift in how files are stored online and we could soon see other cloud storage providers follow suit. We've also highlighted the best cloud storageVia TechCrunch http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/uUZ0Rzb6wlQ

Online digital firm J2 Global has acquired VPN and privacy IP assets from infrastructure provider Stackpath. The deal was confirmed by an editor's note on news site PC Mag (published by J2-owned Ziff Davis) within VPN-related content as a disclaimer to allay fears of potential conflict of interest. The note states that IPVanish and StrongVPN are owned by J2 Global, which also owns some of the most popular tech brands worldwide thanks to an aggressive acquisition strategy. Check out our list of best VPN providersThe best antivirus services currently availableAnd if you are looking for online backup, try our best cloud storage solutionsJ2Global, now a major VPN playerIPVanish is a well-known award-winning VPN service that now sits alongside StrongVPN and a slew of other smaller brands such as Overplay.net, Unblock-us.com and Encrypt.me (formerly known as Cloak). The acquisition also brings a lesser known brand WLVPN.com which is a white label VPN service for other VPN providers such as VPNhub, the VPN service of Pornhub, and Namecheap VPN. With a market capitalisation approaching $4.3 billion, a number of cloud services (Campaigner, keepitsafe, eFax, Vipre) and an online portfolio of specialist websites (Askmen, IGN, PCMag, Speedtest) that reaches hundreds of millions every month, J2 Global is well placed to reap significant financial benefits from the current digital transformation journey undertaken by thousands of SMBs worldwide. The purchase of VPN and privacy related assets only reasserts its growing ambitions to become a major global SaaS (software-as-a-service) player for consumers and small and medium businesses. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/nmwpNCGi5Tk

Just in time for Mother's Day, Amazon has slashed the price on its best-selling Kindle Paperwhite. For a limited time, you can get the waterproof Kindle on sale for $89.99. That's a $40 discount and the lowest price we've seen for the popular e-reader. The 2018 Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and lighter than ever before and packs twice the storage of previous generations. The 6-inch e-reader features a 300 ppi glare-free display so it reads like a newspaper even outdoors in the bright sun. The Paperwhite also now works with Audible so you can pair Bluetooth headphones or a speaker and listen to your favorite audio books. Perhaps the coolest new feature of the Kindle is its water-resistant protection. You can read at the beach, by the pool or in the bath and not worry about it getting splashed. The Kindle would not only make an excellent gift for mom, but at its lowest price ever, a fantastic deal to snag for yourself. We don't know how long Amazon will have the e-reader on sale, so you should take advantage of this stellar sale while you can. Amazon also has the all-new Kindle on sale for $69.99. The 2019 Kindle features a glare-free 6-inch display and an adjustable front light so you can read comfortably for hours indoors and outdoors, day and night. While it doesn't include all of the features of the Paperwhite, it's still a great option if you're looking for a basic and affordable e-reader. If you're interested in other Amazon E-reader and tablet deals, check out our roundup of the best Kindle sale prices and deals, and our best cheap Amazon Fire deals. Looking for more Mother's Day gift ideas? Shop deals on Mother's Day flowers and save up to 45% at Mixbook on photo books and more. Learn more about Prime Day with our guide on Amazon Prime Day 2019: everything you need to know for the July deals event. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/3f-WaFoz_Bw

Heritage rock brand Marshall has launched two new speakers, the Stockwell II and the Tufton, to join the popular Marshall Kilburn II in its portable speaker range. Designed for life on the road, all three speakers boast a 20-hour battery life and a Bluetooth range of 30 feet, as well as Marshall's signature "microphone-inspired grille, a guitar-inspired carry strap, and the iconic Marshall script logo". The best wireless speakers 2019The best portable speakers you can buyRead our Marshall Stanmore II Voice reviewLike the Kilburn II, the new Tufton and Stockwell II speakers feature rugged corner caps, and come with an IPX2 rating, which means they are resistant to dripping water – but you definitely shouldn't take them in the shower. A size for every situationAll three speakers come with adjustable audio thanks to the inclusion of bass and treble control knobs on the top of each model, and support multi-host functionality, so you can easily switch between two different Bluetooth devices. The difference between the three speakers is largely down to the size; the Stockwell II is Marshall's smallest portable speaker yet, with the handbag-sized device coming in at just over 3lbs for super easy transportation. Marshall says the mini speaker also comes with a power bank feature, so you can "charge your devices on the road", as well as quick charging capabilities, which means you can get six hours of playtime from a 20-minute charge. It's also the cheapest Marshall speaker currently on offer, coming in at $249 / £220 / AU$430. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FVoXdE8F6KERP5Ua7KNd6L.jpg The Marshall Tufton (Image credit: Marshall) Next up is the mid-sized Kilburn II, which now comes in a new gray color scheme, but is otherwise unchanged since we reviewed it last year; it's still available to buy for $299 / £269 / AU$500. The Tufton is the largest of the new lineup, and comes with a three-way driver design for multidirectional sound – so, it should sound fantastic no matter where you are in relation to the speaker. Inside the rectangular cabinet you'll find one 40W Class D amplifier, two 15W Class D amplifier, and one 10W Class D amplifier, which means this portable speaker promises to pack a powerful audio punch. For the biggest speaker of the three, you'll need to shell out $399 / £350 / AU$700 – not an insubstantial amount of money for a portable speaker, when you consider our current favorite, the UE Boom 3 costs just $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$199.95. Still, if you're into the iconic rock aesthetic that Marshall offers, you may find its new portable range to be worth the cost. Old meets new: the best retro-style speakers with modern featureshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/cpDdT2rtfbQ

To celebrate the upcoming release of the Detective Pikachu film, The Pokémon Company International, in collaboration with Niantic, Inc., Warner Bros. Pictures, and Legendary Pictures, has announced a bunch of movie-inspired in-game activities and content coming to Pokémon Go for a limited time. From May 7 until May 17, Pokémon Go players will have access to special Detective Pikachu content, including a chance to catch a deerstalker-wearing Pikachu and an increased chance of encountering the Pokémon featured in the film (that means more Jigglypuffs, Bulbasaurs, Cubones, Eevees and much more). Check out the announcement trailer below: What Detective Pikachu content is available and when?For a limited time, Pokémon Go will feature a host of Detective Pikachu content. During this time, you have the chance to be photobombed by (and catch) a Detective Hat Pikachu. To be in with the chance of finding the world's cutest detective, you need to use Pokémon Go Snapshot, hope Detective Pikachu photobombs you, then you'll have a chance to catch him. Pokémon Go players will also have more Encounters with Pokémon that appear in the Detective Pikachu movie as well as opportunities to catch Shiny Aipom. In addition, you'll be able to participate in Raid Battles that challenge Pokémon with starring roles in the film (such as Psyduck), as well as film-inspired Field Research. We're hoping this means Mew Two will reappear as a Raid boss. If that isn't enough, you'll be able to customize their in-game avatars with movie-themed items, including a detective hat with Pikachu ears. Adorable. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z9qsWRQd6EvNGvWgUtxM4n.jpg Image credit: Niantic/The Pokémon Company This special content will only be available from May 7 at 1pm PDT / 9pm GMT / 4pm EDT (or May 8 at 6am AEDT) until May 17 at 1pm PDT / 9pm GMT / 4pm EDT (or May 18 at 6am AEDT). Happy hunting! Pokémon Go updates - all the news and rumors for what's coming nexthttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/CHF1OfqdNY4

While OnePlus 7 Pro has been on the receiving end of leaks and rumours from quite a while, the regular OnePlus 7 has made an appearance yet again. This time though, we have our first look at the marketing renders of the regular OnePlus 7, courtesy of Roland Quandt. Taking a look at the images, one can't find a striking difference between the OnePlus 7 and last year's OnePlus 6T, at least on the outside. It features a waterdrop notch design on the front with a widened speaker grill. The display is AMOLED and measures 6.41-inches with a Full HD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) resolution. In addition, it seems the glass and aluminum chassis has received a chrome finish which definitely gives the phone a tinge of elegance. The distance between alert slider and the power button has also been reduced. On the back, there's a dual-camera setup but the module design has been tweaked a bit to include the flash unit. The OnePlus logo can be seen below the camera module and unlike its past phones, the bottom text just reads "OnePlus" as opposed to "Designed by OnePlus". OnePlus 7 key specificationsOnePlus 7 has a primary 48MP camera with optical image stabilization which uses the same Sony IMX586 sensor as the Pro variant. The secondary camera is a 5MP depth sensor and is accompanied by a flash. The OnePlus 7 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. OnePlus 7 runs on a 3,700mAh battery with fast charge support, which is the same one like the on the OnePlus 6T. We're just a week away from the official launch of the OnePlus 7 series and we should know more about the phones as we head closer to the launch day. Also Read: Google’s Pixel 3a arrives a day early with leaked renders and a full specs listhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Tnk3w0wiDAQ

If you're looking to stretch that gorgeous Infinity Display even further than what the Samsung Galaxy S9 is already offering, then you'll be wanting to track down its bigger sibling, the Galaxy S9 Plus. On this page, we've brought together the best plans, prices, and deals available on the plus-sized Android powerhouse so you don't have to trawl through the countless options yourself. Of course, if you want the handset without the strings attached, you can purchase the Galaxy S9 Plus from Samsung directly. Whether it's huge data you're after, or the cheapest possible plan to net you the S9 Plus, we've got you covered. We'll also list the plan that offers the best overall value, and if you're deadset on any carrier in particular, we've picked out the exemplar offerings from each of Australia's major networks. See also: Galaxy S9 Plus review | Galaxy S9 review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QbkSzeKT9iLcgMnY8ckMBh.jpg The best Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus planshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/uH6bM1_RSSM

After officially revealing the existence of an Xbox Live Software Developer Kit (SDK) for mobile back in March, Microsoft’s online service has now received its first confirmed iOS and Android titles, courtesy of developer Gameloft. Gameloft’s announcement has revealed that the flagship mobile titles Asphalt 9: Legends, Asphalt 8: Airborne, and Dragon Mania Legends are all confirmed to be receiving some degree of Xbox Live integration. The nature of the SDK means that developers are able to cherry pick the features of the online service they wish to incorporate into their games, and according to Gameloft, players of the aforementioned mobile games “will be able to unlock Xbox achievements, view their Xbox friends list, and compare their rankings with Xbox leaderboards, and more.” Xbox Live on iOS and Android is official, but not Nintendo Switch just yetMicrosoft wants Xbox Live on every gaming device you own – but PlayStationThe language used in the developer’s announcement also indicates that these three games aren’t the only ones Gameloft intends to bring Xbox Live support to, so we can likely expect more features and titles to be added to the list in the months and years to come. Asphalt 9: Legends, Asphalt 8: Airborne, and Dragon Mania Legends are all available for free on either iOS or Android. As for when we can expect to see the new integration land on these titles, Gameloft simply says “in the coming year”, and to expect “more features and announcements to be made in the future”. Microsoft lays down the law for 'trash talk' on Xboxhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/XKb9crgo0cw

With headphones of all types, colours and styles flooding the market, it’s hard knowing which ones to pick – do you go for the premium model you’ve always wanted, or are you better off just grabbing a cheap set from the discount bin? Well, it’s worth remembering that cheap headphones are cheap for a reason, so even if saving money is priority we can’t recommend those $2 discount-bin variety that you find all over the world. And, as you’ll find out below, you don’t always have spend a lot of dosh to snag a great set of headphones either. To save you the time and effort, we’ve put together this dedicated guide to the best bargains on great-sounding headphone. We constantly monitor major Aussie retailers and go a-huntin’ to bring you the most worthwhile deals on a variety of sets – from in-ear buds to noise-cancelling cans – so check out our continually updated list below to discover the best current headphones deals in Australia. Best cheap over-ear headphones this weekBest cheap in-ear headphones this weekhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eaV3kfiKqe8HZw8guGnRxS.jpg The best deals on our favourite headphonesTo help you decide which headphones work best for you, we've decided to put together a little buying guide with a list of our favourite recommendations. The headphones you'll find here have tons of features to help you to get the most out of your music, or any other form of audio-visual entertainment you prefer, however you like to listen to it. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qBejV8YxE8qYcjtY2BQufh.jpg For the most part, when shopping for noise cancellation headphones we've gotten used to making a compromise between shutting the world out and wanting great sound performance. But no longer. Sony's WH-1000XM2 cans are a great redesign of the already-excellent MDR-1000X and offer not just perfect noise cancellation but also score top marks in sound quality. These headphones easily outclass Bose's flagship QC35 II in terms of both soundscape and feature set. Read more: Sony WH-1000XM2 review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6WafE8EUQBbKRZZwQVjKkW.jpg The very popular and excellent Bose QC35s underwent an upgrade and now come with Google Assistant at your beck and call. For a premium price, not only do you get Bose's world class noise cancellation and good sound quality, you also get a personal butler and an incredibly comfortable set of cans. And with up to 40 hours of battery life, you'll get through any long-haul flight. Read more: Bose QuietComfort 35 II review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B34Y8BbRDo42ixJaY8GyDW.jpg For a little over $100, it's hard to recommend a better sounding pair of 'buds than the 1More Triple Driver in-ears. It's hard to fault the headphones, if you can put up with the rubber cable and the plastic remote. Even that is just us nitpicking. For the price, it's our top recommendation of in-ear headphones if your phone still has a headphone jack or you don't mind using an adaptor. Read more: 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SScjtqGXAMmGFKBBWNccPP.jpg If you're a frequent flyer, or commute long distances daily, you'll understand the need for a great pair of noise cancelling headphones. Unfortunately, most of them cost a pretty penny. But not the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. These headphones offer not just good sound and shut the world out, but do it at pretty much half the cost of the usual suspects of Sony, Bose and Beats. They also have a useful feature that turns the headphones off when you're not wearing them, saving battery. And did we mention you can pair two devices at once as well? If that isn't great value, then we don't know what else is. Read more: Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WkDwA62Uw3dvNsHtx7jdJN.jpg With headphone jacks fast disappearing from flagship handsets, wireless headphones is the way to go. But not everyone likes the feel of a set of cans on their head and cables, no matter how small, can get annoying. If that's describing you, then true wireless 'buds are the answer to your prayers. While most of them compromise on sound quality, the Jabra Elite 65t not only sound good but offer ambient noise isolation as well. They're an excellent substitute if you aren't too keen on the other-worldly look of Apple's AirPods. Read more: Jabra Elite 65t review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pqy447RVJWWKjQePHS835j.jpg It's hard to find the Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 wireless 'buds, but if you're after a set of no-frills headphones that don't compromise on sound quality, you'll want to look for these. They do an excellent job of isolating sound when in a noisy environment and boast up to 10 hours of battery. And with a 15-minute quick charge, you'll get an additional two hours of playback out of them. Read more: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 review If you're after more information on headphones in different form factors, take a look at some of our other dedicated audio articles: The best headphones of 2018: Our pick of the best of the bestThe best earbuds available todayThe best on-ear headphonesThe best wireless headphones of 2018The best noise-cancelling headphoneshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/C2FvjVEkYRk

Google IO is less than a day away, but that hasn't stopped an alleged full Google Pixel 3a specs sheet and some new renders from showing up online ahead of the big event, courtesy of WinFuture's Roland Quandt. Quandt took to Twitter to post the spec sheet, titled 'Technical Characteristics', which has been translated into English from an unspecified language. Google Pixel 3a could come in purple and have a mid-range priceGoogle Pixel 3a leak shows us the cut-price handset once againThe Pixel 3a XL was just accidentally put on saleAs suggested by previous Google Pixel 3a rumors, the spec sheet claims the handset will sport a Snapdragon 670 chipset, 4GB of RAM and up to 64GB of storage. It also states that the Pixel 3a will feature a 5.6-inch (2,280 x 1,080) OLED display, which flies in the face of an early report which claimed the screen would use LCD technology. Along with the spec sheet, Quandt also posted several legit-looking renders of both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL from various angles in their Clearly White and Just Black color options. A selection of images can be found below, and you can find the rest of the renders in Quandt's Twitter feed. Google Pixel 3a spotted in purple-ish color ahead of May 7 launchhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/aiqdX-IsBWY

Google is tightening its Chrome browser’s privacy controls, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Sources familiar with the matter have told the publication that the search giant is getting ready to launch a “dashboard-like” tool on Chrome that would show more details about tracking cookies and provide options to limit them. If this comes to pass, it will be a significant move from Google, considering rival browsers (like Firefox and Safari) already have some amount of cookie blocking controls built-in, and Google’s business is modelled around targeted advertising. The tool is likely not going to affect Google’s own tracking scripts but could significantly harm digital advertising firms who rely on cookies to sell online ads. It also gives Google an unfair advantage over advertising rivals but it could also increase the trust users have in its product. Long time comingAccording to the Journal, the tool is six years in the making and could be released “as soon as this week”, meaning we could hear the announcement during Google’s I/O 2019 conference. Sources say that the delay in launching the new privacy tool was due to technical issues, and also because the tech giant was reportedly in talks with advertising companies to gauge how the changes would affect them. However, Google stepped up its efforts after the Cambridge Analytica data scandal broke. Google isn’t the only company to ramp up privacy on its browser. Microsoft today announced a slew of new features for its new Chromium-based Edge browser, among which are three levels of privacy controls that customize how third parties can track users across the web. Google will auto-delete your location and web history after a set period of timehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Dj0cW7HgZJ8

Opening up access to Cortana to third-party hardware, and Windows 10 to competing services like Amazon’s Alexa, seemed like the death knell for Microsoft’s digital assistant at the time. After its Build 2019 conference in Seattle, Washington, this is looking like one of Microsoft’s most ingenious plays yet. During its conference, Microsoft announced that Cortana will soon gain conversational artificial intelligence (AI), meaning that it will be able to hold entire conversations with end users to enact more complex tasks than ever before. This is thanks to work by Semantic Machines, a recent Microsoft acquisition focused on contextual, multi-tasking voice-based AI. However, that’s just the tip of this iceberg. By opening Cortana up to both developers and digital assistant skills provided by competing services, i.e. Amazon Alexa, Microsoft's Cortana is setting itself up to be the digital assistant that follows you across all the devices and platforms you use between work and leisure. As Cortana becomes what Microsoft calls an ‘intelligent agent,’ the same digital assistant you use to manage your work calendar from your workstation could be the same one you use to find the best route to the hiking trail this weekend from your iPhone – as well as the best restaurants nearby to wind down afterward. Sure, this is possible already today, but not nearly as seamlessly as Microsoft is purporting it will work. The digital assistant becomes your personal assistantBased on what Microsoft has shown off today, both in marketing materials and on the Build 2019 show floor, Cortana will ingest functionality from not just third party skills but also third party assistants developed with skills that Cortana isn’t even directly compatible with. In the same conversation with Cortana to schedule a lunch meeting at a restaurant and juggling availability between guests, you may also want reviews of that restaurant. You will theoretically be able to ask Cortana for that information mid-conversation. And, if Cortana can’t get that information on its own, it could make contact with a third party-developed digital assistant that wasn’t even developed with Cortana in mind. An easier way to think of this is Cortana effectively acts like a personal assistant, making various phone calls and acting out other tasks on your behalf, working with third parties (e.g. the local flower shop or limousine service) to get those things done. Here’s an example of it working from the other end: BMW has designed an in-car experience that uses its own digital assistant in conjunction with Cortana skills via Microsoft’s Azure cloud service over LTE connection. During a live demonstration, we saw the experience use skills that Microsoft has developed that BMW has no business working on, like to-do lists. Alternatively, we could easily see Cortana accessed on a device using skills in Alexa’s base, like product review aggregation, to present someone with the best hair dryers on Amazon when asking Cortana which they should buy. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fV6TUc55z9WMPqBvmgqUrC.jpg Image Credit: Microsoft The high hurdles aheadOf course, this grand vision for truly intelligent digital assistants relies rather heavily on service and product makers across countless categories investing development into digital assistants of their own. If they don’t, then Microsoft won’t have much to work with. Luckily, bots or digital assistants are gaining major traction within more tech-savvy product and service providers. However, what does that say for the third-party devices that work with Cortana today, particularly iPhones and (to a far lesser degree) Android phones? Apple’s iOS is historically restrictive when it comes to allowing system-level functions to interact with third-party apps and services, much less apps interacting with one another, though it has lightened up on the former considerably. It’s likely that Apple will have to loosen its grip on these kinds of inter-app functions even further if Microsoft’s vision for the Cortana intelligent agent is to truly blossom. Have the platform holders embraced as open an ideology as Microsoft has, so as to enable its vision? Nothing better to put that to the test than some potentially transformative technology. Should everyone open up, we could all benefit from digital assistants that truly grow to become personal assistants, namely Cortana. All the best laptops run Cortana out of the box – except for MacBookshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/LJaM4JlOvqI

iOS 13 is shaping up to be more feature-rich than Apple's current iOS 12 software, according to leaks about the next iPhone and iPad operating system update. The biggest change could be coming to the native keyboard, reports Bloomberg citing anonymous sources. Apple is testing swipe functionality so you can type out words without lifting a finger, which sounds similar to SwiftKey and other third-party keyboard extensions. There are new details about redesigned pre-loaded apps (outlined below in detail), including iMessage, Health, Reminders, and Find My iPhone. Today's report also reaffirms prior rumors we've covered, like a system-wide Dark Mode and a feature that enables using an iPad as a second display for Macs. The Apple WWDC 2019 keynote is Monday, June 3, which is where we expect to see iOS 13 as well as watchOS 6 and macOS 10.15 for the first time and beta software soon after. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xvCTHbRvRsEfbsoAQLkQ68.jpg New iOS 13 changes rumoredWe keep hearing that iOS 13 will launch the long-awaited Dark Mode, one that's very similar to what we saw in macOS 10.14 Mojave last year and a part of the Control Center UI. Dark Mode is said to be combined with a system-wide Sleep Mode, a more extensive version of Apple's Bedtime menu tucked away in the default Clock app (and few use). The idea is that this could integrate with the Apple Watch down the road. Look for iOS 13 to debut a revamped Apple Health app, one that outlines your daily activity better, tracks menstrual cycles, and monitors your 'hearing health' taking into account headphone and external environment loudness. iMessage has been tipped to allow you add custom profile pictures and nicknames, very similar to what you can do in WhatsApp, and you can set who can see them. Also, Animoji and Memoji may come in a sticker form as part of iOS 13. An app internally referred to as "GreenTorch" will supposedly combine Find my Friends and Find my iPhone. Details are light here, but we've seen rumors about a separate device that you could track your belongings on 9to5Mac. The default Mail app is supposed to get more powerful, with the ability to mute individual threads, block incoming email from specific contacts, and revamp the folder management UI to be more straightforward, reports Bloomberg. Reminders may offer a triage-like main screen that breaks down tasks in color-coded sections: to be done today, all tasks, scheduled tasks, and flagged tasks. And Apple Home is expanding its smart home reach with security cameras integration. Parents will take heart if Apple's Screen Time app expands parental controls to limit who kids can and cannot contact at certain times, while Apple Books is said to be including a progress tracker and reward system as you (or your kids) finish books. Finally, the Share page is also getting updated, and on top of being more organized, will intelligently suggest different people to send that latest TechRadar article to. There are almost too many potential iOS 13 changes to keep track of. We'll know for sure which ones live and which ones get delayed to iOS 14 in 2020 in less than a month, when Apple shows off iOS 13 for the first time at WWDC 2019. Check out the best iPhoneshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/CO_63-PyluY

Mint Mobile is offering an exclusive iPhone XR deal for TechRadar readers. For a limited time, you can receive a free three-month 8GB data plan with your purchase of an iPhone XR. You'll pay the monthly cost of the iPhone XR ($31.21/month for 24 months) with 0% financing and receive 8GB of data per month for three months at no additional charge. Mint Mobile is a low-cost wireless carrier provider that offers prepaid plans on the back of the T-Mobile's network. Mint offers plans in three, six, and twelve-month allotments that must be paid for in advance. Mint's rates are therefore lower than most mobile carries thanks to the upfront bulk pricing. The prepaid carrier also allows customers to use their own GSM unlocked phone and pick what plan they need without a long-term contract. Mint's service allows you to change your plan once the prepaid time is up and make changes based on how much data you need. All Mint Mobile plans include unlimited talk and text and the amount of data you choose at 4G LTE speeds. Mint's current promotion is giving you its 8GB three-month plan ($60) for free when you purchase an unlocked iPhone XR. You'll be charged the cost of the iPhone ($749+ tax) with 0% financing over 24 months. The advantage: This is a fantastic deal if you're in the market for a new iPhone and don't want to be tied down to a mobile carrier. This exclusive offer is a limited-time promotion and an excellent opportunity to try out Mint Mobile. Learn more about the latest iPhone with our iPhone XR review. See more iPhone offers with the best iPhone XR deals that are currently available. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/oqkYz5J4rxM

While Microsoft spent most of the day focusing on enterprise solutions, including a way to protect elections from malicious software, it ended the Build 2019 keynote with a surprise announcement for a new augmented reality (AR) Minecraft experience coming to smartphones. The still-unnamed app was shown off through a teaser trailer displayed at the end of the keynote, alongside a date – May 17 – which Microsoft says will be the time that it will reveal more information. While the teaser is more a proof-of-concept than an actual product demonstration, it gives us a slight idea of what’s to come: an AR-based Minecraft game that looks, in some ways, like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. The teaser trailer shown at the end of the keynote showed someone accidentally switching phones with Minecraft Creative Director Saxs Persson before noticing an AR version of the game’s iconic pink pig and two of the game’s villager characters who shake their head in disapproval. Along the bottom part of the screen we can see the item bar that has been apart of the game's UI since the very beginning, which could point to a building aspect. Though, we'll have to wait until the game's formal announcement in a few weeks to confirm our suspicions. Congrats on 10 years, MinecraftAdmittedly, the timing of the game’s unveiling on May 17 couldn’t be more impeccable: it’s exactly 10 years to the day that the game first launched. The 10-year anniversary is a good time as any to show off what's next for one of the world's most popular video games, especially as it sounds like the previous AR demo – the one shown off alongside Microsoft HoloLens – was merely a product demonstration. That said, considering everybody owns a smartphone and very few of us own a HoloLens, this is probably the better direction for the game. Living in another dimension? Here are the best VR games in 2019http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/uDarOFkcZ_A

The UK's Porn Block will go into effect on July 15th at which time users will have to verify their age when viewing adult content online. There will be several ways for users to verify their age online such as by submitting official government IDs, their credit card information or even by going into a physical store and presenting their identification and a fee in exchange for a pass. Rather than creating a new regulatory body within the government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport outsourced the task to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). However, the BBFC is not creating or even endorsing a single age verification system as the organization instead laid out guidelines for external age verification services run by private firms. Starbucks plans to block adult content on its Wi-Fi in 2019A popular porn website has been hit by a massive malware attackPornHub launches its own VPNUnder the Porn Block, adult sites would be required to install such a system under threat of being banned by major internet service providers. While this means less work for the BBFC, it also raises concerns over how the data needed to verify user's identities will be protected under GDPR. Age verification servicesAccording to the BBFC, the organization will soon publish a list of recommended age verification services and existing solutions such as AgeChecked, which is used by gambling sites and e-cigarette retailers, and AgePass, which stores data on a private blockchain, will likely be included. One service in particular though will start with a big advantage over its competition. AgeID provides a single sign-on solution where users can verify once and then login to one of the thousands of sites that will support the service when the UK's Porn Block launches in July. The reason why the service already has such large support is because its parent company, MindGeek is an adult entertainment industry giant whose holdings include Pornhub, Redtube, YouPorn and dozens of other sites. MindGeek took an early interest in the UK's Porn Block from its onset and the Open Rights Group even obtained communications between the company and regulators before the law was passed. In addition to having the necessary resources to develop and lobby for its tool, the company has the advantage of being able to roll out AgeID instantly on the most popular adult sites in the world. This could give users the impression of a single sign-on for adult sites in Britain similar to how they use their Google or Facebook accounts to sign on to other services. Executive Director of the Open Rights Group, Jim Killock explained how the UK government had inadvertently given MindGeek a huge advantage over its competition, saying: “In the name of child protection, the government has given a massive leg up to an enormous pornography company to have a monopoly on age verification in the U.K. That’s quite a surprising outcome.” Via The New York Times Access the internet without restrictions with the best VPNhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/feuy7wEXxw0

It’s no secret that virtual reality has an isolation problem. The very appeal of VR experiences – immersion in simulated worlds – requires a successful detachment from your surroundings. Light must be blocked out, outside noise should be muffled, and god help anyone caught within swinging distance of your controllers. Despite the increasing visibility of VR technology, and waves of hype and venture capital ensuring a steady release schedule for standalone headsets, the very act of wearing one remains anti-social. Even if you're taking part in a multiplayer experience, the chances are you're playing against someone in another corner of the world. Some modern arcades, however, are looking to learn from the success of the retro gaming bar: drinking establishments stocked with anything from a battered pinball machine to Street Fighter cabinets and arcade shooters. By focusing on the social, multiplayer aspect of gaming, they think VR can gain a foothold in today’s entertainment scene. The rise of the VR arcadehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cJEHgn5X2LSGiGZqeSASEH.jpg VR users play in full-view of the open-plan bar | Credit: Lost Rivers and The VR Concept Putting high-end VR devices in the hands of nightly punters, who may have enjoyed several beverages before slipping on their headset, naturally causes its own problems. For The VR Concept, it required a major rethink of the way we think about virtual experiences. Simply put, The VR Concept delivers VR experiences on the premises of existing bars and pubs. The company was founded back in 2016 by Anthony Nixon and Oli Lane, after a chance meeting as landlord/tenant through room-rental site Airbnb. While Nixon had worked previously in IT infrastructure, Lane had a more sci-fi background in satellite propulsion. For both of them it was VR, rather than space, that presented the next frontier – and it was Nixon’s familiarity with the Four Thieves, his local pub in the London borough of Clapham, that led to their fledgling company setting up their first VR experience within the venue. Just over 18 months later, and their chain already makes up 50% of all VR arcades in the capital, using the stable footfall of established pubs to drum up interest and get their VR wares in the hands of a wide spectrum of demographics, largely using the technology for the first time in a familiar and comfortable setting. The result is a VR user base that cuts across the pub-going population, and results in an encouraging 50:50 gender split across players. As co-founder Lane puts it: “Compared to a lot of arcades, it’s not a nerdy place to come. “If you want to impress a friend, or a date, you’re not taking them to a gadget showcase. You’re going to a cool bar.” A social experiencehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QuE6XwdEqV5SPbSBQjtQXH.jpg Punters enjoy a drink while spectating | Credit: Lost Rivers and The VR Concept With four venues operational across London and Brighton, The VR Concept have rapidly expanded at a time where smaller, pop-up VR ventures are struggling to find an audience. Their latest site saw them take up residency at Lost Rivers Elephant, in the London borough of Elephant & Castle. The venue stocks four HTC Vive headsets and accompanying Deluxe Audio Straps, tied to the ceiling by an extendable seatbelt that prevents players roaming too far. The effect is very Ready Player One – a film they openly credit with the growth of their user base over the past few months. The experience of playing is very much what you’d expect from the Vive, which the founders chose for its crisp 2160 x 1200 display (1080 x 1200 pixels per eye) and precise room-scale motion tracking. (Though the Oculus Rift has an equivalent resolution, it only implemented room-scale tracking midway through 2017.) http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CE8SGX4PacHd9zT8n4b4kH.jpg Each venue uses a rig of connected HTC Vive's with Deluxe Audio Straps | Credit: Lost Rivers and The VR Concept HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift: Which headset is better? Despite the processing power needed to run numerous Vive’s in tandem, there is no noticeable input lag, and the games run impressively smoothly – largely thanks to a hefty PC rig capable of outputting 1500W when running four players concurrently. That's with some help from machines kitted out with Intel’s top-of-the-range i9 processor, Nvidia’s GTX 1080 Ti graphics card, and some very flashy neon fans keeping the temperature under control. You’ll also find a number of sensible home improvements to trailing cables, making use of a chest strap and harness that keeps the Vive’s wires from tangling around you – while the ceiling tethers and thickly-padded walls should stop any drunken clientele from hurting themselves or damaging the equipment. “When we first opened we were losing a controller a week,” Lane admits. VR as a spectator sport http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nethBnLoMPUziTD8E5RJeH.jpg A VR tournament streams to the big-screen | Credit: Lost Rivers and The VR Concept The arcade’s nascent success has lain in treating VR in the same way other large-scale venues would treat a major sporting event. In-game footage can be streamed live to a projector screen, and the online infrastructure built across The VR Concept’s four venues allows online tournaments and PvP play. Players are in full view of the bar’s other punters while playing, allowing anyone to watch their friends grope around in VR while sipping on a drink. Crucially, it’s also easy to ignore if that’s not what brought you inside. Games like Skyfront allow up to four-a-side action, combining jetpacks with FPS-shooting for satisfying and deeply chaotic play sessions. Quest offers collaborative gameplay for friends or family through an adorable-but-deadly cartoon dungeon (below), while Serious Sam offers a two-player wave shooter for fans of the bombastic series. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/H7NSNrFNnmybHHjo8No3aT.png TechRadar gears up for battle with the company founders | Credit: Henry St Leger If you want to impress a friend, or a date, you’re not taking them to a gadget showcase. You’re going to a cool bar.Oli Lane, founder The VR Concept This is cutting-edge tech with a gently casual bent, operated as successors to the coin-op cabinets still found in countless bars around the world, and which – incredibly – can still cost more by-the-minute than an hour-long VR experience (£39 per person across The VR Concept's venues). While VR in general struggles to shake off its public image as an isolated, niche interest, modern arcades may be able to tackle this problem head-on: by bringing VR to social spaces and ensuring players and punters feel connected to the experience. There are other notable VR sites worldwide attracting interest, including a VR bar in Vienna and a high-profile theme park in Guizhou, China that opened its doors this month. Even as this nascent technology struggles to gain a foothold in everyday use, these ventures point to a bright future for VR as a normalised, ultra-social experience. Co-founder Lane is optimistic about the future of VR, in his sector at least: “What we’re doing with this is providing people with interesting, fun stuff to do on a night out. "The question isn’t ‘do we see interest in VR waning’. It’s ‘do we see interest in experiences waning’. And absolutely we don’t.” The best VR games available to play in 2018What VR means for the theme parks of tomorrowhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/N3ErSxElomo

Main image: The IBM ThinkPad 700 series first appeared in 1992 If you own a PC there’s a very good chance it's a lightweight and portable laptop, rather than a big and bulky desktop. Those rectangular boxes that are tethered to your desk have been declining in popularity, with laptops now far outstripping them when it comes to sales. Thanks to an almost constant stream of innovations, the humble laptop has become slimmer and lighter than ever before, while the hardware inside them has become ever-more powerful, while batteries are lasting longer. Creating a powerful and portable computer is no mean feat, and here we look back at some of the pivotal moments in the history of laptop development, and examine how early machines influenced the laptops of today. 1981: Osborne 1, the world’s first truly mobile computerhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3U7nxr2bvQgh7jgj3Bs5Ej.jpg Image credit: CC BY 3.0 Many people consider the Osborne 1 to be the granddaddy of laptops. Released by Osborne Computer in 1981, the Osborne 1 had a five-inch screen, two floppy drives, a modem, battery pack and a keyboard that was built into the lid. Although it was big and bulky (it weighed 11kg, which is just over the combined weight of five MacBook Pros), this early computer still has some recognizable laptop features. Sadly, it wasn’t a hit, but it showed the potential of a portable personal computer – for the first time, people were able to carry their computer with them and work on them when traveling. At the time of its release it cost $1,795, which would be around $5,000 (£4,000, AU$7,000) in today’s money. 1983: Grid Compass 1101, the first clamshell laptophttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C37ktfmHboyuZRbmro3T4d.jpg Image credit: Russian Vintage Laptop Museum The first portable laptop that really looked like a laptop was the Grid Compass 1101, which was released in 1983. It featured the clamshell design, with the screen able to be folded up against the keyboard when closed. This remarkable innovation meant that the Grid Compass 1101 could be more easily carried around, while the screen and keyboard were kept protected. It was such a successful and influential design that it's endured to this day, and while the Grid Compass 1101 itself wasn't a huge success due to its high price of around $10,000 (around $25,000 / £20,000 / AU$35,000 in today’s money), the patents on many of its innovations earned GRID Systems Corp a lot of money. 1989: Compaq LTE and Compaq LTE 286, the first notebook PCshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RjsbShBEMobSURH5q72zpP.jpg Image credit: Source Centre for Computing History Up until this point, early laptops were sometimes referred to as ‘luggables’, due to the fact that while they were more portable than a regular PC, they were still large and bulky, and not easily carried. However, in 1989 the Compaq LTE and LTE 286 were released, and they're generally regarded as the first notebook PCs, as they were around the size of a paper notebook. These smaller laptops were easier to carry around, making them more popular with people who travelled a lot. They were also two of the first laptops to include a built-in hard drive and floppy disk drive, making them even more versatile. The hard drive in the Compaq LTE offered 20MB of storage space, which was doubled for the Compaq LTE 286. 1989: Macintosh Portable, the first Apple laptophttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pHm86wWqSUWi992uue4wPF.jpg Image credit: CC BY-SA 2.0 FR 1989 also saw Apple release its first laptop device, and while it wasn’t as small or as easy to carry as the Compaq LTE (it was still considered a ‘luggable’ device), it offered very good battery life and decent screen – something modern MacBooks are still renowned for. Due to its size and weight it wasn't a popular device, but it did spur on competitors to release Mac-compatible laptops that were more portable – these days it’s strange to think of any other company other than Apple building Mac hardware. 1991: Apple PowerBook 100 series: a revolutionary early laptophttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9bFDqNDny4zdoPMhvrUxY.jpg Image credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 In 1991, Apple released a series of PowerBook laptops – the PowerBook 100, PowerBook 140 and PowerBook 170 – which were far more successful than the company’s previous attempts at creating a portable PC, and they ushered in a number of revolutionary features that have become staples of modern laptop design. For example, the keyboard was positioned towards the back of the bottom half of the laptop, providing room at the front for palm rests and a trackball. Up until that point most laptops had the keyboard positioned at the front, with the space at the back for function key reference cards and instructions. The included trackpad was also noteworthy, as it provided a convenient way of controlling a pointing device. With operating systems moving away from text-only command line interfaces to graphical user interfaces, these pointing devices would become pivotal. The Apple PowerBook series was immensely popular, and over the years the PowerBook line brought in more innovative features that we now take for granted in laptops. In 1994, the PowerBook 500 series was the first laptop to include a true touchpad, and the first to include a built-in Ethernet network adapter. 1992: IBM ThinkPad 700 – a powerful and iconic laptophttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/w8ZhzJyCxqvJbwXbUPDSkQ.jpg In 1992 IBM released its first ThinkPad laptops, the 700, 700c and 700t, and these, along with the Apple PowerBook 100 series, can be considered some of the first modern laptops, helping to shape the laptop landscape for the next 25 years. The ThinkPad came with a red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard, which was used to control the pointer, and the iconic feature is still found in modern ThinkPads. The ThinkPad 700 also really showcased what a laptop device could be capable of. It had a full-color 10.4-inch display, which was larger than any laptop screen that had come before, a 120MB hard drive and a powerful IBM 486 SLC processor. The design of the ThinkPad was both stylish and functional, and it won a host of design awards. IBM was keen to highlight how well built the ThinkPad was in a series of promotional events, with, for example, the laptops being used by archaeologists in Egypt. The ThinkPad 750c was taken into space by NASA, proving just how capable these modern laptops were. With innovative features and design choices used to overcome the technological issues of the time, these early laptops paved the way for the modern machines we now use daily, and it's these early pioneers we have to thank for making laptops the brilliantly versatile devices we have in our homes, schools and workplaces. TechRadar's Next Up series is brought to you in association with Honor http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6XyLRVYgo9jTGxjKJq4ZqZ.jpg http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/aubd06WYlew

UAE based telecom operator Etisalat is offering its Smiles UAE app accessible to all residents in the UAE. Launched in 2017, the app was previously only available to selected Etisalat customers. The app allows users to enjoy ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ deals on entertainment, shopping, dining, travel and wellness - with over 500 offers to choose from 350 lifestyle partners covering over 3,000 retail outlets across the UAE. Etisalat claims that more than 1.5 million unique users enrolled with the Smiles program have been enjoying more than AED 300 million worth of savings. Smiles UAE also offers a host of features and benefits with the ‘Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1’ subscription at AED 20 per month, or AED 199 only per year, to get unlimited downloads of discount coupons across all categories at no cost for the duration of the subscription period. The operator has also tied up with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank for ADIB Etisalat Covered Card, with cardholders earning up to four Smiles points for every dirham spent on the card. New cardholders also get up to 70,000 Smiles points as a joining bonus, and a 50 per cent discount on two cinema tickets per week. Etisalat doubles internet speeds for eLife Unlimited subscribershttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/E-mSZLo6kEY