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Normally, after a game demo concludes, there’s a brief moment of applause for what was just presented. It’s a small token of appreciation by those in attendance, a thank you for the work that was put into the demo that just played on-screen and a rare chance to give some direct adulation to those who work so tirelessly on these games. After our recent Call of Duty: Modern Warfare demo ended, however, that applause was nowhere to be found. The group of us, 10-15 total, sat in stunned silence absorbing what we’d just saw. However, where some might think that silence insulting, we’re willing to bet that reaction was exactly what Infinity Ward, the game's developer, was looking for. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will try to set a new bar in storytelling for the franchise later this year, and the 20-minute presentation proves it’s taking a different approach - one that’s more dramatic and impacting than ever before. A familiar premise…The demo presented to convention goers starts off with the Infinity Ward team explaining what’s going on in the scene we’re watching: there has been a terrorist attack in London’s Piccadilly Circus leaving dozens dead or wounded, and those responsible are tracked to a three-story townhouse in northern London. While you'd expect it to be all flash and bombast from here on out, Infinity Ward takes things in another direction entirely. It’s up to a special task force comprised of Sergeant Garrick (the player’s character), Modern Warfare mainstay Captain Price, and two other British special forces operatives to infiltrate the house and neutralize the cell, with orders to shoot any hostiles on sight. For Call of Duty, this is well-trodden ground: terrorists attack a city, the troops are sent in to neutralize the threat, and the story unfolds from there. No one would claim that Infinity Ward is reinventing the wheel with this premise. But while you'd expect it to be all flash and bombast from here on out, Infinity Ward takes things in another direction entirely. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QXL4yv2KqRcuiTeB3FXnVE.jpg Image Credit: Infinity Ward / Activision ...told in an unfamiliar wayBack in the game, the troops assemble at the back door of the house in the dead of night, sneaking through tight alleyways in order to reach it. After a brief pause they enter the home, night vision equipped, and find a small group of people at a table discussing the attack. We don’t even know these people are terrorists until one calls the attack “a failure” and starts to discuss next steps. Once we have that audio clue, the fight is on. Price shoots out the lone light bulb in the room and the team moves in, taking out the armed men and women one-by-one. Bullets hit the bodies with precision, the enemies slumping into lifelessness with sickening realism. We hear muffled sounds above us, loud whispers and shouts of warning, as the team slowly ascends the narrow stairs. She pleads that she has been forced to stay up there, that she’s innocent ... It’s discovered that she was going for a detonator, to what is never explained, and Price remarks that they were lucky to have neutralized her. On the second floor each team member takes a door and opens it, with player character Garrick finding a single woman with her hands up. She reaches for a rifle and Garrick fires, killing her instantly. Later we’d see another woman make a quick movement, but this second woman instead picks up a baby and consoles it. Garrick does not shoot, but we are left not knowing what would happen if he had. We hear more commotion toward the bathroom, and as we approach bullets suddenly explode through the door. A few shots into the wall later, and we see our assailant lying in the bathtub in his own blood. After some more action above us it’s time to ascend again, taking the tight staircase to floor three. It’s more of the same here, but one of the special forces is shot through the door he chooses by a terrorist, leaving us one man down for the rest of the mission. Once the third floor is cleared we go up to the attic, where we meet one final woman with her hands up. She pleads that she has been forced to stay up there, that she’s innocent, before she moves toward a nearby table and is shot dead. It’s discovered that she was going for a detonator, to what is never explained, and Price remarks that they were lucky to have neutralized her. The demo ended here, giving us some time to catch our breath and mentally process what just happened. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MbNb5zux7Kff82DTb9ebUE.jpg Image Credit: Infinity Ward / Activision Deafening silenceWhat lasted about 20 minutes felt like it went on for ages thanks to the slow, methodical pace of the demo, and all of the elements that led to that feeling are in line with Infinity Ward’s new approach to Modern Warfare. This was less like Call of Duty games we’ve come to know over the years and more in line with a nuanced film like Zero Dark Thirty. This was a demo focused on bringing us war as it’s fought now, not as was “modern” back when Call of Duty 4 debuted in 2007. It’s a remarkable shift in format and tone, one that we certainly did not see coming. The name Call of Duty carries with it an expectation of bombast and a pageantry of sorts, loud explosions and deafening gunfire raining out of every battle. A few well-known examples withstanding, previous games were marked with adrenaline, each of them coming out of the gates guns blazing. This new Modern Warfare eschews all of that, instead ramping up the tension with deafening silence, total darkness, and building tension through tight quarters. Each step on those staircases made our muscles tighten, each opening of a door filled with anxious anticipation. This was less like Call of Duty games we’ve come to know over the years and more in line with a nuanced film like Zero Dark Thirty. How Marvel Games could make an Avengers/Spider-Man crossover workhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/bO0dB3bYcy0

Avengers: Endgame may have wrapped up the MCU in a neat (albeit emotional) bow but we are still looking to scratch that superhero itch - and we're hoping Crystal Dynamics' Marvel's Avengers game will be just the ticket. Marvel’s Avengers sees players taking on the roles of the most popular Avengers characters around in a single-player, story-driven game which also features four player co-op missions - because you can't save the world alone. In addition, new characters, regions, and missions will be added for free post-launch, as part of a continuous multi-year plan for the game. But who is on the super roster? The playable characters revealed so far are: Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, and Thor. Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel was also briefly shown at the Marvel Games Comic-Con panel, and Hawkeye has been heavily hinted at. While Marvel’s Avengers isn’t out until May 15, 2020 that doesn’t mean you have to go without your superhero fix. So, in preparation for the long wait, we’ve assembled 10 of the best superhero games you can Hulk-smash through until then. God of War (2018)http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/miKQ5uCc5qEt6s5kVzadD4.png God of War (2018) Kicking us off is TechRadar’s Game of the Year for 2018, God of War. Introducing mature and emotional writing, hard-hitting tactical combat, and characters we fell in love with, God of War is an exceptional reboot of the beloved deity-murdering series and a secretly sensational superhero game. The greatest superhero fight ever to grace a videogame can be found at the beginning of Kratos’ Nordic journey. A one-on-one battle so ferocious, determined, and destructive, it’s hard to imagine any superhero fight bettering it, in any medium. Gaming’s greatest weapon, Kratos’ Leviathan axe, works identically to Thor’s hammer, allowing the player to throw the Leviathan, and call it back with the press of a button. Excitingly, the developer behind the axe, Vince Napoli, now at Crystal Dynamics, is responsible for making the heroes in Marvel’s Avengers feel like the powerful heroes we know and love. LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6jfo9EGyZ32rFP3rvyQdWR.jpg LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 TT Games’ LEGO titles have been consistent sources of wacky fun since the release of LEGO Star Wars in 2005. LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 doesn’t revolutionize the block-breaking formula, but with the same LEGO charm, comedic chops, and hundreds of playable Marvel characters, it’s another fantastic TT Games success story. Where the sequel excels beyond its predecessors is in its hilarious and inventive narrative. Time-travelling villain Kang the Conqueror uses his power to mash together a plethora of classic Marvel locations like 2099 New York City, Asgard, and Wakanda, to form the open-world of Chronopolis where players engage in a cosmic showdown with Kang. Just Cause 3 (with Sky Fortress DLC)http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KWakztE4UwEqyvRwhBiJp5.jpg Just Cause 3 Superhero games don’t have to be about powerful people in colorful spandex, like God of War, sometimes a superhero game is defined by its mechanics, rather than its characters, and Just Cause 3’s Sky Fortress DLC has one hell of a superhero mechanic. Rico Rodriguez’s bombastic third adventure already feels heroic with the wingsuit and inventive grappling hook, but Sky Fortress ups the ante with the rocket powered Bavarium Wingsuit. This powerful upgrade allows Rico to soar through the air like a winged Iron Man, with only a slight boost cooldown to restrict your flight. Like Iron Man, the Bavarium Wingsuit also possesses homing missiles and a machine gun to wreak havoc from the skies. Batman: Return to Arkhamhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8YNuPBYwe256hys9onnnQX.jpg Batman: Return to Arkham Batman: Return to Arkham collects the first two games in Rocksteady’s acclaimed series, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Arguably, these are two of the greatest superhero games ever made, with Asylum in particular becoming a game-changer in terms of free-flowing action-game combat. In the 10 years since Rocksteady’s first shot at the Dark Knight, that combat system has been adopted as more-or-less an industry standard. Stealth mechanics, captivating villains (including Scarecrow’s incredible psychological horror interludes), and more gadgets than you can shake your batarang at, Rocksteady’s first forays into Batman’s world are masterful, and set the precedent for superhero videogames. Batman: Arkham VRhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MtuCUw9AfTWPnMLLFAXAgJ.jpg Batman: Arkham VR Developed by Rocksteady, Batman: Arkham VR lets players don the cowl and embark on a short, but sweet experience from Batman’s perspective. There’s no thrilling combat experience here, but there is a gripping murder mystery that sees you become the ‘World’s Greatest Detective’, using your motion controllers to interact with Gotham City and its villainous inhabitants. Arkham VR is a flawed gem that is worth experiencing if you love the detective sections in Rocksteady’s mainline Arkham titles. Infamous: Second Sonhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umAVC764wvGoGg5FDMtMj.jpeg Infamous: Second Son One of the PlayStation 4’s first exclusive titles, Infamous: Second Son sees players take on the role of Delsin Rowe (voiced impeccably by Troy Baker), a person with extraordinary abilities known as a Conduit, on a mission to take down an anti-Conduit organisation. As a Conduit, Delsin is able to absorb the powers of other Conduits. Delsin subsequently absorbs multiple powers, each with their own traversal mechanics and combat styles, and accompanied by a beautifully unique style and flair. A black and white morality system doesn’t detract from what is a great superhero/anti-hero story, with wonderfully fluid and fast traversal, stunning neon-infused visuals, and a vast arsenal of powers. If immense power is what you’re looking for from a superhero game, then Sucker Punch’s Infamous: Second Son delivers that in spades. Super Smash Bros. Ultimatehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GzG5DdhwCqbpECYMSZiGsN.jpg Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Marvel’s Avengers, like the Avengers MCU movies, will focus on the art of the hero team-up. Iconic characters who have never shared the stage before join forces or face off against each other, it’s a formula that’s worked miracles for Marvel, and one that’s worked for decades for Nintendo too. While their colorful cast of characters may not scream ‘superhero’ in the same way Captain America does, there’s no way to talk about the hero team-up without mentioning Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the king of the crossover. Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, Cloud, Kirby, Samus, Star Fox, Snake, Isabelle; Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch features all of these characters plus 70 more in what is, arguably, the most ambitious fighting game of all time. Assassin's Creed Odysseyhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CrQooseGWwi5ohBSkvetYU.png Assassin's Creed Odyssey Crafting a follow-up to the excellent Assassin’s Creed Origins is no small task, let-alone following it with a title as adored as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Kassandra (the only real character choice) is a fantastic protagonist, with an instantly lovable personality and attitude. Her journey through Ancient Greece and beyond is one brimming with superhero-like abilities: no fall damage, a powerful Sparta Kick to send foes flying, unmatched fighting strength, and a rainbow unicorn as your steed. This is the Wonder Woman game of your dreams. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Orderhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6YpuusuxW2oXS8EcjGd2fi.jpg Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order The perfect stop-gap between the more tonally serious Avengers: Endgame and Marvel’s Avengers, Team Ninja’s Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is a light-hearted, funny, comic book-inspired romp. Like the previous games in the series, Ultimate Alliance 3 is an isometric, co-op button masher in which players assemble a team of four from a possible 36 iconic Marvel heroes to defeat escalating threats. Crazy team attacks, well-crafted CGI cutscenes featuring that MCU charm, deep RPG elements, and plenty of incentive to replay. Despite some glaring camera issues, stopping Thanos from using the Infinity Stones has never been as joyous. Marvel's Spider-Manhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KHeh8ybyuUqdcBGJYXqkPS.jpg Marvel's Spider-Man Insomniac Games were the perfect studio to bring Marvel’s most popular hero exclusively to the PlayStation 4. Marvel’s Spider-Man is a triumph in almost every way, and Marvel Games have a real challenge on their hands to replicate Spidey’s success with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Insomniac crafted its own unique interpretations of classic characters with finesse and planted them in a narrative that captivates from start to finish. Could we see any crossover between Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Avengers? Arguably, Insomniac also crafted the greatest feeling traversal mechanics in videogames. Web-zipping through New York City at breakneck speeds never gets old. Even if you don’t care for Spidey’s fantastic story, his web-swinging makes Marvel’s Spider-Man unmissable. ‘Nuff said. Batman: Arkham Asylum is 10 – Rocksteady founders on the genre-defining superhero gamebathttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/l6vF-j5kcvo

Not only is Huawei busy developing its own operating system to potentially replace Android, it's also got an in-house mapping service in the pipeline as well, according to reports. Based on reporting by China Daily, the mapping service is aimed at software developers more than end users: apps offering step-by-step directions, cab hailing and similar tools will be able to take advantage. The new service is called Map Kit, apparently, and is going to include support for real-time traffic reports as well as augmented reality features (perhaps similar to the AR layers that have recently been added on top of Google Maps). The latest news on the Apple Watch 5The Huawei Mate 30 Pro will soon be here24 hours with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 PlusRussian internet service Yandex is being tipped to supply Huawei with the bulk of the mapping data it needs, which will be added to data taken from infrastructure that Huawei already has in place. Putting Huawei on the Map (Kit)It's another interesting twist in Huawei's ongoing attempts to put a safety net in place, should it lose access to Google's apps and services – which still might happen as a consequence of the current trade hostility between the US and China. In recent weeks it seems the US stance towards Huawei has softened, though the Chinese tech giant obviously wants to prepare for the worst, just in case. Rolling out a full mapping service is a big challenge though. Google and Apple remain the big players in the field, regularly adding new information to their maps, and driving fleets of cars around the world to capture street view imagery. Depending on how the Huawei-Google relationship develops from here, it might be a while before we see Huawei Map Kit appear – but Huawei seems to be covering all the bases in its contingency plans. All the latest developments in the Huawei ban storyVia The Verge http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/AVsou67zubU

A few months ago, we saw lesser-known SIMO provider Smarty drop an offer to top the rest of the market - 25% off its unlimited data plan. And now, Smarty has brought it back, once again reclaiming its title of best unlimited data SIM only deal around. So what are you paying after that 25% cut to the price? This offer works out at just £18.75 per month. Down from £25, this is a pretty major saving for a complete lack of caps on your data usage. But, here's the great news. This deal doesn't just appeal with its affordable pricing and massive data cap. With Smarty, you're only on a 1-month rolling contract, meaning you can leave whenever you want. Smarty even offers the ability to use your unlimited data as a hotspot, allowing you to connect your laptop, iPad or even console without fears of running out of data. Interested? You can see Smarty's offer down below in full. Or check out our guide to the best SIM only deals to see what other options are currently available. Find the perfect SIM-free phone to pair with this offerhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VgyagGS9HpAEPUQtUJBfrg.jpg Smarty's superb SIM only deal in full:What other SIM only deals are available?While no unlimited data SIMO is going to beat this, Three sits in a close second place. With two separate unlimited data offers, one for two years at £20 a month (with half price bills for the first six months) and the other for one year at £20 a month, Three isn't far behind Smarty. So if you like your SIMO from a name you know or will be missing the end date of this deal, Three could be the way to go. Or if £18.75 is still more than you're willing to spend, Three is yet again the choice to go for - offering 8GB of data for just £9 a month. Finally, for those who prioritise speed over everything else, we would recommend Carphone Warehouse's 20GB for £20 a month on EE. More expensive than Smarty but you get access to the UK's fastest 4G speeds. What is Smarty? Find out more with our explainerhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/SwTMvP5gdcc

The Honda CR-V is the world's best selling SUV, and the 2019 model is capable of hauling families and their luggage in comfort, while also providing a wide array of tech goodies to make the journey easier, more enjoyable and less tiring. With updated styling to go along with the tech it's an SUV for the here and now, assuming you want a large people carrier and not a more compact mid-size or small Sports Utility Vehicle. As well staples such as cruise control and a reversing camera, the Honda CR-V also offers up a HUD (heads up display) and slick smartphone integration to keep the tech-enthused happy behind the wheel. We put some serious mileage on the CR-V to find out how well it all comes together. Honda Civic Type R: an everyday beastLand Rover Discovery HSE: over ground, under ground, Rovering freeKia e-Niro: an EV SUV for the peoplehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YaJMWgRZ4vpYndyfEKEqTk.jpg Honda CR-V design and driveThe Honda CR-V is long, tall and wide. If you're uncomfortable maneuvering in small spaces, this isn't the car for you. But if you're someone who needs space for people and all their belongings, the CR-V has it in spades. One of the first things we noticed when we climbed up, into the driver's seat of the Honda CR-V was just the sheer number of cubby holes that were available. The door pockets are some of the deepest we've seen, and the central divide between the front seats provides a key tray, ample cup holders and additional storage space (the latter of which is hidden under the sliding armrest). There's plenty of space in both seat width and head height, making the cabin a comfortable and airy place to be. Honda has improved the sound proofing for the 2019 CR-V too, which means things are quieter when you're on the move. Our model came with a panoramic sunroof (an optional extra) which stretched from the front to the rear seats, flooding the car with additional light if you opt to open the blind. In the back and there are three seats which can comfortably accommodate three adults on a long trip with a decent amount of leg room. If the back seats are going to be frequented by kids, they'll have oodles of space. A powered tailgate - which can be engaged from the key or a button to the right of the steering column - makes accessing the sizable boot easier, and once open you'll comfortably be able to fit several large suitcases in. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UX85s39fgWpoLJXYaxqTck.jpg Moving back to the front seats, and during cold months you can take advantage of the heating function (sorry back seat passengers, no heated seats for you), plus the driver can also benefit from a heated steering wheel. On the roof, next to the sunroof controls, is a sunglasses storage section which actually has a handy second function. Press the panel and it'll open up, allowing you to grab or put away your sunnies, but click it up once and you'll notice it has an additional rear-view mirror, allowing driver and front seat passenger to keep an eye on the kids in the back. Our Honda CR-V was an all wheel drive (AWD) model, which provided good traction and balance on the road. The ride was smooth, and cornering felt stable with what felt like good weight distribution, making steering the CR-V easier. Acceleration is okay, but it's not the sharpest in responding to your right foot. Once it's caught up though, the CR-V moves at a decent pace. The automatic gearbox does the job nicely, but for those who want a little more control you can opt to use the paddle-shift gear levers mounted just behind the steering wheel. While a 2.0 litre engine sits at the heart of the Honda CR-V, it also has a self-charging battery pack as part of its hybrid setup. The result is an extended range from a single tank of fuel, and we were easily able to get over 500 miles in between fuel stops. You can also opt to go fully electric with EV mode, although the Honda CR-V can only go a handful of miles in this mode so anything longer than popping to the shops will require the petrol engine. Something which did surprise us a little however, was the horn. For such a large car, the sound is surprisingly feeble on the Honda CR-V. Press it in anger and it'll do little to elevate your mood! http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Rbqtv9baXL7PCiE8i7i4Yk.jpg Honda CR-V tech and specsAs we've mentioned, the EX trim of the Honda CR-V comes with plenty of tech. There's the heated seats and wheel, automatic lights and wipers, climate control, powered tailgate, reversing camera, parking sensors and cruise control to get us started. Cruise control on the CR-V also comes alongside adaptive lane assist, which sees the car keep you in lane if you start drifting to the lines by gently tugging the wheel in the correct direction. It's one of the better lane assist features we've used, with the CR-V doing a surprisingly good job of following the curvature of the road. You do have to keep a hand on the wheel that's providing some resistance, otherwise you'll get a flashing visual warning on the dash and, if you ignore it for too long, an audible tone too telling you to pay attention and keep your hands on the wheel. Both cruise control and lane assist take a moment to learn how to operate, with Honda's on-wheel controls not the most intuitive around. After a few attempts we worked out the required combination of presses, but it could do with being a little more straightforward. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VWr9iiW8Rga8LPAK6Kg9Ck.jpg The on-wheel controls can be a little confusing Similarly, the heads up display (HUD) wasn't immediately obvious as it wasn't on by default for us. There was a HUD button on the wheel, but that didn't enable the display. Instead there was a separate button to the right of the wheel which needed to be pressed. This saw a small glass window rise up between wheel and windshield, providing you with information such as current speed, speed limit and next navigation direction. It worked nicely, and puts this useful information in your eye line of the road, which meant we didn't keep having to glance down at the instrument cluster - in turn making us a safer driver. The instrument cluster on the Honda CR-V is all digital, which means it can show you much more than just your speed, revs and fuel level. The central display can also show you what music is currently playing, navigation directions, car stats such as tire pressure and much more. However, navigation of the menus for this display is again a little fiddly, making it difficult to work your way to what you want. Over time we did become more familiar with the navigation requires, but they could be better. Shifting focus to the large 7-inch touchscreen display which sits a-top the center console, and there's plenty of space to view maps, audio channels and more. The touchscreen does require a certain amount of force from your taps to register - it's not quite as responsive as your smartphone's display - but it generally works well. Honda's built-in satellite navigation system does the job, but it's not as good as Google Maps or Apple Maps. The good news is you can plug your smartphone into the Honda CR-V and use the dedicated mapping and audio apps on the car's touchscreen thanks to the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The real bonus here on the CR-V though, is the navigation directions from your smartphone's mapping app get relayed to the digital display in the instrument cluster and the HUD. This doesn't happen in all vehicles, with many keeping third-party navigation services on the main screen only. It means it's just as easy to follow directions from Google or Apple as it is from Honda, and it makes for a much better driving experience. And to ensure you and your passengers keep their devices topped up, the Honda CR-V comes with two USB ports in the front, and two in back. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/riKxiHdACCuzjSxHg69pub.jpg John McCann is getting behind the wheel to give you an alternative look at the wealth of cars – and the tech inside them – available today. From super-fast sports cars to tech-packed hatchbacks, he'll take you through a range of makes, models, power and price tags in his regular TR Drives column.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/HaVOzvu5Iro

Windows 10 has been graced with a new preview build for the update due to land in the first half of 2020, and this is the first release which has introduced a lot of changes, albeit none of them are major new features. The highlights for build 18963 (which is rolling out to testers in the fast ring) include the addition of GPU temperature readings to the Task Manager, so when you pull the latter up, you can see how hot (or cool, hopefully) your graphics card is running at a glance. Running Windows 7, 8 or 10? You need to patch this nowHow to reinstall Windows 10These are the best Windows 10 antivirus appsThis is only for discrete (i.e. not integrated in the processor) GPUs, but it’s a much-requested feature, and means you don’t have to install some kind of third-party monitoring app to check the temperature of your GPU. Windows search has also been improved to be more intelligent, and pick up on, for example, spelling mistakes when you’re rifling through files and folders looking for stuff. Microsoft gives the example that previously, search would have been unable to cope with spelling mistakes like “powerpiont” and “exce;”, and these would have returned no results – but now, search will automatically correct these to “powerpoint” and “excel” respectively. Interestingly, this feature is not just coming to testers, but the retail release of Windows 10 in English-language territories, because it’s a server-side change (meaning you’ll need to be connected to the internet to benefit from these automatic spelling corrections). Searching for settings has also been tweaked to add a ‘related:’ line below the best match result, giving you related options and clarifying why the result is being presented to you. Again, this isn’t just for testers, but also for the retail release of Windows 10 – but only in the US. This feature will expand from just settings to include app searches in the coming weeks. Finally in other non-tester related news, Microsoft is bringing the revamped Search Home experience – which gives quick access to your recent search activities, and most-used apps – to those using the October 2018 Update. It was previously only available to folks on the May 2019 Update. Note carefullyNotepad has got quite a bit of attention in the recent past (including the introduction of wrap-around search), and as of this preview build, future Notepad updates will be automatically piped via the Microsoft Store. That’s useful because it means Microsoft will be able to update Notepad as it goes along, rather than having to wait for major feature updates for Windows. Microsoft has also given some users the ability to rename virtual desktops (with these new names persisting after reboot). We say some users, because this particular change is only live for 50% of testers, but will be rolling out to more in time. There are a load more minor changes, including refinements to streamline the process when you change your Windows account picture, and as ever, check out Microsoft’s full blog post for all the details. There are some known issues, and probably the most interesting nugget here (which was also acknowledged in build 18950) is a reference to a ‘cloud download’ option when you are resetting your PC in the Windows Recovery Environment. Microsoft notes: “This feature is not working quite yet. We’ll let you know once it is, so you can try it out!” So hopefully it won’t be too long before you can try out the ability to reinstall Windows via an internet download, as the rumor mill has previously indicated. These are the best laptops of 2019http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/WCEdikAmnVc

After a somewhat one-sided 33-19 match last weekend at Twickenham, Wales and England will be facing off for the second match of a double-header in preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2019. Make sure you don't miss any of the action with our complete guide to how to live stream Wales vs England. Switching from Twickenham last weekend to Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales are back on their home turf. We can imagine England are walking into this match feeling confident - Wales not so much. The home side have a lot of making up to do. They sneaked in a few impressive tries and some strong performances in the scrum, but England's top all-round performance and their not-so secret weapon - George Ford - were all too much to compete with. No doubt Eddie Jones and his men will be hoping to bring home a second victory and a determined Wales will surely be bringing their A-game. In other words, this is a match not to be missed. And luckily for you, we've tracked down all of the information you need to watch a Wales vs England live stream. Whether you're in the UK or you're a fan from another country trying to watch the showdown, we have all of the times and locations for you. We've even found the best ways to watch Wales vs England if you happen to be away on holiday. Football fan? Discover how to live stream Premier League matches onlinehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VgyagGS9HpAEPUQtUJBfrg.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B9XNGCRYNHKJzN5zVfTMje.jpg How to stream Wales vs England live in the UK for FREEHow to live stream today's rugby from outside your countryIf you happen to be out of your country while Wales and England face off, then don't worry - your holiday isn't ruined! You can still catch all of the action. All you need to do is download and install a VPN to effectively trick your computer into thinking that it's back home. That way you can enjoy your home coverage (assuming you comply with the broadcaster's TS&Cs), minus the risk of using a naughty stream from an illegal source. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D39crXd3gob7KPsE3LAFUo.jpg Live stream Wales vs England in Australiahttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kZWNrTtXZs7Ep2c7452KSo.jpg Live stream Wales vs England in New Zealandhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x4WvmjGdnEUCFeqhMUrnWo.jpg How to watch an Wales vs England live stream in the UShttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ebGZgkd4qVX7mUuvz3WNkH.jpg http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Muw2avyQk8o

Could a headset and smartphone app really treat depression? That’s the claim made by Flow for its medically-approved brain stimulation headset, a device that nudges your neurons with a gentle electric current, and one you can buy and use in your own home. Flow is a medical technology company founded in 2016, and is currently based in Sweden. Its CEO, clinical psychologist Daniel Mansson, founded the company after writing his master’s thesis on brain stimulation, and has years of experience working at the crossroads between psychology and software. We've heard of electric shocks from headphones helping you to juggle, but can a hardware product really succeed in place of, or even begin to aid existing medical treatments for depression? To get my head around the potential health benefits of a product like this, I spoke to Flow’s CEO Daniel Mansson, while handling a Flow headset to get a sense of the hardware on offer. How 5G is set to revolutionize healthcareWhat is the Flow headset?http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c3ctHT77hYqZGRcEMG7xC6.jpg The Flow headset attaches to your forehead with two suction pads The Flow headset looks a bit like a miniature VR headset, except the curved white visor sits solely on your forehead, with a band hooking over the top of your head to hold it in place. The box also comes with a box of single-use cloth pads to place between your skin and the suction pads on the headset, given that your skin likely wouldn’t respond well to direct electrical currents. Treatments last around 30 minutes, “with 18 sessions over a 6 week period” (three times a week) or “as long as necessary”. The headset is designed to be used in tandem with a virtual therapy app, which helps to inform users about depression, and the kind of “lifestyle changes” the patient can make to do with their diet, exercise regime, sleep hygiene, and meditation (the app is only on iOS). "The headset delivers a gentle electrical signal" There’s something slightly unnerving about the idea of self-administering a mild form of shock therapy, but there are existing forms of treatment that use the same underlying technology: transcranial direct-current stimulation (or TDCS). This treatment is a non-invasive way of stimulating the brain with mild electric currents, using battery-powered electrodes. Flow’s website states that “People diagnosed with depression often have a lower activity in the left frontal cortex of their brain. The headset delivers a gentle electrical signal which activates neurons and rebalances activity in the frontal lobe. "The headset is based on a well-researched brain stimulation technology called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation which, in clinical studies, has been shown to reliably improve symptoms of depression.” Hang on, is this a real thing?http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XXW9DxeSbUhWfYfpER8JY6.jpg The Flow app gives advice on ways to supplement your treatment and aid your mental health It the claims sound somewhat sci-fi, the technology has been undergoing numerous medical trials, with the evidence being enough to get the Flow headset approved for medical use in the UK and Europe. Mansson tells me that Flow is seeking similar medical approval in the US, and is in talks with the UK’s National Health Service to offer the headset through prescription. The treatment is listed on the NHS website as a method of possible treatment, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) asserts there are “no major safety concerns”, though patients should be taken through the risks and side effects associated with it. You are strongly advised not to use the headset without approval from a physician and an official diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Anyone with a “pre-existing neurological” condition, or with broken skin at the point of contact with the headset, should be especially wary. I erred on the side of caution here – as someone more familiar with anxiety treatments than those used for depression – so can’t speak about the effectiveness myself. However, both the British Journal of Psychiatry and New England Journal of Medicine have published the results of randomly-controlled trials using the kind of brain stimulation utilized in the Flow headset. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UmHF7DXtKcHFx3arFJ9Ewh.jpg Randomized trials show some unwelcome side effects, though the technology may have promise Both trials cited above worked with several hundred patients (289 in the former, 245 in the latter), with the British Journal of Psychiatry calling the treatment “comparable” to “antidepressant drug treatment in primary care”. The New England Journal of Medicine, however, was more hesitant, reporting “more adverse” effects – such as “skin redness, tinnitus, and nervousness [...] and new-onset mania” – without obvious improvements compared to other forms on therapy. Another study published by online journal Brain Stimulation advised against its use for patients prone to seizures or epilepsy. Flow’s CEO Daniel Mansson says the company worked for over two years on “making sure that all of the safety standards and good manufacturing practices were met and documented” before getting the stamp of approval in June 2019. But some scepticism is appropriate, given the inconsistent results of the mental health treatments previously available to patients in the UK and Europe. Depression, for all its prevalence in our society (the World Heath Organization estimates 300 million people living with the condition worldwide), is really not understood very well – and there are a host of different strategies for tackling the affliction. You might be recommended in-depth psychoanalysis to understand underlying psychological causes, given cognitive behavioural therapy to tackle behavioural symptoms, or given medication as a chemical solution – if not a combination of the three, with varying degrees of success. You might also not be recommended these things when you need them, given how hard mental illness can be to diagnose. So offering a DIY solution you can buy yourself – circumventing lengthy and potentially triggering consultations, even if you’re not meant to do so without medical approval – does offer a convenience in its own right. "The combination of the brain stimulation headset and therapy app,” says Mansson, “creates a new, very powerful, but also very safe, at-home treatment solution.” Treating yourselfhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/icQJztcit4Xfs9MGHSVW5Y.jpg HeadSpace is popular app for fitting meditation and self-care into your daily routine There’s been huge growth in kind of self-care and meditation apps like HeadSpace – often actively recommended by GPs in the UK – offering ways to manage stress, pain, or anxiety. "We are seeing a shift from pharmacological treatments to more digital therapy-based alternatives" Naturally, cost becomes an issue when patients are expected to find healthcare solutions outside of national health services. The Flow headset costs £399 (around $480 / AU$710), without any supplementary costs – while the HeadSpace app, by comparison, will set you back $95 / £72 / AU$149 for a year’s subscription. Mansson makes sure to say Flow is only one tool “in the toolbox of treatments”, but as a commercially-available hardware product, it has the potential to change the way patients commonly receive treatment, especially if the costs are scaled down. “Right now we are seeing a shift from pharmacological treatments to more digital therapy-based alternatives,” says Mansson, “which empower patients and motivate them to treat their own condition from the comfort of their home. “Given that brain stimulation devices (if medically approved) offer few side effects and are affordable and accessible, it makes perfect sense that devices such as Flow will become increasingly popular.” So... should I get one?Well, not off your own bat. The jury's out on the efficacy of tDCS, even if it's slowly gaining more traction as a potential aid for major depressive disorder. Given the growing push towards more digitally-based therapies and care treatments, though, the signs suggest that there’ll be more treatments like these being suggested by medical practitioners going forward. But neither Flow or I would recommend picking this up on a whim, and you really should wait until your doctor recommends it, to help with your specific needs. For more information you can head to the Flow website. Would you take health advice from an Amazon Echo?The next health push for Apple: apps for asthma?The best health, diet and exercise apps for iPhonehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/EWm89QdCjWE

We haven't heard much in the way of leaks and rumors about the Apple Watch Series 5, but the next generation of Apple's wearable is still in the pipeline, according to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to Kuo, the fifth Apple Watch is going to see the light of day in the second half of 2019, with September the most likely month for a launch. Considering that the four previous Apple Watches have all launched in September, that's not much of a surprise, but this is a confirmation of sorts. The original Apple Watch is the only one that hasn't launched in September, arriving in April 2015. Check out these redesigned AirPodsGalaxy Note 10 Plus first impressionsWhat to expect from iOS 13Unfortunately Kuo doesn't share too much about what to expect from the Apple Watch 5, but we've previously heard that a new ceramic casing could be on the cards, even if sleep tracking doesn't make the cut this year. Another big September for AppleApple has already shown off the watchOS 6 software that the Apple Watch Series 5 is going to come running: the update includes new features like a separate app store for downloading apps from your wrist. Of course the Apple Watch Series 5 isn't the only new hardware device that is scheduled to get shown off in September. New iPhones are also on the way, with big improvements to the rear-facing camera on the cards. Apple hasn't set a date for the iPhone launch as yet, but code in the latest iOS 13 beta suggests that Tuesday September 10 is going to be the big day. If that turns out to be true, we might well get the Apple Watch Series 5 shown off at the same time. As always, TechRadar will be at the event bringing you all the news and new hardware as Apple announces it. Here's everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 5 so farVia MacRumors http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/BEcviTWq9ks

After years of customer requests, Apple has finally bought Dark Mode to iPhones and iPads with the upcoming iOS 13 and iPadOS releases. Not just a palette swap, Dark Mode offers a significant boost to battery life for OLED iPhone users (iPhone X, iPhone XS and XS Max) by conserving power that would usually be used to light more pixels. It also provides a display which is easier on your eyes in darker environments - perfect if you're using your iPhone or iPad in bed. Tap SettingsTap Display and BrightnessTap Dark ModeWhile developers have enabled their own Dark Modes within apps before, this is the first time Apple has included at a system level - meaning it permeates all sorts of apps, from contacts, to messages, to photos and Apple Music. If you want to send your device into an emo phase, read on to find out how to enable Dark Mode on iPhone and iPad. It's worth noting though, this will only work on the current public betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS. The final of build of these software platforms are expected to hit devices in September 2019, as a free software update. How to get iOS 13 public betaThe new iPhone will have Dark Mode out of the boxNeed a new tablet? These are the best iPadshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YXAFwTWLrKkizSmTu6QTWE.jpg How to enable Dark Mode on iOS 13As you may imagine, how to enable Dark Mode on iPhone and iPad starts in the Settings app. Head there, and then tap Display and brightness. You'll then find two small screenshots showing both Light and Dark mode - so take your pick. One tap on the Dark Mode image is all you need, and you'll see the Settings menu itself change color. It really is as easy at that, but you can be cleverer with it... How to schedule Dark ModeDid you spot the "Automatic" toggle on the previous window? That allows your iPhone or iPad to switch to Dark Mode at sunset, before switching back to light mode at sunrise. You can add a custom schedule, too, by tapping to Options menu that appears when you hit Automatic. This will allow you to use Light Mode throughout the day, for example, and then Dark Mode from say, 5pm onwards. How to enable Dark Mode from Control CenterThis is one of Dark Mode's lesser known tricks, but a good one. There's a simpler way to activate Dark Mode on iPhone and iPad than having to dig into your settings menu or scheduling it. Bring up the Control Center shortcuts panel on screen (by swiping up from the bottom of your phone if it has a home button or down from the top right corner if it doesn't have one), and press down on the Screen Brightness slider to make it bigger. In the bottom left corner, you'll find a toggle labelled "Appearance" which you can use to quickly switch from Light Mode to Dark Mode. How to enable dark mode for Google Chromehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/QtNuytdZ2Gk

It's safe to say Three has been running the show recently when it comes to big data mobile phone deals. The network has taken dominance over the competition in recent months on a number of handsets and now it has dropped an absolute winner on one of our favourite handsets - the iPhone XR. Here's what you need to know. You're getting the iPhone XR, complete with its stylish colouring and largest Apple battery on the market with 100GB of data. The price you're paying to get that heap of internet usage - just £42 a month and £29 upfront. Take a quick gander through our guide to the best iPhone XR deals and you'll see that absolutely crushes the competition in pricing. Not to mention the fact that with 100GB of data, you're set to stream for hours, game for days and social for...well, the whole month straight. And because you'll be on Three, you also get access to the network's usual Advanced Plan perks like roaming in 71 destinations worldwide and access to Three's Wuntu app for weekly offers and the odd free coffee. You can see this offer in full down below in all of its big data goodness. Or, if it's just not quite what you were looking for, check out our guide to the best mobile phone deals for everything currently available. See the competition with our Samsung phone deals and Huawei phone deals guideshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VgyagGS9HpAEPUQtUJBfrg.jpg This big data iPhone XR deal in full:So what's so good about the iPhone XR?As one of the best iPhones currently on the market (well, until the iPhone 11 comes out!) there is a lot to love with the iPhone XR. Above everything, the battery really stands out. This is the largest and best performing battery on any Apple device at 2942 mAh. Sporting Apple's Liquid Retina display and a powerful A12 bionic chip, going for Apple's more budget flagship doesn't have to mean taking a hit on specs. Read our full iPhone XR review See the competition with our Samsung phone deals and Huawei Phone deals guideshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/QrnFWjWWX9k

When I started using a Fitbit Versa Lite to track my steps (and, in theory, exercise, if I ever did any), I quickly noticed that the fitness tracker was irritating my skin. I’ve got a history of skin conditions, with eczema rearing its head from time to time. Before long, a rash started to form on my arm, and after a little while longer using the device my skin started to peel away too. That’s a grim image, I know, and it was quite an alarming thing to happen on my wrist. Was I just allergic to the silicon Fitbit strap or was I wearing it too loose, causing it to shake and rub? These are the best fitness trackersThese are the best smart watchesThese are the best FitbitsWas the eczema even involved, even though smartwatches don’t contain anything that usually brings it out for me? To find out more about how skin conditions could be exacerbated by wearable technology, I spoke to Dr Anjali Mahto of the British Association of Dermatologists. Mahto has written extensively on the subject of skincare and conditions, and I posed the question of whether smartwatches and fitness trackers should be avoided when you’ve got a skin condition. How does wearable tech affect skin conditions?Our first question for Mahto was about which skin conditions can be affected by wearables: “It’s possible for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis to be exacerbated by wearable technology.” So while not all skin conditions can be affected, some of the most common can. “Tight fitting clothing, jewellery or watches would generally not be recommended for people with an inflammatory skin condition as they can cause a flare-up of the condition from rubbing the skin.” Mahto elaborated, and this is probably exactly what caused my initial reaction. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kU75KcNwQJC29PbwL38Kw3.jpg The Fitbit Versa Lite If you’ve not got a skin condition, you’re not in the clear though. “Straps can be a perfect environment for bacteria to grow,” so your skin isn’t exactly going to be clean even if it doesn’t affect you. Mahto continues, “This bacteria is usually harmless, however if somebody has broken skin due to an inflammatory skin condition there is the risk of infection, although this is not a commonly reported problem.” What should you do if you react to your fitness tracker or smartwatch? “This is likely a sign that the device is causing issues, and you should consult your GP or dermatologist if you’re worried about a change in your skin.” How can you use wearable tech if you have a skin condition?If you’ve got a condition like eczema or psoriasis, but are in love with your smartwatch or fitness tracker, don’t worry - you don’t necessarily have to lose your favorite gadget. Instead, there are some steps you can take to avoid harmful use. “It’s important to allow your skin to breathe by not wearing [wearables] for long, extended periods of time,'' Mahto told us. While you might appreciate the waterproof nature, or sleep tracking functions, it might be worth taking your device off in the shower or while you’re taking your post-work nap to let your skin breathe. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XHWcTp7ZFczF9TnY5tuJtN.jpg Remember to take your watch off now and again In my experience, I found regularly changing which wrist I wore the Fitbit Versa Lite on also gave my skin the time off it needed. Mahto continued “It would also be recommended to ensure you clean your skin where you’re wearing the device, as well as cleaning the device itself with an anti-bacterial solution.” A June 2019 study from Tic Watches found that smartwatches can be three times as dirty as an average toilet. Fitness trackers were found to be eight times as dirty as the average toilet, but regular cleaning is the advice that the site gives. If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, and have a skin condition, you should also bear in mind what the wearable is made of. Mahto said, “Contact allergies are very common, particularly nickel allergies. Therefore, devices which contain nickel could lead to skin problems such as itchy rashes.” I also found that changing the Versa Lite’s band from a silicon one to cotton helped, and there are plenty of Fitbit Versa bands to choose from. There are plenty of different fitness trackers and smartwatches, and bands for them, that by shopping around, you can find one that doesn’t affect your skin. Fitbit admits you may get a rash if you wear your watch too longhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/80eN79B4Hsc

When it comes to Rugby World Cup warm ups, they don't get much bigger than this. The All Blacks versus the Wallabies going head-to-head to assert dominance in their hunt for rugby's biggest prize. And the best bit? You can watch all the action and assess the teams' form with a New Zealand vs Australia live stream and this guide. And it's the Wallabies who will go into the game on top, after beating New Zealand in the first leg of the Bledisloe Cup, 47-26 in Perth - denying the All Blacks yet another Rugby Championship in the process. As such they've only made one change to the starting line-up for this next game as lock Adam Coleman replaces injured Rory Arnold. On the other hand the All Blacks have decided to dump their wonder wingers Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane and centurion prop Owen Franks. If Australia can win at Auckland, for the first time in 33 years, they will return home with the cup. Having lost their last 22 tests in New Zealand, it's a tall order. As such this should be a very exciting, hard fought game, and you can watch it all where you are using this New Zealand vs Australia live stream guide. Cricket fan? Then don't miss a moment with our Ashes live stream guidehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VgyagGS9HpAEPUQtUJBfrg.jpg How to watch the rugby from outside your countryDown below, there's the local broadcast options if you're in Australia or New Zealand, as well as the UK, US and Canada. If you're abroad this weekend and try to live stream the rugby online from your country's broadcaster, you'll be annoyed to discover that it won't work due to geo-blocking. Thankfully, using a VPN service will allow you to watch today's rugby union action no matter where in the world you are. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D39crXd3gob7KPsE3LAFUo.jpg How to live stream the Wallabies in Australia for FREEhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kZWNrTtXZs7Ep2c7452KSo.jpg How to watch the All Blacks in New Zealandhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B9XNGCRYNHKJzN5zVfTMje.jpg How to stream New Zealand vs Australia live in the UK http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x4WvmjGdnEUCFeqhMUrnWo.jpg How to watch New Zealand vs Australia: US live streamhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jgvvohCEmS99W9XuRfJMSo.jpg How to live stream New Zealand vs Australia in Canadahttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ebGZgkd4qVX7mUuvz3WNkH.jpg http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/8Q8LoQ3cAbM

With the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus finally in hand, we're able to do an unboxing, offer details about what's included, and tell you how the phone performs. We're on our way to a full Note 10 Plus review, but need more time to test things like battery life and the camera. That means we'll be doing 24-hour and 72-hour recaps of our findings, updating you on our feels toward the phone in real-time. In the last day, we got to inspect the Note 10 Plus size and build quality (it's big, but feels thinner than other Note phones), run a few performance tests, and take a few photo samples with the front and rear cameras – including some lowlight shots. Samsung built an impressive phone – but one at an impressively high price at a time when there are several other options out there including several Samsung phones, like the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus. Is the S Pen stylus worth the extra cash? Here are our early findings after unboxing the Note 10 Plus. Note 10 Plus unboxingWe got the Note 10 Plus in the reflective Aura Glow finish, meaning it takes on the colors of its surroundings, often exhibiting a cool rainbow effect. This is different from the cool Ocean Blue and Lavender Purple colors on past Note phones that has a matte finish. Plastic-wrapped Note 10 Plus: Opening the Note 10 Plus box, the first thing that we noticed is the phone is sitting there protected in plastic on the front and back. Yes, you can peel both sides without worry, unlike the troubled Galaxy Fold, in which the plastic film over the screen was essential to its functionality. Not the case here. S Pen: The Aura Glow version of the Note 10 Plus comes with an S Pen in a deep blue color, one that's smaller and thinner than prior S Pens. And yet its functionality has improved with more tech inside: a gyroscope and accelerometer have been added to enable motion controls – that's in addition to the Bluetooth LE we saw in the Note 9. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UiyieHBzVa4nPEncAZAGS9.jpg USB-C charger: Our favorite part of the Note 10 Plus unboxing was seeing the newish 25W USB-C charger, offering fast charging speeds out-of-the-box. You may not know this, but the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G came with the same 25W charger. But the Note 10 Plus is going to be a significantly more popular phone, so it'll be a first for many fans who are used to Samsung's old USB-A charger block and slower 15W charger speeds. There's a USB-C-to-USB-C cable included in this box, too. Other tools: There's a SIM card ejector tool, USB-A-to-USB-C adapter, and a claw-like tweezer tool for replacing S Pen stylus tips when they wear out. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FwAWWCfYaRjtRjjghWtu4A.jpg What's not here: Normal headphones. That's because the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack, instead relying on the USB-C charging port and the included USB-C headphones for personalized audio. Samsung is among the last phone manufacturers to axe the standard headphone port in a flagship phone. Bonus: The USB-C headphones are AKG earbuds, so they're at least of good quality if you don't opt for wireless earbuds. Also not here: A 3.5mm-head-jack-to-USB-C adapter to use normal earbuds. They're inexpensive on Amazon if you need one. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cWz3YXVbad4xgTwgFGbmb8.jpg Big, but thinner, and the pinhole has shrunkThe Note 10 Plus is a mighty big phone – its 6.8-inch screen has me yearning for the innovation of the Samsung Galaxy Fold. It's meant for extra-big hands, whereas the 6.3-inch Note 10 screen is suitable with big-to-normal-sized hands. The phone can fit in jean pockets fine, but summertime shorts with smaller pockets or almost all back pockets? It's just begging to slide out when I sit down. We had that happen to us with big glass phones like this before. This one is just bigger. It's just begging to slide out of the pocket of my summertime shorts when I sit down. What helps is the fact that the Note 10 Plus is 7.9mm thin, meaning it's slimmer than last year's Note 9 by almost a full millimeter. It's still easy enough to wrap in one hand without a Note 10 case, but you'll need two hands to operate it properly. I did run into a few jarring false touches when tightly gripping this massive handset, often encroaching on the sides of the curved screen. But it's not as bad as when I first started playing with Notes (starting with Note 3) when they had extra-sensitive displays compared to an iPhone. The center-aligned punch-hole front camera isn't as distracting as you might think. So far, it's easy enough to ignore and is 26% smaller than the Galaxy S10 punch-hole. The most likable perk: the outline of the front camera lights up when you take a timed selfies (like the S10 series does, but this will be a first for Note users). That's incredibly handy when you're taking a group selfie and non-Samsung-phone-owning friends want to know where to look. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NudTrSnosYZNFXtiEPpd89.jpg Note 10 Plus performanceThis is the fastest Samsung we've tested, and we have the Note 10 that's packing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and 12GB of RAM. It doesn't have the souped-up Snapdragon 855 Plus chip that's appeared in a few Android phone in recent weeks, but it's no slouch. At the end of the day, the tit-for-tat numbers don't matter nearly as much as some people like to claim. This phone is incredibly fast. With a Geekbench multi-core score of 10,849, it's among the fastest Android smartphones we've ever tested. But it's not the fastest phone. That title still belongs to the iPhone XS, soon to be replaced by the likely far speedier iPhone 11. What's important is that these raw benchmark numbers tell us that the Note 10 is fast enough to run the top 3D games for years to come and also act as a device to link up to Windows 10 and handle desktop-like apps in Dex mode. At the end of the day, the tit-for-tat numbers don't matter nearly as much as some people like to claim. This phone is incredibly fast. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gac6g9FophoDB2Ptomurz8.jpg First Note 10 camera samplesWe're still using the camera in a variety of situations, and our next update before the full Note 10 review will include many photo samples and comparisons to the Google Pixel 3, iPhone XS Max and Huawei P30 Pro. But here's a taste of what we're seeing so far. The actual still photos exhibit bright and punchy colors, more saturated than the often dull, but color-accurate pictures out of a current-gen iPhone. It's a lot like we saw on the S10 Plus. The big Note 10 camera upgrade is in its video capabilities, so we'll be testing video stabilization in side-by-side comparisons. Is it really better? Can it compete with GoPro's in-camera EIS stabilization? That's something we're testing on Sunday in the 72-hour update. We need the sun to set and rise a few times before we get full use of the camera in a variety of scenarios. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mffxLevqR8vzE6hq8RreUm.jpg iPhone 11 Pro would be the competitor Samsung doesn't want for the Note 10Ongoing tests for a full reviewWe have a lot more to say about the Note 10 Plus, and we should. This is Samsung's most advanced and most expensive non-folding smartphone. But we can't come to a conclusion with a star-rating just yet. One-day reviews aren't our thing. We're going to be testing the Note 10 battery life, both in labs and in the real-world (so far, it's excellent), and continue to snap photos with the camera in good light, medium light, and low light. There are four cameras on back (if you include the Live Focus depth sensors) and one embedded in the front display. Clearly, unboxing the Note 10 was just step one. We have a few more tests to run before we stamp a final review score on this device and figure out where it goes in our best phones list. The Fold will be first: Huawei Mate X release date pushed backhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/16nR1VNHFzU

The Epic Games Store has rolled out a new update which introduces a few new features, including that long-awaited cloud save support. Epic Games Store users have been noticing for a while now that cloud saving has been in testing and, in a blog post, Epic confirmed that 17 games on the store now have cloud saving enabled, adding that the list will only grow over time. All Ubisoft titles on the store already support cloud saves thanks to Uplay integration and any upcoming games that support cloud saves will have them enabled at launch. Epic Games Store: its exclusives and free gamesEpic Games Store vs Steam: battle of the online game storesEpic Games Store will keep going after exclusivesWhat's new?Outside of cloud saves, the update also introduces keyless integration for Humble Bundle users. Now, if you link your Epic account with your Humble Bundle account any purchases you make will automatically appear in your Epic library without the need to type in a redemption key. Epic has said this is just one step in a larger plan to form partnerships with other “highly reputable digital game sellers” in order to establish an open ecosystem for players. Product pages have also been given a refresh, meaning more informative games descriptions and additional images and videos so that you can get a better idea of what you’re buying. As far as the future is concerned, Epic has said that, among other things, it’s in the final stages of its new patch optimization for developers which will reduce patch download sizes and, therefore, download times. As well as this, game libraries will soon have a new look which will see more games displayed at once and allow for filtering and sorting for easier navigation. Epic Games does still have a longer-term roadmap with some more significant features and updates to come—a shopping cart and achievements are among the features that are still some months away. What you need to know about the Epic Games Storehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/I1bcuMZTHYw

The Pokémon World Championships are taking place right now and that makes it the perfect time for Nintendo and Game Freak to drop some brand new Pokémon Sword and Shield information, including a new trailer. The new details revolve around the game’s updated and layered battle system which will have some new attacks and abilities as well as some new items to use. New abilities will include Galarian Weezing’s Neutralizing Gas, which, as the name suggests, will neutralize the abilities of all other Pokémon on the battle field (including those of your teammate as the trailer shows with the failure of poor Rotom’s Levitate). We're not sure what happens if two Galarian Weezings go head to floating head and we're even less sure we want to find out. In a similar vein, Corviknight is shown to have a Hidden Ability called Mirror Armor which will allow it to reflect any stat-lowering effects back at its opponents. Hidden Abilities, it’s been confirmedin a blog post, are slightly more special than standard abilities as they’ll only feature in Pokémon that have been caught in Max Raid Battles (so a Corviknight you catch from a normal encounter won't have the Mirror Armor ability). These Max Raid Battles, coincidentally, are the way to encounter another kind of special Pokémon: one that's capable of Gigantamaxing. If you’re really lucky you might go into a Max Raid Battle and come away with a Pokémon that can Gigantamax and has a Hidden Ability but that’ll be a very rare event and you’ll have to take part in a lot of Raids. The first new held item revealed in the trailer is Room Service, which will lower the speed of the Pokémon holding it during Trick Room. The other is Eject Pack which will switch the holding Pokémon out of battle if its stats are lowered, allowing you to replace it with another from your team. New moves are always exciting and the trailer reveals one called Breaking Swipe, an attack capable of hitting two Pokémon at once and lowering their attacks. Max MovesThe biggest (and we mean that literally) detail to come from the trailer is with regards to the new Dynamaxing mechanic. You can Dynamax any Galar region Pokémon as long you have the Dynamax band (making this different to the aforementioned Gigantamaxing, which only some Pokémon species can do) and those you ‘make big’ will never feel the inconvenient effects of flinching. Even better, their powerful Max Moves will have secondary effects that could see your team gain advantage in battle. Max Geyser, for example, is a Water-type Max Move that will bring rain to the battlefield, strengthening Water-type moves and weakening Fire-type moves, something that could really give you the edge. Finally, a few more details on the Online Battle Stadium have been confirmed. Players with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be able to connect over the internet and compete in single or double battles. These battles can be ranked or casual, with the former involving facing trainers of similar ranks to try and earn points to move up, while the latter is, well, just for fun. Pokémon Sword and Shield will release on Nintendo Switch on November 15. If you’re attending Gamescom 2019 this month you can get hands on with the game at Nintendo’s booth on the show floor. Everything you need to know about Pokémon Sword and Shieldhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/h3gAsdiMbLo

Adidas has managed to straddle the worlds of sports and fashion masterfully, creating clothes and accessories that are on-trend and incredibly functional - precisely the qualities you want from the best college backpack. Whether you’re after a bold Adidas logo on your next backpack, or a simpler, cleaner look with three stripes or a small crest, there are plenty of options available. Compared to Nike alternatives, Adidas backpacks tend to include less padding on the inside, so might not be as good at keeping your tech safeguarded. That said, they are generally a bit more affordable, with the entry-level option costing less than £20/$25/AU$35, despite being as much a fashion statement as a means of transporting your stuff. Adidas also clearly places a focus on comfort, with padded shoulder straps, and the capacities inside are ample. The Creator backpack offers over 40 liters of space inside, with most Nike backpacks capping out at 25-35 liters. As for the type of backpacks we’ve selected, for a back to school bag we’d recommend staying away from anything leather, and we’ve also kept the price below £70/$80 (around AU$120), as well as opting for plenty of compartments. Additionally, if you suffer from sweaty-back-syndrome, as most people do, a bit of breathing space and padding on the back of the backpack should help and in its higher-end bags, that’s precisely what Adidas offers. We’ve ultimately picked five of the best Adidas backpacks for students across a range of prices, covering multiple styles, so there should be something suitable. These are products that we haven't had in our test labs, but based on our experts' opinion and knowledge of the most reputable brands around, we think these are worth looking at. Our selections, ranked from cheapest to most expensive, take into account online reviews, brand reputation, product capability, and unique features, to help you pick through the maze of choices available to you. Best school backpacks for 2019: great college backpacks to considerhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WeAzGVGa9HsyWbpcPmS5Ph.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uK48DfB9s5VHcB9qDRn4Ra.jpg The Adidas Linear Classic Daily is the epitome of cheap and cheerful, despite the fact that it still delivers a stylish aesthetic with prominent Adidas branding. Being the smallest backpack on our list, this definitely won’t work for power users who need maximum space for all their tech, kit, and books. Younger students in particular though will find the Linear Classic Daily to be an excellent choice. Available in six color options, including pink, red, blue and black, you can match it with your personal style, and the main zip also has a white accent, adding a distinct design element. With a front pocket, you can keep stationery or other smaller items to hand, and while there’s no designated laptop compartment, it’s perfect for books and sports kit. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps mean the Linear Classic Daily is comfortable to wear, and when you need to take it off your back, the handle at the top of the bag means you can hold it in one hand with ease. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WeAzGVGa9HsyWbpcPmS5Ph.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mwuLoPq4Q9KpLunRmtgHBd.jpg If you want a backpack with racing stripes, a bit more space inside and a padded laptop component, the 3-Stripes Power Backpack is an excellent balance of affordability and versatility. It looks excellent, playing vertical lines off against a two-tone backdrop. You can pick it up in some unique colors, including a reverse Kill Bill/Bruce Lee style yellow on the black scheme, along with four different tones of blue, black, or an off-white. The TPE coated base is durable and water-resistant, so you needn’t worry about resting the bag on a wet locker room floor, and it features a padded laptop sleeve, one central zip section, and a front zip pocket as well. The side mesh slip-in pockets provide space for bottle storage, while the top carry handle means it can be easily shifted off the shoulder on a full train carriage and carried in one hand. Meanwhile, adjustable side compression straps mean you can shrink it down when it’s empty, so things don’t shake about inside too much, and adjustable ergonomic air mesh shoulder straps deliver breathable comfort. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WeAzGVGa9HsyWbpcPmS5Ph.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k6b4mFL7BuVnJbP3xW4a7g.jpg Mature, sophisticated, clean - if this sums up your desired back to school vibe, then the Premium Essentials Modern Backpack from Adidas is for you. With a two-tone/textured look, it’s stylish without being too busy, and the small but prominent Adidas crest on its front pops nicely. The Premium Essentials Modern backpack is only available in black, though the textured base is a dark grey, which plays well against the upper portion’s inkiness. It features two side pockets, an outer zip laptop compartment that can take up to a 15-inch laptop, and there’s a front zip pocket too for smaller bits like keys and pens. Inside, there are also open compartments for pens, USB cables, and other small items, and there are adjustable compression straps either side too. The backpack also includes a chest strap to secure it in place for long bouts of walking. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WeAzGVGa9HsyWbpcPmS5Ph.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zifEBr5dKdn2tGnDLCcFii.jpg With pockets and compartments for days, the Adidas Top Loader gives you space to stow your kit and stay organized 24/7, whether you’re exercising at sunrise or dancing in the moonlight (and inexplicably want to do that with a backpack on to make it that much trickier). This tall, smart backpack’s look is tailored to compliment whatever you’re wearing, with its black body, vertical strap on the front, elongating it, and slip-in side pockets, as well as a convenient handle for one-handed carrying. A contemporary take on the classic backpack, the drawcord at the top keeps everything inside in place when you want to clasp it closed, and when you want your kit locked tight, you can double that up with a zip too. The laptop portion isn’t padded, but there’s a small tablet sleeve as well, so if you have both they can be neatly stowed away. By contrast, the shoulder straps are padded, and there’s a chest strap/buckle too to keep everything snug. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WeAzGVGa9HsyWbpcPmS5Ph.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hVPodwA57ZsLpqBhuB7hDn.jpg Whether you’re creating magic in the classroom, within a video editing suite or on the field, the Creator 365 is one of the most voluminous backpacks we’ve come across, able to take almost 45 liters of stuff, and sporting a separate slot for your laptop and your sports shoes. The shoulder straps are engineered to take the heavy weight that comes with plenty of space, whether it’s school books, tech, sports kit, or all the aforementioned, and the chest strap will help with posture too. The Creator 365 also includes a front zip pocket for quick access, an internal slip pocket for a tablet, and side compression straps, so when it isn’t full, it can be compacted for convenience. The bag also has laser-cut ventilation holes dotted around it as well as an air mesh back panel so that it can breathe from the front to the back. The best student laptops: all the best options for schoolhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/XbYjrH88-aE

Contrary to rumors, Microsoft is not working on a streaming-only Xbox console. In an interview with Gamespot, Microsoft’s executive VP of Gaming Phil Spencer set the record straight: the company isn’t working on a streaming-only Xbox console at the moment. After the Redmond company announced last year that it is working on a game streaming technology (known as xCloud), as well as new game consoles, Spencer said that Xbox fans may have taken that to mean that a streaming console is in the works. The May 2019 release of the disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital Edition only fueled those rumors further. However, while this new console doesn’t play physical disc, it does require for games to be downloaded before you can play them. All the Xbox Project Scarlett games confirmed and expectedHere are our picks for the Best Xbox One gamesWhat we want to see out of Xbox TwoWe’re not that close to full-time game streaming yetThe good news is that Microsoft’s gaming division is still hard at work in making that console-quality game streaming service a reality. It’s indeed full steam ahead for this game-streaming technology. According to Spencer, “We are not working on a streaming-only console right now. We are looking at the phone in your pocket as the destination for you to stream, and the console that we have allows you to play the games locally." Dubbed Project xCloud, this technology is intended to complement Microsoft’s console hardware and give gamers the ability to utilize Xbox functionality through their other devices, perhaps with as little lag as possible. Currently in beta testing at the company, Project xCloud will be in public beta for select markets as early as September and to the rest of the gaming world by 2020. As for whether or not a streaming-only Xbox console might still be in the stars, who knows? With the direction Microsoft is taking, a streaming-only console could still happen someday. Although, if this game streaming service proves to be a success, we probably won’t need one. PS4 vs Xbox One: which gaming console is better?http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/UpLHrGxJdcw

Opting for a dedicated server means that you get an entire server to yourself. There's no sharing of CPU time, RAM or bandwidth, which means your website stays responsive at all times. Shared web hosting can appear to be amazing value, with feature-packed products available for just a few pounds every month. But the reality is often very different, and they're not always the bargains they seem. Very low prices probably mean the host is cramming more customers onto each server, for instance. Performance will be poor as there aren't enough resources to go around, and the extra load could mean more server problems and downtime. Dedicated hosting implies that you also get far more control over how the server is configured. You can add and remove software, install updates or tweak all settings, allowing you to optimize the server for your specific needs. Best of all, dedicated hosting contracts often come with fast and knowledgeable support. The best providers will even monitor your server for issues, like failed services, and can often fix them before you've realized there was a problem. This kind of power doesn't come cheap, and although there are some good signup deals around, you can easily spend $50-$140 a month and more on just a basic package. With that kind of investment, it's important to make the right choice. In this article, we're going to highlight five top dedicated hosting providers who you might want to check out first. Also check out the best web hosting servicesHere is a list of the best VPS providers as wellHead this way for the best cheap dedicated server dealshttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eaV3kfiKqe8HZw8guGnRxS.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dvVUVytrQhg72rRSxzpxSb.jpg German-based 1&1 (as October 2018 called 1&1 IONOS) is well known as a budget hosting provider, but the company doesn't just offer value for website newbies: its dedicated server range starts at a very low $55 a month for the first three months, then $75. As you might imagine, 1&1 has had to cut a few corners to hit that price point. The cheapest plans are relatively basic, with limited hardware, although network bandwidth got an upgrade with 1Gbit/s. Features like SSD drives and server management (1&1 updates, monitors and manages the server for you) cost extra. Oh, and there's also a setup fee of at least $50. But there are plus points, too, including unlimited bandwidth, bundled Symantec SSL certificates, and the Plesk Onyx server control panel thrown in for free. Overall, even the most limited 1&1 dedicated server plan has enough power to handle many tasks. Additionally, you get a personal consultant free of charge. Demanding users have plenty of paid upgrades to explore, including a faster CPU, more RAM and storage, a bundled backup service and more. Some of these add-ons include more than you might expect, too. Paying $14 a month for management doesn't just mean 1&1 will look after server admin: you also get a website builder, simple analytics, a photo slideshow service, automatic backup and restore for WordPress sites, and more. Sounds like a good deal to us. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EgvpPz6vZr8q9Z3djtgUXC.jpg Hostwinds offer a range of dedicated servers with powerful configuration options that could make them ideal for anything from general to heavy-duty use, which makes them ideal for hosting everything from company websites to gaming servers. There are multiple base options to select, which you can then customize according to your preferences. The cheapest models have a quad-core single processor and start with at least 8GB of RAM, which would make them ideal for most ordinary uses. However, more expensive (but well-priced) models offer multiple processors and up to sixteen cores, as well as RAM options that go as high as 82GB, making these potentially serious workhorses capable of handling the most demanding tasks. Pricing isn't clear, however - initial list prices displayed by each model don't factor in RAM and number of IPs. This means if you click on the option to "customize" a server a price clearly displayed in a blue box will show the total cost according to whichever RAM and IP options are selected by default. Otherwise, there are a good set of additional options available for customization, with different RAID configurations and a number of operating systems available, from standard CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, or Fedora options, as well as a Windows Server option. A 1 Gps network link means that whichever bandwidth option you choose (all of which are generous) you shouldn't need to worry about traffic being throttled at your end. Full server management is provided, which will be handy for those not wanting to get overwhelmed by sys admin duties, with both server monitoring and nightly backups also provided as part of the service. If there's one criticism it's that a control panel such as CPanel, Plesk, or Exim are not provided as standard, which can simplify a lot of server operations for users, but if you contact Hostwinds they will be happy to advise on the option as an addon if you don't feel comfortable with setting up one yourself. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7RVmUQFeLRK3T7yoDE9L95.jpg Opting for dedicated rather than shared hosting will speed up your website in itself, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. A2 Hosting's managed server plans blend multiple tricks and technologies to try and ensure you see the best possible performance. This starts with a powerful set of server components: OPcache and APC may speed up PHP processing by 50%. Memcached holds key MySQL data in RAM for faster retrieval, while mod_pagespeed uses multiple tricks to optimize site content. SPDY and HTTP/2 accelerate page loads even further, and support for technologies like edge side includes and websockets allow more fine-tuned optimizations of your site. A2 Hosting plans also include Cloudflare's free CDN and its Railgun Optimizer, which "compresses previously uncacheable web objects up to 99.6%" and may result in an average 200% performance increase. In reality you might not see anything like that – the boost will vary greatly, depending on your site – but it's still a technology worth having. Elsewhere, performance-boosting add-ons include RAID 1 SSD storage of up to 2 x 1TB. An optional Turbo Boost feature costing from $35 a month replaces Apache with the LiteSpeed server, apparently bringing up to 20x faster page loads, and another add-on can cache the HTML contents of a page, then speedily reload it later without needing to run PHP. We were happy to see cPanel is thrown in, too (it's often a chargeable extra with other hosts). These kind of professional features come at a cost, with even the most basic Sprint plan priced from around $99 a month. But if speed is your top priority then this company could be worth a try, especially as A2's ‘Anytime Money Back Guarantee’ will refund your fees if you cancel within 30 days of your order. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i9ueAbxa2akDXY8KesT7PG.jpg It may not have the profile of the big-name competition, but OVH is a hosting giant, with more than a million customers using 25+ data centers around the world. The OVH dedicated hosting range stands out for its long list of data centers, with hosting available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Poland, Singapore and the UK. Some of these locations offer cheaper hosting than others, and, unusually, OVH passes the savings on to you. For example, one of the UK server costs $86, but switching to Poland cuts the minimum cost to $79. Experienced users will also appreciate the many advanced options that OVH makes available. You don't just get access to SATA or SSD storage, for instance – the company also supports SAS and the supercharged NVMe (non-volatile memory-based storage, potentially five times faster than SSD). If you really know what you're doing, you could buy several servers, link them together in a private cloud, and maybe add a load-balancing IP to spread peak-time demand or keep your website running if one server fails. Novice users are likely to be confused by over 50 available server configurations, and figuring out exactly what's available can take a little time and effort. But the range of data centers alone could make OVH an interesting choice for many users, and if you're the demanding type, its array of expert-level extras are also worth a closer look. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6P5yqwRJFuwXrUGc8NfRJL.jpg Liquid Web is a popular provider of high-end business hosting products ranging from managed WordPress and WooComerce plans, to cloud VPS, dedicated servers and private clouds. The company's dedicated offerings may look expensive, with a starting price of $199 a month, but they're also far better specified than most of the budget competition. Even the cheapest dedicated server includes two speedy 240GB SSD drives, for instance. There's also a 1TB SATA backup drive provided, making it easy and convenient to run regular backups. The plan includes a dedicated IP. Support for Cloudflare CDN should boost your website speeds, and your server can be hosted in one of three data centers (Arizona, Michigan, or the Netherlands). Although, the special entry plans are only hosted in Michigan. Most importantly, all dedicated servers are managed by Liquid Web's professional support team. They monitor system health, proactively respond to notifications (for example, they’ll restart a failed service), alongside taking care of installing and updating the operating system. If you have any difficulties, support is available 24/7/365, and the company guarantees a 59 second response time via phone or chat, 30 minutes via ticket and email. Factor in the wide range of optional add-ons – load balancers, firewalls, VPN – and the range has more than enough power for almost any purpose. If you're managing a heavy-duty website, Liquid Web needs to be on your shortlist. You might also want to check out our other website hosting buying guides: WordPressCloud hostingE-commerceSmall businessWindowsManagedGreenBusinessColocationEmail hostingResellersVPSSharedCheapWebsite buildersBest website hostingAnd we consider the merits of shared hosting vs dedicated hosting herehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/EVvTkY03Hh8

A new survey of over 6,000 firmware images has found no improvement in firmware security over the last 15 years as well as lax security standards for the software running connected devices from Linksys, NETGEAR and other major hardware vendors. The survey was carried out by chief scientist at the Cyber Independent Testing Lab (CITL), Sarah Zatcko who explained that firmware security is worse off than many thought, saying: “We found no consistency in a vendor or product line doing better or showing improvement. There was no evidence that anybody is making a concerted effort to address the safety hygiene of their products.” Does your desk phone pose a major security risk?VPN security flaws could open up your network to attacksSmart homes at greater security risk than everThe CITL study surveyed firmware from 18 different vendors including ASUS, D-link, Linksys, NETGEAR, Ubiquiti and others. The team analyzed over 6,000 firmware versions created from 2003 to 2018 as part of the first logitudinal study of Internet of Things (IoT) safety. Firmware securityResearchers at CITL studied publicly available firmware images to compile their study and evaluated them based on the inclusion of standard security features such as the use of non-executable stacks, Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and stack guards which are used to prevent buffer overflow attacks. CITL found that firmware from commonly used manufacturers failed to implement basic security features and this was also true when the researchers tested the most recent versions of the firmware. There was some good news including the fact that almost all of Linksys and NETGEAR's recent router firmware included non-executable stacks. However, other common security features like ASLR or stack guards were not implemented according to CITL's data. The researchers documented 299 positive changes in firmware security scores over the 15 years covered by the study but they also found 360 negative changes during the same period. Analyzing the entire data set actually showed that firmware security appeared to get worse over time. The poor scores these devices earned suggest that many companies making IoT devices have not adapted their practices to account for the increased risks that come with connected devices. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting connected devices because when compared to Microsoft's Windows, Apple's macOS and Google Chrome, they are easy prey. Also check out our roundup of the best antivirus software of 2019Via The Security Ledger http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/JUwWVq0uYIw

Cybercriminals are increasingly hijacking online forms such as login pages and shopping carts as they hunt for personal financial information (PFI) according to new research from F5 Labs. The firm's Application Report 2019 examined 760 breach reports to discover that formjacking, which collects data from a user's web browser and then moves it to an attacker-controlled location, remains one of the most common attack tactics on the web. According to F5 Labs data, this attack method was responsible for 71 percent of all analyzed web-related data breaches throughout 2018. Cloud security and the evolution of attack methodsIoT devices now top priority for cybercriminalsTwitter scams use fake tech support accountsSenior Threat Eveangelist at F5 Networks, David Warburton explained how outsourcing parts of web application code led to formjacking's rise in popularity among cybercriminals, saying: “Formjacking has exploded in popularity over the last two years. Web applications are increasingly outsourcing critical components of their code, such as shopping carts and card payment systems, to third parties. Web developers are making use of imported code libraries or, in some cases, linking their app directly to third party scripts hosted on the web. As a result, businesses find themselves in a vulnerable position as their code is compiled from dozens of different sources – almost all of which are beyond the boundary of normal enterprise security controls. Since many web sites make use of the same third-party resources, attackers know that they just need to compromise a single component to skim data from a huge pool of potential victims.” FormjackingBy examining breach data, F5 Labs found that 83 incidents in 2019 were attributed to formjacking attacks on web payment forms which impacted close to 1.4m payment cards. The firm also found that 49 percent of successful attacks occurred in the retail industry, 14 percent were related to business services and 11 percent were focused on manufacturing. However, the transport industry was the biggest victim of formjacking attacks that targeted personal financial information and during F5's window of analysis, 60 percent of all credit card related thefts happened in this sector. Injection vulnerabilities have been around for some time but F5 Labs believes that they remain a growing and evolving problem as shifting industry trends have led to new risks and the widening of attack surfaces. To prevent falling victim to formjacking, F5 Labs recommends that businesses create an inventory of web applications, patch their environment, scan for vulnerabilities, monitor for code changes, enable multifactor authentication and monitor for newly registered domains and certificates. We've also highlighted the best antivirus software of 2019http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/SbYxo83zLdk

As part of China's ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment, the city of Beijing has unveiled its plans to allow overseas firms to invest in VPN services within a trial zone by the end of the year. Foreign investors will soon be allowed to invest in VPN services though foreign ownership in VPN providers will be capped at 50 percent according to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce. The State Council approved the relaxation of its restrictions back in January in an effort “to attract foreign telecom operators to come and provided VPN services for foreign-invested companies in Beijing” according to Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce. How to use WhatsApp in China using a VPNTurbo VPN is the fastest growing mobile VPNChina looks to ban Bitcoin miningSenior emerging Asia economist at AXA Investment Managers, Aidan Yao provided further insight on the new policy to the South China Morning Post, saying: “The long-term implications are China is open for business, and continuing to embrace globalisation and the multipolar world order by further integrating itself into the global system. These latest measures are also significant as they are targeting the services and consumption related industries, which are the engines of future growth.” VPN servicesThe new policy is part of a three-year plan by the Beijing Municipal Government to open up the service sector after the city's economy slowed to 6.3 percent during the first half of 2019. China's Great Firewall currently blocks access to 135 of the world's top 1,000 websites and foreign firms must rely on VPN services to get around the country's restrictions in order to do business. According to the municipal government, online games as well as video and audio programs will also welcome foreign investment but they will be required to meet Chinese data security standards. However, foreign investment in online news, publishing, audio and video is still technically banned in China. By opening up investment in VPN services to foreign firms, China may finally be softening its historically hard stance on VPN usage within its borders. Also check out the best VPN for China in 2019Via South China Morning Post http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/sqdxuQ01dkM

Facebook has been accused of failing to inform users they were at risk of having their data stolen following a significant data breach last year. The social media giant did not provide users with enough warning that their Facebook accounts could be compromised due to security flaws in its sign-on system. Facebook is being sued in the US following last year's attack, which left around 29 million user accounts open to hackers. The best internet security suites of 2019Facebook hit with £500k fine following Cambridge Analytica scandalAt least 1.5% of online passwords are compromised, Google saysFacebook security riskThe accusation came as part of an ongoing court case lodged by a group of Facebook users following the September 2018 breach. Hackers were able to acccess millions of Facebook accounts after stealing "access tokens" used to log in users connecting via third-party apps and services. Users would sign in to the site via these services using their Facebook login details, meaning that gaining control of the access tokens would give attackers entry to full accounts. “Facebook knew about the access token vulnerability and failed to fix it for years, despite that knowledge,” the court filing at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco read. “Even more egregiously, Facebook took steps to protect its own employees from the security risk, but not the vast majority of its users.” Of those affected in the attack, around 14 million saw profile details such as birth dates, employers, education history, religious preference, types of devices used, pages followed and recent searches and location check-ins stolen. Names and contact details were exposed for the other 15 million users, with around 400,000 others having their posts and lists of friends and groups open. Facebook has yet to respond to the filing, but faces yet more questioning over its security protection systems. The company Facebook was fined a record $5bn by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last month to settle privacy concerns over the Cambridge Analytica data-stealing scandal. The best VPN service of 2019Via Reuters http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/5aZMTG43MAw

First launched in 2001, Apple's iTunes is one of the most widely-used pieces of software ever made – and one of the most divisive, too. As useful as the music and media management tool has been over the years, especially to those of us with iPods, iPhones, and iPads, it has also morphed, expanded, and evolved to be a bloated and confusing bit of legacy software. Now all of that is changing. At WWDC 2019, Apple announced that it will soon shut down iTunes on Mac with its Fall 2019 update, replacing it instead with separate new Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts apps that will allow the company to better focus on each type of media. But what about all of the music you've accumulated, and playlists you've artfully devised? What about people who still want to buy digital songs, rather than pay a monthly subscription fee? And perhaps most importantly, what about Windows PC users? Apple has put out a short FAQ to help, giving us answers to all of those questions now. Here's everything you need to know. From one, many: iTunes to Apple Music, Podcasts, TVApple used WWDC this year to unveil the next big macOS update, macOS Catalina, and the event was preceded by stark headlines portending the inevitable death of iTunes. And they were right, to some extent. It's true: on Macs, iTunes is indeed going away as a piece of software. The long-awaited iTunes shutdown is finally happening. As mentioned above, Apple will roll out separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps that are specifically built to highlight and manage each type of media. Apple Music, the company's all-you-can-listen subscription service, has become a significant driver of revenue in recent years as people turn away from buying individual albums and tracks. The iTunes Store surely still has some ardent users who want to "own" their music, but those numbers are significantly dwindling. The melding of classic iTunes and Apple Music has never been the most harmonious pairing, so this refocusing makes sense. Likewise, as digital video has become a much larger part of the entertainment ecosystem, it's helped make iTunes a bloated, awkward-to-navigate affair. With Apple launching its own Apple TV Plus streaming service this year with original TV shows and movies, trying to cram that into the existing iTunes experience could've been a mess. Instead, Apple is releasing a dedicated TV app with macOS Catalina. And as podcasts continue to grow in popularity, it didn't make sense to keep trying to include that as a listening pillar alongside Apple Music and the iTunes Store within a single app. The Podcasts app will get its own dedicated experience for fans to use on their Macs. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mx9ESt2UCBgSZymmxR6q7S.jpg Image Credit: Apple How will it happen?Essentially, iTunes is splitting up its responsibilities amongst three children apps, and they'll continue on its legacy in a hopefully easier-to-use fashion. And Apple, the "it just works" company, seems intent on making sure that this transition causes no undue burden on Mac users as they get used to shifting to new kinds of media apps. Apple has published a support document that answers many of the lingering questions from the WWDC reveal, including what each app will do and how your existing iTunes content will be handled by those new apps. Unsurprisingly, just about everything should happen automatically. Music that you have imported into iTunes or purchased from the store will automatically be available via the Apple Music app. That also applies to playlists and smart playlists, so you don't have to worry about your "Workout Jamz" or "Best Summer EVER" playlists going anyway. They'll still be as amazing as ever within Apple Music. Surprisingly, the iTunes Store itself isn't going away: it will simply be a tab within the Apple Music app on Mac. If you subscribe to the Apple Music service, you can even hide the iTunes Store listing, just for simplicity's sake. Meanwhile, the iOS and Apple TV versions of the iTunes Store will remain exactly as they are today. Podcasts from iTunes, expectedly, will be automatically transferred into the new Podcasts app, along with your subscriptions. Audiobooks will be sent to the updated Apple Books app on Mac, however, and you'll use that app to purchase any further audiobooks in the future. Movies and TV shows that you bought or rented from iTunes will automatically show up in the Apple TV app, then, which you'll use for future purchases and rentals. And when the new Apple TV subscription service is live, it'll coexist in there with your purchases, just like Apple Music will with iTunes Store purchases. Got account credit in iTunes? Don't worry, it'll transfer over. Same for any iTunes Gift Cards you have laying around right now—you don't need to hurry to redeem those right away. You can still use them with the new apps and the App Store. Lastly, iPhone, iPad, and iPad backups, syncing, and restoration will be done via Finder on Mac. That's just about everything then, right? http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zxn6VSdeFhKjyWFvqcjEsB.jpg Image Credit: Apple What about iTunes on Windows PCs? Good question! While Apple is obviously most concerned with pushing the latest and greatest software to its own hardware, iTunes has a huge contingent of users on Windows PC. Many of those probably got hooked in via an iPod, iPhone, or iPad, while others may subscribe to Apple Music. But really, regardless of whether they're still spending money in Apple's ecosystem, they need to be kept happy. Here's the good and bad news: nothing is changing for PC users. That's good news because the existing iTunes will stay exactly how it is, which means there's no need to get used to new software, and no reason to worry that the transition will go less smoothly than Apple intends. The bad news, of course, comes from all of those little complaints that we referenced above. While iTunes is functional enough these days, it has become big and messy over the years. Cramming the new Apple TV subscription service into there is surely doable, much as Apple did with Apple Music, but it's not going to make iTunes seem any cleaner or easier to navigate. But that's the reality of the situation for now, at least. Perhaps Apple will roll out the separate apps in the future or otherwise streamline or rework iTunes for the PC audience. We have to think that it's probably not a huge priority in the grand scheme of things, though. Besides, if Macs have the better Apple entertainment software onboard, it's just another potential reason to compel PC owners to switch. All Mac users with compatible devices will see the big changes sometime around September or October when macOS Catalina rolls out, but those who don't mind playing with pre-release software can get a crack at it sooner: Apple released a developers' build of macOS Catalina following the WWDC keynote, and everyone else can register and download the public beta when it rolls out sometime in July. macOS Catalina vs Windows 10: which is the better OS?http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/K3sak5EWdZw

Worried you weren't getting enough Star Wars TV shows and films in the next few years? Well, it looks like Disney Plus has you covered, with a TV show focusing on iconic mentor and Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi (that's 'Ben' to you) set to come to the Disney Plus streaming service. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that not only is an Obi-Wan TV show being planned for Disney Plus, but that Trainspotting and Christopher Robin actor Ewan McGregor is in talks to reprise his role as the classic character. McGregor played Obi-Wan in the second trilogy of Star Wars films – The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Of course, as long as the actor is in negotiations, the fate of the TV show isn't certain; Disney may require McGregor to be attached to the project for it to go ahead at all, although it could also consider casting a different actor if his schedule or pay expectations don't align with theirs. Everything coming to the Disney Plus streaming serviceCheck out our Disney Plus vs Netflix comparisonMarvel is bringing 'street level' heroes to Disney PlusMore Star Wars shows, pleaseThe Obi-Wan show is just one of a raft of shows and films planned for the Star Wars universe. We first started getting excited about Disney Plus with news about The Mandalorian, an upcoming Star Wars TV show, while a prequel TV series focusing on Cassian Andor is also in the works. With Star Wars IX hitting cinemas this December, and an EA-made Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game coming to consoles and PC a few weeks before, there's no shortage of Star Wars content to keep fans happy. The scope of the cinematic universe so far means Disney could expand on the lives of any number of characters and planets, too – why not an Ewok documentary, or The Office-style sitcom set on the Death Star? Call us back when you can, Disney. The best Star Wars games in the galaxy, everhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/xY80LMSGpiw