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SkyPixel is an online community dedicated to aerial photography and videography, set up in conjunction with consumer drone manufacturer DJI. Over the last three years, the platform has hosted an annual contest showcasing the best aerial photos and videos across five categories. The 2018 SkyPixel Aerial Photo & Video Contest (also known as the SkyPixel Aerial Storytelling Contest) opened entries in December last year, attracting over 30,000 entries from professionals and hobbyists across 141 countries. The winners of the contest have now been announced and the Grand Prize for video goes to an Australian from Melbourne, while the top prize for stills was taken by German photographer Deryk Baumgartne for his jaw-dropping and beautiful image of the Mont Saint Michel monastery in Normandy, northern France. From Australia to the worldAin Raadik, the Aussie who took out the video category, won for sharing a three-minute collection of adventures from his travels across New Zealand, Japan and his home country of Australia. “For me drones are an incredible film making tool that help me to further share the ideologies behind my work through new and unique perspectives,” Ain said. “Instead of staying put in one place, my life stories are being told through explorations of new places with my Inspire 2. Passions for filmmaking, testing physical limits and exploring new locations are all heavily influential factors behind my work. And I hope everyone would find their own passion in life and stick to it.” Through the mistBaumgartne, on the other hand, used a DJI Mavic Pro to capture sunlight hitting the Mont Saint Michel monastery rising out of fog, with ribbons of water surrounding the little island it sits on. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V2389pGxCsgftHz2Kj6ph6.jpeg Image: Deryk Baumgärtner “I was sitting on a rock fighting with stubborn wind and thick rain for the whole morning. The sun came up when I was just about to stand up and go home,” Baumgartner said of his experience. “This photo tells a simple story of you and me. Stick to it for a little longer in life when you are just about to fold, the silver lining would often unveil itself.” Alongside the Grand Prize winners, accolades went to the first, second and third places in travel, sports, urban life, nature and creativity categories. To view all winning submissions, head to the SkyPixel platform. The best drone: DJI, Parrot and more for beginners and proshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/TTZEYNTT6i8

It’s no secret that NBN Co would like consumers to sign up to the higher speed tiers on offer, having designed multiple initiatives to encourage the uptake of NBN50 or higher, but its next move will instead actively discourage people from choosing the lowest tier. As reported by ITNews, NBN Co is looking to discontinue a ‘discount’ it had in place with Retail Service Providers (RSPs) which effectively made NBN12 (12Mbps) speeds affordable to consumers. This means that, as early as May this year, we could see congestion on the lowest NBN speed tier network, as well as costs of the NBN12 plans rise once again, after they had been brought down to a reasonable amount with the initial discount introduced in mid-2016. NBN plan comparison: best value optionsCheapest NBN plans comparedFastest NBN plans comparedThe discount worked by reducing the charge for Connectivity Virtual Circuit (CVC) bandwidth, which allowed RSPs to redirect excess traffic from its NBN connections to its own network, but with that gone it’s a less viable option overall. With roughly 25% of all NBN users having opted for the NBN12 speed (close to 1.2 million according to the ACCC), this will likely result in increased congestion as the telcos or RSPs they sign up for won’t purchase as much bandwidth for them to use. The alternative option is for these plans to increase in cost, although this would bring them into the same price bracket of a typical NBN25 connection and be a much less attractive option. Of course, for Australians that have chosen NBN12 to start with, the likely reason for this is an inability to afford a faster plan. This isn't dissimilar to the congestion caused by dropping an NBN50 CVC discount late last yearhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/60Eawwt7T_k

Samsung may replace all external buttons with capacitive pads on its upcoming Samsung Note 10 flagship phone, according to a report from South Korean outlet ETNews. Instead of physical buttons, you’ll press on the capacitive areas to fiddle with the volume or power; presumably, they will be in the same location on the upper edges of the phone’s sides. If this report is true, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Bixby button was similarly replaced, as it alleges Samsung is going for a “keyless” look. What’s more, Samsung will likewise swap out buttons for capacitive pads on some of its mid- and low-end phones in its lineup, like the Galaxy A series, industry sources told ETNews. The future of phones?Samsung wouldn’t be the first to pull off a buttonless experience: the Meizu Zero, a futuristic smartphone revealed in early 2019, is designed without buttons (or any charging cable/headphone port, for that matter). There’s no info on where or when that phone will be available to consumers, but it shows this latest Samsung rumor isn’t coming entirely out of left field. Indeed, other phones have been experimenting with capacitive pads. The Nubia Red Magic Mars, for example, has them placed along the edges of one side so, when the phone is rotated horizontally, they act as shoulder ‘buttons.’ While this report is exciting, we remain wary...not of its prediction so much as the timeline. Exciting leaks of the past, like the in-screen fingerprint sensor, were tipped for much earlier Samsung smartphones. The tech just debuted in the Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup, but was predicted to come in the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, and the Galaxy S9 before that and the Note 8 before that and the S8 before that. Samsung may be working on this idea behind closed doors, but there's no telling if the Note 10 will be the first Galaxy phone with this feature. Get hyped for the heavens: TechRadar's Space Week has begun!Via XDA Developershttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/GCYw5i2t8DQ

LG's phones may not seem like the most exciting devices on the market, as Samsung and Apple continue dominating the premium smartphone space. Even the best LG phones have a bit of trouble keeping up, but they often have unique features that make them a bit more interesting than the competition. Whether we're talking about the hand gesture control or vein scanning technology in the not-yet-released LG G8 ThinQ, or the 5G capability and dual-screen option in the upcoming LG V50 ThinQ, LG seems to always find a way to give its top phones something to spike our curiosity. Neither of this phones are quite available for consumers yet, so our guide will stick to the best LG phone you can get right now. Here, we're going to take a look at LG's best phones, what makes them stand out from the crowd, and which are worth picking up. We'll include phones on both the premium and budget sides of the spectrum to give you options at multiple price points. Best Samsung Phone | Best Huawei Phone | Best iPhone http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BP2TPtWku3i9GY2jgDLE56.jpg Image credit: TechRadar The LG G7 ThinQ is the latest in one of LG's two flagship phone lines (the other being the V series). Although it has effectively been succeeded by the LG V40, the G7's lower price and high-end specs help it win out. The phone packs a powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset, giving it about as much horsepower as you could need. With 6.1 inches of high-resolution OLED display, it's definitely pretty where it counts and gets extra bright, helping visibility in direct sunlight. It's all rounded out by an glass front and back with a notched display; Overall, the design is uninspired, but serviceable. While LG's AI features are neat in theory, it's really the flexibility offered by the wide-angle camera on the back that helps the device stand out. On the media side, the LG G7 has surprisingly powerful speakers if you like to listen to music or podcasts directly from your smartphone. Read our hands-on review: LG G7 ThinQ review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3fxQRsHbV8LtYHVo4bUd7J.jpg Image credit: TechRadar The LG V40 ThinQ is to the G7 what the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is to the Galaxy S9: a similar yet bigger and slightly higher-spec sibling. The V40 has a 6.4-inch OLED display that's both sharp and ready to display HDR10 content. On top of that, the phone features a versatile five-camera system with three on the rear and two on the front, even adding in HDR10 video recording. Unsurprisingly, the LG V40 also runs on a Snapdragon 845 chipset, but comes with 6BG of RAM by default. The notched display is another feature it shares with the LG G7. Audiophiles can enjoy the 32-Bit Quad DAC built in and the support for DTS:X surround sound. If you're adventurous, the phone's IP68 rating against water and dust along with its MIL-STD-810G shock resistance are reassuring, so you don't have to worry as much about damaging your investment while out and about. Read our hands-on review: LG V40 ThinQ review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G9NpB8tFAwpLaVUepBcykW.jpg Image credit: TechRadar LG's V35 ThinQ may seem like it's on its way out (and it is), but it's not all that old yet. The phone still has 2018's top-of-the-line Snapdragon 845 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, which has the potential the keep up with the demands of most smartphone users for the next couple years. And, that's perhaps why the LG V35 still costs a bit more than we'd like to see. Its design is bland, with no all-screen display, notch, or anything like that. But it does have a large, 6-inch OLED display. The phone's rear camera system includes a wide-angle lens on one sensor, and it has 4K HDR video recording capabilities. While it may not be the most exciting phone in 2019, it still has life in its internals, so if you can find a good discount going on, it may be worth your while. Read our hands-on review: LG V35 ThinQ review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pNRfzucm5jdib3j7cVt2L5.jpg Image Credit: LG A mid-tier phone doesn't have to be a bad phone, and that's clear with the LG Stylo 4. While we haven't had a chance to review it, it has a lot going for it at its price. The phone packs a large 6.2-inch display with a FHD+ resolution, though it's not an OLED display. Still, the screen works with LG's active stylus, making it something of a budget Galaxy Note. It comes running Android 8.1 on a Snapdragon 450 chipset with 3GB of RAM, so it should offer decent performance for everything outside of gaming and heavy multi-tasking. Aside from the stylus and large screen, there's not all the much to truly get excited about. But it beats going with a three-year-old flagship running a three-year-old operating system just to save some money. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wZv6mLs8DYimgC64ADbTdR.jpg Image Credit: LG The LG Q7+ is an upgraded version of the LG Q7 (itself a minor upgrade from the Q6), and is a decent phone at a good value. The immediate catch is that it's not the best phone for every carrier (though there is a special edition that comes unlocked). That said, if you're on T-Mobile or Metro, it's a great mid-budget option. The Q7+ offers a 5.5-inch display with a FHD+ resolution. It may not be OLED, but it also doesn't have the thickest bezels you'll find on a cheap phone. But the Q7+ makes up for its so-so looks with its internals. The phone's Snapdragon 450 chipset inside is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It runs Android 8.1 out of the box, so it won't feel overly dated anytime soon (LG hasn't announced when the Q7+ will get the latest, Android 9 Pie). It even gets an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating, so you don't have to worry about a bit of rain killing this phone. If you don't want to spend a lot, this is definitely one to look at. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bedVcjmX6rcXMhTgzPUMbn.jpg Image credit: TechRadar If you're not a serious smartphone user and just want something that's good enough on a budget, the 2018 model of the LG K8 is decent pick. The Snapdragon 425 chipset and 2GB of RAM should do the job for light use, like texting, emailing, and web browsing. The 5-inch screen is even HD, with decent contrast provided by LG's in-cell technology. The plastic back and thick bezels don't make this a sexy phone, but it's substantially cheaper than any of the other handsets on this list (discounts notwithstanding). Just plan on getting a microSD card if you anticipate taking a lot of photos or recording a ton of video, as the small 16GB of storage is partially taken up by the OS and pre-installed software. Read our hands-on review: LG K8 (2018) http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/JvzZeINXPfc

It's almost game over for the LG G6. Despite the quality of the handset offering a genuine alternative to those flagship phones from the likes of Samsung and Apple, the G6 never really got going. Sales started strong enough, but tailed off quickly. And now that the LG G7 ThinQ is here, it seems like nobody really wants LG G6 deals anymore. Which honestly feels like a shame. As we say, this is a good mobile phone. In fact, it's a very good mobile phone. A high quality, stylish handset with a pin-sharp screen and water-resistant casing. There isn't much not to like about this splendid Android phone. And now is a brilliant time to buy. The release of the iPhone XS and XR have knocked the prices of older devices way down and the company's innovative LG V30 caused some fantastic prices to emerge on the LG G6. You can now get it for under £600 for the two year term, which is frankly as cheap as chips for such a good handset. We've even seen tariffs that cost as little as £18 per month! So if you're not bothered about LG G7 ThinQ deals and know that it's the G6 for you, then check out our comparison table below to make sure you're getting the best price on the market. See also: Samsung Galaxy S9 deals | Samsung Galaxy S8 deals | Best iPhone deals | Mobile phone deals | SIM only deals | LG G6 review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PgEiL35xxPPvT5miTaEsJP.png http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pSRfWgYARNnZsgnrPwSwia.jpg Make no mistake, the G6 is a great phone from LG. Its recent predecessors haven't really taken the fight to Samsung and Apple, but the LG G6 is a flagship phone to be proud of. The dazzling 1440 x 2880 screen is a particular strength and you immediately feel on first use that your handling an Android device no less premium than the Samsung Galaxy S9. And, to be honest, the newer LG G7 ThinQ doesn't move things on massively either. Read TechRadar's full LG G6 review http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/rb6lmw459lk

Has the worst happened and your precious tech has been lost, stolen or broken? Sorry you've had to go through that hassle but if you're here, take hope...we're guessing you must have been sage enough to obtain gadget insurance, and now is the time to cash in on your forward planning. From here on out you can enjoy the path to getting a shiny new gizmo to replace your dearly departed digital device. So it's time to get your claim in, which means carrying out the correct process so the replacement kit can be with you as quickly and easily as possible. Here's everything you need to know to make that happen, fast. Phone not covered? Then see our guide to getting the best mobile phone insuranceWhat can I claim for on gadget insurance? This is a pretty broad list and includes all the basics you'd imagine but do bear in mind it will vary from insurer to insurer, so it's a good idea to make sure that you get the correct gadget insurance for your needs at the outset. Generally speaking it should cover you for loss if you've misplaced your device – presuming you've not left it somewhere silly like on a table in a pub and gone to the toilet. Theft, accidental damage and mechanical breakdown are also generally insured. But that will all be detailed in your policy documents and schedule. But as you'll see from the Ts&Cs, not everything is covered... What gadgets and claims doesn't gadget insurance cover? Sorry if it sounds like we're dodging the question, but it entirely depends on your policy. Often scratched, dents and other superficial damage can't be claimed for. And many insurers won't cover refurbished and second-hand tech. It's probably easiest to point you in the direction of your policy documents or our dedicated advice on what gadget insurance doesn't cover. What steps do I need to take to claim on gadget insurance?There are a few simple steps to take to make this process easy. The key here is to make sure you get this done within 48 hours of the loss or damage happening - that will make things much easier in the long run, and is even a requirement of some tech and iPhone insurance providers. In the case of theft you'll firstly need to report that to the police by calling 101. You will then be given a crime reference number that you'll need to note down so you can pass it on to your insurer. Then follow these steps: 1. Call your insurer on the claims number. This can be found on your policy document but if you don't have that you can easily find it online with a quick search. 2. Have details of your claim to give over the phone. This will be what happened to cause the loss or damage. This should be done over the phone without the need to fill out any forms, in most cases. 3. You may be asked to send in some supporting documentation. This may include a proof of purchase – if you don't have that, a credit or debit card statement may do to show you bought it, or even a photo of you with the gadget to prove you own it. What happens after I've applied to make a claim?Some insurers, depending on your policy, may remind you that you have to pay an excess to claim on your policy. Claims are generally settled within two working days. That means you'll hear if you have or haven't qualified to receive cover within that time. If you do get cover you'll either be sent a replacement device, have yours repaired, or be sent the value in cash or cheque form. Will making a claim affect future premiums?In some cases the insurer may ask you to pay off the rest of your policy in order for you to claim. Failing that the claim may end your cover meaning that one replacement or repair ends the contract of cover. You will then need to apply for more cover for your new or repaired device. If you opt to get cover from the same insurer again then it is likely that you may be charged more because you have made a claim. This is a good reason to check out our best gadget insurance guide to find the best possible cover price for your new gadget insurance policy. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/bb_E4i95On4

The Samsung Galaxy S7 may now be over two years old but it is by no means a bad device. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy S7 is a great handset for bargain hunters. You've probably seen the insanely-great Samsung Galaxy S9 or Note 9 or even Samsung's newest Galaxy S10, but then also seen the prices and decided to see what else is on offer. Bag a Galaxy S7 deal and you'll get a fantastic phone for a reasonable price. 2016's Galaxy S7 - together with the bigger S7 Edge - is still a very good handset in its own right, sharing a lot of the battery management power and camera smarts from its successor the Galaxy S8. You can see a potted review under our top handpicked deals below and it's soooooo much cheaper than the newer Samsung smartphones. You can easily get away with bills in the low twenties. Or, if you're prepared to part with around £50 at the outset, you can even get them below the £20 mark. And big data deals now come cheap, too. Excellent value when you consider that the S7 used to be one of the best phones around. You will notice though that the majority of deals still going for this device are on EE, it seems to have knocked all other competing networks off the list. Also consider: Galaxy S7 Edge deals | Galaxy S9 deals | Galaxy S8 deals | Galaxy Note 8 deals | iPhone deals | Best SIM only deals | Galaxy S7 review http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6055d9b3b185c0b87d5043eec55f7653.jpg http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2JzjSmAWtjsfqrhiNNQVzT.jpg Check out all of the best Samsung mobile phone dealsThe Galaxy S6 definitely left some room for improvement and, thankfully, Samsung tinkered and tweaked the design to make one heck of a successor. The Galaxy S7 is iterative perfection - it doesn't reinvent the wheel, but Samsung clearly listened to the feedback and criticism to create a stand-out device. Read TechRadar's full Samsung Galaxy S7 review http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/tieSmzgnzhM

It wasn't that long ago that the Galaxy S8 Plus was the big dog in the Samsung yard. It was the go to Android phablet for any looking for a bigger phone for a good six months or so after its release in 2017. With the S9 Plus, Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals all now available, the S8 Plus has been slowly replaced. But Galaxy S8 Plus deals are still well worth a look - possibly now more than ever. A year might have passed since its release, but the S8+ remains one of our absolute favourites, especially as the Galaxy S9 Plus doesn't offer much in the way of massive improvements. The S8 Plus is a way more affordable alternative to its successor, as well as to the Galaxy Note 9 and iPhone XS Max. If that's got you sold, then you'll want to hear a little about pricing. We have the full rundown of the best Galaxy S8 Plus deals right here in our comparison chart, with the cheapest prices from the major networks - EE, O2, Vodafone and Three - including sub-£25pm tariffs that have really got our pulses racing. The prices on the Galaxy S8+ are lower than ever, but if they still look a little rich for your blood, then you can buy the smaller Galaxy S8 for less or head over to our best mobile phone deals page for something completely different. If it's the Plus-sized screen that you need though, then we'll find you the best S8 Plus deal here. See also: Galaxy Note 8 deals | Galaxy S9 Plus deals | Galaxy S8 deals | Samsung phone deals | iPhone 8 Plus deals | Mobile phone deals | SIM only deals http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xjL2vdar6XHxDyP5EERoGa.jpg If you want a huge Android phone with market leading specifications, an incredible display and a superb camera, then the Galaxy S8 Plus is a must for your shortlist. The price will be a bit cheaper than some of the newer flagships but it still holds a lot of the same features Read TechRadar's full Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus review http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/BShlqywgTYA

New research from SonicWall has revealed that a record high of 10.52bn malware attacks occurred in 2018 indicating an escalation in the volume of cyberattacks as well as new targeted threat tactics used by cybercriminals. The firm's 2019 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report provides an in-depth look at threat intelligence obtained from its more than one million sensors around the world. Following vulnerabilities such as Spoiler, PortSmash, Foreshadow, Meltdown and Spectre that can lead to side-channel attacks, Sonic Wall's threat researchers have deemed processor vulnerabilities a growing concern for both software and hardware technologies. McAfee warns that 2019 could be the year of ‘everywhere malware’Mobile malware attacks double in 2018Ransomware attacks see huge year-on-year riseThe company's Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI) also identified 74,290 new attack variants in 2019 that are so new, unique and complex that they were without a signature at the time of discovery and included detection of multiple side-channel attacks. Non-standard ports and trusted filesAs network defenses have become more sophisticated, so has the anonymity of attacks that now include the targeting of non-standard ports to ensure payloads are concealed upon delivery. By studying over 700m malware attacks, SonicWall research revealed that 19.2 percent of malware attacks used non-standard ports which represents a year-over-year increase of 8.7 percent. Organizations of all sizes and across all industries depend on trusted file types such as Microsoft Office files and PDFs. However, now cybercriminals are leveraging these trusted files to circumvent traditional firewalls and single-engine sandboxes to deliver malware. SonicWall's multi-engine sandbox service discovered threats in over 47,000 PDFs and almost 51,000 Office files in 2018. This presents a growing problem as most antivirus software cannot identify and mitigate the hidden malware contained in these files. President and CEO of SonicWall, Bill Conner provided further insight on the report's findings, saying: “Cyber perpetrators are not letting up in their relentless pursuit to illegally obtain data, valuable information and intellectual property. We must be unyielding in this cyber arms race. Sharing vital threat information with our customers and partners provides them a tactical advantage. But it’s also important to arm those at the forefront of this battle with this intelligence, promote global awareness of the threat landscape and continue to facilitate important dialogue around today’s most prevalent cyber threats.” We've also highlighted the best disaster recovery serviceshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/fVv7jlBFMek

Asus is one of the best known and beloved laptop makers in the world, and its pedigree increases every single year. The Taiwanese manufacturer has been hard at work, steadily releasing brilliant laptops one after the other (not to mention the best PCs, components and smartphones) for years now. From budget Asus laptops and Chromebooks to absolute behemoths of gaming laptops and some of the best Ultrabooks on the market, the best Asus laptops cover a wide range of budgets and use cases – and they all look good while doing it. That’s why we here at TechRadar decided to gather up the best Asus laptops on the market right now. If you’re looking for an Asus laptop, then let our signature laptop expertise help you find the perfect one for you. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ge4fNxzVTrxFAeQLXiswkH.jpg Image credit: TechRadar If you're looking for the very best all-round Asus laptop, then the Asus ZenBook 3 is the one to get. This is an exceptionally light Asus laptop, measuring less than half an inch thick, and weighing only two pounds. Asus's ZenBook range of ultra-thin laptops have shown the world how you can make gorgeously-designed thin and light laptops, while still packing them with powerful components. It's a pricey laptop, but if you're after the very best of what Asus has to offer, the ZenBook 3 is a fantastic choice. Read the full review: Asus ZenBook 3 http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oqYCGqb3piMQNDDHf3KdT5.jpg Image credit: TechRadar Asus has struck gold with its new refresh of its ZenBook Flip S 2-in-1 laptop, with the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370. Asus has shown its competitors how you can make a truly impressive 2-in-1 laptop that doesn't feel like a compromise in any way. Not only is the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370 one of the best, if not the best, convertible laptops money can buy right now, it's one of the best Asus laptops in general. Asus has packed this laptop with a new Kaby Lake R 8th-generation processor, plenty of RAM and a super-fast PCIe SSD in certain models. Plus, its 2-in-1 design means you can use it as both a laptop and a tablet. Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370 http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4ccKb3GYmAyQp8mxf5NoRZ.jpg Image credit: TechRadar The Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 is not only the best Asus gaming laptop in the world right now, but it's the best gaming laptop of 2019 – period. This is because Asus has packed in a 6-core Intel processor, and the latest RTX 2080 graphics from Nvidia. However, not only does this make it one of the most powerful gaming laptops ever made, Asus has also managed to keep the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 impressively thin and light. Most gaming laptops are big chunky affairs due to their high power components, but Asus has pulled off some brilliant design magic to make the ROG Zephyrus S GX701 not much thicker or heavier than many standard laptops. It's incredibly expensive, though, but for the price you're getting an amazing machine, and one of the best Asus laptops ever made. Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g9wp3ihcTutMEXjPNDmh7K.jpg Image credit: TechRadar The best Asus laptops aren't just premium all-singing, all-dancing devices with huge price tags, as the excellent Asus Chromebook Flip C302 demonstrates. The Asus Chromebook Flip C302 brings a lot of what we love about Asus laptops to an affordable Chromebook that's ideal for day-to-day tasks and for students working on their homework. That means it's got excellent build quality, a fantastic design and packs some great hardware that makes it one of the best Chromebooks on sale in 2019, with an Intel Core processor, full 1080p display, touchscreen, backlit keyboard and USB-C port. Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZDBgyPGhexDk9cg3yZgSF.jpg Image credit: TechRadar As we mentioned earlier in this buying guide to the best Asus laptops of 2019, Asus's ZenBook range are flagship laptops that offer plenty of power and thin and light designs. While many of them are expensive, it doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on a great Asus ZenBook, which is why we've included the Asus ZenBook UX310 in this list of the best Asus laptops. With still-good 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors, a 178-degree viewing-angle QHD+ display, a USB-C port and an aluminum build, it’s still one of the best Ultrabooks out there, even after all this time. Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX310 http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bf20bd5c2294ade84abd646aada7d238.jpg Image credit: TechRadar While the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 earlier on in this list is undoubtedly the best gaming laptop Asus has ever made, its high price means it just won't be for everyone. The good news is that there are a number of great Asus gaming laptops that are more affordable. The Asus ROG Strix GL502 is a great example that offers excellent performance at 1080p. Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix GL502 http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o6nt9TZfB3Ux5hGc8i7Ry4.jpg Image credit: TechRadar One of the best things about Asus laptops is that there are premium laptops and powerful gaming devices, but Asus also does some brilliant budget and affordable laptops as well. The Asus VivoBook S15 is in our view the best budget Asus laptop that runs Windows 10. It comes with decent specs, including an Intel Core i7 processor, considering the price. Meanwhile, its 15-inch screen offers full 1080p for enjoying movies and TV shows on, and its a decent productivity tool as well. Read the hands on review: Asus VivoBook S15 http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GYnQaWjncRhv5HCHNWEpDg.jpg Image Credit: TechRadar If you're after a budget Asus laptop that can double as a tablet, then the Asus Transformer Mini is perfect. This tablet brings plenty of power and ports to the table – not to mention a fingerprint sensor, stylus and keyboard cover – all in the box. This is all topped off with a whopping 11 hours of battery life. Because of its cheap price and robust design, this is a brilliant Asus laptop for children and students, as it can be easily thrown in a bag and carried around without worry. Read the full review: Asus Transformer Mini T102HA Not just looking for Asus laptops? Here's our pick of the best laptops of 2019http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/ZkkAujC72wQ

Regardless of your profession or industry, having to deal with multiple deadlines is commonplace in working life. It’s easy to feel under pressure and fall behind with your work when you have so much to do, but task management software can help keep things under control. These apps allow for the planning, tracking and reporting of tasks over a certain period of time. Using these programs, individuals and teams can collaborate on complex workloads, share knowledge and ensure the delivery of work within a set deadline. To ensure that task management procedures are effective, project managers must consider the priority, deadlines, recurrence, aims and resources of projects. Without these considerations, teams may find themselves confused and tasks could end up being delayed. In the past, companies have had to rely on largely paper-based mechanisms to oversee the delegation and completion of projects and tasks. However, through technology, firms are able to simplify the task management process and cut through red tape and time-consuming bureaucracy. There’s a great range of workflow and project management applications available to companies of all sizes, which share the common aim of improving productivity for managers and employees. We’ve picked out some of the very best here. Also take a look at the best project management toolsWant your company or services to be added to this buyer’s guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kjpALUycABGsBzUPXLWxM9.jpg Image Credit: Centrallo If you’ve got lots of things happening in your work and personal life at the same time, you should definitely check out Centrallo. Described as a simple and elegant organization app, its main aim is to ‘catch everything life throws at you’. That may sound like an ambitious goal, but the software certainly has a good crack at achieving this. With Centrallo, you can create as many notes and checklists as you want, and share these private or publicly. You can also add photos, videos links and voice notes to the lists you create and store in the app, as well as due dates so you never miss a deadline. There’s also the ability to collaborate with team members on tasks within the app. What’s more, you can edit lists from a smartphone or tablet while on-the-go. That way, you should never fall behind with your work (hopefully). Centrallo offers a free version of the app, but it comes with restrictions: you’re limited to a maximum of 100 notes, small attachments, and only a relatively small amount of cloud storage. That said, you may find 1GB of storage is enough – at least for personal usage. However, if you plan on using this throughout your company, it’s likely you’ll need the premium option. It costs $4.99 monthly or $44.99 annually. You can sign up for Centrallo herehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uFmDzaoqEfG8GchQh9ytvD.jpg Image Credit: Easynote Easynote is another easy-to-use task management tool which is nicely affordable. It provides you with the tools to create, assign and track tasks. Targeted at both everyday users and businesses, the app can be used to organize everything from shopping lists to multi-platform projects. In terms of features, the software allows you to collaborate on tasks, and share files. You can also set deadlines, task dependencies, alarms and reminders, as well as providing feedback to colleagues, and asking for amendments on tasks. What’s more, if you plan on using the software in your business, you don’t need any training. It works straight out-of-the-box. Easynote claims that the app is used by tens of thousands of people and companies across the globe, including the likes of Samsung, Yamaha, Siemens, Barclays, Unicef and Pfizer. Just like Centrallo, there’s a free option of the app available, but you only get 1GB of storage and a limit of 10MB when it comes to file uploads. To expand both of these limits, and get better customer support, you can upgrade to the Business plan which offers 5GB of storage and 50MB of file upload for $5 per month, or the Extended product which gives you 10GB/100MB for $10 monthly. You can sign up for Easynote herehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yggHrcE3BbxsukQevVkYLH.jpg Image Credit: Trello When it comes to business productivity software, Trello is no doubt one of the most popular and widely known offerings on the market. Available on both desktop and mobile devices, the app lets you organize personal and professional tasks. The company lists homework, shopping lists and work projects as a few examples. The user interface is very friendly and based largely on boards that you create to organize the things you’re working on. You can categorize these based on different topics and tasks, and invite co-workers, friends and family members to collaborate on tasks. Similarly to Centrallo, the app makes use of checklists and to-do cards. Once you’ve created a board, you can create tasks and assign them to different people. From here, you can comment or receive feedback to ensure you’re on-track with everything. You also have the option to add photos, videos and files to cards, and to look at your lists in a calendar view to monitor deadlines. Trello is a cloud-based platform that works across a range of platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. The app is free to use, and you can create as many boards and lists as you’d like with the free version. However, there are premium products with more features and the ability to attach bigger files, with a Business Class plan costing $9.99 per month and an Enterprise offering running to $20.83 monthly. You can sign up for Trello herehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yYMjJYZ8qr52Zzp4oVaABM.jpg Image Credit: Monday.com Should you want a task management tool that’s geared more towards business teams, Monday.com is vying for your attention. It’s a more visually-oriented piece of productivity software that lets project managers delegate tasks and keep an eye on the steps their team members are taking to complete tasks successfully. Using the app, you can generate comprehensive task and to-do lists, share files and communicate with colleagues. The software provides a great deal of insight into projects, letting you add details such as owner status, prioritization and timelines. What’s more, there’s a built-in chat function which allows you to discuss tasks and updates with individual team members and groups. Taking design cues from Trello, this tool comes with a calendar function as well. This puts all your tasks and deadlines into one place. And to ensure crucial business information doesn’t get into the wrong hands, all data stored in the app is encrypted. Other security features include two-factor authentication, single sign-on and audit logs. For a five-member team and 5GB of storage, you’ll need to pay $25 monthly. You can sign up for Monday.com herehttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9Jh4Reg6CkRVb3mb3p8HkU.jpg Image Credit: Accelo Marketed as an automation system for businesses, Accelo is a cloud-based platform that lets you manage all your client work from one place. It combines all aspects of a business – such as sales and project management – within a single piece of software. You can make use of drag-and-drop charts to manage projects, and there’s a project tracking feature that considers outcomes, resources and budgets. You also get a team scheduling tool to delegate tasks among appropriately skilled employees, along with mobile timers and automated timesheets. Other goodies include an invoicing function that automatically syncs to Xero and QuickBooks, and automated notifications. Accelo offers a free trial so you can test out the service, and the base plan starts from $34 per month billed annually. You can sign up for Accelo hereOther task management apps to considerWe've only featured five platforms for task management, but there are plenty of other options to consider. This is not least because different software will do things differently and you need to find the one that does this right for your team. Below we'll suggest some alternatives to the ones above, to see if they can help you manage your tasks better instead: Slack is probably the first to add to this list. Built primarily as a collaboration hub for work, Slack works as a general communication platform. A particular advantage is that as a web app it's accessible from any device regardless of operating system, and its especially geared to use on mobile platforms. This means if organizing your team and bringing them together better can help you get the job done better, then Slack is a definite contender. Xenforo is a messageboard platform, which may initially seem a little old hat by comparison to more modern apps. However, Xenforo comes with a lot of features installed by default, not least Push Notifications, plus the ability to create separate areas viewable only by staff with the relevant permissions. There are also a wide range of customizations available in terms of looks and functionality, so it's easy to create a center for task management. Samepage is another good option to consider if you're looking at collaboration to improve efficiency and task management. Centralizing communications in one place, it aims to bring all chat, comments, and coworkers together into manageable teams for whatever projects you need to handle. You can also invite guests into the discussions, as well have walled private areas. Basecamp aims to go even further than that, providing a range of additional tools such as communications, task schedules, documents & file storage. The aim is to keep everything not just in one place but streamlined as well. By highlighting due dates, upcoming deadlines are easier to find and manage to ensure that multiple projects are completed on time. Asana is another platform that aims to bring all workflows together in a simple and easy manner to get tasks done. This is helped by the really simple and easy to use GUI which makes it easy to see what needs doing and organize it. As a work management platform it works very well with teams, and allows for the easy scheduling of goals and projects. Get your projects under control with our top picks for the best project management softwarehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/p1dmI2advfY

HMD Global has announced that during their upcoming product conference in Taiwan, they will be showing off the Nokia X71 for the very first time. The event is scheduled for April 2 where Nokia 9 PureView will also be launched. The X71 is Nokia’s first phone that sports a punch-hole camera cutout on the front. Interestingly, the phone is also a first for the company to sport a 48MP camera paired with an ultra-wide sensor that has 120-degree field-of-view and a telephoto lens. The cameras are optimized by Zeiss optics and come with that assurance. The X71 is rumored to feature a 6.22-inch display and that it will launch dubbed as Nokia 8.1 Plus in the global market. Other than that, details are scarce about the upcoming camera phone by Nokia. Alongside the Nokia X71, HMD Global will also be announcing their Penta-camera beast, Nokia 9 PureView. It features a 5.99-inch QHD+ (2880 x 1440 pixels) OLED screen topped with Gorilla Glass 5. The display is HDR10 compliant which makes it a great option to consume content on. It is powered by Snapdragon 845 chipset and an octa-core CPU backed by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There are five 12MP sensors on the back of the Nokia 9 PureView, out of which two are RGB and three are monochrome, optimized by Zeiss optics. On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie camera. Nokia 9 PureView has a battery capacity measuring 3,320mAh and supports Quick CHarge 3.0 in addition to fast wireless charging via Qi-certified wireless chargers. Also Read: Amazon India Fab Phones Fest: Best deals and offers on mobileshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/5XWP7Z4EQ4I

Yesterday, Xiaomi’s co-founder teased the company’s new fast charging technology called Super Charge Turbo. It offers up to 100W power output and can fully charge a smartphone with 4,000mAh battery in just 17 minutes. Today, General Manager of Redmi in China, William Lu, confirmed that Redmi will be the first to launch a smartphone featuring this new fast charging technology. Lu posted on Weibo saying that Redmi will take the lead in mass production. A few weeks ago, Xiaomi confirmed the launch of a flagship smartphone powered by the 7nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC. The company is now expected to debut the 100W Super Charge Turbo fast charging technology with this upcoming flagship smartphone from Redmi. There is no word yet as to when the launch might take place. The 50W Super VOOC Flash Charge from OPPO is currently the fastest charging technology in the market. Huawei too will be introducing a 55W Super Fast Charging technology along with the Huawei Mate X foldable smartphone. Rumour also has it that Xiaomi is planning a foldable smartphone of its own. Via PhoneRadar Amazon India Fab Phones Fest: Best deals and offers on mobileshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/-SAFelCfocE

The Huawei P30 launch event is today, and it will kick off at 2pm CET (1pm GMT, 9am EST, 6am PST). We'll be reporting live from the launch in Paris, France, to bring you everything you need to know about the heavily rumored Huawei P30 and Huawei P30 Pro flagship smartphones. There's also murmurs of a third handset - the Huawei P30 Lite - and a new smartwatch - the Huawei Watch GT Active - plus the Chinese manufacturer has also teased a new set of headphones - the Huawei Freelace - for the event. It's set to be a busy event, and we'll be keeping you up to date with all the latest announcements, news, specs and insight with our Huawei P30 launch live blog. Huawei P30 launch event live blogAll times in Central European Time (CET) 10:00 - We're just four hours from launch, and while you wait for Huawei's new flagship phones, why not revisit the handsets that are set to be replaced today. Read our in-depth reviews of the Huawei P20 and Huawei P20 Pro09.15 - It's not just smartphones that Huawei is set to launch today though, with the firm teasing a new set of earbuds on Twitter. Called Freelace, the new buds will come in at leasr four colors, although little else is know about them at the moment. We will, of course, bring you all the details on the new Huawei Freelace headphones as they're announced right here, in our live blog. 09:00 - Today's the day. We're in Paris, France for Huawei's first major launch event of the year, with the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro all but guaranteed to be the stars of the show. Both handsets have been subject to numerous leaks over the past few months - including from Huawei itself - and we've rounded up everything you need to know ahead of the launch event today. It's Space Week on TechRadar, bringing you seven days of features and news exploring the wonders of our solar system and beyond. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/rRhNQnE-2rU

The 2017 release of the Sony RX0 didn’t create too much buzz, even though it was a tiny still-and-video camera that could well have given any video or action camera a run for its money. While it had some impressive specs – a 1.0-inch 15.6MP stacked image sensor, Sony's BIONZ X image processor and a wide-angle Zeiss-branded Tessar T* 24mm f/4 fixed lens – that apparently wasn’t enough for people to shift the focus away from the likes of GoPro. You could capture 4K video of course, but not internally – you could only record it via HDMI to an external recorder. That, however, hasn’t stopped Sony from having another crack at high-end all-purpose cams, with the RX0 II the result. It may resemble a small GoPro, but Sony’s hoping to appeal to more than just the Point Break/action camera crowd with the RX0 II, adding features perfect for vlogging and travel photography. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hcHKhScQdLv8ubr98wnGsT.jpg Image: Sony Same-same, but much improvedThis second iteration looks almost identical to the original RX0 with one small change – it’s thicker, because this time there’s a tiny articulating screen to help you frame your stills and videos better. Despite the additional feature, the RX0 II is, Sony claims, the world’s smallest and lightest premium ultra-compact cam. The RX0 II uses the same lens as its predecessor, and also takes the same battery and shares the same ports. It’s also waterproof up to 10m deep, dustproof, shockproof and crushproof at up to 200kg of force – in other words, this tiny 2.32 x 1.59 x 1.37 inches (59 x 40.5 x 35 mm) camera weighing 4.65 ounces (132g) really is built for any situation. It captures 4K footage and can shoot stills with different creative styles and picture effects, and both modes are now much easier to use thanks to the tiny integrated flip screen. The waterproof LCD panel can be titled 180 degrees upwards for selfies and vlogging, while it's also able to tilt 90 degrees downwards in case you need to hold it up high for overhead capture. Sony’s excellent Eye Autofocus has also found its way to the RX0 II, and it’s even been given a little upgrade. Sony has improved the speed, accuracy and operation of the Eye AF feature, making it quicker and easier to capture people – all it takes is a half shutter press and the focus point will (theoretically) lock on to the eye of the subject. Users can select which eye they want to focus on as well, with selection (left, right or auto) available in the menu system or assigned to a customizable button. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/boWX4eYhYYVBHbemDNqv7U.jpg Image: Sony Recording (mis)adventures your wayInside the little body is a 1-inch stacked 15.3MP Exmor RS image sensor alongside Sony’s BIONZ X engine that's now capable of recording 4K video internally with full pixel readout. The RX0 II is also capable of recording Super Slow Motion video at up to 1,000 frames per second (previously 960fps in the RX0), while the Zeiss 24mm f/4 fixed wide-angle lens can focus as close as 20cm (7.87 inches) away from a subject. ISO sensitivity is between 80 and 12800, and Sony has added in-body stabilization in this second iteration to eliminate motion blur. Like the original, the RX0 II is also equipped with an Anti-Distortion Shutter that can shoot as fast as 1/32,000 sec, with burst shooting capability up to 16fps. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dAZ3FTdG2sU8gySXewmekC.jpg Image: Sony String it upWhen the RX0 launched a couple of years ago, Sony included the ability to link multiple units together for wireless control. A similar feature is available at launch for the RX0 II, with simultaneous wireless control for up to five of them while using the Imaging Edge Mobile app. Sony says it plans to expand wireless control to cover up to 50 RX0 II units using an access point, allowing for creativity during a shoot, but this capability won't arrive for a few more months yet – it's expected to land around June-July. The RX0 II is also compatible with Sony’s Camera Control Box (CCB-WD1) which will enable a wired setup of up to 100 cameras. The RX0 II will be available in the US and Australia from April 2019 priced at $698 / AU$999. A kit including the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip and bracket (which was available with the original RX0 as well) will become available from June 2019, with pricing to be confirmed. UK pricing and availability is as yet unavailable, but we’ll update this page as soon as we have the information. The 10 best action cameras you can buy right nowhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/G47xIt5_Y_w

Samsung has so far impressed many with its new Galaxy S10 lineup's headline features, which among them include upgraded photographic capabilities and reverse wireless charging functionality. Of course, there's always room for improvement, which is why Samsung is currently rolling out some fixes for the aforementioned features as part of the Galaxy S10's March security update. As reported by GSMArena, the March update will bring about improved camera stability, improved performance for its Wireless PowerShare feature and a number of other bug fixes and improvements. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nsUuXBf32XgK7G2A5Kp5tQ.jpg Image credit: GSMArena At present, it's unknown just what the Wireless PowerShare improvements entail, though it certainly wouldn't hurt to make charging slightly faster and more immediately responsive. The update, which is specifically for Samsung's Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Plus and Galaxy S10e, has reportedly arrived for users in the UK and Germany – to see if it's available for your phone, go to the Software Update section in the device's Settings. Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy Note 9http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/OgMYjW1YADw

Apple's iOS 12.2 update is here and it brings some surprise features to your iPhone and iPad, in addition to all of the other iOS 12 changes you should know about. Chief among the iOS 12.2 changes are the Apple News Plus subscription service and four additional Animoji. You can also ask Siri to play videos from your iOS device to an Apple TV. It's a stopgap between iOS 12 and the iOS 13 update we expect in a little over two months and Apple WWDC 2019. The iOS 12 updates are generally positive, save for a few iOS 12 problems, like that FaceTime glitch earlier this year. We've seen 70 new emojis, eSIM support and Group FaceTime launch as part of iOS 12.1 at the iPad Pro 11 launch, and that's on top of all of the iOS 12 features launched last September. Apple's iOS releases have made its mobile operating system stable and, importantly, competitive in the wake of Google's Android Pie update and last year's Google Pixel 3 launch. With falling iPhone sales, that's increasingly important. Here's everything you need to know about the new iOS 12.2 update and iOS 12 in general, whether you're upgrading an older iPhone (which will be faster), or getting it out of the box with the new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR. What's the difference between the latest phones showcasing iOS? Watch our handy explainer to find out: iOS 12.2 update features listApple News+ subscription for 300 magazines and newspapersFour new Animoji masks Shark, Giraffe, Owl, and WarthogVery minor Control Center design tweaksApple gave us something we didn't expect from the iOS 12.2 beta: Apple News+, an enhanced version of the Apple News app that includes magazine and newspapers. Apple News+ access includes access to over 300 publications, but requires iOS 12.2 and a $9.99 per month fee (good news, you can share it with your entire family). The first month of access is free, so Apple is hoping to lure iPhone, iPad and Mac users in like it did with Apple Music. The other big change to iOS 12.2 is the addition of four new Animoji: SharkGiraffeOwlWarthogWith these four, there are now a total of 24 Animoji, not counting all of the customizable Memoji characters you can make. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NqFfXhmz7w9yeT78p7kype.jpg As of iOS 12.2, you can ask Siri to play videos from your iOS device on your Apple TV, according to Apple's official release dates. Most of the other minor design changes happen within Control Center. For example, you'll notice that the Screen Mirroring button is no longer represented by a triangle with a floating rectangular box on top of it. It now shows two rectangles overlapping each other. It makes a lot more sense. More useful is the fact that the Apple TV shortcut button in Control Center leads to a virtual remote that takes up the entire length of the screen. That's helpful if you have an Apple TV or Apple TV 4K, or have an AirPlay 2 compatible 4KTV and lost your remote. iOS 12.1 and iOS 12.1.470+ new emoji – good news for redheads, curly-haired and bald folksGroup FaceTime for up to 32 users is part of the iOS 12.1 betaAdjust photo background blur (bokeh) in real time (not just afterward)eSIM support menus are live in the beta – but carrier support is needediOS 12.1.4 is mostly focused on bug fixes, including the Group FaceTime eavesdropping vulnerabilityWhile the newest iOS 12.1.4 update is the stable version you should download, the last time we got front-facing features was with iOS 12.1. It launched on October 30, the same day the iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 were unveiled. There are four important iOS 12.1 changes: http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/He8pprD7G4kxnxCxniVnCG.gif 70+ new emoji On October 2, Apple announced that more than 70 new emoji were launching with the iOS 12.1 developer beta 2. Get ready for red, gray and curly hair options, as well as bald people, according to Apple's official press release. Softballs, skateboards, and frisbees are here for alternative sports, while new animal and food emojis include kangaroos, lobsters (sometimes a food, always an animal) bagels, and cupcakes. Group FaceTime First, Group FaceTime for up to 32 users is here. To test it out, however, you're going to have to pair up with people who have iOS 12.1, so tell them to upgrade. Portrait Mode bokeh effects Second, Apple has improved the bokeh (background blur) feature in portrait mode on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Before you could only adjust the blur after a picture was taken. Now, with iOS 12.1, you can also adjust the blur in real time, as you're snapping a photo. This helps you better frame your portrait photos. eSIM support – kind of Third, eSIM iPhone support is live with the proper setup menus. But there's a catch for setting up the simulated dual-SIM – you'll have to wait for your carrier to start supporting the feature, which may happen on the official iOS 12.1 release date. iOS 12.1 fixes bugs Fourth, the iOS 12.1 release notes indicate that you're in for some bug fixes. That's very good news if you're experiencing problems. Apple's updates usually remedy the issue, however, you may have to wait until iOS 12.2 in order to fix the iPhone XS and XS Max charging issues. The top iOS 12 features1. iOS 12 makes your old iPhone and iPad fasterOlder iPhones are 40% to 70% faster at certain tasksApple's looking to put the problematic iOS 11 behind itiOS 12 focuses on reliability and performance with this update, and it supports all of the same iPhones and iPads that iOS 11 worked with. Apple highlights the iPhone 6 Plus, specifically, saying iOS 12 makes this phone 40% faster at launching apps, 70% faster at launching the camera app, and 50% faster at displaying the keyboard. Keyboard typing and other routine features on older iPhones can slow down with every new iOS update, and Apple is looking to change these pain points with iOS 12. This makes your existing iPhone and iPad more reliable, and your older devices can be used by family members, or will be more sellable – they don't have to sit in a drawer because they're too slow. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iqPNPCtqh7bB457gXTCqcL.jpg 2. Grouped notificationsGrouped notification on iOS 12 clean up individual notifications messSmartly grouped by app, topic, threadYou can clear a whole group of notifications with a single swipeGrouped notifications are a part of iOS 12. This is a small, but very important tweak (maybe the most important in the iOS 12 update) because it changes the lock screen alerts you see each and every day. It binds together notifications by message threads and topics, making it easier to see everything at a glance. Right now, individual notifications in the morning are a big pain to check as they pile up. 3. Memoji and changes to AnimojiPersonalized 'Memoji' to look like you or 'the real you'Four new Animoji masks: Ghost, Koala, Tiger and T-RexAnimoji and Memoji clips last 30 seconds (up to 10 seconds)Tongue and wink detection for iOS 12 masksMemoji is a customizable mask that can look like you – or the real you, according to Apple. It still resides in Messages. You can select hairstyles, eye color and accessories like earrings and sunglasses. Like Animoji, this is a feature for newer iPhones in the X lineup as it requires Apple's TrueDepth front-facing camera. Animoji is expanded, not just with new masks, but with tongue detection and wink detection. Ghost, Koala, Tiger, and T-Rex will be joining the cast of Animoji masks. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Cf8M5pddLkRmjFpo7HNt9k.jpg 4. Automatically enter those pesky security codesTwo-factor authentication is great, except the annoying task of entering six-digital security codes sent to you via text feels like a chore. iOS 12 fixes this issue. As soon as a security code is sent to your device as a text, it'll automatically pop up within the suggested words in the keyboard interface. All you have to do is tap it. It makes life just a little easier when you're locked out of Dropbox. 5. iOS 12 allows for more than one Face ID faceFace ID on iOS 12 supports more than one face within the Setting menu labeled 'Face ID & Passcode.' Look for the 'Set up an Alternative Appearance' sub-menu to add a second look. This is helpful for two reasons: You can either allow a partner to have access to your iPhone or iPad with Face ID, or you can add your alter ego to make sure Face ID unlocks your phone no matter what you look like today, tomorrow or the next day. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B5iz8eJPiwtQuz8kwZVhyj.png 6. Siri Shortcuts can find your lost keys, moreSiri Shortcuts allows you to assign phrases to tasks'I lost my keys' can ring your Tile tracker to find keys'Heading home' sends ETA notification to roommate, sets thermostat and fan, and brings up the fastest route via Apple MapsGallery and library full of pre-configured Siri ShortcutsSiri is smarter. If you set up Siri Shortcuts, a brand new app, It‘ll know that “I lost my keys” means to ring your Tile tracker. Sure, Tile is a handy gadget, but getting to the slow app is a pain when you've lost your keys. An integrated Siri is a game-changer for both Tile and our peace of mind. Siri Shortcuts go far beyond this example. Apple allows for all sorts of formulas. The app can suggests coffee orders from the place you always order from, and nudge you to message contacts to tell them you're running late. There's also Kayak-based flight information you can call up via voice. By pressing the add to Siri button, you can then say “Travel plans” and Siri will read back information such as your hotel address. Apple's IFTTT-like Siri Shortcuts app launched alongside the final iOS 12 software. However, not all shortcuts will be found in the new app. Some companies, like the aforementioned Tile, will host shortcuts within their own app, so look out for that. 7. Group FaceTime (now launching later)Group FaceTime for up to 32 people with dynamic UICan use Animoji and Memoji in FaceTimeWon't launch with the final software on day oneGroup FaceTime is coming to iOS 12 with up to 32 participants, and you go directly from a group chat to a group FaceTime in the Messages app. Update: Apple has delayed the launch of iOS 12 Group Notifications, according to release notes indicating that it'll come out this 'fall'. To us, that sounds like an iOS 12.1 launch – like Apple Pay, Apple Cash, AirPlay 2 and other features didn't make it live on day one in previous operating system updates. People can drop in and drop out at any time. The interface is filled with tiles that can expand, and 'the roster' along the bottom for everyone else in the Group FaceTime chat. When people start to speak, their window gets bigger, even if they're in the bottom roster of participants. It works on iPhone, iPad and Mac, and you can even answer on the Apple Watch and HomePod with just audio. Animoji is coming to FaceTime and Group FaceTime. You'll of course need to update to iOS 12 and an iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or an iPhone XR to make that magic happen. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Fnimkw3GxJXnyVyA2gCigL.jpg 8. Screen time – using your iPhone lessReports give a weekly activity summary on how you use iOS 12Breakdown: ranks app usage, highest phone pick up times (and what app draws you in first), and apps that send you the most notificationsSet self-imposed time limits via reminders and temporary app blockingLimit kids time in apps by category or individual apps via Family SharingScreen time is Apple's way of limiting your iPhone usage – calculating how much time you're spending on apps, which apps you use the most, and which apps are sending you the most notifications. Screen time doesn't lie. For those without self-control, Apple has created app limits. You can set your own limit, with a notification letting you know when time is almost up. A 'Time is up' message will display when you've reached your self-imposed-Siri-assisted limit. Parents can create limits for kids with Allowances, time-of-day-based downtime controls, and category controls. Education and essential message apps can also be greenlit thanks to an always-allowed settings. The best part? Setting limits for your kids uses Family Sharing, so you can manage it all remotely from your parental device – no need to get hold of your 12-year-old kid's phone to execute on these new iOS 12 controls. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kzbRYduCDjcmxPNbU3ainL.jpg 9. Do Not Disturb goes visual in iOS 12Do Not Disturb during bedtime to hide visual display of notificationsIt offers a clean lock screen with only a reminder than DND mode is onApple has expanding its Do Not Disturb capabilities with a cleaner 'Do Not Disturb During Bedtime' mode. It'll silence not just the notification delivery sounds, but also the visual notifications clutter that can distract you when you're trying to sleep. The lock screen remains clear until you unlock your iPhone in the morning. You can allow certain apps to break through, just like with DND mode right now. Apple refers to these as critical alerts, and they're opt-in. We really like the solo DND notification hanging out on the lock screen. It's peaceful without distracting visual clutter at night and it reminds us that DND mode is on. All notched iPhones don't have the DND icon at the top, so it was always hard to tell before iOS 12. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p2zS828BTCb9QBxknbqbpL.jpg 10. Instant Tuning for axing notificationsInstant Tuning to send future notifications silently or turn them offSiri can suggest which notifications to silence based on usageInstant Tuning is an iOS 12 feature you'll love if you've ever gotten a notification from an app you always seem to dismiss (HQ trivia, breaking news alerts, etc), but don't have time to turn off future notifications in the many submenus of Settings. Apple is allowing you to control individual app notification profiles right from the lockscreen, without making you leave what you're doing. Deliver Quietly is an option within Instant Tuning, and it'll allow you to choose to have notifications delivered silently Notification Center by default so you’re not interrupted by alerts on the lockscreen. It's a nice in between option. Siri helps clean up your messy lock screen with notification delivery suggestions based on how you interact with notifications. Siri will understand which notifications it should deliver prominently and which ones to send to Notification Center. It's like iOS 12's version of 'clean up your desktop' system nudges. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rFzVYiDmHfn46fSgroxDvL.jpg 11. New 'Measure' app and USDZ file formatNew USDZ file type dedicated at augmented realityMeasure app replaces your old-fashioned measuring tape'Measure' is getting its own AR app. It uses the iPhone's and iPad's sensors to measure objects in front of you, including suitcases, as shown in the first iOS 12 demo. All it takes it just tap-and-drag along the edges of the object on the screen. It also automatically detects the approximate dimensions of a photo – we've used it to buy a photo frame when we couldn't find the old-fashioned tape measure. iOS 12 to the rescue. For AR developers, Apple has created a new file type called 'USDZ.' The company worked on USDZ with Pixar, and Adobe is supporting it, too. The file format can be shared across FIles, Mail, Messages and Safari. This is an important step forward for developers working on AR apps. 12. Apple News, Stocks, Voice Memos and CarPlayApple News: new Browse tab and sidebar navigationStocks: robust chart design and stock news integrationVoice memos: easier menus, iCloud support, on iPad (finally)CarPlay: third-party app support, like Google News and WazeApps are indeed getting updates with iOS 12, starting with Apple News. There’s a new Browse tab and a sidebar for better navigation. Stocks is finally being rebuilt with a helpful news design, complete with charts and Apple news headline integrated into into stocks. The top stories will be business news curated by Apple News editors. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xi69mNdjWajV2mRMuQRqd.png Voice Memos has come to iPad (as well as macOS), and it’ll get iCloud support, long overdue changes. Now you won't have to AirDrop conversations between devices in order to listen back. It'll also be easier to assign names to voice clips thanks to an overhauled Voice Memos redesign. Apple Books is the new name for iBooks, allowing you to pick up reading where you left off and a new store interface to browse buy ebooks and audio books. CarPlay now support third-party applications, with Waze and Google Maps appearing on-screen. Apple didn’t call out the Google-owned apps by name, but they were there on the screen. This was a major highlight of iOS 12. 13. Some NFC features work even with a dead batteryApple delivers a clever trick with NFC, allowing you to use a metro pass or student ID in the Wallet app, even if your iPhone has a depleted battery. Express Cards with power reserve ensures you're not stranded outside of a train station or a dorm room because there's still some low-level power in your phone. This is one of our biggest fears for users who routinely rly on NFC. Apple solves this, and though there's not enough power to give you visual feedback, when you touch your dead iPhone to an NFC-equipped terminal and you'll get a haptic response. And like magic, it works. Just don't expect this new feature to work with Apple Pay. That requires Face ID, so you're going to have to possess a powered-on smartphone for that to work. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dWxSbKyhDJ34tvguAuSDqL.jpg 14. Closing apps in multitasking mode is easierFor 12 and 13, iOS 12 fixes some irksome features we hated about iOS 11. They're the kind of problems only first-year iPhone X users will know about. Closing open app windows in iOS 12 is easier. All you have to do is slide up on an open app to dismiss it from the multitasking menu. iOS 11 had us press down on the app until a bunch of red close icons appeared over top of each app, and then to tap those little red icons to dismiss the app. That was unpleasant. 15. Accidental screenshots are less commonWhenever we picked up our iPhone X, we'd always press the volume up and power button accidentally, which is the new 'take a screenshot' button combination on iPhone X. Apple has disabled this action whenever the phone screen is off. Our iOS 12 Photos app is no longer going to be filled with errant screenshots on the daily. 16. ARKit 2 and multiplayer gamingARKit 2 allows for 'shared experiences' for AR multiplayerLego, Fender, Adobe and Pixar are all working on AR with AppleiOS 12 cements Apple as a leader in augmented reality (AR) with the arrival of groundbreaking multiplayer capabilities it calls Shared Experiences in ARKit 2. These multi-user virtual environments allow for multiplayer gaming and experiences through iPhones and iPads. iOS 12 creates a more collaborative (and competitive) way of experiencing AR. Lego demoed a four-player game at WWDC in June, pledging that it was in when it came to Apple's “creative play possibilities.” Players were involved in building up an AR town. It was like The Sims was reimagined for the future. ARKit 2 opens up AR to hundreds of millions of users, according to Apple, and that makes iOS 12 the broadest AR platform in the world. We got a taste of AR last year, but multi-user virtual environments bring more advanced tools and gameplay. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QRbKGnRnHHkUH4EDeFpRFb.jpg 17. Camera app changesSmart DHR is reserved for the A12 chip-equipped iPhone XS and iPhone XR phones, but iOS 12 also tweaks the default camera app on older devices with new tricks. First, the Portrait Lighting mode (on newer iPhones with dual-lens cameras) looks more natural. The software will be able to define crisper edges by more effectively separating a person from a background scene. Apple is also allowing third-party apps to use the software to separate the foreground and background. Second, it's the end of an era for our how to scan a QR code from your iPhone and iPad guide. The default camera in iOS 12 makes QR code reading automatic. Third, while not part of the camera app, RAW photos can be imported and managed on an iPhone and iPad, with the bonus ability of editing RAW photos on an iPad Pro. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i5ZBhNsXxnbF8BQA4dPQgL.jpg 18. Photos app is now smarter with iOS 12Betters search and a new 'For you' tabSuggestions on who to share photo collections withShare back suggestions nudge friends to send their photosThe Photos app expands its search capabilities in an effort to compete with Google Photos. It recognizes photos by event now and indexes them accordingly. Apple says it takes into account over four million events, citing the Aspen Ideas Festival as a very niche example. This lets you search by event without any thankless manual tagging. Searching by event joins other smart suggestions, including filtering by people, places, and relative dates (searching via Siri works with all of these and is quite handy in our experience). The iOS 12 Photos search capabilities have also been broadened to let you use multiple search terms at once. Seeking "dog, animal" should weed out all of your gourmet hotdog results (this is a real problem we just tested at TechRadar). A new tab 'For you' is a part of the iOS 12 Photos app, and it's filled with personalized suggestions on how to improve and share your pictures. Sharing has gotten smarter, letting you share at full-resolution and suggesting who to share these photos with. Share back suggestions is a neat feature that lets you send photos to a friend, and it uses machine learning to poke them to send photos they took to you. Bonus: iOS 12’s photo sharing features uses iMessage's end-to-end encryption. 19. iPad switches to iPhone-like gesturesIt's confusing owning both an iPad and a new iPhone X right now because returning to the home screen and opening Control Center are executed by different gestures. The iPad takes cues from the iPhone X with the iOS 12 update: swipe up from the bottom to return home and check Control Center by pulling down from the top right-hand corner. This may be a prelude to the iPad Pro 2018 that's rumored to include Apple's TrueDepth camera for Face ID, Animoji, and Memoji. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HyKenSFJ8jcdcQSe8nvigL.jpg 20. Siri translates new languages, learns motorsport scoresSiri can now translate over 40 language pairsMotorsports scores, schedules and stats knowledgeFood and celebrity facts knowledge expanded uponPassword search now part of Siri's duties in iOS 12Try asking Siri to translate something into Spanish. It works, and with iOS 12 it'll be even more robust with over 40 language pairs to aid your international travels. So far, Siri will translate English (US) into Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. We really hope Siri will be able to translate foreign words into English. That may have to wait for iOS 13. Siri will also learn the language of motorsports, per se. Asking for Formula One and NASCAR information will have Siri recite live standings, schedule, roster and stat info. Food knowledge and celebrity facts are also part the Siri update. Right now, asking "How healthy is fish" gives a smatter of search results and requires opening up Siri. In the future, a specific answers about food will come from the USDA database, citing calories, vitamins, and how healthy the food is overall. Password hunting is now within Siri's grasp, letting you search any saved passwords, according to Apple. This applies to both apps and websites. 21. Pinpoints 911 calls in the USYou won't have to worry about reciting your exact location when calling 911 in the US thanks to iOS 12. It'll pinpoint your whereabouts during emergency calls. Apple says it'll "automatically and securely" share your iPhone location with first responders, but only with them and only during such emergencies. It's an effort to reduce response time, yet maintain your privacy. 22. iOS 12 compatibilityCompatible with iPhone 5S, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air and newer11 iPhones, 10 iPads, 1 iPod touch – the broadest iOS update yet iOS 12 will run on all devices that have its 64-bit chipset. It'll work on the iPhone 5S and newer, while the iPad Air and iPad mini 2 are the oldest iPads that are compatible with iOS 12. That's means this update is supporting 11 different iPhones, 10 different iPads, and the sole iPod touch 6th generation, still clinging to life. It’s the broadest support for a software update Apple has ever offered, and this is one of the biggest advantages Apple has over Android phones. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rZ7ADWFttitWkNmwurnXvL.jpg 23. Weather app warns unhealthy air qualityApple's official weather app contains new messaging that indicates air quality in cities. This is where Sunny, Cloudy, and Partly Cloudy messaging usually sits. iOS 12 puts it in a spot where you'll see it more regularly, as opposed to a separate air quality app. The forecast New York City as of writing this, for example, tells us that the area has 'Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups'. People with asthma therefore may want to stay indoors. When did iOS 12 launch?June 4 – Developer beta launched (to paid Apple Developers)June 25 – iOS 12 public beta launched (it's free)September 17 – the final iOS 12 software (still free)iOS 12 released on Monday, September 17 following the iPhone XS launch event, where Apple announced the official launch date. You can now download it. There were actually three phases to the iOS 12 launch: one for developers, one for public beta testers, and one final version launching in mid-September. First, the developer beta launched at WWDC and got more frequent refreshes, but it was early software. You have to be a registered Apple developer, which costs $99 for the annual membership. It's for people who like to tinker with Xcode and make apps. Second, iOS 12 public beta launched on June 25 and was completely free. It was less problematic than the developer beta. The downside? It was always one step behind what the developers have access to. Third, the final software, meant for everyone, launched on September 17. There's no need to jump through hoops to enroll in a beta. iOS 12 is now here in its final form, right in time for the iPhone XS release date. That's a wrap for new iOS 12 features. The two biggest highlights were Grouped notifications and Group FaceTime with Memoji. Of course, Group FaceTime is not due to launch just yet, which means an inevitable iOS 12.1 and more updates for us to write about. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/2GBA2IhlLgk

Apple says it's rethinking credit cards with its forthcoming Apple Card, and it touts a bunch of consumer-friendly features I don't get from my current bank. That's enough to get me to rethink my credit card allegiances. The promise of privacy and empowerment over our finances sounds like a fresh take on banking. I'm ready for a smart credit card in 2019. Yes, there's a bit of vertical domination to it. Apple would be part of my transactions, from start to finish, from my building credit to buy the iPhone 11, to storing all of my data via iCloud, to trading the phone in for store credit toward the 2020 iPhone. But, of all of the products Apple announced at its March 25 event – Apple TV Plus, Apple News Plus, and Apple Arcade – the Apple Card was the surprise highlight that has the potential to be industry-changing and, for some, life-changing. Here are the privacy reasons why the Apple Card, launching in the middle of this year, has a future in my physical wallet and Wallet app. 1. Privacy pledge in a data-hungry worldNo surprise, Apple is promising to keep your credit card transaction data private and financial information secure. Privacy has become Apple's mantra. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h6YTHxenoScM4XukCtxpEB.jpg Image credit: Apple What may surprise you is how many credit card companies sell your personal data and how truly limited you are to opt out. When you can opt out, it's often difficult to do, buried in a super-sub-menu or requires calling a obscured phone number. Apple declares, right on its site in big, playful text, "Even Apple doesn’t know what you bought. Or where. Or how much you paid," and says of issuing banking partner Goldman Sachs, "they will never share or sell your data to third parties for marketing or advertising." So far, so good. 2. That titanium Apple Card – with no numbersThis is brilliant. There are no numbers printed on the Apple-designed titanium card. Its laser-etched with your name, and the Apple and the MasterCard logos. That's it. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rARxAmHDGdgg2UUDqZjQSH.jpg Image credit: Apple Contrast that with my current credit card, with worn, but still visible numbers. In the US, your credit card numbers are fairly exposed. They sit there on a table as you wait for your card and bill to be collected at a restaurant or bar, and then a server takes them to the back to run the transaction at a terminal. If you credit card gets stolen, the thief has access to your numbers for much longer. This sort of credit card theft is rare, but it's happened to me – and it's a headache to deal with. Any time your card is out of sight, you're at risk. Apple keeps the numbers locked to the Wallet app in your iPhone. 3. Colorful, ad-free spending summariesMy credit card company has basic categorized spend tracking three menus deep and it's not very good, so I've used personal financial management service Mint.com... only to be inundated with ads trying to sell me stuff. It's colorful and fully detailed, sure, but I have to log into Mint, separate from my credit card account, and dodge unsolicited offers at every turn. I've used Mint alternatives, but nothing has impressed me. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vDqhjpdREZA758kjg3C9x3.jpg Image credit: Apple Apple Card uses simple weekly and monthly summaries right inside the Wallet app. It's colorful looking, yet devoid of the ads I'm used to seeing. Categories are broken down by color, and those are reflected in the trend bars when you look over your spending history. Simple and colorful, it looks like the Apple Activity app, but for exercising my financial muscle. Best of all, no one's trying to sell me stuff based on my financial details. Other intriguing Apple Card ideasDaily Cash: I like this idea of up to 3% back on Apple purchases (from the Apple Store and also the App Store and iTunes), 2% back on all Apple Pay transactions, and 1% on everything else – and it goes right in my Apple Cash account so I can spend it daily. There are other cards with as much as 5% cash back at their stores (Amazon is one), but it all depends on how much you shop at specific stores vs use Apple Pay.Interest calculator: This is something I could have used when I was younger. It spells out how much interest you'd pay if you can't pay everything on your card. It's way more upfront with this information than I've experienced with other credit cards.Payments due on the last day of the month: It's not set for random a date you always forget, and the Wallet app has a payments daily countdown to your next bill. There are also push notifications. I feel like the credit card companies I've used in the past didn't want me know this information.No international or annual fees: My current credit card dings me every time I make a transaction during MWC in Barcelona or when I'm on any other international trip. The rival card I wanted to switch to (before today) doesn't have this, but does have an annual fee. The Apple Card doesn't have fees – except for interest fees (higher than the average, but okay with me, as I make payments on time).Apple Maps location data: This tracks down where your Point of Sale happened. No more having to Google why you made a transaction at POS 10138604. The days of sleuthing my way through making sense of my my credit card statement are over.http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QmT85GX2RZbq93Ae7Kcsa.jpg Image credit: Apple Financial companies, I've learned, are not tech companies. Their web and app-based payment and tracking methods are often outdated and confusing (sometimes, it seems to be on purpose). And sure, Apple is technology company, not a financial company, but after plenty of experience with deceptively marketed credit cards, I'm willing to take a chance on something new to disrupt payments and my privacy. If it proves popular, the Apple Card could push the industry to be more responsible. 3 things we want to know about Apple Arcade, the new gaming servicehttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Ex67VOHjmWc

Move over Oculus Quest, HTC has announced the price, release date and specs for its standalone Vive Focus Plus headset and, like Obi-Wan in The Revenge of the Sith, it’s taking the high ground. To that end, expect to see the more business-centric VR headset on sale starting on April 15 for $799/ £639 (around AU$1,100) with the ability to tack on its Advantage program - HTC's Apple Care equivalent - for an extra £115 (around $150/AU$200). Looking for next-gen gaming VR? Don't miss the Oculus Rift SHere are the best VR games in 2019And, more fittingly, the best VR apps for educationNot only is HTC's headset a little pricier than the $399 Oculus Quest, but it's also a bit higher spec'd as well and features a 3K AMOLED (2880x1600) screen and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. That said, the display only has a native refresh rate of 75Hz and 32GB of storage - really only enough to store business applications and some local files. While the Focus Plus isn't going to be your go-to headset for play games like Beat Saber, HTC says the headset will offer 250 Vive Wave applications at launch that run natively on the Vive Focus Plus, and can access the Viveport Infinity Wave subscription program that includes over 70 premium titles, many of which have an educational or commercial purpose. But hey, the future of virtual reality can't be all fun and games, right? These are the best VR headsets in 2019http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Vjuqab0eDKI

The much anticipated iOS 12.2 update has arrived. Not only does it bring support for Apple News Plus and more Animoji, it also reveals the look of a new set of Beats headphones. Rumors of Apple working on a wire-free version of the Powerbeats sports headphones has been making the rounds recently, and hidden within the code of Apple’s latest mobile operating system update is an image and an animation for what we now know to be the Powerbeats Pro, as first discovered by 9to5Mac. The new AirPods competitor looks similar to the Powerbeats 3, minus the cable connecting the ‘buds. Compared to the one-size-fits-all AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro design is sportier, with adjustable ear clips and interchangeable ear tips. This workout-friendly design could make it popular with those looking for a more secure fit to use with not just iPhones, but the Apple Watch as well. It is as yet unclear whether the Beats-branded charging case offers wireless charging, but it does seem like it will charge via a Lightning cable and not microUSB. According to the original rumor (via CNET), the Powerbeats Pro will boast Apple’s new H1 wireless chip that debuted in the AirPods 2 last week, meaning the new Beats headphones could offer hands-free ‘Hey, Siri’ support. There’s no indication as to when the Beats Powerbeats Pro will launch, or at what price, but given the imagery shows a completed product, we’re hoping the wait won’t be too long. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more. The new AirPods aren’t really the AirPods 2, are they?The best true wireless headphones available right nowhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/3ytO8TJ8Zio

Sony’s skipping the E3 2019 conference this year as, we assume, it beavers away working on its PS5 launch plans. Instead it’s taking a leaf out of the Nintendo playbook, launching a new series of live streams where it will reveal its upcoming slate of games. The first of these ‘State of Play’ events has now spilled its goods and, to be honest, it was a little disappointing. Focusing almost entirely on new PlayStation VR titles, there was no sign of long-awaited PS4 titles such as Death Stranding or The Last of Us 2. Now, that’s almost certainly so that Sony’s got something to hold back for the buzz period around E3 but the whole thing was still a little underwhelming. Here’s hoping Sony kicks things up a gear for next time. That’s not to say the first State of Play stream didn’t have a few gems on show though. See all the action in the stream replay embedded below, as well as our thoughts on the best of what was revealed. The best of the March 2019 State of Play PlayStation streamIron Man VR With his Jarvis-powered helmet and augmented reality-targeting tech weaponry, Iron Man’ Tony Stark has been living the fictionalised VR dream for decades. Now PlayStation VR owners will get a taste of the Marvel life for themselves in a new game that puts you in direct control of Stark’s Iron Man suit. Only a cinematic trailer was revealed during the State of Play event, but you can guess what’s going to play out here – hand cannons, line-of-sight in-helmet target painting, stomach-churning jetpack flights and endless rib-tickling rich-boy quips. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vJxgXdHdWi2CrMYu6VSBV4.jpg Image credit: Sony No Man’s Sky goes VR A match made in heaven, No Man’s Sky is finally getting a dedicated VR mode. When the universe-exploring space simulator was first launched, many noted how perfectly the experience would be suited to a VR edition, with its never-ending procedurally generated world and unique alien life. Well, that wish is about to become a reality – the previously announced No Man’s Sky Beyond update will include a dedicated virtual reality mode for the PlayStation VR headset. That’s in addition to the online overhaul that’s about to drop too – could No Man’s Sky be about to become the first procedurally generated, crafting, survival, VR space MMO? That’s quite the transformation for what was initially seen as a disappointment. Well played Hello Games, well played. Blood and Truth release date First announced at Paris Games Week, we haven’t heard much about PSVR’s Blood and Truth recently. However the Guy Ritchie-like action VR title finally has a confirmed release date of May 28, 2019. We’ve tried it out a few times at preview events and were suitably impressed (if not slightly alarmed) by the gritty and realistic nature of Sony’s VR first-person shooter. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mAX4TisHaTY6cpw4vxt23J.jpg Vacation Simulator Everyone loved Job Simulator, a staple of basically every VR platform currently available. Now it’s time to take a break from the office and head on holiday. Vacation Simulator is headed to PSVR, letting you enjoy a ridiculous trip away in a highly-interactive VR environment where almost everything can be played with. And if you don’t have PlayStation VR, don’t panic – it’s headed to other VR platforms too. Observation NoCode’s Observation now has a release date of May 21, 2019. The sci-fi thriller sees you aiming to uncover the truth about what happened to Dr Emma Fisher and her crew. The twist? Rather than playing as an actual human, you solve the mystery through the lens of the station’s AI system, known as S.A.M. Prepare for some jump scares... http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PcAAknKEgWBTZE9dZ9wGud.jpg Five Nights at Freddy's VR If Observation wasn’t enough for you adrenaline junkies out there, then you’ll be happy to know that Five Night at Freddy’s is coming to VR. That’s right, you can get even more immersed in the survival horror that has you playing as a night security guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, a pizzeria with the twist being that the animatronic characters come to life at night and scare the bejeezus out of you. Thank you Sony for this gift, but I’m not sure my heart will be as pleased... http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5boAtZm2PNTKzrZYJSZDWQ.jpg Concrete Genie release date Concrete Genie is the perfect example of Sony’s prowess when it comes to indie titles. For those who haven’t heard of Pixelopus’ Concrete Genie yet, it’s an upcoming beautiful action-adventure about a bullied teenager called Ash. Finding that his artistic ability is more magical than he previously thought, Ash aims to paint his desolate hometown back to life. In addition to revealing a new story trailer for Concrete Genie, Sony also revealed the game will feature PSVR mode and will release in “fall 2019”. Days Gone new story trailer There’s only a month to go until Sony’s survival horror Days Gone launches. We essentially know everything we need to about the game but, to stoke the flames of excitement, State of Play treated us to a brand new story trailer. Mortal Kombat 11 new story trailer The latest addition to the brutal Mortal Kombat series is just around the corner, so of course Sony dropped a brand new story trailer unveiling Jax, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao as playable fighters. The trailer also teased that MK11 will see fighters meeting their past selves. Check out the slick new Mortal Kombat 11 story trailer below: Read more: Best PS4 games 2019: essential PlayStation 4 releaseshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/bt3_TXqhovE

Apple has unveiled its gaming subscription service, Apple Arcade, and it looks promising: for a recurring fee, customers can play any number of games in the service’s catalogue on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV at no additional cost...and since they’re all exclusives, you won’t be able to play them anywhere else. These aren’t just random developers, either: Apple has secured titles from big-time names in gaming, like Hironobu Sakaguchi (creator of Final Fantasy), Ken Wong (designer and artist on Monument Valley) and Will Wright (creator of Sim City). Games will come from studios large and small, including: Konami, Klei, Annapurna Interactive, LEGO, Klei Entertainment, Mistwalker Corporation, SEGA, Giant Squid, Finji and more. The service will feature over 100 of these "new and exclusive" titles, according to a press release, with some or all available when it launches in fall 2019 in over 150 countries. You’ll be able to find it in the App Store (it has a dedicated tab on the bottom row), and new games will be added “on a regular basis." You aren't streaming these games; instead, you'll be able to download them to your device and play from there. This is just one of many differences between Apple Arcade and Google Stadia, the search giant's upcoming streaming-only gaming service. But we still don’t know a lot about Apple Arcade. Here are our biggest questions. Will the multiplatform accessibility limit the games?This is a big one. Apple is betting on convenience and accessibility here: supposedly, progress carries over from device to device, meaning you can start playing on your iPhone and casually switch over to playing on your Apple TV. How that transition will end up working is a whole other question, but even requiring titles to play across nearly all of Apple’s devices suggests a lot about what these games will – and won’t – look like. For one, they probably won’t be graphical powerhouses. The iPhone XS Max and iPad Pro 2018 are beasts in their own right, but their specs don’t hold a candle to desktop processing, let alone the leading game-specific consoles, the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. Heck, we don’t even know which of Apple’s older devices will be able to play through Arcade’s catalogue. Will they simply prevent your aging iPhone 5 from loading up more demanding titles? Or will they hobble all games made for the service to ensure a universal experience across Apple’s device family? The only hint we have: in the service’s announcement video, a small disclaimer at the bottom reads “Compatible hardware and software required.” This has a lot of ramifications for the games catalogue, as well as design: by limiting the service to older and mostly (but not all) touch-interface devices, Arcade titles may have to restrict their complexity. What will the game catalogue look like over time?This is probably the biggest make-or-break condition. Apple is promising 100 "new and exclusive" titles, though it’s unclear if they’ll all be available when the service goes live in "fall 2019," as Apple forecasts. But will all games be new and exclusive? That’s a tall order for developers, especially those who want to achieve the kind of notoriety and success of phenomenons like Fortnite or Apex Legends, which all thrive off multi-platform availability. There’s the reverse situation, too: will older games be added to Arcade, or must they be new and exclusive? Put another way: will paying subscribers get to harness ‘unlimited play’ for other titles that debuted elsewhere first? Given how enthusiastic folks have been to see old favorites added to Xbox Game Pass and other services, Arcade’s catalogue composition is a huge question mark. Likewise, will Arcade’s catalogue of games be exclusives forever? Of the handful of titles Apple showed off in the streaming event, one seemed most likely to make the jump to other platforms: Sonic Racing, a Sega game in a series that has almost always been multiplatform. If it’s a timed exclusive, players might just wait it out until high-profile titles drift elsewhere. What about multiplayer?Apple didn’t mention anything about multiplayer in its Apple Arcade press release, and that could be telling. Will its games be single-player only? Or perhaps, like the Annapurna Interactive-published classic game Journey, will multiplayer be limited to asymmetric or non-interactive sharing of space? It’s a huge question given how popular multiplayer-only titles like Fortnite and Clash Royale have been. Of course, it seems like Apple is happy to keep those games in the free-to-play corner of the App Store while the few games it’s boasted for Arcade seem story-driven...except one: LEGO Brawls. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2tj634Z8cGKYtbRS4c9yN6.jpg Image credit: Apple Aside from being right there in the title, the only image accompanying Brawls has a bunch of LEGO minifigures from mismatched settings, all wielding a hodgepodge of weaponry and flying in wild vehicles. In the background, something is exploding. It looks like a LEGO-fied Fortnite, honestly – and while it’s possible this is a single-player title, the ‘wacky combat’ appeal seems tailor-made for, er, brawling with friends and strangers. Those are our biggest questions, and we’ll have to wait for more Apple Arcade announcements to get a clearer picture of what the service offers...and what kind of players the company believes will sign up. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/trmFol3HQHc

It’s finally here: Apple has released its flagship streaming service, Apple TV Plus, at the tech giant's star-studded keynote event at the Steve Jobs theatre in San Cupertino, California. With a parade of Hollywood actors and directors, including Steven Spielberg and Jennifer Aniston (and even Sesame Street's Big Bird) taking to the stage to promote their exclusive Apple TV Plus shows, Apple seems to be taking aim at Netflix's popular Originals programming. So, how does the new streaming service differ from Netflix? And could it truly pose a threat to the most popular streaming platform in the world? Read on for our take on Apple’s first foray into the world of TV and movie streaming. These are the first Apple TV Plus exclusive showsApple TV Plus vs Netflix: overview Aside from being the most popular streaming service in the world, Netflix has become something of a cultural icon, even inspiring its own lexicon – we all know what it means to ‘Netflix and chill’ (if you don’t, ask an appropriate adult), and most people have been on an uncontrollable ‘Netflix binge’. With a wide-reaching mix of original and licensed shows and movies, Netflix’s huge variety of content, as well as its ease of use, has given birth to the cult of binge-watching. Apple, on the other hand, will have some way to go if it’s to unseat Netflix from its throne with Apple TV Plus, its new ad-free subscription service, which it says is launching "in the fall" – so between September and November this year. However, with a host of exclusive programs with some very famous faces attached, Apple could potentially rival Netflix's Originals – if it can match Netflix's prodigious output that is. From the sounds of things, Apple will be releasing "new additions every month", but it hasn't confirmed how much new content we can expect each month. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aLG9RhdAC6hUznvspMUSVW.jpg Image credit: TechRadar Apple TV Plus vs Netflix: price and availabilityApple TV Plus is set to launch on the new and improved Apple TV app, which in turn is coming to a wide range of smart TVs in May, as well as to set-top boxes and streaming sticks from rival companies like Roku and Amazon. We learned back in January that the Apple TV app was coming to a number of smart TVs – in ranges by Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio – in addition to Apple's own set-top box and streaming player, the Apple TV. This means Apple TV Plus won't be restricted to Apple TV devices – and moving the app onto rival devices is a risky move by Apple, as it could reduce the number of consumers buying into Apple TV hardware. We're wondering if Apple is looking to phase out this hardware in order to focus on the improved Apple TV app. It's been rumored that Apple’s new streaming service would slightly undercut Netflix's monthly subscription cost, but there was no mention of a price at the March 25 keynote. Having recently upped its prices, the cheapest Netflix plan is currently $9 / £5.99 / AU$9.99, while its HD Standard plan (the most popular) costs $13 / £7.99 / AU$13.99. For fans of Ultra HD streaming, the 4K Premium plan is available for $16 / £9.99 / AU$17.99. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2VvHwmhXUMvwgt3WrNf3Bk.jpg Image credit: Pexels Netflix is available to use on a huge range of devices, which will also synchronize with each other – this means you can start watching a show on your desktop browser, pause it, and pick up in the exact same place when logging back in on your big-screen TV. Depending on which subscription package you opt for, you can watch Netflix on up to four screens at one time. As well as your computer, gaming console, and built-in TV applications there are Android and iOS apps, as well as a whole suite of set-top streaming boxes that will give you access to Netflix's video library. Best TV streaming services 2019: all the streaming platforms you needWe still don't know exactly how you'll be able to watch Apple TV Plus; at the launch event Tim Cook made no mention of devices like Android TV, PC desktops and laptops, gaming consoles, and non-Apple tablets. If Apple TV Plus is relegated to Apple devices aside from the aforementioned smart TVs and streaming boxes, it's difficult to see how it could prove a true rival to Netflix, which is available on a plethora of devices and operating systems. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9jdSiubLKMtvRYVCKZVG3k.jpg The new Apple TV interface (Image credit: Apple) Apple TV Plus vs Netflix: features and user interfaceOne of the best things about Netflix is how it tailors its content to you, with its recommendation algorithm learning your preferences as you watch. As a result, it’s then able to adjust how content is positioned on your home screen, recommending shows and movies you may like based on your watching habits. While we don't know how the Apple TV Plus section of the Apple TV app will work exactly, we do know that the updated version of the app uses "machine learning" to display shows you may want to watch near the top of your home screen... much like Netflix does. Another reason for Netflix’s popularity is its intuitive user interface, which makes it easy to navigate shows and films you’ve saved to your ‘list’, as well as making it easy to search by genre, director, actor and more. Apple News Plus: magazine list, cost, and release date Again, while we don't know what the Apple TV Plus part of the app will look like exactly, the rest of the redesigned Apple TV app looks rather attractive. At the top of the screen there are categories like 'Movies' and 'Sports', where you can choose where you get your content, from a variety of 'Apple Channels'. You may want to watch drama shows via Hulu and get sports from your cable provider – these are part of Apple's 'Channels', which exist separately from Apple TV Plus (i.e. you'll need to buy a subscription to each provider or platform should you want to watch its content). http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vDZzApQuxZPtky4WuyaH2i.jpg Image credit: Netflix On the technological side of things, Netflix's dynamically-scaling streams mean you don't need to choose the quality level you want to watch at. If your bandwidth is low it will deliver just the standard definition versions, but if you've got the hardware and the capacity it will go all the way up to 4K Ultra HD resolutions if available. Apple hasn't made any mention of 4K support for Apple TV Plus so far, but we'd be very surprised if its original content wasn't available in Ultra HD – after all, Apple has made a big deal about working with the "world’s most celebrated creative artists", and it would be a huge anticlimax if these artists' work could only be watched in 'normal' HD. Beyond higher resolutions, Netflix also allows you to download selected shows and movies for offline viewing. Downloads stay in your library for 30 days at a time, and will automatically expire at that time – even if it's on a device that isn't connected to the internet. Apple says content on the Apple TV app will be "available on and offline", and we assume that includes Apple TV Plus content as well. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NcixWGkxEE6cjBF7hQQtG9.jpg Steve Carrell, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Anniston present their new show at the Apple event (Image credit: TechRadar) Apple TV Plus vs Netflix: contentNetflix has a huge range of exclusives, originals and classics to get stuck into, and is fast becoming a respected distributor of original movies and TV series, with Netflix Original Roma taking the award for Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars earlier this year. Its best-known original series include Orange Is The New Black, Bojack Horseman, Stranger Things, Daredevil, Maniac, and House of Cards. It's these shows that Apple wants to rival with its own original programming through Apple TV Plus, with a parade of Hollywood stars out in force at the launch event to introduce their new Apple TV Plus exclusive shows. Steven Spielberg announced that he's resurrecting his 'Amazing Stories' anthology series that first hit our screens in the mid-eighties, while Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell debuted 'The Morning Show', a series that examines the ”complex relationships between men and women in the workplace” in the framework of a morning news show. Apple Card: yes, Apple just released an iPhone-centric credit card Other series announcements include Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodward's dystopian thriller 'See', where the world is blind after a virus wipes out sight and most of the human race, as well as Kumail Nanjiani's 'Little America', which will depict short stories from immigrants. There's something for kids as well, with a new Sesame Street spin-off show called Helpsters that's all about coding. While these shows may sound great, it doesn't look like Apple will be able to match the sheer volume of content on offer from Netflix at launch – and there's a big, gaping film-shaped hole in the new streaming service. However, if Apple does release new content every month as it says it will, and gets some original or syndicated movies onto the platform, it could soon catch up. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gt6tdLF4Bh6N86FbZoExXn.jpg Big Bird and Cody at the Apple Keynote (Image credit: TechRadar) Of course, it’s not only about original content; a huge part of Netflix’s success rides on the enormous variety of syndicated content it puts out, ranging from gritty thrillers like Breaking Bad to adult cartoons like Rick and Morty – not to mention its extensive range of kids shows and movies. Apple TV Plus, on the other hand, won't offer any licensed content at all. For now, you'll still have to buy those shows a la carte through iTunes or via your terrestrial cable app in Apple TV Channels. TakeawayAt this early stage there's no way of knowing whether Apple TV Plus will pose a real threat to Netflix – but judging from the lack of syndicated content and (for now) the sparse programming roster, it probably won't be catching up any time soon. However, Apple TV Plus could prove a problem for Netflix in terms of quality; Apple has a strong lineup of famous creatives behind its original programming, and a real focus on high-quality content. Of course Netflix also puts an emphasis on quality, as its Oscar success with Roma shows, but we all know there are also some truly terrible films and shows on the platform, and we doubt Apple will follow suit in that respect. While we do know that the Apple TV app is coming to a wide range of smart TVs in May, as well as set-top boxes and streaming sticks from rival companies like Roku and Amazon, we still don't know whether it will available to watch on Android TV, PC desktops and laptops, gaming consoles, and non-Apple tablets. And we don't even know how much it will cost – and this will likely be a big point of differentiation between Apple TV Plus and Netflix. If Apple can offer a lower subscription fee than Netflix, that could just give it the edge. Either way, we'll have to wait until later this year to find out whether Apple TV Plus threatens Netflix's place as the world's favorite streaming platform. Apple Arcade: release date, price info, and everything you need to knowhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/bzMMxCYHjDE

During a launch event that saw Apple unveil to the world a new news and magazine subscription service (Apple News Plus), a new offering of original content (Apple TV Plus) and a gaming subscription platform (Apple Arcade), a new, surprising announcement came: a credit card. Apple Card offers a new form of Mastercard credit card to users, and it's partnered with Goldman Sachs to bring out a new suite of functionality. It can do things other credit cards can't do. You can sign up on your iPhone, and within minutes start using it right away - anywhere worldwide. It'll be available across your devices, and will be found in your Wallet App, with clear spending tracking - with store names clearly listed - and details on when your next payment is due and how much you've spent this month. You can also message Apple to update your Apple Card details. There are no late, annual, international or over-balance fees and Apple says it's committed to giving you a low interest rate with Card. How much does it cost?Here's the thing: the Apple Card will come with no fees. No international fees, late fees or even a higher rate of interest if you miss a payment - you can choose to make payments more regularly, or to change your schedule if you so wish. However, there was no mention of a typical APR here, so while it's rather easy to sign up, we're not sure how competitive it'll be 'in the wild'. Apple is all about shaking up this market though, and offering a truly attractive card could be an instant revenue stream for the brand. Daily Cashhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7QemGuVb3np2BJPHirLhE7.jpg Image Credit: Apple Apple Card also offers rewards, with Daily Cash giving you 2% cashback every time you spend, and it's paid every day. If you use your Apple Card to pay for a product direct from Apple, you'll get 3% cashback. Cash is added to your Apple Cash Card, which is also found in the Wallet app, and it can be used like any other cash. Every purchase is verified with either Touch or Face ID, and all details of the card are stored on a secure area of your iPhone. Apple also can't see what you've spent your money on, with all processing taking place on your device and not on Apple's servers. Apple also promises not to sell your information to third parties. An actual Apple Cardhttp://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zDpZjCiEBu2b3M7iEFtNbf.jpg Image Credit: Apple Apple Card is widely accepted around the world, but not everywhere accepts it, and for places which don't Apple will also offer you a physical card. It's made of titanium, and has Apple's logo and your name laser etched on it. There's no card number, CVV or signature on the card, which Apple says makes it more secure. If you need that information, you'll find it in the Wallet app. Apple Card will arrive in the Wallet app in the US "this summer" (likely sometime between June and August), with no word on when the service may roll out to other countries. Apple Card launch: as it happenedWe spent hours typing away at everything that happened during the Apple event tonight - so here's the inside scoop on what happened when the Apple Card was unveiled on stage. All times in US Pacific (PDT): http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UAGQyFMFGjCDUqTBcCEDjf.jpg 10.36 - What about if you're somewhere that there isn't an Apple Pay vendor? Well, let's watch a video to find out. Apple has made an actual bank card, apparently. It's made of titanium and has your name laser etched onto it. With no card number, signature or anything on it - so how can it be used if you want to sign? You only get 1% Daily Cash with this card though. Apple Card will be coming to the Wallet app 'this summer' for the US. 10.34 - It'll be powered by Mastercard, so you'll be able to use it world over. Now we're talking about privacy - so each purchase is authenticated by Face ID or Touch ID, and every purchase needs a random ID so your credit card number can't be used without your say-so. Bailey is making a big deal about the data never being sold to third parties - that privacy message is strong here. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x4P6NnyCL4u5ogWLuFGrcN.jpg 10.32 - You can make more frequent payments if you fancy it, to help people take better control of your money. Actually, this will help: no fees at all with this card. No late fees, international fees... any fees at all. The interest rate won't change even if you're late, so no penalty interest charges. Apple needed a bank to help with this: Goldman Sachs, as it's a new player in the consumer space. Isn't Apple Bank going to be a bit of a clash here? http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/K88dSh4aa3AM6yADejyaG7.jpg 10.30 - Apple's Daily Cash comes in every day - it just depends on which merchants are using it. Wait, it's 2% of Daily Cash on everything you spend. That's pretty good. If you're using Apple services, you get 3% cashback. Honestly thought it would be more... The amount of cash you receive every day is also unlimited. Apple is trying to say it's giving away free money here... 10.29 - Now we're talking about Apple Card rewards too - you get cashback every day with Apple Card - it's called Daily Cash. 10.28 - Apple is now saying that it's trying to make things better, to improve financial info. Using Apple maps, random retailers and addresses will be translated in the app. That's pretty helpful. Like so many online cards, you can collate your spending by category and show you how your spending is trending week by week, or month by month. 10.27 - You get the Card on your phone in minutes when you apply - is that definitely a good thing? The Card lives in the wallet and shows you how much you've spent and how much you need to pay back. You can also message the Apple Card team through messages and they'll offer help where possible. 10.25 - 'Today is introducing a brand new service - and we call it Apple Card'. Jennifer Bailey, VP of Apple Pay, is coming on to explain that. 'We've rethought the credit card'. Here we go. Apple has also launched News+ offering you access to 300 magazineshttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/5QxIubH16_Y

Apple has announced Apple Arcade, a new mobile and Mac gaming subscription service that brings the best of the App Store to gamers for a monthly fee. At a launch that saw a credit card from the brand (called Apple Card, obviously), a news subscription service called Apple News Plus and a platform for original content named Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade was unveiled with over 100 unique (read 'indie') titles, exclusive to Apple's devices, including Beneath a Steel Sky, a remake of the classic adventure game, with art by Watchman comic book legend Neil Gibbons. In addition, the collection of games available has been curated by experts, will be updated monthly, and will include original releases from renowned creators Hironobu Sakaguchi, Ken Wong, Will Wright and more. Essentially, Apple Arcade is Xbox Games Pass for mobile devices. The thing is Apple has left us with more questions than answers about this new offering, so we've rounded up everything we know so far about the Apple Arcade subscription service. Cut to the chaseWhat is it? Apple's mobile and Mac gaming subscription serviceWhen does it launch? Autumn 2019 (Between September and November 2019)What can I play it on? iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Apple TVApple Arcade release dateApple said on stage that Arcade will release in "fall 2019", which means we can expect it to launch between September and November 2019. Apple has promised the service will be supported in 150 regions at launch. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LKwUPEX5eGmG87BHSaifUK.jpg Ann Thai, marketing manager for the App Store, unveiling Apple Arcade on stage. Apple Arcade featuresNo ads, no ad-tracking and no additional purchases Apple Arcade will be a single subscription service. Over 100+ games Apple Arcade will give users access to over 100 games, all of which will be Apple Arcade exclusives, curated by experts and updated monthly. "You can try whatever you want, whenever you want," according to Apple. Games available offline According to Apple, all the games on Apple Arcade will be available to play offline. Family sharing The Apple Arcade service offers a Family Sharing plan so all household members can play the game for a single subscription cost. What's Apple Arcade available on? iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV. You'll also be able to pick up where you left off in a game, even if you switch devices. http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DRC85M3teQYGhBoW9aNX5W.jpg Private and secure Apple Arcade games cannot collect any data about you without your consent. Push for indies While we know that Apple Arcade will include games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Beneath a Steel Sky and Where Cards Fall, Apple promises games from the likes of Bossa Studios, Cartoon Network, Annapurna Interactive, Finji, Giant Squid, Klei Entertainment, Mistwalker Corporation, SEGA, Snowman, ustwo games, Konami, Lego, and many more. Apple isn't just handpicking the games The company is also contributing to the development costs and working closely with creators to bring their games to Apple devices. Here's what Phil Schiller has to say... “The App Store is the world’s biggest and most successful game platform. Now we are going to take games even further with Apple Arcade, the first game subscription service for mobile, desktop and the living room,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We are working with some of the most innovative game developers in the world to create over 100 new and exclusive games to play across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. "Apple Arcade games will be great for families, respect user privacy and will not have ads or require any additional purchases. We think players of all ages are going to love Apple Arcade.” Apple Arcade trailersApple revealed the Apple Arcade service during an Apple special event on March 25, 2019. You can check out the first trailer for the service below: Apple Arcade priceWe've sadly not heard anything about the cost of the new Apple Arcade service, which hints to us that there are still negotiations going on with studios and developers over how the cost model is going to work. We would assume that either at WWDC 2019 or the iPhone 11 launch event we'll be getting more information here - given we're going to see Arcade at the tail end of the year, it's almost certain that more information might land around the launch of iOS 13, which traditionally happens in September. (Image credits: Apple) Read more: Apple News+: the all-you-can-read service for your iPhone, iPad and Machttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/digital-home/~4/Mnh_VMs_neg