Samsung Galaxy M40 Specifications Leaked, Tipped to Include 6GB RAM and 3,500mAh Battery

https://ift.tt/154AwVo Galaxy M40 specifications leaked ahead of its June 11 launch in India.

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Huawei Ban Retaliation? China Draws Up List of 'Unreliable' Foreign Companies

https://ift.tt/1zzyZY4 has said that it was drawing up a list of "unreliable" foreign companies, organisations and individuals for targeting in what could signal retaliation for US sanctions on the Chinese tech powerhouse Huawei.

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Mac Mini 2019: what we want to see

Redmi Note 7S Review

https://ift.tt/2ugZxyk Note 7S sports the same hardware like the Redmi Note 7 but gets an upgraded camera module. But is it the one to buy? We review to find out.

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Nokia Launch Event Scheduled for June 6 in Italy as Well, Nokia 2.2 Tipped

https://ift.tt/2ht6lVG 2.2 or the Nokia Wasp, has been spotted on FCC certification revealing that the phone will come with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage configuration.

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Redmi Note 7 Pro MIUI 10 Global Stable ROM V10.3.5.0.PFHINXM Update Begins Rolling Out, Brings New AI Camera Modes and April Security Patch

https://ift.tt/wEcZxH OTA rollout for Redmi Note 7 Pro users is underway, but Xiaomi has also published Recovery ROM and Fastboot ROM links for manual downloads.

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Oppo A1k Review

https://ift.tt/2kYs8lM A1k doesn't deliver all the features that we've come to expect in the sub-Rs. 10,000 market, but what it does offer might come as a pleasant surprise to some potential buyers.

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Huawei a Key Beneficiary of China Subsidies That US Wants Ended

https://ift.tt/2kQgYmh has become a major flashpoint in the US-China trade war, with President Donald Trump taking steps to block the company's dealings with US companies.

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NXP to Buy Marvell's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Business for $1.76 Billion

https://ift.tt/2mBELUQ Semiconductors said on Wednesday it will buy Marvell's wireless connectivity business for $1.76 billion in cash to offer its customers a bigger product portfolio.

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Oppo Reno Z With Waterdrop-Style Notch, 48-Megapixel Rear Camera Launched: Price, Specifications

https://ift.tt/2kYs8lM Reno Z on Thursday became the latest phone to join the Chinese smartphone maker’s Reno lineup. The Reno family already includes Oppo Reno, Oppo Reno 10x Zoom edition, and Oppo Reno 5G smartphones.

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Xiaomi Mi 9T Teaser Tips a Notchless, Full-Screen Experience

https://ift.tt/2iKcJpn Mi 9T is rumoured to debut alongside Mi 9T Pro in Russia next month.

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Redmi Note 7S to Go on Open Sale in India From Tonight via Flipkart, Mi.com: Price, Specifications

https://ift.tt/2ugZxyk Note 7S open sale starts at 12:01am on May 31, via Flipkart and Mi.com. It will also be made available via Mi Home stores on Friday.

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Samsung Galaxy A10e Spotted on Geekbench, Key Specifications Tipped

https://ift.tt/154AwVo Galaxy A10e spotted on Geekbench 4 reveals processor and RAM details.

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New Mac Pro release date, news and rumors

The best photo book services online 2019

Whether for yourself or as a present for a loved one, photo books have become one of the best ways to bridge the gap between a phone full of digital photos and a place to store and enjoy precious memories. A photo book allows you to distil your myriad photos down to just the best and have them immortalised in print, all laid out in a fancy book for you to enjoy.

They're great to design and keep for yourself, and possibly even better to give - poignant gifts for birthdays, christenings, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas and beyond. And the very best photo books are super simple to prepare, too.

How you get to the stage of having that memory scrap book of photos is up to you and there are lots of options. Plenty of sites now offer a photo book service which is great as it means the process has been refined for simplicity. It also means the quality of offerings is high while prices have been driven down. 

We've trawled photo book services across the US and the UK for important factors like price, speed, quality, range of options, software simplicity and more to give you our selection of the five best photo books on both sides of the Atlantic.

• How about greetings cards? See our guide to the best photo cards companies

Top 5 best photo books in the US

The key here is that the Mixbook software is easy to use which makes collating your photo book a pleasure rather than a chore. Also, the finish is so excellent that you feel like you've created a work of art rather than fuzzy printed images. The templates are simple yet fully editable so you can be as creative or as quick as you like.

The addition of backgrounds makes for a great finish, which you can do in varying materials with stickers and more. A 20-page 8.5 x 8.5-inch Mixbook hardbound will set you back around $35.

Snapfish not only offers plenty of simple-to-use templates but it actually guides you through the process, too. There are over 120 themes to pick from with a huge selection of backgrounds all of which are easy to pick and pair as the book editor guides you through each stage with drag and drop simplicity.

The only downside we've noticed is that the final physical book photo quality could have been better. But there are often deals to be had here that get you a good price for your next photo book.

Shutterfly offers another option for those looking to breeze through the software side of work while creating a great physical book. Content is plentiful with lots of backgrounds and template variations that mean you can personalise your book as you want. Sometimes the odd photo in the print are reported to be less than perfectly even in terms of balance, but quality is still generally high.

Picaboo takes fourth place as, once again, this offers some great software that straddles the line between easy-to-use and rich with content for creative options. The ability to search through background and clip art is really useful. This falls down on print quality compared to the top two, but is still better than most others out there. A nice option to polish photos and help them match backgrounds is a great touch here that makes a professional finish a possibility.

You buy everything else from the retail giant, so why not your photo book as well? With Amazon Prints you can put together your dream photo book with all those cherished memories before ordering with the rest of your shop. Amazon Prime members get preferential treatment in terms of delivery time, but everybody gets to select from the dozens of customisable options and sizes. You can get up to 150 pages of photos, text, and embellishments with an optional glossy hard cover. Well worth a look.

Top 5 best photo books in the UK

Snapfish is our favourite photobook provider in the UK, making it a great option on both sides of the Atlantic. You can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like - it's up to you whether you chose every last minutiae of detail, or let Snapfish's own set designs do the heavy lifting. We definitely appreciate the fully editable features meaning you can get the layout exactly as you desire without the compromise that some competitor photo books force you to make.

It also offers a simple way to create photo books with lots of personalised options. There are plenty of design choices in the software from clip art to templates. The slight difficulties to search through content is a bit of a drawback however - so while you have lots of options, finding them can take time. But that shouldn't detract too much from this excellent provider.

Bonusprint is easy to use and delivers a good quality print result. But what's really nice to know is that the customer service is also excellent. So even if you do somehow find an issue, you'll be able to get it fixed right away.

Since this brand has been around since 1979 it knows how to run a photobook business with the customer at the forefront, and you feel that through the process. Plenty of deals are also available if you keep your eye out, so this can be very affordable, too. 

The photo book print quality from Photobox is great. meaning you know your end result is going to be excellent. That can be useful to bear in mind if you struggle navigating the software or run into issues uploading hundreds of photos. Otherwise its spot on and the easy-to-use software even offers assistance should you feel lost. A great service for those new to photobook creation and also an affordable option, even if you do opt for the next day delivery. There are lots of other options like calendars and mugs also on the site.

For a photo book service in the UK which offers ease of use, wide options for things like templates and backgrounds, plus a quality finished product, Cewe is worth a look. For £20 you can get a quality printed photo book, which is easy to build using computer or mobile software and that is simple to install and use.

Varying paper options like gloss and matte, plus nice options for the covers like faux leather are great to see, too. There's even a 24/7 UK-based customer service support team and a 14-day money-back guarantee to sweeten the deal.

For sheer print quality Bobs Books offers a really impressive offering with stunning photos. Despite the high quality, pricing is relatively low with £9 getting you a 26-page book at 300gsm premium paper quality. Images are sharp, colours are punchy, sharpness is spot on and dynamic range is realistically accurate. The online creator software is easy to use although book designs are limited. There is an iPhone app and even a professional design service available if you need that as well.

• Or print your own - our best photo printers you can buy

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Samsung Galaxy S10 Series Starts Receiving New Update in India With Camera Improvements, May Android Security Patch

https://ift.tt/wEcZxH Samsung Galaxy S10 series has started receiving a new update in India which improves Night Mode and brings the May security patch.

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Pakistan vs West Indies live stream: how to watch today's Cricket World Cup match from anywhere

Even if you're not from Pakistan or the West Indies, we'd venture to say that the excitement for the start of the 2019 Cricket World Cup is still so feverish after yesterday's opener, that loads of cricket fans from all countries are going to tune in to this one. That's why we've created this guide for getting a Pakistan vs West Indies live stream - regardless of where you are in the world.

This one is a really tough cricket match to predict - so much so that Betfair has had the teams at exactly the same odds to win in the lead up to this game. Both are former champions of course, but not for over 25 years.

Pakistan's preparation for the 2019 Cricket World Cup has been far from ideal, after taking a heavy beating in a five-match series against England and then suffering defeat at the hands of tournament minnows Afghanistan. Young Babar Azam has quickly become the main man in Pakistan's batting ranks, with Fakhar Zaman showing form, too. But this squad is a long way from the quality of that victorious 1992 team featuring swing twins Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

The West Indies, on the other hand, are possibly one of the most exciting teams in this year's World Cup. It may be a cliche, but it's difficult not to enjoy their calypso cricket. Jason Holder seems to have unified his men admirably, and there are several game changers that could bode well for the Windies this year: Chris Gayle, Carlos Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell...the list goes on.

Both teams will be desperate to make an early mark on the 2019 Cricket World Cup at Trent Bridge, and it won't be easy for either. What is straightforward however, is getting a Pakistan vs West Indies live stream. Continue reading to see how to watch from just about anywhere on Earth.

• Discover how to live stream every single Cricket World Cup game

Watch a Cricket World Cup 2019 live stream from outside your country

Watching in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US or India? We've got all the details you need about the broadcaster in your country further down this page.

But if you're away from your home country today, the minute you try to watch your domestic broadcast you'll discover that you can't because of geo-blocking. That's annoying, but by using a VPN you can watch it anyway without reverting to some dodgy, illegal feed you've dug out online.

How to stream Pakistan vs West Indies live in the UK 

How to stream 2019 Cricket World Cup online in India

How to watch Pakistan vs West Indies: live stream in Australia

How to watch Pakistan vs West Indies: New Zealand live stream 

How to watch Pakistan vs West Indies: US live stream 

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2W3fy70

Peppa Pig turns 15 today! 10 incredible things you didn't know about the nation's favorite piglet

When the first episode of Peppa Pig aired on UK televisions back in May 2004, few would have bet on the sort of impact an “anthropomorphic female pig” (as described by Wikipedia) would have on British society as a whole, and on millions of parents and kids finding a relatable alternative to Mickey Mouse and the like.

These days, Peppa Pig is big business. A sixth series has been released earlier this year, while “Peppa Pig Celebrates Chinese New Year” – an 81-minute live action film coinciding with the Year of the pig in China – grossed $14 million in 72 hours. Entertainment One, the Canadian entertainment company behind the brand, has also seen its share price almost triple over the past three years, largely fueled by Peppa’s antics.

So let’s celebrate 15 years of Peppa Pig with five facts about one of the country’s favorite distractions (if not an outright nanny).

• All episodes of Peppa Pig are available - in the UK - on Nick Jr which you can get on Now TV.
• Here's our list of the best toys and best tech toys out there
• Are AI toys ethical?

1. She may be famous offline but not online

With only 8.4 million subscribers and a mere 3.27 billion views Peppa Pig is a relative minnow in the world of kids TV. Little Baby Bum, another UK-based phenomenon, has more than twice the number of subscribers and a staggering 19 billion video views. Both however are dwarfed by the behemoth that is Cocomelon with its 48 million subscribers and 29 billion page views. That’s more views than Rihanna and Ed Sheeran’s video channels combined.

2. Some very long credits

The opening credits for Peppa Pig lasts 15 seconds and the ending ones around 25 seconds, totalling 40 seconds. That is a significant (and unusually long) chunk of the 310 seconds that an episode of Peppa pig usually lasts. At 13%, it is far higher than other preschoolers favourites like Paw Patrol, Shimmer and Shine or Blaze and the Monster Machines. Perhaps because of bored kids’ tantrums, the official Peppa Pig channel on Youtube now has compilations of the best of Peppa Pig, around specific themes (Halloween or Birthdays), with most of them lasting more than one hour with one very notable exception.

3. The longest episode of them all

At 11 hours and 55 minutes, “Peppa Pig Full Episodes | Muddy Peppa Pig | Peppa Pig 2017 Peppa Pig Official” is the longest official Peppa Pig video, guaranteed to keep kids entertained for far longer than legally allowed. Nearly half a day of fun with the equivalent of 144 episodes of Peppa Pig, an unexpected surprise given that up until recently just under 300 episodes of Peppa Pig were aired with another 117 planned by Entertainment One and Astley Baker Davies.

4. December 2015 as peak Peppa says Google

One might be tempted to believe that Peppa Pig mania has only just descended on planet Earth but the sobering truth is that Peppa Pig hit her peak in 2015; more precisely in December that year according to Google Trends, ever since, there has been a slow drop in interest over time, probably because the overwhelming majority of the audience went straight to Youtube to get their fix of porcine fun. Surprisingly, it is in South America that Peppa Pig is, historically, the most popular according to Google. In fact, only two English speaking countries account for the top 10 in the past 12 months. The rest are Spanish speaking countries.

5. Some parents hate Peppa Pig

A survey carried out in July 2017 by Childcare found that Peppa Pig was the least favourite show amongst parents. About 2,000 respondents were surveyed and 46% of these respondents pointed to Peppa's (childish) attitude and manner as the reason for downvoting the show, while 28% stated the simplistic storylines were their least favourite part. Max and Ruby came in at a distant second. Parents seem to prefer more action packed, slapstick comedy programmes like SpongeBob SquarePants, Tom and Jerry or Scooby Doo.

6. The official currency of Peppa’s Britain is…. 

The currency used in Peppa Pig is none other than 'Kregnik' (as per the last few seconds of the Jumble Sale episode). So while the entire Peppa universe is quintessentially British, the currency used is not the Pound Sterling. 

Why Kregnik? Perhaps because one of the writers is a secret fan of Indiana-based Gangsta rap artist, King Erk, the latter being an anagram of Kregnik...

7.  Madame Gazelle may be a vampire

What a mystery Gigi is... The French-speaking Madame Gazelle is the beloved teacher that has taught two generations of children and still looks youthful as ever. We know from various episodes that she has two sisters who together performed as the “Rocking Gazelles”. In Madame Gazelle’s House, we also caught a glimpse of an RAF roundel, framed, on the wall and the black and white photo of a Gazelle gentleman.

She is also fond of bats which remind her "of the old country" (as we can see in that episode) and doesn’t have a reflection when standing in front of a mirror (the Halloween episode). “That reminds me of home” she said when seeing Suzy Sheep dressed as a vampire. How many clues do you need?

8. Mrs Crocodile is the show's only talking non-mammal

In Peppa Pig, mammals (including humans) are deemed superior to other animals. Insects, turtles and birds do not talk and act as animals wood. Mrs Crocodile however is the only non-mammal to speak and act as a human. She works in the zoo – keeping other animals secure – and even wears a kepi. Oddly, the hedgehog is the only mammal that doesn’t talk in the show.

9. Peppa’s little brother, George, is a genius

He might not be a savant toddler like Edmund Elephant (who can talk) but for many, George is the real genius of the Pig family. He learned to whistle and play the horn in a blink of an eye when her sister struggled; he mastered ice skating on his first try and did a quadruple axel – something that no human has been able to do, like ever – with a perfect landing.

Sure, he can only say a few words (like Dine-saur) but actions speak louder than words sometimes and George is definitely destined to have a bright future. Once he grows up, that is.

10. Even non-carnivores love some fish

Once Daddy Pig had a barbecue with some vegetarian friends (Mr Bull, Mr Zebra, Mr Horse and Mr Rabbit) and although most of the food on the table would suit a vegetarian diet, there was definitely something fishy going on. 

You can tell by the sardines neatly arranged on a tray, ready to be fried and gobbled. So yes, even grass-loving animals like some meat sometimes. Peppa, as well, is aware that sardines come stuffed in a box (as seen in the Chloe’s Big Friends episode), primed for consumption. 

• All pictures courtesy of Astley Baker Davies Ltd / Entertainment One UK Limited
• Why augmented reality is the future of smart toys

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Huawei Mate 20 Pro makes a comeback on Google's Android Q beta program

When Google officially announced the Android Q beta program at Google IO 2019 in early May, it revealed 21 handsets that were part of the beta program. 

One of those handsets was Huawei's Mate 20 Pro, however, when the US Government put Huawei on the entity list, Huawei's products disappeared from the Android Enterprise program and the list of devices eligible for Android Q beta.

However, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro has reappeared on the Android Q beta program, as spotted by Android Police.

We don't know if there has been any progress on talks between Huawei and Google but this is surely good news for Mate 20 Pro owners that registered to be a part of the Android Q beta program.

Re-instating the beta suggests that Mate 20 Pro will receive updates that Google posts to the Android Q beta program.

• Huawei calls for quick end to US ban
• Huawei ban: the global fallout explained
• How to download the Android Q developer beta

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2WH2IQB

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 could drop headphone jack and all physical buttons

Often praised as a steadfast holdout amongst smartphone manufacturers for its refusal to cave to handset trends that negatively impact the end user (i.e. removing the 3.5mm headphone jack), it now seems Samsung is planning to do just that, if a new report from Android Police is to be believed.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 could have a quad-lens camera
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 may miss out on the new 64MP camera sensor
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 looks set to offer 5G

Citing a "source familiar with the company's plans", the site is reporting that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 10 may finally (and regrettably) ditch the headphone jack that it's held onto for so long.

Additionally, the report states that Samsung may also drop all physical buttons from the Galaxy Note 10, including volume and power keys, opting instead to use "capacitive or pressure-sensitive areas" which may or may not be "highlighted by some kind of raised 'bump' and/or texture along the edge."

But why?

Along with LG, Samsung is one of the few Android phone manufacturers to reject the headphone jack removal trend that was spearheaded by Apple with 2016's iPhone 7. Brands such as Huawei, OnePlus, Google and Motorola have all dropped the 3.5mm socket from their current flagship devices. 

Of course, there are numerous reasons why Samsung might want to remove the headphone jack it's long fought for: it could provide additional room for an even larger battery in the Note 10, and may also allow for a thinner form factor. 

That said, the latter reason seems unlikely, given the device will always need a place to hold its signature S Pen, which is far larger than the 3.5mm area taken by the headphone port. 

While rumors of Samsung ditching the headphone jack and buttons from its phones are hardly rock-solid, it's not the first time either has cropped up – South Korean technology site ET News reported on Samsung's supposed desire to remove the 3.5mm port back in October, and we reported on the possible removal of all physical buttons back in March.

At present, there's no word on whether Samsung is planning to do the same with next year's Samsung Galaxy S11.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S11 details leaked

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2EK4plI

The best Australian EOFY 2019 tech deals

The end-of-financial-year sales in Australia are just around the corner and, as always, there'll be a massive list of bargains to look forward to, and plenty of tech that sells for cheap.

During this time, retailers are often trying to get rid of aging stock they’ve accumulated over the year, or trying to reach sales targets. This is good news for the consumer, with substantial discounts available on a range of products – from cars to home appliances and pretty much everything else in between.

It’s also the best time to get your own finances in order. At this time of year, you’ll find plenty of discounted products that are also tax deductible. So not only will you be able to snag a great bargain during Australia’s annual EOFY sales, but also get back in the form of tax returns.

• Planning on shopping on Amazon Australia during EOFY? Then save on shipping by signing up for a Prime membership.

While it might be fun to visit brick-and-mortar stores to browse everything on sale, shopping online is more efficient – it can take the weight off your feet, literally, and give you more time and energy to trawl through the numerous storefronts to find the best bargains.

Alternatively, you can let us do the hard work by just keeping this page bookmarked and checking back periodically in the lead up to June 30. The Australian TechRadar team will be constantly updating this page with all the best tax-time deals. 

If the previous year is anything to go by, some of the offers we share here will actually end before June 30, so check in frequently if you want to score the best EOFY bargains – and try not to leave it until the last minute!

• Last year, our sister site Getprice also listed a plethora of EOFY deals in a variety of categories, not just tech. It will happen again in 2019, and we'll let you know where to find them.

Early EOFY 2019 deals and bargains

It's early days yet but you can always snag a decent bargain early in case you can't wait. While most retailers are still holding back, Dell and Lenovo have jumped the gun with some excellent laptop deals already live on their respective sites. We've gathered the best laptop bargains on our dedicated EOFY laptop deals page.

Amazon Australia has also jumped onto the sales bandwagon this time of year. While there's not long to go before we celebrate our second Prime Day in Australia, there's a 'mid-year sale' currently on Amazon with plenty of great bargains. We've looked through them all and selected the best tech deals right here.

EOFY sale: What to expect in 2019

The end-of-financial-year sales are one of Australia's most popular big sales. While the discounts may not be comparable to Black Friday bargains, there's always plenty of savings to be had, especially if you ensure you the items you pick up are tax deductible.

So, what kind of tech can you find during EOFY sales Down Under? Plenty. From computers to gaming gear, the best flagship smartphones to personal audio. To get an idea of what to expect in 2019, let's take a look at what was on offer last year.

Gaming: Last year saw some great discounts on console bundles. With some blockbuster games just waiting to be played, you can expect to see them bundled along with either the PlayStation consoles or the Xbox One. 

If, however, you're more interested in the Nintendo Switch, you won't be disappointed. Last year, the Switch dropped down to $378 during the EOFY sale – that's not quite the cheapest price we've seen, but with rumours of a new Switch being announced soon, we're anticipating the current model will be substantially discounted again this year. But stay sharp, as this popular console gets gobbled up real quick.

Laptops and PCs: There will be plenty of computing gear on sale during the EOFY sales. Manufacturers like Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell and HP will host their own sales on their sites, but you’ll also be able to grab laptops and desktop PCs from major retailers as well. You can expect to see average discounts of about 15% to 20%. You’ll even be able to snag bargains on accessories as well, with printers, keyboards, SSDs and external hard drives all going on sale during this time.

• Keep your devices safe from cyber attacks and save money at the same time with our round-up of the best antivirus deals and discounts in Australia.

Smartphones and tablets: The latest flagship handsets from the major phone makers all generally carry a hefty price tag. So if you’ve held off on buying a new phone, the EOFY sales might be a great time to score an upgrade without having to pay full retail price. Samsung's latest Galaxy handsets and Apple’s iPhone XS and XR flagships could well be available for less, as could older models. Great budget handsets will likely get a trim to their prices as well.

It will also be a great time to save on tablets, especially the premium Samsung models of you prefer Android devices. And while Apple hasn't previously offered any direct EOFY discounts, third-party stockists will potentially offer 10% off on select iPad models.

Home entertainment and personal audio: There were plenty of TVs, soundbars and speakers on sale during the last couple of EOFY sales, and we don't expect that trend to change any time soon. And with some excellent 4K UHD smart TVs already seeing price drops outside of big sales, we're looking forward to seeing how much more affordable they'll be during the 2019 tax-time sale.

It's not just home entertainment setups that you'll be able to save on but portable Bluetooth speakers and the best wireless headphones as well. The premium audio products retail for about $500 a pop, but there's a good chance you'll see them drop well below the $400 mark. Whether the prices will match the 2018 Black Friday offers (where Sony and Bose noise cancelling headphones dropped to about $320) remains to be seen.

Cameras: The EOFY sales are also a great time for photographers – beginners, pros or hobbyists – to grab the latest gear. Last year saw plenty of cameras go on sale: from compacts to DSLRs and action cams, and this year will be no different. There are now plenty of full-frame mirrorless cameras that are trying to outdo each other in terms of features and performance, so don't be surprised if you see the Canon EOS R snappers or Nikon's Z series cameras drop in price. Keep an eye out of lens kits as well, as you'll be able to save a tad more.

While the tech itself will be discounted, you'll also find SD cards, camera bags, tripods and other accessories going for less.

Smart home devices: These nifty voice-activated products have been flooding the market – from internet-connected lights to smart security systems, and the speakers to control them all. Amazon discounted its Echo range of smart speakers last year and we're quite sure that will happen again, along with the other smart devices the e-commerce giant stocks, like Philips Hue smart lights. You'll also find plenty of retailers offering discounts on Google's range of smart speakers as well.

Home appliances: If you’re looking to renovate your home, the EOFY sales will help you save plenty on the new appliances you’ll need. You can expect to see bargains on not just Dyson vacuum cleaners, but also fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and plenty more.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2qJBgRr

The best indoor TV antennas 2019: 6 great digital TV antennas for inside your home

Salesforce launches blockchain channel

At its fourth annual TrailheaDX developer conference, Salesforce announced its new low-code platform called Salesforce Blockchain that enables organizations to share verified, distributed data sets across a trusted network of partners and third parties.

By bringing blockchain to its CRM platform, the company is enabling organizations to create blockchain networks, workflows and apps that have the potential to deliver entirely new customer experiences.

To deliver increased connectivity for their organization and customers, businesses need to be able to harness and share massive amounts of data with their network of partners and third parties, all without sacrificing trust. Blockchain technology is able to solve this “trust gap” through the use of a distributed ledger that saves, traces and authenticates data across every employee and partner in the network.

• Salesforce resolves massive outage with gradual access restoration
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The combination of Salesforce's CRM workflows with blockchain data will allow companies to create new business processes and models that span their entire organization to help accelerate the speed of business.

Salesforce Blockchain

Salesforce Blockchain is a low-code blockchain platform that extends the power of CRM to lower the barrier for creating trusted partner networks.

The company built its new blockchain offering on the open source technology of Hyperledger Sawtooth and it has been deeply customized for Salesforce Lightning. 

Businesses can utilize the platform to build and maintain blockchain networks, apps and smart contracts using the company's powerful low-code capabilities. Customers will even be able to create and share a blockchain object using the same process as they already do for any CRM data object in Salesforce without the need for writing code.

Salesforce Blockchain is currently available to select design partners but the company expects it become generally available in 2020.

• This is everything you need to know about blockchain

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2Xhe2Qi

The 5 best laptops of Computex 2019: the most exciting laptops from the show

Computex 2019 is clearly the biggest computing trade show of the year, focused almost exclusively on the latest in desktop PCs and the components that power them. However, it has increasingly become a show about laptops, too, and 2019 is the biggest year for them yet at the Taipei show.

We’ve sifted through a veritable ton of laptop news and hands-on reviews to bring you the absolute most exciting highlights from the show. You’ll find dual-screen wonders, incredible new redesigns and bold, fresh directions that will make 2019 a landmark year in mobile computing – all debuting at Computex 2019.

Check out all of TechRadar's Computex 2019 coverage. We're live in Taipei to bring you all the breaking computing news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from fresh laptops and desktops to powerful new components and wild overclocking demonstrations.

Asus has been experimenting with additional displays on its laptops for about a year or two, but the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is on a whole new level. This notebook adds an entire "Screenpad Plus" display above the keyboard but below the 'main' screen. This secondary 4K screen can be used to present document editing controls, making editing video and image content at 100% 4K resolution on a primary laptop display a reality.

Of course, Asus plans to bring the goods to back up such endeavors with a larger 'main' display, allowing for Intel Core i9 and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics configurations. This certainly isn’t a thin or light notebook, but really the point is to serve as a one-stop shop for content creators that also like a little bit of gaming on the side. While we don’t yet have a price, we can’t wait to see what this laptop can do with those two displays.

The new flagship Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop from Dell heralds the firm’s new XPS design aesthetic that started earlier this year with the revamped Dell XPS 13 for its hybrid line. Sure, the webcam has moved to above the display, but we’re more excited by the laptop’s brand-new, quieter MagLev 2 keyboard – not to mention its cooling system that allows for full-fat, 10-nanometer Intel mobile processors.

This is a 2-in-1 laptop that can promise to deliver on power, much unlike so many that has come before it. It also delivers a larger display than before – bigger than even the straight-laced XPS 13 – with a new 16:10 aspect ratio. As you can see, just about everything regarding Dell’s leading 2-in-1 laptop has seen a revamp or upgrade, making us quite excited to give it a full review later this year.

The next phase for MSI’s desktop replacement gaming laptop obviously brings on the power by packing in the latest components from Intel and Nvidia, but that’s not the biggest story here. The real buzz behind the MSI GT76 Titan is the aesthetics. Everything about this laptop’s chassis has become more worthy of its astronomical price tag.

Gone are the plastic trappings of last year, replaced by an aluminum shell and RGB lighting strewn throughout the chassis – including per-key backlighting. This is a laptop that truly looks the part when you see the massive price tag. Throw in desktop-grade, overclock-ready parts, and you’re looking at a PC gaming desktop setup in a box … one that you can actually haul around.

While these laptops sadly weren’t available for hands-on review in Taipei, we have to commend HP’s interesting design direction with its upcoming HP Envy Wood series of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1 laptops. All of HP’s 2019 Envy laptops will feature real wood aesthetics on their palm rests.

Across the three available colors for these laptops, there is a unique type of wood that comes as a placard in the palm rest, trackpad and even fingerprint reader, including walnut, pale birch and ceramic white birch. Naturally, HP promises that this wood will be sustainably sourced. We don’t know how much these laptops will cost when they launch later this year, but we’re a lot of intrigued folks will be willing to pay up. 

We are ecstatic to see Dell and Alienware bring that rad Area-51m design to the Alienware m15 and m17 laptops. The design translates to the thin and light trappings of the product line perfectly, making laptops that look less like the mothership that is Area-51m and more like light, nimble fighters in the fleet.

This new design also brings plenty of previously absent practicality to Dell’s thin-and-light Alienware laptops, vastly improving their cooling design as well as visual aesthetics. Now, we are a bit miffed by the entry-level pricing. But Dell certainly adds a lot of value to the more expensive options, particularly Tobii eye tracking, which is used by Alienware’s very own competitive gaming tutors (via Alienware Academy) to train your reflexes.

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Apple WWDC 2019: keynote date and what to expect

Update: Apple has released a blog post in anticipation of WWDC telling stories about passionate members of the Apple community: a young app developer fresh out of college and an older CEO of AssistiveWare, which has had a long relationship with the company improving accessibility. This is very typical of Apple: few hints for the big show, but the inspirational stories will tide us over.

The Apple WWDC 2019 keynote date is days away on Monday, June 3. This close to the big event, we're predicting what will likely come from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

In short? A lot of software updates. WWDC 2019 stands for Worldwide Developer's Conference 2019, so it traditionally appeals to app developers by giving early access to upcoming tools immediately. And for everyone else, especially iPhone and iPad owners, the show grants a first look at the company's digital offerings slated to come later in the year, and that's exciting, too.

The mid-year Apple hype machine will almost certainly start with the iOS 13 beta, which thus far has only been rumored through a series of leaks. We'll almost certainly see macOS 10.15, watchOS 6, and tvOS 13 updates for the first time at the McEnery Convention Center venue.

Apple confirmed the WWDC 2019 time and date back in March, and also gave us a preview of its expanding subscription strategy on March 25 when it announced Apple Arcade and Apple TV Plus. We may finally see the Apple Arcade price and release date information that was missing two months ago.

Will new hardware grace the WWDC 2019 keynote stage? The Apple event series has been hit or miss for introducing new products. Two years ago, we saw the HomePod and iMac Pro for the first time, as well as new iPads and MacBook Pros. But last year was all silent on the hardware front: Apple opted to save the new iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 for October.

Ready for our Apple WWDC 2019 what to expect guide? Let's start out by explaining the date and time so you don't miss it: the keynote starts at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST on June 3, and the lasts through June 5, but the latter days are mostly filled with developer sessions.

1. iOS 13 at Apple WWDC 2019

The iOS 13 beta is poised to be the chief news story out Apple's WWDC 2019 keynote simply because it affects every iPhone and iPad user in the world.

We fully expect Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi to talk up the fact that iOS 13 is going to be faster than last year's update. To make the speed increase percentage even more Apple-dramatic, we may see Federighi cite the overall speed increase since iOS 11 (as iOS 12 offered a speed increase, too).

iOS 13 is going to launch the long-rumored Dark Mode, according to the latest leaks. It'll turn your white-and-light-gray UI backgrounds into black-and-dark-gray colors that are infinitely easier on the eyes at night.

Reminders, Health, iMessage, Screen Time Books, and Find My (a combination of Find My iPhone and Find My Friends) will be tweaked in iOS 13, says Bloomberg.

Important for iPad users, we're allegedly going to see a native functionality using the iPad as a secondary display (akin to Duet and Luna Display), a revamped home screen design, stackable app windows for easier multi-tasking and maybe even mouse support. Apple is trying to make the iPad running iOS 13 more like a computer.

We have a full list of changes, a rumored device compatibility list, the expected beta release date schedule in our iOS 13 explainer page.

2. macOS 10.15

We loved macOS 10.14 (aka Mojave) for finally introducing system-wide Dark Mode and additional creative tools, but we haven't heard much at all about macOS 10.15 – which doesn't even have a cool nature-themed codename yet (in keeping with recent releases, it will likely reference a California biome).

We don't know much about what's officially coming, but macOS 10.15 could include iOS features like Siri Shortcuts (and potentially the Shortcuts app), Screen Time, improved Apple ID management and special iMessage effects. We've also seen rumors that iTunes will be split into four different apps: Music, Books, TV, and Podcasts. 

There's also the possibility that macOS 10.15 enables Mac users to link up their iPads as secondary displays.

On the other hand, it's also possible that we'll only see incremental improvements, as happened with the move from 10.13 Sierra to 10.14 High Sierra. If that's the case, perhaps we'll see that minimal upgrade in the name – Dry Mojave, maybe?

Apple ruffled feathers when it raised minimum system requirements for macOS Mojave and locked out older machines, so we don't expect those thresholds to change this time around. To be specific: we expect anything newer than a 2015 MacBook, mid-2012 MacBook Pro, any late 2012 MacBook Air/Mac mini/iMac, late 2013 Mac Pro or 2017 iMac Pro to be able to run the next macOS.

Assuming Apple runs its usual schedule, it will introduce macOS 10.15 and release it in late September.

3. watchOS 6

We haven't heard anything about watchOS 6, but we're assuming that update will be announced at WWDC 2019 for owners of the newer Apple Watches. Perhaps it will be the long-awaited sleep tracker feature (Apple did buy sleep tracking company Beddit two years ago), though that's rumored to be coming to Apple's wearables in 2020.

But sources told Bloomberg that Apple plans to sever its wearable's close dependency on iPhone by adding an App Store directly to Watch (and ergo, watchOS). This opens the door to third-party developers (finally!) but Apple reportedly also plans to toss in some basic apps that have been on iOS for years, liek Calculator, Voice Memos, and the ability to send Animoji and Memoji stickers. There will also be two new health apps: one called 'Dose' to monitor pill reminders and the other 'Cycles' to track menstrual cycles.

watchOS 6 will almost certainly be compatible with the latest Apple Watch 4 and previous Apple Watch 3, while support for Apple Watch 2 is likely. We don't have high hopes for the original Apple Watch, however, as it stopped getting updates with watchOS 4.

We expect Apple to follow precedent and launch a watchOS 6 beta shortly after WWDC 2019, then release a final public version in September.

4. tvOS 13

If you thought we hadn't heard much about Apple's other probable software updates, we know even less about tvOS 13, which we expect to be announced at WWDC 2019. 

But Apple TV devices will certainly support the company's new streaming services. Apple TV Plus will have exclusive shows from big names like Oprah, Steven Spielberg, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and M. Night Shyamalan, and is expected to launch in later 2019. That's around when Apple Arcade is set to launch, which will have a host of games you can play across iOS, macOS and tvOS devices.

At last year's WWDC, Apple mentioned very little about the then-upcoming tvOS 12, which brought Dolby Atmos overhead surround sound, Dolby Vision HDR standard and zero sign-on that auto-filled passwords from your home Wi-Fi network (for US users, at least).

We don't know about any features coming with the supposed tvOS 13, but if it follows precedent, it will arrive in mid-September.

5. Mac Pro...and more

Apple is reportedly considering introducing a new version of the Mac Pro, according to Bloomberg. While we didn't get any details of how the desktop machine might be revamped, but there's plenty to update, given the second and last generation Mac Pro came out in 2013.

This fits last year's news that Apple was aiming for a 2019 release of a wholly revisioned Mac Pro, per a lengthy TechCrunch report. Gone is the 'trash can' design, as the company is allegedly considering a ground-up revision.

Apple is also preparing its own brand of external monitor (going by the codename J290) that will pack HDR support, per Bloomberg. Other rumors suggest a 31.6-inch 6K screen with mini-LED backlighting, according to Pocket Lint.

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Warriors vs Raptors live stream: how to watch the 2019 NBA Finals online from anywhere

The 2019 NBA Finals lineup is set and the Golden State Warriors will take on the Toronto Raptors in a best-of-seven series to see which team will be this year’s NBA champion. If you’re looking for a Warriors vs Raptors live stream, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading and we’ll show you exactly how to watch the 2019 NBA Finals online wherever you happen to find yourself in the world.

For the first time in franchise history, the Toronto Raptors have advanced to the NBA Finals. The team may have lost two games to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals but thanks to a run led by Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors managed to win Game 6 and earn themselves a spot in the Finals. The Golden State Warriors on the other hand, swept the Portland Trail Blazers 4-0 in the Western Conference Finals to advance to the final round.

The Warriors are back in the Finals for the fifth straight season and the team will be shooting for their third title in a row. If they can pull it off, they’ll be the first team to three-peat since the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the feat back in 2002. Either way, the 2019 NBA Finals are set to be an exciting time for fans of both teams and lead to an historic outcome.

Whether you’re rooting for Golden State or Toronto, we’ll show you how to tune into all the action either on your TV or online. Get the info you need in this Warriors vs Raptors live stream guide.

• NHL fan? Then get yourself a Bruins vs Blues live stream in the Stanley Cup

How to watch the 2019 NBA Finals online from outside your country

Living in the US, UK or Australia and want to catch the Warriors vs Raptors? Scroll further down the page and we'll explain how to watch a 2019 NBA Finals live stream, whether or not you have cable.

But if you can't watch because you're not in your home country and so your coverage is geo-blocked then we can suggest a clever alternative (and no, it doesn’t involve finding some dodgy feed on Reddit). Using a VPN - or Virtual Private Network - you can change the IP address to one in a different state or country which does have the stream so that you can watch the series from anywhere in the world. The process is very straightforward… 

Watch the NBA Finals on TV in the US

If you've already signed up for an NBA League Pass then we're afraid that won't help you get a live stream of the Warriors vs Raptors. The NBA's own streaming service doesn't show any NBA Finals games live online. The best it can do is to show the games on replay three hours after they air on TV. 

To watch on TV then, ABC is your only option as the network has secured the rights to broadcast the NBA Finals live.

We wish watching the NBA Finals was easier on TV but you can get around network exclusivity deals by opting for a streaming service that gives you access to every channel showing the playoffs and all of which coming with some kind of free trial.

• fuboTV $44.99 for the first month - fuboTV doesn't include ESPN but you do get access to TNT, NBA TV and ABC in most markets. The service also includes Cloud DVR so you can record games to watch them later and if you forget to record a game, the company's 3-day replay allows you to replay nearly any game, show or movie that aired in the last three days. FuboTV even offers a free 7-day trial so you can test out the service.
• Hulu with Live TV $44.99 per month - Hulu with Live TV gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in most markets but the service doesn't include NBA TV. The service supports a wide variety of streaming devices and even includes its own Hulu Originals in case you want a break from watching sports.
• Playstation Vue starting at $44.99 per month - Playstation Vue has four plans: Access, Core, Elite and Ultra but you'll need to opt for the Core plan at $49.99 per month to watch sports. The service's base plan gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in most markets but you'll need to check to see if the plan you choose has NBA TV. There is also a 5-day free trial available.
• DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in most markets but only some plans offer NBA TV. You can stream on up to three screens simultaneously and with the DirecTV Now app you can watch live TV on the go. New customers can take advantage of a 7-day trial but you'll have to purchase on of DirecTV Now's packages first.
• Sling TV starting at $15 per month - Sling TV's Sling Orange or Sling Blue packages each cost $15 or you can combine them for $25 per month. However, each package contains different channels so make sure the one you choose has the channels you want to watch. Sling TV gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in limited markets with NBA TV available as an add-on.
• YouTube TV $49.99 per month - YouTube TV gives you access to ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and ABC in most markets. The service also offers NBA League Pass. With YouTube TV you get free unlimited DVR storage space to record games for later and you can stream the service on three devices simultaneously. A free 14-day trial is also available so you can test it out for yourself.

- Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites

How to watch the Warriors vs Raptors in the UK 

Basketball fans in the UK will be able to tune into the NBA Finals on Sky Sports. The service will air the majority of the Warriors vs Raptors games at 2am BST.

If you’re not already a Sky Sports subscriber and don’t feel like paying for the service just to watch the NBA Finals, don’t worry as you can buy a daily, weekly or even monthly Sky Sports Pass on Now TV. This will allow you to watch the NBA Finals and all other sports shown on Sky.

When it comes to streaming basketball online our first choice is NBA.com.  With the NBA League Pass you you can watch hundreds of Live and On-Demand games on all of your favorite streaming devices including Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, Playstation and even on mobile. It costs £39.99, and will give you access to all remaining NBA games live.

And if you find yourself outside the UK at any stage during the playoffs then don't forget that you can always use a VPN to change your IP address back to the UK and watch any of these streaming services as if you were back at home.

How to get an NBA Finals live stream in Australia

If you're up for a bit of morning NBA watching Down Under (the games are due to start at 11am AET), there are plenty of options on TV and online.

If you have Fox Sports, then you'll want to turn to channel 508 for the ESPN channel.

If it's a phone or laptop you'd sooner watch from, then there's the ESPN Player instead. Or you can live stream NBA action via the Kayo Sports streaming service, which features no lock-in contracts and also includes access to over 50 sports, both live and on demand.

Kayo Sports Basic Package costs $25 per month and allows users to stream across two devices simultaneously. Alternatively, the service also offers a Kayo Sports Premium Package, which provides three concurrent streams for $35 per month.

The Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports apps means you can access this from your chosen device wherever you are (although you'll need a VPN if you're taking that abroad).

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Apple, WhatsApp criticize GCHQ surveillance plans

Apple and other tech firms have rallied together to criticize a GCHQ proposal which would enable the UK government to eavesdrop on encrypted chat services.

The iPhone maker, together with WhatsApp and 50 companies, civil society organizations and security experts, have signed an open letter calling on the GCHQ to abandon it so-called “ghost protocol” and instead focus its efforts on “protecting privacy rights, cybersecurity, public confidence and transparency”.

Technical director of the UK's national cyber security centre, Ian Levy and head of cryptanalysis at GCHQ Crispin Robinson first raised the proposal back in November of 2018. Together they suggested a technique that would require encrypted messaging services to share any encrypted messages sent with a third recipient in addition to those already in a chat.

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Levy and Robinson made the case that their proposal was “no more intrusive than the virtual crocodile clips” already used today in wiretaps of non-encrypted communications.

GCHQ surveillance opposition

The open letter sent to the GCHQ in opposition to its plan argues that the proposal “requires two changes to systems that would seriously undermine user security and trust”.

Under the proposal, service providers would be forced to inject a new public key into a conversation that would turn a two-way conversation into a group chat with the government being an additional participant.

Additionally, the GCHQ's proposal would require messaging apps, service providers and operating systems to alter their software by changing the encryption schemes used. They would also be required to mislead their users by blocking the notifications that appear when a new user joins a chat.

The proposal may not call for back doors into encrypted messaging services but it would undermine user trust in security as a whole. Levy replied to the open letter in such a way as to suggest that the proposal could be scrapped following the backlash it has received, saying:

“We welcome this response to our request for thoughts on exceptional access to data - for example to stop terrorists. The hypothetical proposal was always intended as a starting point for discussion. We will continue to engage with interested parties and look forward to having an open discussion to reach the best solutions possible.”

• We've also highlighted the best VPN

Via The Guardian

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Chrome will limit full ad blocking to enterprise users

The days of easily blocking ads in Google Chrome may soon be over thanks to a proposed change to the browser's extensions system called Manifest V3 that Google announced back in January.

Manifest V3 would prevent current ad blockers from working efficiently and despite overwhelming negative feedback, the search giant is sticking to its guns concerning Chrome's ad blocking changes. However, enterprise users will not be affected and will be able to continue utilizing current ad blocking capabilities going forward.

Once Manifest V3 goes into effect, Chrome's extension system will see a revamp to its permissions system as well as a fundamental change to how ad blockers operate. 

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Ad blockers such as uBlock Origin and Ghostery, which rely on Chrome's webRequest API to block ads before they're downloaded will no longer be able to do so as under the Manifest V3 proposal, Google will deprecate the API's ability to block requests before a page is loaded.

Manifest V3

Now that months have passed since the changes were first proposed, Google has responded to some of the issues raised by the community by offering more details on how permissions and ad blockers will be affected.

Extensions developer advocate, Simeon Vincent clarified the company's changes to ad blocking and privacy blocking extensions in a Google Group discussing Chromium extensions, saying:

“Chrome is deprecating the blocking capabilities of the webRequest API in Manifest V3, not the entire webRequest API (though blocking will still be available to enterprise deployments).”

Essentially Google is saying that Chrome will still be able to block unwanted content but this feature will now be restricted to paid enterprise users. However, enterprise users will likely not be blocking ads and will instead develop in-house Chrome extensions that can block unwanted content for employees.

Now that ad blockers can no longer use the webRequest API, they'll have to switch to a rules-based system similar to the one currently in use by AdBlock Plus. However, Chrome imposes a limit of 30,000 rules which will likely makes things difficult for developers trying to switch to a rules-based approach.

Advertising is Google's main revenue stream and by allowing ad blockers to continue to operate unchecked, the company was cutting off a significant portion of its own revenue. Enterprise users will be able to continue blocking ads because they pay for the company's services unlike most of its users.

• We've also highlighted the best VPN

Via 9To5 Google

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Sprint 5G network launches today in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Kansas City

Sprint has officially launched its 5G network in a handful of US cities: Texas, Georgia and Kansas/Missouri today, with aims to expand to more including Los Angeles and New York City by the end of 2019. The carrier is the third to join the 5G race this year after Verizon and AT&T back in April.

Sprint 5G is live today in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Kansas City. Customers can access the network by picking up a Sprint 5G phone – the LG V50 ThinQ 5G or an HTC 5G Hub, or the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G in the coming months (‘summer’ in the northern hemisphere). 

Unlike the ‘millimeter wave’ 5G in Verizon and AT&T’s nascent networks, Sprint is opting to spread their low-frequency network essentially on top of its existing 4G LTE one – literally, with the carrier deploying its 5G Massive MIMO radios (which broadcast on the 2.5 Ghz mid-band spectrum that Sprint already uses) on existing 4G cell sites. The 5G network should then have similar (if not identical) coverage to its current 4G range.

Pros and cons in the early days of 5G

We’ll have to see whether Sprint’s 5G network performs better than its competitors; almost two months after launching, Verizon 5G mmWave has demonstrated over 1 Gpbs download speeds, but only within a few blocks in Chicago and Minneapolis. 

Thus far, reporters have noted speeds of 100 Mbps up to 250 Mbps, with some claiming up to 700 Mbps. That’s obviously lower than Verizon’s 5G speeds, but lower is expected from Sprint’s sub-6 network – the bigger question is how far that coverage extends, at least in the early days of both networks.

If Sprint’s 5G network continues to underperform, we’ll have larger concerns, but building out a new network on top of the old is promising.

• Sprint has only some of the 5G phones on the market – check out our list

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NordVPN ups security with new encryption tool

NordVPN is known for providing VPN services to users around the world and now the company is expanding its offerings with the announcement of a new tool for securing files stored locally or in the cloud.

The company's new cybersecurity tool called NordLocker will secure files stored on a user's computer or in the cloud with end-to-end encryption.

NordVPN's CMO, Marty P. Kamden explained how NordLocker will make data security more accessible to all users, saying:

“We at NordVPN believe that the digital environment must be better than it is today. As a company, we strive to move towards becoming an all-around cybersecurity solution that people trust. By releasing NordLocker, we want to make top-notch data security available for everyone – regardless of their tech skills. To achieve this, we combine the best usability practices with the highest encryption standards.” 

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NordLocker

When it launches later this year, NordLocker will be available for both macOS and Windows and it will help protect user's data by encrypting files on their device as well as those stored in the cloud.

The file encryption app will use the two most secure encryption algorithms available today, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) and 4096-bit RSA. NordLocker will also utilize NordVPN's own zero-knowledge encryption process to ensure ultimate security. In addition to encrypting their files, users will also be able to share them securely by managing access permissions.

NordLocker is currently going through internal stress-tests to ensure that it is ready for its launch later this year. However, interested users will be able to get their hands on the first beta version this summer.

You can sign up for early access on NordLocker's website and we'll fill you in on more details regarding the new app as we get closer to its launch.

• We've also highlighted the best VPN

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Call of Duty Modern Warfare trailer shows us the bleak future of combat – again

After laying dormant for close to a decade, Activision has finally announced the next game in the Call of Duty Modern Warfare franchise called… well, Modern Warfare. 

The game was unveiled in a new trailer posted by Activision that stars one of the game’s protagonists, Captain Price, and gives us our first look at some of the locales we’ll be visiting in our next tour of duty. (We’ve posted it down below.) 

One of the most striking parts of the trailer, however, is all of the nightvision scenes, where the footage seems almost identical to real-life raids. According to Activision, everything in the trailer was in-game footage, so that seems really promising.

According to information sent to TechRadar in a press release, the game won’t feature a traditional season pass and will instead offer at least some of its map packs for free. We’ve also seen reports that Modern Warfare will support cross-play between the three platforms - though, thanks to some pre-existing deals between Sony and Activision, PS4 might get DLC ahead of the other platforms.

The game will be developed by Infinity Ward, the studio behind the original Modern Warfare and its sequel, Modern Warfare 2, and is set to arrive on October 25 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One with pre-orders beginning today.

• Need something to play right now? Here's our list of the best PS4 games

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Best free anti-ransomware software 2019

Prime Day preview: Amazon's Fire TV devices are on sale today

If you don't want to wait for Amazon Prime Day to snag deals on best-selling devices, then you should take advantage of today's sale on Fire TV sticks. You can get the best-selling 2nd generation Fire TV stick on sale for just $29.99. That's a $10 discount and the best price we've found for the streaming media player. Amazon also has the 4K Fire TV stick on sale for $39.99.

The Fire TV stick allows you to stream thousands of movies and TV shows, and gives you access to thousands of apps, games and Alexa skills. You can also browse websites like YouTube and Facebook or stream your favorite songs through services like Apple Music and Spotify.

The 2nd generation streaming device now features an Alexa voice remote so you can launch Netflix, browse movies, turn on the TV and more with the command of your voice. You can also ask Alexa to control other compatible smart home devices using the remote.

If you want to stream your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K Ultra HD, Amazon also has the 4K Fire TV stick on sale for $39.99. That's a $10 discount for the streaming media player that's powered by Alexa.

You can shop more Fire TV device deals with the best Amazon Fire TV deals, prices and sales that are happening now.

Learn more about Prime Day with our guide on Amazon Prime Day 2019: everything you need to know for the July deals event.

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Starfield: latest trailers, rumors and news

We may not know much about Starfield, but by goodness are we excited. Bethesda's upcoming single-player RPG set in outer space marks the gaming giant's first new IP for 25 years. 

But just what is the game about? And, more importantly, when will we actually be able to play it?

During the game's shock announcement at E3 2018, Bethesda boss Todd Howard called Starfield "our next-generation, single-player epic". However, Bethesda wouldn't divulge any more details apart from a short teaser trailer announcing the game and showing off its logo.

However that hasn't stopped us from boarding the hype train with a first-class ticket. There's nothing more exciting than whetting your appetite for a new game by future gazing (or star gazing in this case).

So, in that spirit, we've searched the galaxy to bring you the latest news and rumors on Starfield. Here's everything you need to know.

[Update: Starfield isn't likely to make an appearance at E3 2019. Read on to find out more.]

Cut to the chase

• What is it? A single-player RPG in outer space from the makers of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls
• What can I play it on? It's almost certainly coming to PC, PlayStation and Xbox, but we might have to wait for the next generation of consoles
• When can I play it? No word yet, but we may be looking at later than 2020

Starfield release date

So far, what's been released is a title, trailer and, well, promise of greatness to come.

With details so thin on the ground, the earliest we'd expect to see a Starfield game would be 2020. 

Bethesda Game Studios Director Todd Howard has stressed that "everyone should be very, very patient". 

In Bethesda's E3 2018 presentation, Howard referred to the first Starfield game as "next-gen", suggesting it might not see a release before the next generation of consoles (either the PS5 and Xbox Two).

He might, however, just mean the game will use the capabilities of the PS4 and Xbox One's recent mid-cycle upgrades, in which case late 2019 or early 2020 would be a more likely window. 

In an interview with Eurogamer, Howard elaborated:

"What systems we put it out on - what's the hardware requirements - is still to be determined. We're pushing it; we're thinking very, very far in future so we're building something that will handle next-generation hardware. That's what we're building on right now, that's where our mind is, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't exist on the current systems as well."

Starfield trailers

We saw our first glimpse of the game during E3 2018. it's not much more than a title and setting at this point, but the video does introduce us to an unnamed planet, a floating satellite or space station, and some sort of... glowing wormhole?

Check out the teaser trailer below:

Starfield news and rumors

Starfield may not be coming to E3 2019 after all
E3 is the place to announce exciting gaming news but it looks like Starfield won't be making much of an appearance at E3 2019. During a panel at PAX East which celebrated the 25th Anniversary of The Elder Scrolls, Todd Howard responded to a question about some photogrammetry tech being used in Elder Scrolls and Starfield with the news that "it’s going to be a long time! It’s not something we’re going to be talking about, either of those games, at E3 this year, and so patience, please”.  

Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase dated and confirmed
Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase kicks off at 5.30pm PDT on Sunday June 9, with the horror shooter Doom Eternal taking center stage. But could we see some surprises too?

First announced at last year's E3 show, could we finally get a glimpse at Starfield?  It's no secret that Starfield is a long time away from public consumption, but with the PS5 and Xbox Two apparently around the corner, we're hopeful that Starfield could be revealed alongside them. But, as stated above, it seems unlikely due to Howard's comments at PAX East.

A whole new world
Bethesda has reportedly been talking about making Starfield for years now.

There have been rumors flying around about the game since Bethesda publisher Zenimax filed a trademark for the name as far back as 2013. 

Given how much mileage Bethesda has achieved out of its other tentpole IPs – Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, which have both seen various spin-off entries and MMO variants – it is presumably hoping to make Starfield a far-reaching franchise in the same vein.

...and whole new systems
The idea behind Starfield has been floating around as far back as 2004, and Howard has said it has the recognisable Bethesda DNA to it – so expect deep character customisation and open exploration. But also expect all new ideas entering into the mix – this won't just be Fallout or Skyrim in space. Speaking to Eurogamer, Howard stated "[...] it has a lot of new systems we've been thinking about for a while that fit that kind of game really well." So don't be surprised if there's some sort of on-theme space flight element involved too.

Bigger than ever before
Both the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series have shared a similar character progression system and open-world backdrop, partially rooted in their sharing of the same gaming engine.

While we haven't heard specifics on gameplay, Starfield looks set to follow in the same vein, albeit in a more galactic setting. But the final frontier could hold much larger potential for exploration, allowing players to travel across various planets and encounter unknown civilizations.

There's a big gap in the market for sci-fi RPGs
With the future of the space-opera RPG series Mass Effect looking uncertain, and the unfulfilled promise of the planet-hopping exploration game No Man's Sky, Starfield will be entering a gaming market hungry for a sci-fi RPG done right. With the proven success of Bethesda's other franchises, could the developer have the next Mass Effect up its sleeves?

(Image credits: Bethesda)

Keep checking back here for all the latest Starfield news 

• Keep up to date with all our game coverage of E3 2019

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Netflix UK subscriptions are getting more expensive

Netflix has confirmed that its raising subscription prices by up to 20% for UK customers.

According to The Guardian the cost of a Standard plan is set to rise by £1 to £8.99, while a Premium plan is increasing by £2 to £11.99. There's good news for Basic plan subscribers though – that price remains unchanged at £5.99 per month. 

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The Basic plan gives you access to all of Netflix's TV shows and films in standard definition, and limits you to watching on one device at a time. 

The next step up from that is the Standard plan, which gives you HD 1080p streams, and allows you to watch on two devices at any one time. Finally, you have the Premium subscription package, which lets you watch on up to four devices concurrently, as well as giving you access to Netflix's growing 4K, HDR library of films and shows. 

Increased competition 

Netflix says that new customers will pay the increased prices immediately, while the company's existing 10 million UK users will see the higher costs being rolled out "over the coming weeks".

The price hike shouldn't come as a huge surprise to anyone who's been following the price changes in the US, which came earlier this year. 

The streaming behemoth's increased pricing comes ahead of the launch of Disney Plus, which is set to host a huge number of Disney-owned and Disney-produced films and shows, including titles from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

The service is due to launch in the US on November 12, 2019, and we're expecting it to come at around the same time for UK customers – although Disney is yet to confirm an official UK release date. 

At just $5.99 per month (around £4.60 based on current conversion rates), it's set to undercut even Netflix's cheapest plan. Will Disney Plus eclipse Netflix now that the world's biggest streaming platform has raised it's prices? Only time will tell, but the news means there's sure to be a lot of unhappy UK customers who are wondering how to cancel a Netflix subscription. 

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Via The Guardian

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