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Showing posts from May, 2020

Google Stands in Support of Racial Equality: Sundar Pichai

Google stands in support of racial equality and all those who search for it, Indian-American CEO of the technology giant Sunder Pichai said on Sunday. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2ZVq3iD

Android 11: The Beta Launch Show Delayed Amid Protests in the US

Google on Saturday said it has postponed next week's planned unveiling of the beta version of its latest Android 11 mobile operating system in light of protests and unrest in the United States. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2TTBfrZ

Twitter, Facebook, Internet Group Oppose US Rule Requiring Visitors to Disclose Social Media Info

Twitter, Reddit and a group representing major Internet firms backed two documentary film groups that have challenged the Trump Administration's 2019 rules requiring nearly all US visitors to disclose social media user information from the prior five years. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/36N5ENV

Google's New Sodar Tool Helps Android Smartphone Users Maintain Social Distancing

Google-developed Sodar tool available this week taps into Android smartphone cameras to put users in the center of a white circle with a radius of about two meters, or 6.5 feet. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/36IOn8v

Samsung's Galaxy Book S is the first laptop with Intel's hybrid Lakefield chip inside

Samsung announced Friday what could be the most interesting laptop in some time. The latest Galaxy Book S with Intel’s new “Lakefield” hybrid chip inside will compete against Qualcomm’s battery-sipping Snapdragon 8cx chips vying for all-day battery life. In fact, Samsung already offers a version of the Galaxy Book S with a incredible 16 hours of battery life for an even $1,000, which PCWorld reviewed in March. Unfortunately, that otherwise excellent laptop comes with the usual restrictions associated with a Snapdragon processor: slower performance when it has to emulate software, and (for now, anyways) a complete inability to run 64-bit X86 instructions. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ezbVzk

Amazon’s fashion-centric Echo Look camera will stop working in July

Time is up for Amazon’s $200 Echo Look, which snaps photos of your outfits and makes Alexa-powered fashion suggestions. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3dgM7b4

Google Maps Makes It Easier to Share Your Location Using Plus Codes

Google Maps have received a new update that makes it easier for users to share their location using Plus Codes. The new change is rolling out to Google Maps for Android through the latest version. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3dhiPZZ

Windows 10: The best tricks, tips, and tweaks

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Digging deep into Windows 10 Image by Dan Masaoka/IDG Windows 10’s constantly evolving nature means fresh features arrive twice per year, most recently via the big May 2020 Update . With all the new goodies come a legion of new tweaks and tricks—some of which unlock powerful functionality hidden to everyday users. Others simply let you mold the Windows 10 experience into the shape you see fit. Here are some of the most useful tweaks, tricks, and tips we’ve found over Windows 10’s many iterations. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2OOOWZo

iPhone SE vs iPhone XR vs iPhone 11: How to get the most for your money

Apple now sells three phones that can all be considered affordable. But even if you have enough to buy the most expensive one, should you? from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3dfP3om

11 classic games that deserve a Final Fantasy VII-style remake

Forget remasters. Gone are the days where developers could stretch new textures over old games and call it a day. These days it’s all about remakes, raiding the late ‘90s and early ‘00s for games that need more than just a new coat of paint. Resident Evil 2 set the bar pretty damn high, allowing old fans to relive a beloved game the way they remembered it, while also creating a thoroughly modern horror game for newcomers. It’s not on PC (yet), but by all accounts Square’s Final Fantasy VII Remake does the same. Activision created slightly more faithful remakes with Spyro and Crash Bandicoot , and is doing the same with the upcoming Tony Hawk 1+2 . The Black Mesa Project injected new life into Half-Life . 2K’s releasing a Mafia remake this summer. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3dfCFoz

Airthings Hub review: Now you can get your Wave air quality readings on demand

The Hub adds your Wave air quality monitors to your home network, so you can get the most up-to-date readings from anywhere. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2XDKTjO

The best indoor air-quality monitors: Identify the pollutants that can compromise your health and comfort

Whether you suffer from allergies or asthma or just want to optimize your indoor environment, these devices will give you insight into the air you're breathing. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2FtxGlH

Best password managers: Reviews of the top products

We are terrible at passwords. We suck at creating them (the top two most popular remain “123456” and “password”), we share them way too freely , and we forget them all the time . Indeed, the very thing that can ensure our online security has become our biggest obstacle to it. This is what makes a good password manager essential. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2CujK96

The best VR headsets for 2020: Every option reviewed and ranked

When do we draw the line between “early adoption” and, uh, “regular adoption”? With virtual reality, maybe it’s right now . Years of sluggish sales had me convinced that virtual reality might disappear with nary a whimper, but then the hardware got better, the games got better, and suddenly people are talking about VR again. And hey, being essentially trapped in your house for weeks on end doesn’t hurt. The hardware landscape has gotten a lot more confusing since the first-gen Oculus Rift and HTC Vive debuted in 2016. We have “tethered” and “untethered” headsets, different resolutions, different lenses—and what the hell is “MR” anyway? To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3aVyhch

Hulu, Plex roll out group watch party features

Both Hulu and Plex have started testing features that let far-flung friends and loved ones stream videos together. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2TQ3acx

The HP Reverb G2 upgrades Windows Mixed Reality with Valve's VR design smarts and 4 cameras

The HP Reverb G2 might be the savior Windows Mixed Reality (MR) so desperately needs. Hopefully. Announced Thursday but not available until the fall, HP has a lot to prove and a lot of skeptics to convert, myself included. I’ve spoken often, and loudly , about my issues with the Windows MR ecosystem. Even in 2017 the hardware was a bit underwhelming, and the ensuing "upgrades" never rectified some of the fundamental problems with the platform. Last year’s HP Reverb featured a best-in-class display and an Oculus-like design—but paired with the Windows MR platform’s busted tracking solution, you might as well have been driving a Ferrari with square wheels. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZHsQfb

Tidal adds Dolby Atmos Music support to its HiFi service tier

The Atmos experience will be delivered via Dolby Digital Plus. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3d6GUCJ

Windows 10 May 2020 Update review: Microsoft boosts Linux and Your Phone, but Cortana slips hard

Update, 05/27/2020: Microsoft launched the May 2020 update on May 27 , through manual download first, or you can just wait for Microsoft to push it to your PC.    Our review of Microsoft’s Windows 10 20H1 update—also known as version 2004, or the Windows 10 May 2020 Update—shows an OS focused primarily on building out existing features, rather than launching new ones. Some scaffolding is still apparent in tweaks to Your Phone, and especially Cortana. Microsoft has further polished Task Manager, Settings, and Game Bar, however, and isn’t afraid to serve niche audiences with upgrades to the Windows Subsystem for Linux and the related Terminal app.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2VEQwyN

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is Epic's latest free game giveaway

Epic’s been on a tear the past few weeks, giving away some great games from 2K’s back catalogue for free. First it was  Grand Theft Auto V . Then last week it was  Civilization VI . Now, as the calendar flips to another Thursday, Epic is giving away copies of  Borderlands: The Handsome Collection . Claim it, and it’s yours forever. I’d  like  to take credit for guessing correctly. Last week I tried to think over the remaining 2K games that could qualify for a giveaway, and  Borderlands  was the first to come to mind. Then I found out the entire list leaked early though, making my guess essentially meaningless. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ddN6J9

The Razer Blade Studio Edition is for creative pros who like a little RGB, too

The Razer Blade Studio Edition is Razer’s workstation laptop for those who need pro graphics without a “pro” CPU. Announced Thursday and based on the same chassis as the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Edition that hit the streets early in April , the Studio Edition features Nvidia's Quadro RTX 5000 with 3,072 CUDA cores, 48 RT cores, and 384 Tensor cores, with a 256-bit memory bus. If that sounds an awful lot like the specs of a GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU, that’s because it’s basically the same TU104 die inside the Quadro RTX. One key difference is the amount of memory: 16GB of GDDR6, vs. 8GB in the GeForce version. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2TLaztF

MobiKwik Removed From Google Play for Aarogya Setu Link in App

MobiKwik CEO Bipin Preet Singh says the app was removed from the Google Play store for having a link to the Aarogya Setu contact tracing app. However, other apps like Paytm which also have this link have not been removed, he points out. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2ZRLzo6

Trend Micro Password Manager review: Basic and a little buggy

If Trend Micro's generically named “Password Manager” product sounds rudimentary, you're onto something. “Keep it basic” seems to have been the guiding principle behind everything from its bland interface to its limited feature set. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but one would expect a product this simple to work flawlessly. Unfortunately, I encountered some functionality hiccups throughout my test drive that make it hard to recommend against many of the other password managers in our buying guide. Note: This review is part of our  best password managers   roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them. Trend Micro Password Manager offers baseline features like password capture and autofill, password generation, and a secure protected “vault” to store your credentials in. But it lacks many features that are essential in today’s risky online environment like two-factor authentication and secure password sharing. To read this article in f...

Microsoft Xbox Series X to apply 4K, HDR, and faster frame rates to older games

Microsoft said Thursday that its upcoming Xbox Series X console will automatically apply some visual improvements to Xbox 360 and even original Xbox games. Others, such as frame-rate doubling, will require developer assistance. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZMlFCm

TikTok’s Ratings Moved Up to 4.4 Stars on Google Play as Google Removed Mass Negativity

TikTok’s app ratings on Google Play have moved up to 4.4 stars, from 1.2 stars spotted last week. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3esWvgi

How to overclock your PC's CPU

If you think that overclocking is solely for performance-obsessed geeks armed with bottles of liquid nitrogen, it’s time to reconsider! Even a small bump in PC performance can delay the need to upgrade your CPU, keeping money in your pocket. Today I’ll walk you through simple overclocking steps that can boost processor speeds 10 percent or more. If you’re a gamer, video artist, or media streamer, that’s a useful, no-cost upgrade. Read on if you want your PC to go faster! What is overclocking, anyway? Overclocking is a technique for tweaking various types of PC hardware, so that it runs faster than the manufacturer’s intended specification. Many processors, RAM modules, and graphics cards can be overclocked, usually by adjusting their settings via your motherboard’s UEFI BIOS. Operate in safe margins and overclocking shouldn’t damage your PC. But, as we’ll discuss, it’s important to manage the additional heat that accelerated hardware can generate. To read this article in full...

You can now buy a Raspberry Pi 4 with as much RAM as a Mac mini

When the Raspberry Pi 4 launched last June , it delivered an impressive amount of computing power for such a tiny package. But if you still wanted more, Raspberry Pi heard you: Now you can buy a Pi 4 with a whopping 8GB of RAM, the same amount in a Mac mini that costs more than 10 times as much. Compared to its predecessor, the Raspberry 4 already includes a faster processor, 4K support, and up to 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, a huge jump over the 1GB max memory in the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ and more than enough for most higher-end DIY projects. But with 8GB of RAM, the sky’s the limit. As Raspberry Pi noted in its press release , “If you’re a power user, intending to compile and link large pieces of software or run heavy server workloads, or you simply want to be able to have even more browser tabs open at once, this is definitely the Raspberry Pi for you.” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3c7CASl

Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi smart speaker review: The case of the missing midrange

Several smart speakers sound much better and cost much less than Belkin's Google Home-compatible effort. The wireless charging feature, however, is as handy as a pocket on a shirt. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZLHYYH

Google Pay Expands 'Nearby Stores' Feature, Now Available in 35 Cities Across India

Google Pay has expanded its 'Nearby Stores' feature in India to help users find information about "open stores" in their neighbourhood. The feature that was launched last month has rolled out on Android devices and is now available across 35 Indian cities, the company said on Wednesday. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2ZJ4DFb

Bollywood’s Bullying Is Killing Indian YouTube Parody Creators

From T-Series to YRF, Bollywood’s inability to laugh at itself is driving away independent Indian YouTube creators who make parodies. The film industry is helped by India’s archaic copyright law, which doesn’t afford enough protection to works of fair use. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3c6a0AZ

Google Maps Ramps Up Support for Local Businesses

Google's popular map service on Wednesday added more ways for people to engage with local businesses struggling to survive the economic hit of the coronavirus pandemic. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2yJAN8A

US State Takes Google to Court Over Location Tracking

The US state of Arizona filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing Google of committing fraud by being deceptive about gathering location data. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2B1GAqC

Google Sees Resurgence in State-Backed Hacking, Phishing Related to COVID-19

Security experts at Alphabet’s Google sent 1,755 warnings in April to users whose accounts were targets of government-backed attackers, following a resurgence in hacking and phishing attempts related to the coronavirus outbreak. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gtd7X1

Microsoft releases the Windows 10 May 2020 Update

The Windows 10 May 2020 Update is finally here, Microsoft says, meaning that you can download it now. Eventually, it will be pushed to your PC as a regular update. If you don’t actively seek it out, however, your PC won’t receive it right away. “To ensure you continue to have a reliable, productive experience with your Windows 10 devices, we are taking a measured and phased approach to how we offer the May Update, initially limiting availability to those devices running Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909 who seek the update via Windows Update,” Microsoft said in a blog post .  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZLfLkS

How to check your PC's CPU temperature

Is your computer’s CPU too hot? If your PC starts spontaneously shutting down, locking up, or acting sluggish during intense tasks, overheating could be the issue. Keeping tabs on your CPU temperatures is crucial when you’re overclocking your PC’s processor , too—you don’t want to accidentally push the performance pedal too far to the metal when you’re supercharging your pricey Core i9-10900K . Bizarrely, Windows doesn’t offer any way to check your computer’s CPU temperature. You could dive into your system’s BIOS to find the information, but that’s a lot of hassle to find a simple sensor reading. Fortunately, several free programs exist that make it easy to see your processor’s temperature. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2pAmA9t

Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath review: One of 2020's best action films (and a pretty good fighting game)

“Cease your magic, before the hourglass shatters!” [Note: This is a review of an expansion. Expect spoilers. Like, in the very next sentence.] When last we left  Mortal Kombat 11 , Liu Kang had saved the world. Having been granted the powers of a god by Raiden himself, Liu Kang defeated the time-bending deity Kronika and prevented her from remaking the  Mortal Kombat  universe in her own image. It would be Liu Kang who reshaped the timeline instead, ushering in a kinder and (perhaps) less kombat-filled world. Roll credits. Or don’t. It’s in this moment, as Liu Kang prepares to reset the timeline, that a warning reverberates through Kronika’s chamber. A portal appears, and out walks Nightwolf, Fujin, and perennial  Mortal Kombat  antagonist Shang Tsung. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/36BqzUa

The best CPUs for gaming: Intel's 10th-gen Core and AMD's Ryzen 3 shake things up

Buying a processor for a gaming rig isn’t as hard as it used to be. Now that Ryzen 3000-series and Intel’s 10th-gen Core CPUs come with more performance and cores than ever before, it’s hard to buy a stinker these days—especially because most games favor graphics firepower over CPU oomph. All that said, there are specific chips that stand out from the horde as the best gaming CPUs due to their price, performance, or nifty extras. Best CPU for gaming cheat sheet Our quick-hit recommendations: To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2PBT7Gx

12 things cord-cutters (and everyone else) should know about HBO Max

You don't need to be a cord-cutter to be curious about HBO Max. Here's what you need to know as the new streaming service launches today. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3c897aM

Google May Face Antitrust Case in India Over Google Pay App

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is looking into allegations that Alphabet’s Google is abusing its market position to unfairly promote its mobile payments app in the country, five sources familiar with the case told Reuters. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gyy1UP

Meet DATEDIF(), Excel’s secret Date & Time function that's still handy

DATEDIF(), which means Date + Dif, is a compatibility function left over from Lotus 1-2-3 that Microsoft adopted in Excel version 2000, which is the only version that explains how this function works. It’s operational in all Excel versions, but it’s not on the Formulas menu or in the Help menus after Excel 2000. If your spreadsheet experiences began with Lotus, which is true for many thousands of users, you’ll be happy to know that this old Lotus function is still alive and kicking. The purpose of this function is to calculate the time between a user-specified starting and ending date in days, months, or years. The arguments for this function are: To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZGX4yX

Apple can solve our Face ID mask woes by stealing one of Android’s best features

Android’s Smart Unlock is the perfect solution to the problem of Face ID not working when you’re wearing a mask. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3d8XFgx

Lorex WiFi Video Doorbell review: Onboard storage is the lone bright spot on this budget-priced front-door guardian

The competition is fierce in the video doorbell market, and this one from security camera vet Lorex doesn't deliver enough features or performance. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZG8sLb

Android Tablet Users Can Now Create Google Duo Account Without Phone Number: Report

Google Duo, the video chat mobile app by Google is reportedly getting a new update that will allow Android Tablet users to create an account on the platform without giving their phone numbers for verification. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2THIO54

Google to Start Reopening Offices, Targets 30 Percent Capacity in September

Google said on Tuesday it would reopen buildings in more cities at roughly 10 percent of their capacity beginning July 6 and scale it up to 30 percent in September, if conditions permit. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3eh8kpA

Spotify nixes 10,000-item limit for saved music libraries

Spotify fanatics, rejoice: no more will you need to prune your collections of songs and albums because your Spotify library is maxed out. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ekH09X

The Full Nerd: AMD's chief gaming architect talks Ryzen 4000 laptops, SmartShift, and PC innovation

In this special edition of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung , Brad Chacos , and Adam Patrick Murray are joined by Frank Azor , the Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions at AMD and Alienware’s co-founder. Azor swung by to talk about the “AMD Advantage” in gaming laptops that marry Ryzen CPUs with Radeon GPUs, like the new Dell G5 15 SE , and a whole lot more. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZFmAo6

ARM just showed 2021's smartphone CPUs, led by the powerful Cortex-X1

ARM has announced the next generation of smartphone processors, set to deliver up to 20 percent or greater performance than the prior generation. It includes something special: a new Cortex-X1 design, an optimized version designed for “ultimate performance.” In the smartphone industry, ARM designs its Cortex CPUs, Mali GPUs, and Ethos machine-learning processors, then licenses them to companies like Qualcomm. (This differs from the PC chip business, where AMD and Intel keep their designs proprietary—and Intel manufactures its own CPUs as well.) Those chip designers, in turn, are permitted to customize and enhance them, depending upon their license terms. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3er1GNP

Crucial P2 NMVe SSD review: Inexpensive, but a slow performer

The Crucial P2 is a budget NVMe SSD that delivers good everyday performance—in other words, it runs the operating system, loads apps, and performs small tasks just fine. Alas, it isn't particularly swift when transferring larger amounts of data, and that's being kind. Regardless, at the time of this writing, the P2 is easily one of the more affordable drives on the market.  This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best SSDs . Go there for information on competing drives and how we tested them.  Design and features The P2 is an M.2 2280 (22 mm wide, 80 mm long) stick of chewing gum. The NAND is 96-layer TLC ( Triple-Level Cell/3-bit), and the controller is a Phison PS5013. There's no DRAM cache, but a certain amount of TLC is dynamically allocated as SLC to improve performance. It works, but it proved slight erratic in testing. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2X2oxcr

Razer Opus review: Solid midrange ANC headphones

Razer is stepping out of the realm of gaming to release the Opus, a pair of ANC headphones with a good sound and a reasonable price tag, but limited features. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2XBynRU

Rachio 3e Smart Sprinkler Controller review: A budget version from the market leader

The new budget-priced smart sprinkler controller from Rachio is a great value if don't need to irrigate more than eight zones. It's too early to judge Rachio's new Thrive fertilizer service. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Xwkkg5

Want to listen to Spotify remotely with your friends? There’s an app for that

Just like the late Turntable.fm app, JQBX lets you create remote listening rooms for your friends. You will, however, need a Spotify Premium account to indulge. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3cWhwzv

iPhone SE vs Android’s best: A $399 iPhone stands up to $3,000 in Android phones

When comparing phones , you generally want them to be in the same league. These days that might mean there’s a few hundred dollars separating the models—like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, or the Galaxy S20+ and the OnePlus 8 Pro—but it's basically a waste of time to pit  the $1,400 Galaxy S20 Ultra against the  $400 Galaxy A51 . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3d1P4fC

The Dell G5 15 SE features Ryzen, Radeon and Smart Shift's 'free performance'

The mystery of just how well AMD’s laptop “Smart Shift” technology will perform just got a little less mysterious on Thursday. First, AMD formally shed a little more light on the first laptop to use the Smart Shift feature, Dell’s G5 15 SE . Calling it kind of a “free performance” boost, AMD’s Frank Azor said the power-sharing technology would net gamers up to 14 percent more performance. Smart Shift works by letting the Ryzen CPU talk to the Radeon GPU about which part should get more power, communicating across the company’s InfinityFabric. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3cVNxYv

McAfee Total Protection review: A good antivirus solution with room for improvement

McAfee is a longtime name in the world of PC security, and these days it offers three security products to consumers: McAfee Total Protection, Gamer Security (a suite specific to gamers), and LiveSafe—the latter provides protection for unlimited devices. This review is looking at Total Protection. Total Protection comes at a variety of price points depending on how many devices you want to license. For a single device, you’ll pay $30; add another $5 and you get Total Protection for five devices; and for $40 you’ll get coverage for 10 devices. Those are first-year prices, however. McAfee’s MSRPs after the first year are $80, $100, and $120, respectively. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2LOCNiv

Google Pixel 4a preview: Single camera, fingerprint sensor, no 5G, and July launch

There might not be an I/O keynote to stream this week, but some new hot Google hardware might still be on the way. All rumors and signs suggest that Google will celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of the bodaciously budget Pixel 3a with an equally affordable Pixel 4a follow-up. Here's what we already know about it. Update 5/22: Rumors now say the Pixel 4a won't be released until July. Design While the Pixel 3a was basically a plastic version of the high-end Pixel 3, the Pixel 4a will reportedly deviate from the bezel-heavy design of Google’s Pixel 4. Based on leaked images , the Pixel 4a may be Google’s first phone to adopt a hole-punch camera, which will be aligned in the upper left corner of the screen. The 4a design was seemingly confirmed by Google exec Rick Osterloh , who tweeted about his Fitbit Earth badge with an Android screenshot sporting an indented status bar. (However, he could have been using a OnePlus 8 .) To read this article in full, please ...

SD Express will support PCIe 4.0, but don't hold your breath

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The race to be the world’s next high-performance memory card standard took it up a notch this week when the SD Association said it will adopt PCIe 4.0 for SD Express cards. Yes, you heard that right: PCIe 4.0 in a postage stamp-sized memory card, a move that will make SD cards essentially on a par with some of the fastest memory card standards out right now. SD Express itself isn’t new, as the SD Association introduced it with version 7.0 of the spec using PCIe 3.1. With the new 8.0 spec, the SD Association moves to using up to two lanes of PCIe 4.0 for up to 4GBps of throughput. SD Association An SD Express card that can support two lanes of PCIe 4.0 will feature an additional third row of pins. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZtaQEY

Fitbit is studying how to detect coronavirus before symptoms show up—and you can help

Fitbit has launched a new survey that aims to help detect COVID-19 in Fitbit users before symptoms show up. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/36qYe2W

For Pac-Man's 40th birthday, Nvidia uses AI to make new levels

Pac-Man turns 40 today, and even though the days of quarter-munching arcade machines in hazy bars are long behind us, the legendary game’s still helping to push the industry forward. On Friday, Nvidia announced that its researchers have trained an AI to create working Pac-Man games without teaching it about the game’s rules or giving it access to an underlying game engine. Nvidia’s “GameGAN” simply watched 50,000 Pac-Man games to learn the ropes. That’s an impressive feat in its own right, but Nvidia hopes the “generative adversarial network” (GAN) technology underpinning the project can be used in the future to help developers create games faster and train autonomous robots. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3eaYBRA

Apple’s COVID-19 exposure notification API: What it is and how it works in iOS 13.5

Apple and Google have new technology to help you know when you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It's not as scary as it sounds. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2LRZ5QI

Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub review: It's better than a Bluetooth tracker, but not better enough for the price

It's great to have the range and reliability of Wi-Fi, and Weber’s hub supports up to four probes, but this high-tech grilling gadget barely justifies its price tag. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/36lh5fC

The Dell G15 15 SE features Ryzen, Radeon and Smart Shift's "free performance"

The mystery of just how well AMD’s laptop “Smart Shift” technology will perform just got a little less mysterious on Thursday. First, AMD formally shed a little more light on the first laptop to use the Smart Shift feature, Dell’s G5 15 SE . Calling it kind of a “free performance” boost, AMD’s Frank Azor said the power-sharing technology would net gamers up to 14 percent more performance. Smart Shift works by letting the Ryzen CPU talk to the Radeon GPU about which part should get more power, communicating across the company’s InfinityFabric. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2WRaN4k

Level Lock review: This “invisible” retrofit smart lock lives up to its name

The Level Lock is the first smart deadbolt to have absolutely no impact on your home's décor, on either side of your door. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2A4n6RC

The best smart lock for a keyless home

Keys are yesterday’s tech, your smart home needs a smart door lock. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2YDNspc

How to pair AirPods or AirPods Pro with Windows 10

Pairing AirPods or AirPods Pro with a PC may not be as utterly simple as with an iOS device, but it’s only marginally harder. You just connect the earbuds via Bluetooth—a straightforward, fast process in Windows 10. Just follow our steps below and you’ll be off and running. Do note, however, that as an Apple product, AirPods and AirPod Pros lose some functionality in Windows. They work well for listening to audio, but fall quite short of microphone quality you’d get on iOS or macOS. So while Apple’s earbuds can handle Zoom calls in a pinch, we’d steer clear of them as your main Windows headset. How to pair AirPods or AirPods Pro with Windows 10 First, make sure your AirPods are fully charged with both earbuds in the case, and the lid is shut. Also confirm your Windows 10 PC is capable of running Bluetooth devices. (The overwhelming majority of modern laptops have Bluetooth built-in, as do pre-built desktop PCs from vendors like Dell and HP.) If your system lacks support, you can ...

Civilization VI is free on the Epic Games Store

I hope you grabbed  Grand Theft Auto V   from the Epic Games Store if you wanted it, because it’s gone now. Another Thursday, another deal. Luckily Epic chose one hell of a follow-up. From now until next week, you can grab  Civilization VI  for free through the Epic Games Store. It’s the baseline  Civilization VI , and any  Civilization  veteran knows the game is never really complete until you’ve acquired the expansions. Those expansions,  Rise and Fall  and  Gathering Storm , are available as a $40 add-on bundle. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Ts0Loh

Best headphones: Our top picks for personal listening

Whether you're looking for an over-the-ear, on-ear, or in-ear model, we'll help you find the perfect pair. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2NviF5c

Samsung’s 2020 soundbar lineup to be offered for sale starting this month

First revealed at CES, Samsung’s latest high-end soundbars work together with the speakers on Samsung TVs. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2LKxf8Q

The Full Nerd ep. 140: Intel Core i9-10900K reviewed, AMD's AM4 motherboard reversal

In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung , Brad Chacos ,  Alaina Yee , and Adam Patrick Murray talk about new CPUs and fresh changes of heart. Intel’s 10th-gen Core processors are finally here, and the Core i9-10900K’s ten cores and 5.3GHz speeds keep it atop the gaming CPU throne —though it’s still not a slam dunk over AMD’s rival Ryzen 9 3900X. Gordon explains why in his review. And speaking of AMD, the company recently pivoted on a controversial decision that got the Internet ( and us! ) riled up. Now, next-gen “Zen 3” Ryzen CPUs will indeed work in older B450 and X470 motherboards, though the compromise makes the process convoluted . Nevertheless, it’s good that AMD’s listening to feedback from upset users with valid complaints. We cover the complications. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2zXeQDf

Intel has big plans to optimize Bluetooth and create all-wireless PCs

Intel's networking ambitions go beyond the high-profile purchase of Rivet Networks and its Killer Networking lineup, which should beef up its Wi-Fi quality. Intel also plans to optimize Bluetooth and connect everything on your desk wirelessly. Eric McLaughlin, vice president of the Intel Client Computing Group and general manager of its Wireless Solutions Group, told PCWorld what the company's plans were for the new Killer technology . But, he added, Intel was also working to solve a pair of problems that hadn't yet been satisfactorily solved by the PC industry. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2XjkuHE

Lenovo Yoga C740 15 review: A budget-friendly convertible that's a little clunky

The Yoga C740 15 is the kind of laptop Lenovo should have knocked out of the park. Its higher-end cousin, the Yoga C940 15, already stands out as a fine MacBook Pro alternative , so the C740 15 could have been a step-down variant. Lenovo did just that with its 14-inch Yoga C740 , the cheaper counterpart to the  C940 14 convertible. (Both of those laptops are excellent.) To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZnYTAx

Cleer Flow II Bluetooth ANC headphone review: Exceptional sound quality and excellent noise cancelling

Even better, Cleer's ANC headphone is less expensive than the best that higher-profile competitors such as Sony, Bose, and DALI have to offer. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3e6PzoW

How to squeeze more savings from your cable bill

How to save on your cable bill whether you're a cord-cutting or not. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZnxbnB

Apple, Google’s New COVID 19 Contact Tracing API Won’t Work With Aarogya Setu

Authorities in as many as 23 countries are claimed to have shown interest in the technology developed by Apple and Google. However, India has so far preferred to go with the native, locally developed Aarogya Setu. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Zozw1m

Best wireless charger: Ditch the headache of cables with our top pick

As convenience goes, wireless charging can’t be beat. You simply drop your phone onto the charger and walk away. Gone is the headache of managing cables that inevitably break or get lost. Wireless charging has not only improved as a technology, but it’s also been adopted by most major phone makers, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola, Google, Huawei, as well as Apple. If your phone supports it, it’s time you pair it with a wireless charging stand or pad, so you can experience the benefit. We’ve tested some of the most popular wireless chargers out there for both Android and iPhone, and picked our favorites from the bunch. Read on for our findings, and check back periodically for our latest updates. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2yIDtQa

Owl Cameras gets a new lease on life after the startup left users in the lurch

Update: Owl Cameras has a new lease on life. As of May 19, 2020, CallPass announced it has acquired the Owl Cameras business and is beginning to restore support to users cut adrift when Owl Cameras, Inc. dissolved rather untidily earlier this year (see original news story below for more on that). Existing Owl customers should have received a notification via their app or email.  Owl Cameras is dead. The startup made a splash in 2018 with the Owl Car Cam, a dash cam that plugged into a car’s OBD-II port and recorded both inside and outside the vehicle, uploading those videos to a cloud service via LTE. But now, two years later, the company’s employees are scattered, and its assets have been sold. The story might have ended abruptly right there, but this tale holds a glimmer of hope for existing users. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2VHuBa0

Intel buys Rivet Networks and its Killer Networking brand to beef up its Wi-Fi tech

Intel said Wednesday that it has acquired Rivet Networks, and will integrate the company’s Killer Networking line of Wi-Fi networking products into its own wireless portfolio. Intel didn’t disclose the purchase price, nor how soon the Killer portfolio of ethernet controllers, wireless chips, and management software would become part of Intel’s product lineup. Intel did say that Rivet would become part of the Wireless Solutions Group within Intel’s Client Computing Group, and that Intel will continue to license its Killer software to customers. The acquisition does expand the conversation around Intel’s CPUs to the level of an entire platform. Though Intel’s Core i9-10900K may be the world’s fastest desktop gaming CPU at the moment, Intel is facing intense pressure from AMD in both the desktop and especially the mobile markets—the AMD  Ryzen 7 4700U notebook CPU outperforms Intel’s H-series gaming chips. Historically, Intel’s reaction has been to emphasize other aspects of the...

Intel 10th Gen Review: The Core i9-10900K is indeed the world's fastest gaming CPU

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Intel’s 10th gen Core i9-10900K is—without a doubt—exactly as Intel has described it: “the world’s fastest gaming CPU.” Intel’s problem has been weaknesses outside of gaming, and its overall performance value compared to AMD’s Ryzen 3000 chips. With the Core i9-10900K, Intel doesn’t appear to be eliminating that gap, but it could get close enough that you might not care. Intel What is Core i9-10900K? Despite its 10th-gen naming, Intel’s newest desktop chips continue to be built on the company’s aging 14nm process. How old is it? It was first used with the  5th-gen Core i7-5775C desktop chip from 2015 . Many tricks, optimizations, and much binning later, we have the flagship consumer Core i9-10900K, announced April 30 . The CPU features 10 cores and Hyper-Threading for a total of 20 threads, with a list price of $488. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/36hApue

The Origin PC EON17-X crams Intel's 10-core desktop CPU into a laptop

Today, Intel launched its badass new 10th-gen Core processors, cramming them with more cores and higher speeds than ever before. And the crazy kids at Origin PC have already shoved Intel’s most powerful desktop CPUs into—get this—a pair of laptops. The upgraded Origin EON17-X and its workstation equivalent, the NS-17, both come loaded with Intel’s beastly Core i9-10900KF processor. Intel’s desktop flagship blows away what you’d typically find in a notebook, bringing 10 cores, 20 threads, and up to 5.3GHz clock speeds to bear. Heck, its all- core turbo can hit a blistering 4.9GHz. The “F” in “ Core i9-10900KF ” denotes a lack of integrated graphics. That’s where Nvidia comes in. Origin outfitted the EON17-X with up to GeForce RTX 2080 Super graphics . It’s a mobile part, unlike the CPU, but it’s running in a “Max-P” configuration for maximum performance rather than a more energy-efficient Max-Q setup. You can pay extra to get it factory-overclocked, too. To read this article in fu...

Google's 'Smart' Cable Will Let You Issue Commands With a Squeeze, Tap, or Twist

Google’s latest experiment in the fusion of textile and technology is quite interesting and may allow for a future where normal cords and cables can be used to issue commands to electronic devices. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2ZnsRoi

France Looks Past Google, Apple for Coronavirus Contact Tracing

To become an effective tool for public health authorities, a contact tracing app has to be widely used -- experts say by at least 60 percent of the population -- but also provide them with needed information about who is getting sick as well as where, which can be important for taking quick measures to close hotspots. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2LL92iA

Meural Canvas II review: If you can’t go to the art museum, bring the art museum to you

Calling the Meural Canvas II a digital picture frame does the product a major disservice. If you love to gaze at art, this device can bring the great works into your home. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZlYvCs

iPhone SE vs Android’s best: Can a $399 iPhone really outperform $3,000 in Android phones?

When comparing phones , you generally want them to be in the same league. These days that might mean there’s a few hundred dollars separating the models—like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, or the Galaxy S20+ and the OnePlus 8 Pro—but everyone knows the $1,400 Galaxy S20 Ultra will trounce a $400 Galaxy A51 . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2zfKyeH

Google Chrome 83 Debuts With Redesign Privacy and Security Settings, Updated Incognito Mode

Google has released Chrome 83 as the latest version of its Web browser. The new Chrome version brings a list of privacy controls as well as some interface-level changes to deliver an upgraded experience to Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS users. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/36eLUCF

Google Says Won't Build AI Tools for Oil and Gas Drillers Following Greenpeace Report

Google says it will no longer build custom artificial intelligence tools for speeding up oil and gas extraction, separating itself from cloud computing rivals Microsoft and Amazon. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/36jmTX8

Windows 10 gets its own package manager

If you’re really, really sick of the Microsoft Store, Microsoft now offers a return to the glorious days of the command line interface. Meet App Installer, Microsoft’s new package manager for Windows. Microsoft (a little defensively) announced the App Installer package manager in a blog post that coincides with the opening of Microsoft Build, Microsoft’s developer conference. That’s significant, as developers have typically worked within a command line or text interface, writing thousands of lines of code. Package managers are also the preferred way of installing software under Linux, which manages the software and any dependencies that it requires. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2X6OA12

Google redesigns Chrome privacy settings, adds Enhanced Safe Browsing

Google said Tuesday that the company is redesigning some of its Google Chrome browser UI with an eye toward preserving user privacy, both in terms of the layout and what’s under the hood. The changes will be coming to the desktop version of the Chrome browser over the coming weeks. Changes include communicating better about what data is synced with Google, and how the Chrome browser manages cookies, both in real-world browsing as well as in Incognito mode. Two other changes are being pushed out as part of the day-to-day browsing experience, including what Google calls Enhanced Safe Browsing as well as DNS over HTTPS. Enhanced Safe Browsing may have the most profound effect on your daily experience, though the feature will essentially live in the background most of the time. Enhanced Safe Browsing checks whether webpages and downloads are safe—whether you’re browsing the web or in another Google service, such as Gmail. Google said that over the coming year this feature will be beefe...

Adobe flips on GPU-accelerated encoding for Premiere Pro, and wow it's fast

Content creators, start your engines. Today, Adobe officially rolled out hardware encoding support for Nvidia and AMD GPUs in Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Adobe Media Encoder, letting you lean on the power of your graphics card to speed up H.264 and HEVC video exporting.  And when we say speed up, we mean speed up , as you can see in Adobe and Nvidia ’s comparison graphs below. Nvidia says the newfound support for the NVENC hardware encoder in GeForce and Quadro GPUs can allow video editors to export videos up to five times faster than CPU rendering alone. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ye6HJU

AMD pivots: B450, X470 motherboards will support Ryzen 4000 after all

Surprise! A mere week after announcing that its B450 and X470 motherboards won’t support future generations of Ryzen processors , AMD has had a change of heart regarding socket AM4 compatibility. Huzzah! Next-gen Ryzen processors will now support both 400-series and 500-series AM4 motherboards, though there are many caveats involved. “Over the past week, we closely reviewed your feedback on that news: we watched every video, read every comment and saw every Tweet,” AMD said in a release, via Anandtech . “We hear that many of you hoped a longer upgrade path. We hear your hope that AMD B450 and X470 chipsets would carry you into the ‘Zen 3’ era…As the team weighed your feedback against the technical challenges we face, we decided to change course.” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZiJGkf

Microsoft adds Edge features: Sidebar search, Pinterest tie-ins and more

Microsoft is unrolling some new features for its new Edge browser, including a contextual flyout that opens a sidebar when performing a search, the company said Tuesday. As Microsoft launches its Build developer conference as a 48-hour virtual event, the company is disclosing improvements to its consumer products, too. Microsoft’s new Edge (which we’ve reviewed) , which the company hopes will begin replacing the “legacy” Edge across user PCs in the coming weeks, is a key area. Other enhancements coming to Edge will include a deeper integration with work environments and a partnership with Pinterest. Most will be available soon, Microsoft said. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Tm7fop

Microsoft advances the future of Office: Project Cortex and Fluid Framework

Microsoft is providing glimpses of the future of Office at its Build 2020 virtual conference, showcasing two interesting but little-known collaboration efforts: Project Cortex and Fluid Framework. Project Cortex, which was announced last year, will go live this summer, Microsoft announced Tuesday. Fluid Framework, which appears to be the future of Microsoft’s online collaboration, is unexpectedly going to be released as an open-source project, Microsoft said. Microsoft also plans other announcements for Build, including making Microsoft Teams easier for developers to work with. Microsoft said in advance of its now-virtual Build show that the conference would lean heavily toward developers, with many announcements surrounding Azure and its cloud efforts. But Microsoft 365, Teams, and its other business efforts are naturally still a significant part of the company. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Tk9zMQ

Why Cortana won't be at Microsoft Build

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You’re not going to hear anything about Cortana this week at Microsoft’s Build conference.   Confused? You’re not alone. Microsoft Cortana has moved from becoming the flagship feature at the Windows 10 launch to something of a has-been. And yet the intelligence that powers her is something that’s become a priority for Microsoft, creating the impression that there’s Cortana, and then there’s AI, and the two are separate and distinct.  There’s a similar gap between the reason that Cortana is absent from Build, and separate underlying issues with Cortana itself. Put simply, it’s a bit of a mess. Mark Hachman / IDG The Cortana app on Windows 10 lacks some functionality from the older, integrated version. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2LU3S4d

Windows 10 moves closer to 'true' Linux with graphical support for WSL2

Microsoft is adding GPU and graphical user interface (GUI) support to the Windows Subsystem for Linux, pushing the intriguing Windows feature ever closer to becoming a full-fledged Linux instantiation. The company announced the changes during its digital Microsoft Build 2020 event for developers. The Windows Subsystem for Linux is an optional feature within Windows, one that you never have to install if you don’t want to. Microsoft originally included the feature as a way for developers to work within a version of Linux without leaving the Windows environment. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gaHFgb

YouTube Goes After More TV Advertisers With New 'YouTube Select' Programme

The program called YouTube Select will let brands buy ads that will reach people watching on their TV, whether they are streaming individual YouTube videos or watching YouTube TV, the company's live TV service. Since viewers are likely to watch more content while sitting on the couch in front of the TV rather than on their smartphones or laptops, T... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2TklkTc

Australia Watchdog Suggests News Boycott of Google, Facebook

Other mechanisms laid out in a 33-page "Concepts Paper" included bilateral negotiations between Australian media organisations and the two tech behemoths and collective bargaining involving all the country's news companies. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3dXZSvk

Logitech Powered Pad review: Wireless charging in an elegant wrapper

Logitech's new Powered line of wireless chargers includes a 3-in-1 charger that will charge your phone, wireless earbuds, and an Apple Watch at the same time. There’s also a Stand and a Pad. All three devices have the same core Logitech-like design—minimal but with a subtly elegant flare. Note: This review is part of our roundup of wireless charging pads . Go there for details on competing products and our testing methods for both Android phones and iPhones. Logitech’s design approach here imbues the Pad with a satisfying combination of competence and class—not overly done, just all of the expected parts and pieces in the expected places. There’s an indicator light on the front, and a power connector on the back that, unfortunately, uses a barrel connector instead of a USB-C port. Meaning you won’t be able to use the included wall adapter to quickly charge your phone—a convenience many competing wireless chargers have adopted. To read this article in full, please click here ...

TiVo Stream 4K review: A reboot for streaming (and for TiVo)

TiVo is justifiably famous for building DVRs, but what does it know about media streamers? from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ZhmjaL

Microsoft Surface Book 3 review: The 'ultimate laptop' needs new ideas

The Surface Book 3 continues Microsoft’s five-year mission to create the “ ultimate laptop ," still uniquely melding a tablet and keyboard base that can be used to create, work, and game. But the goal is harder to achieve in 2020 than ever before. At $1,599 up to $3,400, the Surface Book 3 is pricey. Worse, it offers little improvement over a new and very strong generation of dedicated laptops, from gaming machines with Nvidia’s latest RTX hardware to consumer devices optimized for extreme battery life and connectivity. Even Microsoft’s own Surface Pro 7 provides a superior tablet experience to the Surface Book 3’s.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2z9hKo8

Best media streaming devices

Roku Streaming Stick vs. Amazon Fire Stick vs. Chromecast vs. Apple TV, and more. Which streaming device is best for cord cutters? Our buying guide will help you pick the right accessories for your TV. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2OspOn7

How to Stay Connected, Virtual Hug Amongst the Top Search Queries, Google Search Trends Show

Google has released its weekly search trends that show a massive increase in queries such as how to stay connected, virtual get-togethers, virtual dance party, and virtual love. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3e4D39v

The best graphics cards for PC gaming: Nvidia's new Ampere GPUs aren't for gamers yet

“What graphics card within my budget gives me the best bang for my buck?” That simple question cuts to the core of what people hunting for a new graphics card look for: the most oomph they can afford. Sure, the technological leaps behind each new GPU can be interesting on their own, but most everyone just wants to crank up the detail settings on Battlefield   and get right to playing. Gaming GPU cheat sheet Our quick-hit recommendations: Best budget GPU: GeForce GTX 1650 Super   [amazon.com] Best 1080p GPU: GeForce GTX 1660 Super  [ newegg.com ] Best 1440p GPU: Radeon RX 5700   [amazon.com] Best 4K/60Hz GPU: GeForce RTX 2080 Super   [GeForce.com] Best 4K/144Hz GPU: GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition Remove non-product link   [BestBuy.com] Updated May 18, 2020  to update the news section with information about Nvidia’s Ampere GPU architecture reveal . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/32l...

The Full Nerd ep. 139: Nvidia's next-gen Ampere GPU, AM4 controversy, RIP upgradable laptops

In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung , Brad Chacos ,  Alaina Yee , and Adam Patrick Murray talk about Nvidia’s newly revealed Ampere graphics architecture before wallowing in disappointment. Brad kicks things off by explaining what PC gamers need to know about Nvidia’s next-gen Ampere GPU architecture , revealed in data center form during a digital GTC 2020 keynote. Spoiler: This thing could be a beast. After that we wade into sadder waters. We have thoughts about AMD cutting off backwards compatibility for its AM4 motherboards going forward, tossing out the spirit of past promises. Likewise, the release of the second Alienware Area 51m, but without swappable GPU and CPU modules, means the dream of upgradable laptops is dead . RIP. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3bL6rjg

Apple requires masks and temperature checks as U.S. stores begin to reopen

Apple is set to reopen retail stores across the U.S., but things will be much different than they were before. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2TxqwUf

Hands-on: HP Elite Dragonfly, the first laptop with an integrated Tile tracker

It feels like an eternity since I left my apartment for any reason at all, much less for a business trip or a meeting. Still, I recall the icy stab of fear when I thought I’d left my laptop bag behind on a subway car, or the time I almost forgot it after clearing security at a busy airport terminal. That’s why I’m so bullish on a new version of HP’s Elite Dragonfly laptop that features an integrated Tile tracker , perfect for those of us who never, ever want that panicky feeling again. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3cCXf1I

How Microsoft is testing the Surface Book 3 to avoid past thermal issues

Microsoft is sweating the details with the Surface Book 3, especially when it comes to thermal issues that users experienced with the Surface Book 2 and the original Surface Book. As the company prepares to launch the Surface Book 3 on May 21, it's specifically testing the new model for “hot bag” and other heat problems. Heat issues have affected Microsoft’s Surface devices going back to the Surface Pro 3 , but both the original Surface Book and the Surface Pro 4 were plagued by an inability to enter a low-power sleep state. That kept both devices in an an active power state, which consumes lots of power and generates quite a bit of heat as a result. That had two negative effects: greatly diminished battery life, and a surprisingly hot Surface when pulled out of an enclosed, insulated backpack. The issue was significant enough that Surface chief Panos Panay himself announced new firmware that solved the Surface Book power issue  several months after its launch. To read th...

Konnected Alarm Panel Starter Kit review: Ditch your outdated alarm panel, but re-use all its sensors

With this tiny circuit board, you can incorporate your old-school wired sensors into most any modern smart home system. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3g2kZhK

Google Meet Hits 50 Million Download Mark on Google Play Store Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Data Reveals

Gooogle Meet has crossed the million download mark amid coronavirus pandemic, data shows. Google has been adding and upgrading the platform in a bid to attract more users. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2WFGFZD

Google Facing Onslaught of Antitrust Cases in US: Report

Federal and state regulators in the US are preparing to file antitrust lawsuits alleging Google has abused its dominance of online search and advertising to stifle competition and and boost its profits, according to a report published Friday. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3fUSJxB

Take a trip through Ancient Greece and Egypt with Assassin's Creed's free Discovery Tours

If you’re hoping to emerge from your house in a few months with a thorough knowledge of Ancient Greek winemaking and Egyptian funeral rites, might I recommend Assassin’s Creed ’s Discovery Tours ? They’re free on Ubisoft’s website or Uplay  (you’ll need Uplay to run them) and are absolutely worth grabbing, for you or your kids. Basically, Ubisoft repurposed the worlds of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey for education. Strip out the stabbing, leave the rest. Origins and Odyssey are some of the most intricate digital dioramas ever created. Sure, there’s a video game layered on top, but the real draw is the world Ubisoft’s artists and animators and scripters created. Busy markets full of jewelry and pottery, people harvesting grapes and wheat, priests performing rites, and all of it in the shadow of some of the world’s most iconic buildings. It’s a spectacle. A meticulously researched spectacle. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift...

Don't panic: Microsoft's phaseout of 32-bit Windows won't kill 32-bit software

The writing’s on the wall for the 32-bit version of Windows. Microsoft won’t offer Windows 10 May 2020 Update rolling out later this month to PC makers in 32-bit form, with the minimum hardware requirements now mandating the 64-bit version, as spotted by Neowin . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Z8Q7GG

Best Android phones 2020: What should you buy?

Choosing the best Android phone for you is a big decision. The Android universe is teeming with options, from super-expensive flagship phones to more affordable models that make a few calculated compromises, to models expressly designed for, say, great photography.  Chances are that whichever phone you buy, you’ll keep it for at least two years. So we’ve made picks for the best Android phone in key categories. Check out our summary Cheat Sheet, or keep reading for details on each pick and the runners-up. At the bottom of this article, we link to all our recent Android phone reviews—in case you have your eye on a model that didn’t make our cut. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Ynlg6s

Chrome will block ads that drain your resources: How to turn it on now

If you’ve ever heard your laptop mysteriously start screaming or feel your phone warm up while you’re browsing the web, rogue ads could be the culprit—and now Google’s acting against them. The rise of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies sparked a rise in malicious ads that sneakily use your computer’s resources to mine Internet coins. Other ads can be poorly coded, or just plain unoptimized. Near the end of August, Google Chrome will start blocking nasty ads that vulture your computer’s resources, and you can opt to enable the feature manually today. “In order to save our users’ batteries and data plans, and provide them with a good experience on the web, Chrome will limit the resources a display ad can use before the user interacts with the ad,” Chrome product manager Mashall Vale said on the Chromium blog . “When an ad reaches its limit, the ad’s frame will navigate to an error page, informing the user that the ad has used too many resources.” To read this article in full, please...

11 cheap or free ways to make your old PC run faster

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Teach an old dog new tricks Image by Intel Free Press There’s a reason that unboxing videos and the phrase “new car smell” are firmly ensconced in the public groupmind. New stuff is exciting! New stuff is (theoretically) better! New stuff is just plain cool . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3btxYpq

Google Pixel 4a Rumoured to Be Priced at $349 for 128GB Model

Google Pixel 4a is expected to be priced at $349 (roughly Rs. 26,400) for the 128GB model, which will make it $50 (roughly Rs. 3,700) cheaper than the previously expected price. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3bAlyvY

Why you may never see a 4K Microsoft Surface display

As Microsoft readies its Surface Book 3 to ship later this month, you might be wondering: Why doesn’t it have a 4K display? The answer, according to Microsoft, is simple: You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference anyway. In 2015, the display resolution of the Surface Book was revolutionary: 3,000x2000 pixels, arranged in what is now a familiar 3:2 ratio. (It’s still the same in the Surface Book 3, though the 15-inch version includes a 3240x2160 display.) But it’s now 2020, and more laptop manufacturers are opting for true 4K (3840x2160) panels instead. According to Stevie Bathiche, Technical Fellow and an Applied Sciences Group lead at Microsoft, it doesn’t sound like Microsoft will necessarily end up following suit. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Z5yKq1

How to make your Google/Nest smart speakers, displays, and cameras listen for suspicious sounds

Thanks to Google’s new Nest Aware plans, Google Home and Nest devices can now keep an ear out for the sounds of smoke alarms and breaking glass. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3629ceR

Aukey SK-M30 Eclipse Bluetooth speaker review: Stylish design and satisfactory sound

Aukey's SK-M30 Eclipse is an affordable and very attractive Bluetooth speaker. The sound doesn't quite live up to its looks, but it's very good for the price. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2zFqVwJ

Best cheap laptops: We rate the best-sellers on Amazon and Best Buy

Editor’s note: The sudden rise in working from home has created unanticipated demand for laptops. As a result, many models that used to be inexpensive are now pricier. Our list of good buys is shorter as a result, but we still care about your limited budget and want to help you make good choices.    When you’re looking for a good, cheap laptop, knowledge is power. Every budget machine (which we’re defining as Windows laptops costing $500 or less) is the product of compromise—corners carefully cut here and there to hit a price point. Your job is to find the one that checks off the most boxes for your needs—and doesn’t saddle you with features (or lack thereof) that you’ll regret in a year. We’ll show you what to look for by highlighting which budget laptops among the best-sellers currently listed at Amazon and Best Buy are worth buying. We haven’t necessarily tested these specific machines (we’ll let you know if we have), but we’ve seen enough similar ones to have...

PCWorld's May Digital Magazine: Ryzen 4000 vs. Comet Lake H

Stay on top of the latest tech with PCWorld’s Digital Magazine. Available as single copies or as a monthly subscription, it highlights the best content from PCWorld.com—the most important news, the key product reviews, and the most useful features and how-to stories—in a curated Digital Magazine for Android and iOS, as well for the desktop and other tablet readers. In the May issue In PCWorld May its the Ryzen 4000 vs. Comet Lake H: New CPUs, a new era for laptops. Plus: Stuck at home? Find out why spending more on a Wifi 6 router pays off. We also review the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: Ryzen 4000 makes this thin, light laptop a winner. Other highlights include: To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2WZeJ1E

Nvidia releases 5 more free ray-traced Minecraft worlds

All eyes might be on the next-gen “Ampere” graphics architecture Nvidia announced during today’s digital GTC 2020 keynote, eager to catch a glimpse of what’s coming to future GeForce graphics cards, but another announcement benefits owners of existing GeForce RTX 20-series GPUs. Today, Nvidia released not one, not two, but five more ray-traced worlds crafted for Minecraft by several community creators. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2WtFxYO

Crusader Kings III hands-on: I defeated my son in a duel and he (probably) died of embarrassment

My son won’t stop dueling people. It’s Earl Muiredach who brought it to my attention, both his pride and his arm wounded. “He turned up at my doorstep and challenged me in front of everyone ,” he growls. “I had no choice to accept.” I sit on my throne and ponder what to do with Brian, my unruly heir. Dueling my vassals simply won’t do. My grip on the Irish throne is tenuous enough as it is. Brian’s stubborn though, and ordering him to cease might not accomplish much. There’s only one course of action, really. “Pah! Your father will show you how it’s done.” I stand and heft my sword, veteran of dozens of sieges, and I kick my son’s ass . The duels stop. My son never speaks to me again—and a few months later, he dies. Was illness the cause, as the doctors claimed? Or embarrassment? To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2yXfQqz

Grand Theft Auto V is free on the Epic Games Store this week

Chances are you own Grand Theft Auto V by now. Hell, you might even own two, three, maybe even four copies of Grand Theft Auto V by now. With over 120 million copies sold, it’s one of the best-selling games of all time, second only to Minecraft . But if you somehow missed out on Grand Theft Auto V over the last seven years, good news: You can get it for free. It’s through Epic , of course, though the Game Stores’ servers are currently melting under the demand. Epic’s been teasing a big giveaway this week, with a placeholder “Mystery Game” entry and a countdown timer sitting on the front page since last Thursday. Plenty of speculation ensued, but it’s Rockstar’s still-somehow-a-top-seller that was revealed when the curtain drew back. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Z2rf39

Nvidia's bleeding-edge Ampere GPU architecture revealed: 5 things PC gamers need to know

Nvidia’s next-generation GPU architecture is finally here. Nearly a year and a half after the GeForce RTX 20-series launched with Nvidia’s Turing architecture inside , and three years after the launch of the data center-focused Volta GPUs , CEO Jensen Huang unveiled graphics cards powered by the new Ampere architecture during a digital GTC 2020 keynote on Thursday morning. It looks like an absolute monster . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/35ZrZYc

How to edit PDFs in Microsoft Word

Editing in PDFs in Microsoft Word has become a lot easier since Microsoft built in more functionality, starting with Word 2016. Its cousin the  Edge browser has impressive PDF capabilities  too. While you can't beat a full-fledged PDF editor for complex work, Word now has the ability to open and edit PDFs (though with some formatting hiccups). Here's how it all works. Import, export, and edit PDFs in Microsoft Word 1. Open Word 2016. Select File > Open , then Browse to the folder that contains your PDFs. Select a file and click the Open button. Notice the selected file appears in the View window on the right. For this example, select a file with text and graphics. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3dHalev

Alienware Area-51m upgradability: How the Holy Grail of laptop features eluded us

The Quest for the Holy Grail of gaming laptop features—upgradable internal graphics—ended in a horrible, ignominious death on Wednesday, with the release of Alienware’s Area-51m R2. And by death, we mean permanent death—not Marvel comics death, where the hero comes back 10 issues later. If we sound bitter, heartbroken, and utterly disappointed, it’s because we are. When the Alienware Area-51m R1 came out a year ago, we thought our quest for upgradable graphics in laptops was finally over. The Area-51m R1 came with a socketed CPU and custom graphics modules that the company could control.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2WuU46z

How coronavirus is speeding up a la carte cord-cutting

Coronavirus has accelerated the move to a la carte cord-cutting. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Z1LxKc

Ring Smart Lighting Solar Pathlight review: Everything we loved about the original model, and less (batteries, that is)

You'll get the most value from this great path light if you've also invested in—or plan to—other home security devices in the ever-widening Ring ecosystem. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2T1h8rG

Chrome to Let Users Organise Tabs in Groups Starting Next Week

Chrome is bringing new “tab groups” feature to help users better organise the tabs open in the browser. Google has said that users can simply right click on the tabs and arrange them in groups labelled with a name and a colour. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3bvc9pt

Google-Fitbit: EU Consumer Group Warns Against 'Game-Changer' Deal

Alphabet-owned Google's planned $2.1 billion buy of fitness trackers company Fitbit may harm consumers and hinder innovation, European consumer group BEUC said on Wednesday, calling it a game-changer deal in the health and digital markets. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2ArGdpa

EU Urges Voluntary Use of Coronavirus Contact Tracing Apps to Speed Recovery From Pandemic

"Contact tracing and warning measures, for example, with the use of mobile apps, could be used, on a voluntary basis, by passengers to detect and interrupt infection chains and reduce the risk of further transmission as long as transmission risks persist," said a Commission document seen by Reuters. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2yLcCXp

Epic's Unreal Engine 5 demo looks stunning, and how the new graphics work is just as important

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are right around the corner, and with new consoles comes a new Unreal Engine. This morning Epic showed off Unreal Engine 5 with a real-time tech demo, and it’s stunning. Will games look like this next year? Probably not. But given Unreal Engine 4’s “ Infiltrator ” demo now looks pretty much like your average big-budget shooter, it’s only a matter of time. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3bpdldW

Google Chrome will begin adding color-coded tab groups next week

Google said Wednesday that it’s joining the group of browser companies offering grouped tabs, which should roll out next week within Chrome. No, that doesn’t mean a cross-industry collaboration on how to group browser tabs, unfortunately. What it does mean is that the version of Chrome which Google plans to release next week includes the ability to group and color-code browser tabs. These tab groups are available within the Chrome beta channel right now. Virtually all major browsers allow you to CTRL-click more than one tab and then manipulate them as a group, sliding them around your browser or allowing them to be opened in another window. Microsoft’s legacy Edge browser (not the “ new Edge ”) allowed users to group tabs and then “ set them aside ” to form custom groups for work, travel, or whatever. That feature hasn’t yet been implemented in the new Edge. Vivaldi, too, allows you to create “tab stacks” that are essentially groups of tabs for a specific purpose.  To read th...