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Showing posts from June, 2021

Google Enables Support to Display COVID-19 Vaccine, Test Certificates Natively on Android Devices

Google has enabled Android users to store and access a digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination and test certificates through a dedicated card called COVID Card. The new change comes from an update to Android’s inbuilt passes system that is a part of Google Pay. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2UUYx4i

The Lian Li Lancool III case's thoughtful tweaks ease headaches for PC builders

The Lian Li Lancool II earned near universal praise at its launch—at $90, it was an affordable, beautiful mesh case with good airflow. Now less than a year later, the company has unveiled the Lancool II’s apparent successor with a YouTube reveal on Monday, during its 2021 Digital Expo 2.0 . The Lancool III takes much of the Lancool II’s formula and enhances it, with multiple small tweaks that are likely to add up to an even smoother building experience. Some are design changes that give the Lancool III a sleeker look, like softer angles on the front panel. Many appear to be enhance modularity or functionality: Starting at the front of the case, you can position the I/O panel at either the top or the bottom of the panel. Said panel has a much larger mesh section, too. And the fan and radiator mounting bracket behind it not only accommodates four different positions, but is now toolless as well. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2UT0U7I...

Is a Surface Pro 8 coming soon? A new Windows 11 feature adds to the evidence

One of the unexpected new features that turned up in the first  official Windows 11 beta build is Dynamic Refresh Rate, a way for your PC to boost the refresh rate above its normal 60Hz while inking. Sound familiar? Well, no—not if you’re a Surface owner. This DRR feature could signal that the long-anticipated Surface Pro 8 tablet is due this fall. It’s an entirely speculative argument, though the accumulation of circumstantial evidence increasingly indicates that it could be true. Here's how the pieces are coming together. What is Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR)? Variable refresh rate is already a staple of gaming PCs: The PC can adjust the display's refresh rate to align more closely to the output of the graphics chip, avoiding the visual artifacts known as screen tearing . The new dy namic refresh rate will adjust the refresh rate of a laptop with a screen rate above the standard 60Hz—a display with a 120Hz or a 144Hz display, for example—up or down, depending on the tas...

The Full Nerd ep. 182: Dissecting Windows 11's best features and worst controversies

In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung , Brad Chacos , Adam Patrick Murray are joined by PCWorld’s resident Windows guru Mark Hachman to delve deep into the newly announced Windows 11. Mark has spent endless hours tinkering with both leaked and official Windows 11 builds to discover everything you need to know about the operating system. First, we go over the hottest new features you need to know about, then shift gears to discuss more controversial subjects, like Windows 11’s strict TPM requirements , limited CPU support list , and required Microsoft accounts. There’s a lot to cover, and we spent roughly two hours debating Windows 11’s intricacies and fielding pointed questions from the live audience, all through the lens of true desktop enthusiasts. Don’t miss out. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3w8ds7S

Google Chrome to Soon Get 'HTTPS-Only Mode' for Secure Browsing: Report

Google Chrome is reportedly getting a new 'HTTPS-only mode' to ensure safer browsing on the internet. The new feature is currently under testing and is reportedly hidden under chrome://flags for now. It is expected to release when Chrome 93 or 94 rolls out. The new feature will automatically switch users to HTTPS protocol from HTTP protocol. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2UgYuPJ

Cooking Pal Multo review: This beastly smart appliance wants to take over your kitchen

Promising to automate meal prep for novice chefs and people who are too busy to cook, the Multo and its companion tablet handles most of your food prep and cooks everything, too. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Tk1H0Z

Three laptop ports you can't live without

A laptop isn't just a personal, daily workhorse. It's your portable home base with access to personal documents, work documents, family photos and videos, favorite music, movies, and more. That's why it's critical your trusty machine has everything you need whether that's important software, a speedy Wi-Fi module, or a 15-inch 4K screen. While you're deciding on storage, RAM, screen size and resolution, and processor for your next laptop don't forget about the ports. A laptop's port selection can vary from one, single USB Type-C port, to a ridiculous number ports lining up and down every side of the chassis. Whether it's one or 11, it's not so much how many ports you have, but the quality of those ports. We've put together a list of the three critical USB ports that you simply cannot do without in 2021. Why three? As laptop makers fight to make their clamshells thinner and thinner the actually space for ports gets smaller and smaller. Wit...

Gmail, Google Chat Getting Custom Activity Status Option

Gmail and Google Chat users now getting the ability to set a custom status. Users can also set the emoji to go with it, and the duration they want the status to display for. So far, users have only had the option to select from three options - Active, Do not disturb, and Away - but now can select from four preset options - Be right back, Commuting, Off sick, and On ho... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Tckdsd

What is a TPM and why isn't mine working?

If you’re like most people, you didn’t think about whether your PC had a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) until Microsoft made it part of its system requirements to run Windows 11 , the upcoming new version of its operating system. We’ll explain what a TPM is, how you can find out whether your system has one, and how to enable it if it’s turned off.  What is a TPM? A TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, is a security chip that can be embedded in a laptop or plugged into most desktop PCs. It’s basically a lockbox for keys, as well as an encryption device a PC can use to boost its security. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3y9zFnw

Google Plans to Clamp Down on Online Financial Scams on Its Platform in Britain

Google on Wednesday announced that all financial services will need to be verified by the regulator before they can advertise on its platform in an effort to check on online financial scams. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3xchttu

Dell's new UltraSharp 4K webcam looks almost perfect

Dell launched its first 4K UltraSharp webcam on Tuesday, complete with Windows Hello,  AI auto-framing to track your face, and an adjustable field of view and frame rate. On paper, it looks like everything you could want in a premium webcam. Dell’s new UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) is priced at $199.99. Dell said it goes on sale Tuesday with a three-year warranty attached. While most integrated laptop webcams offer 720p resolution, more and more standalone, affordable webcams are being designed around 1080p. Dell’s UltraSharp WB7022 is unusual in that it’s one of a small but growing number of 4K webcams designed either for streaming video or for those who simply desire to look one’s best in a videoconferencing call. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Tg9XyU

The HP Pavilion Aero 13 packs Ryzen 5000 into a 2.2-pound laptop

Those who want their Ryzen 5000 CPU in a stylish, lightweight package should add HP's new Pavilion Aero 13 to their look-at list.  Announced Tuesday, HP said the new Pavilion Aero 13 will weigh as little as 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, across all models. That last line is important, because you'll often find a weight touted by a company based on the lightest of the models. With the Aero 13, there's no such fudging. Full specs of the Pavilion Aero 13 aren't yet available, but HP said that information should be available in July, when the laptop is expected to be available on HP.com starting at $749. Lightweight laptop doesn't mean lightweight performance. HP said the Pavilion Aero 13 will offer up to AMD's wickedly fast 8-core Ryzen 7 5800U inside. The magnesium-clad laptop will come in four colors: pale rose gold, warm gold, ceramic white, and natural (a silvery color). Besides being easy on the eyes, HP is integrating a 13.3-inch screen with an aspect ratio ...

How to buy a USB-C cable on Amazon without losing your mind

Shopping for a USB-C cable at a store as wide and deep as Amazon can drive anyone nuts. Besides USB-C cables of every color and braid, hundreds, if not thousands of vendors vie for your attention by stuffing keywords of popular products—“Samsung Galaxy S10,” “S9,” “MacBook Pro,” “iPad Pro,” “Google Pixel,” etc.—into the descriptions.  Once you select an item, you’re then faced with trying to decode what the cable actually does, and figuring out if it’s what you need. Do you care whether it has an e-Marker, USB 3.2 10Gbps, or DisplayPort? Here are some key tips to keep in mind as you shop for USB-C cables on Amazon. If you're looking for a good USB-C hub to go with that port, we have you covered there, too. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jrjVbw

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) review: The smallest Echo display gets a modest upgrade

Now equipped with a sharper camera and a proximity sensor, the new Echo Show 5 is better than ever, but the cheaper original remains an enticing alternative. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3wZkBJ7

EZVIZ C6W indoor security camera review: A pan-and-tilt camera for modest budgets

At less than $100, this system is surprisingly solid, but it's hampered by an erratic app. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3h5qgrm

Google Pixel 5a May Be Launched in August: Report

Google Pixel 5a will launch and go on sale in August, Bloomberg has claimed in a report. The smartphone is said to come equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G SoC. Google earlier said that the phone would be available later this year in the US and Japan. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3hx4xIf

Google Messages SMS App Gets Auto Deletion of OTPs, Categories Feature in India

Google Messages announced the rollout of auto deletion of OTPs and categories features for users in India. The rollout will span over the coming weeks in English on Android phones in India running Android 8 and above. Both, the OTP auto deleting feature and the categories, features are optional and can be toggled on or off in Settings. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3y5xIJ2

White House Order Said to Push Antitrust Enforcement Throughout US Economy

The White House is working on an antitrust executive order that aims to push government agencies to consider how their decisions will impact competition in an industry, according to two sources familiar with the matter. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3A8A1MZ

Samsung Unveils One UI Watch Interface Based on Google’s Wear OS for Upcoming Galaxy Smartwatch

Samsung has unveiled One UI Watch based on Wear OS at MWC 2021. The new software brings a more seamless interface, easy syncing of apps across smartphone and a smartwatch, and access to a host of third-party apps. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3y91753

Hands on with Windows 11 (and this time it's official)

About two weeks ago, we went hands on with an unofficial leaked build of Windows 11. Now, Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 to Windows Insiders, with many brand new features we haven’t seen before, including entirely new looks for the gorgeous Settings app, File Explorer, the Notification Center, and more. Behind the scenes, there’s even more. If you’re interested in downloading Windows 11 for yourself , the process is simple: Simply join the Windows Insider program, make sure that your PC meets the Windows 11 compatibility requirements , and then download the Windows Insider beta. In this report, we’ll show you what we saw in the official build, and what’s  really new from the leaked beta. Microsoft has also indicated additional features that will show up under specialized conditions, such as after you reset your PC and start fresh. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3A77Uhi

Xbox Cloud Gaming opens to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on PC and iOS

If you’ve been unable to secure a graphics card in these trying times, you’ve now got another gaming alternative. The beta version of Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service is now available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on PCs, iPads, and iPhones, the company announced on Monday, after launching on those platforms in invitation-only fashion on April 20.  You need to play in your browser on these new devices, unlike on Android . “If you’re a member or want to become a member, simply go to xbox.com/play on Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Safari on your PC or mobile device to start playing hundreds of games from the Xbox Game Pass library,” Microsoft’s Catherine Gluckstein said in the announcement . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jmCZaN

Windows 11: Microsoft pulls PC Health Check, eyes broader CPU support

Microsoft made yet another attempt to clarify the hardware requirements surrounding Windows 11 on Monday, in conjunction with the release of the first build of Windows 11 . As the company works to sort out initial user confusion, it said it had withdrawn its PC Health Check app that helped determine PC compatibility, and would try to expand its list of supported CPUs.   With much about Windows 11 now known through either a leaked Windows 11 build or  the new features announced at Microsoft’s own Windows 11 launch last week, attention has turned to the hardware requirements necessary to run Windows 11 . Specifically, many users have wondered why at least an 8th-gen Intel Core CPU and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) are necessary to run Windows 11, requirements which rule out some PCs from as recent as 2018. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3dnRiYN

How to get the Windows 11 beta

Microsoft released the first build of Windows 11 on Monday. Here’s how to get it and try it out for yourself. You’ll need two things: first, a PC that meets the minimum hardware specifications of Windows 11 . Second, you’ll need to join the Windows Insider program so that your PC can receive the first beta or Windows Insider builds of Windows 11. While it’s possible that Microsoft will release a standalone .ISO file of Windows 11, those plans hadn’t been finalized as of Friday, when we asked. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3A7PNYE

How to change your display name in Gmail, Outlook and other webmail services

Whenever you receive an email in your Gmail inbox you don’t see the address associated with that account, but the name of the sender. The same thing happens when you send an email: your name shows up in their inbox. It makes everything look nicer and more personal, and it’s all thanks to the email display name setting. For personal accounts your display name can be anything you want. If your name has changed, or you have other reasons for changing it, changing your display name to something else is very simple. Here’s how to change your display name in Gmail, Outlook, AOL Mail, Yahoo! Mail, and Proton Mail. Gmail For Gmail, start by opening your inbox. Click the settings cog in the upper right corner of the Gmail window. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2SyAbMX

How to join the Windows Insider preview program to get Windows 11

Becoming a Window Insider used to be a major hassle , reserved only for Microsoft’s biggest fans and most dedicated developers. But as we look forward to the launch of the first beta builds of Windows 11, it's a much simpler process. If you’ve been curious about becoming a Windows Insider with the intent of trying out Windows 11, look no further. Here’s what you need to know about the program, and how to join when ready. What you need to become a Windows Insider To become a Windows 10 Insider, all you need is a Microsoft account and a PC running Windows 10. We're assuming you've already upgraded to Windows 10, though you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free  if you haven't already.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3hf9Uvq

Lenovo Smart Clock 2 With Wireless Charging Dock, Google Assistant Launched

Lenovo Smart Clock 2 with a wireless charging dock has just been announced. The smart clock was spotted on the Lenovo US website with a 'Coming Soon' tag. Lenovo announced that the smart clock will be available for EUR 89.99 (roughly Rs. 8,000) starting August 2021. It features a 4-inch touchscreen that shows the time, weather, and picture slideshow from Google Photos... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2U5LQ6b

Windows 11 upgrades for Windows 10 PCs won't happen until 2022

Microsoft has said publicly that Windows 11 will be released to general availability before the end of 2021. A Microsoft tweet now explains when Windows 11 upgrades will happen for Windows 10 PCs: sometime in 2022, implying that new PCs with Windows 11 will ship first. Microsoft confirmed more details on its Windows timeline in a tweet late on Friday, when the official Windows Twitter account responded to a user question.  “Windows 11 is due out later in 2021 and will be delivered over several months,” the Windows account tweeted . “The rollout of the upgrade to Windows 10 devices already in use today will begin in 2022 through the first half of that year.” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3dldMtG

SpotCam Video Doorbell 2 review: This isn’t the worst doorbell cam we’ve tested, but it’s far from the best

Local video storage is a great feature, but a poorly designed app and multiple subscription options detract from this doorbell cam’s appeal. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3x0Mrog

Here are the CPUs that officially can run Windows 11

A new operating system incompatible with older hardware—that’s surely another MacOS announcement, right? Not this time. Windows users could soon find themselves in the same boat as Apple fans: Following close behind Thursday’s official announcement of Windows 11 was the reveal of much stricter hardware compatibility for Windows 10’s successor. Unlike previous generations of the operating system, Windows 11 tacks on tougher security requirements, like the presence of a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and the ability to use Secure Boot. In a mild surprise, Microsoft has already named specific processors that are cleared for the next era of Windows. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3A3ZjvV

Lenovo unveils its Smart Clock 2 with a wireless charging dock

The redesigned smart clock still has Google Assistant on board, along with a new wireless charging dock that boasts an integrated night light. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3hbmsUt

Microsoft won't allow Windows 11 on many older Surface devices

About half of Microsoft’s Surface lineup will be ineligible to upgrade to Windows 11, the company confirmed Thursday after announcing the new operating system . When PCWorld asked which Surface devices would be eligible for Windows 11, a Microsoft representative responded via email with the names of just five legacy devices, as well as the most modern revisions of each of Microsoft’s Surface lineup. To date, Microsoft has shipped twenty-five different Surface models, excluding the Surface Duo. Microsoft didn’t comment on why it was excluding many of its Surface devices from Windows 11, but the reason most likely corresponds with the minimum Windows 11 hardware requirements  listed earlier today, and possibly the need for a TPM 2.0 coprocessor.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2TYXOOZ

Google Algorithm Turned This Zurich Engineer Into an Infamous Serial Killer 'The Sadist'

Google Search algorithm mistakingly identified a Zurich-based engineer Hristo Georgiev as a Bulgarian serial killer who was infamously known as 'The Sadist' in the '80s. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3h5Gakp

YouTube Takes Down Xinjiang Videos Forcing Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights' Channel to Seek Alternative

YouTube has forced Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights' channel, which attracted millions of views on YouTube to testimonies from people who say their families have disappeared in China's Xinjiang region, to move its videos to a little-known service Odysee after some were taken down by the Google-owned streaming giant. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3qqeRpp

Microsoft explains why you'll need a TPM for Windows 11

Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 11 have been undoubtedly confusing, with users questioning why they need both an 8th-gen Intel Core CPU and TPM functionality to upgrade to Windows 11. On Friday, Microsoft attempted to answer that question. In a blog post , David Weston, director of enterprise and OS security for Microsoft, explained that TPMs (Trusted Platform Modules) are part and parcel of Microsoft’s response to a growing level of cybercrime, including phishing and ransomware. PCs with TPMs inside offer a greater level of protection from those attacks, Weston wrote. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/35VCAEi

Why TikTok on Windows 11 might run great on all hardware

One of Windows 11’s biggest features allows the new Microsoft OS to run Android application far faster than you might expect, thanks to Intel’s Bridge Technology. We don’t yet have the full details on Intel’s Bridge Technology, but Intel has described it as “a runtime post-compiler that enables applications to run natively on x86-based devices, including running those applications on Windows. Intel’s multi-architecture XPU strategy provides the right engines for the right workloads by integrating leading CPU cores, graphics technology, artificial intelligence accelerators, image processors and more, in a single, verified solution.” For the consumer, that means a Windows 11 PC should run an application written for Android far faster than it does using emulation, such as the popular Bluestacks emulator for Windows. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3qy7NHm

Google Assistant Gets Standalone Lock Screen Settings

Google Assistant is getting a standalone setting for Lock Screen. It will be available under both Popular Settings and All Settings menus. The lock screen setting was earlier found under the Personalisation menu in the settings. Google Assistant has recently introduced many standalone settings for the virtual assistant. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3wY2mUv

Ultenic T10 robot vac/mop hybrid review: Another great cleaner with a clunky app

You can almost fully automate your floor cleaning with this self-emptying robot vac/mop hybrid, but the app doesn't make it easy. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3j8TzuN

Windows 11 removes these Windows 10 features, including Cortana

Windows 11 adds several unexpected new features, including Android apps, a revised Start Menu and Taskbar, new Widgets, and more. Windows 11 also removes many Windows 10 features that PC users have become accustomed to. Here’s what Microsoft says it’s removing in Windows 11. Microsoft published this information on the same page where it listed the Windows 11 hardware requirements , which include a controversial mandate for a TPM 2.0 chip. Microsoft calls some of these “deprecations,” which simply means that they’re being de-emphasized if not removed. Microsoft giveth to Windows 11 , and it taketh away. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3wZyp6g

Lockly Duo review: Two smart locks in one installation headache

Lockly combines deadbolt and latch in this daunting smart home device. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3h4XC8L

Big Tech Antitrust: US Panel Votes Yes on 'Break 'Em Up' Bill

The US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to require Big Tech platforms to choose between running a platform and competing on it, wrapping up two days of votes that saw the approval of four measures directly aimed at reining in the power of some of the country's most successful companies. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3h0XGGB

Windows 11 FAQ: Answers to your most burning questions

Windows 11 is nearly here. Microsoft has formally announced Windows 11, and we've already seen it as a leaked build.  Every new operating system brings many questions. We're starting here with the answers we know, and we’ll update this list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) as we learn more. To find everything we know about Windows, check out our Windows 11 comprehensive guide, with news, tips, reviews, and more . What is Windows 11? Windows 11 will be the name of the next major revision to Windows 10, different enough that it justified a new brand name and not just another feature update. This all sounds familiar ...  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3j8MJFC

Google Chrome Delays Blocking of Tracking Cookies to Late 2023

Google's Chrome Web browser will not fully block tracking cookies until late 2023, the company said, delaying by nearly two years a move that has drawn antitrust concerns from competitors and regulators. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2SvS3rO

The Steam Summer Sale arrives with historically deep discounts

No plans for the upcoming long holiday weekend? No problem—Valve’s got plenty for you to spend hours on in its Steam Summer Sale, which kicked off Thursday and runs through 10 a.m. Pacific on July 8. Among the thousands of games on sale, you can find quite a few big titles at all-time lows. Like in past sales, the landing page highlights Valve’s top picks, followed by breakout categories organized by genre and theme, then top discounted games. Standout deals include Cyberpunk 2077 , Horizon: Zero Dawn , Halo: The Master Chief Collection , Death Stranding , Battlefield V: Definitive Edition , Hades , Half-Life: Alyx , Seikiro: Shadows Die Twice (GOTY Edition) , Rust , and Red Dead Redemption 2 . You’ll see far more games available for rock-bottom prices, though—some as much as 75 percent off, or even more. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gSaikk

Microsoft won't allow many older Surface devices to upgrade to Windows 11

About half of Microsoft’s Surface lineup will be ineligible to upgrade to Windows 11, the company confirmed Thursday after announcing the new operating system . When PCWorld asked which Surface devices would be eligible for Windows 11, a Microsoft representative responded via email with the names of just five legacy devices, as well as the most modern revisions of each of Microsoft’s Surface lineup. To date, Microsoft has shipped twenty-five different Surface models, excluding the Surface Duo. Microsoft didn’t comment on why it was excluding many of its Surface devices from Windows 11, but the reason most likely corresponds with the minimum Windows 11 hardware requirements  listed earlier today, and possibly the need for a TPM 2.0 coprocessor.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3vVcYC0

7 new Windows 11 features we didn't expect

We knew that the Windows 11 leaked build we tried last week was early and unfinished . What we didn’t know was what more Microsoft had in store for Windows 11—Android apps! Teams chat!—when the company officially unveiled the new operating system on Thursday. We look forward to exploring some of these features when Microsoft starts releasing the first Windows Insider builds of Windows 11 next week. (Not all the new features will be available in the first build.) Until then, all we have to go on are the intriguing new teases of new the Windows 11 features that we  didn’t know about.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zZEUrY

This is what your PC will need to run Windows 11

Microsoft has published its hardware requirements for Windows 11, adding strict new security requirements for its next operating system. Here’s what you’ll need to run Windows 11 when Microsoft releases it in the fall. Check our our Windows 11 superguide for comprehensive news, reviews, tips and more about Microsoft's new operating system. Microsoft will release Windows 11 by holiday 2021, so you’ll have ample time to prepare. Microsoft is working with PC makers to develop Windows 11-ready PCs, and you may be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free with your existing PC—provided that it meets the necessary hardware requirements.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gUfSCS

Act fast! The Xbox Series S is in stock at Costco—and on sale

The arrival of summer hasn't brought much relief to gamers on the hunt for the latest hardware (much to the disappointment of everyone hoping that we'd see some relief by the midpoint of the year). But if you've been fruitlessly searching for a next-gen console, you're in luck: Costco has the Xbox Series S in stock Remove non-product link —and it's down in price to $289. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3qlYUAq

Microsoft officially unveils Windows 11

Microsoft has officially unveiled Windows 11, a new iteration of Windows that promises a host of visual upgrades, as well as new behaviors to the basic OS experience. The new Windows 11 will be released as a build for Windows Insiders next week, Microsoft says. Executives did not release a timetable for general availability for Windows 11, though it will likely occur sometime in the fall. Unfortunately for Microsoft, an early, partial build of Windows 11 leaked on June 15, allowing users a sneak peek into what Microsoft had planned. "This is the first version of a new era of Windows," Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said during the unveiling of Windows 11. "We're building for the next decade and beyond." To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3quCFbB

Reliance Jio 5G Network Offers 1Gbps Speeds in Testing, JioFiber Now in 3 Million Homes: Chairman Mukesh Ambani

Reliance Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh Ambani said that the company is working on 5G networks, and apart from making India 2G mukt (2G free), it will also make India 5G yukt (5G enabled). He said that Jio 5G network testing has begun and it has successfully demonstrated speeds in excess of 1Gbps. He also said that JioFiber was installed in 2 million premises last... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3xPXZe0

11th-gen Tiger Lake H vs Ryzen 5000: Which laptop CPU should you buy?

For the buyer intent on the very latest and greatest CPU, your choice comes down to Intel’s 11th-gen Tiger Lake H, or AMD’s Ryzen 5000. Both families offer spectacular performance that steps away from that of their predecessors. For deeper details, check our our Tiger Lake H review and our Ryzen 5000 review . But you’re probably here because you don’t want to read through several thousand words and a pile of comparison charts. That’s fine—we’ve put in the hours of testing and can give you the gist so you can make an informed buying decision. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3vUlKQG

JioPhone Next With Optimised Android Experience Launched in India: Price, Specifications

JioPhone Next was launched at Reliance Industries’ 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday. The new Jio Phone has been developed under the partnership between Reliance Jio and Google that was announced last year. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gPErks

A standalone sports streaming service could be just the ticket for sports-loving cord-cutters

Will Sinclair stream Bally Sports a la carte? Let's hope so. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jb4JiC

Windows 11 FAQ: Everything you need to know

Windows 11 is nearly here. Microsoft’s next operating system has been released within a leaked build, even if it hasn’t even been formally announced. Microsoft is promising to launch what’s next for Windows at an event on June 24, and that's when we expect Windows 11 will become official. Every new operating system brings many questions. We're starting here with the answers we know, and we’ll update this list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) as we learn more. To find everything we know about Windows, check out our Windows 11 comprehensive guide, with news, tips, reviews, and more . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3xPq3OU

Windows 11 superguide: News, tips, reviews and more

Microsoft has already unwittingly provided us with an early look at Windows 11 via an unauthorized leak of an early Windows 11 build. It’s noteworthy for its streamlined Start menu and simplified taskbar, layered on top of what looks a lot like Windows 10. As Microsoft eventually announces and then rolls out what we expect to be Windows 11, bookmark this page to keep up with the latest news, tips, and reviews of Windows 11. Scroll down for our hands-on and video walkthrough of Windows 11, too. Windows 11 News Windows 11’s expected announcement : Microsoft will hold a “what’s next for Windows” event at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 24. We’ll have coverage of what Microsoft announces at the event, which we’re pretty sure will be Windows 11. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3wUIpxQ

Big Tech Regulation: US Lawmakers in Marathon Debate Over Bills, Reform of Antitrust Laws

US lawmakers debated into the night Wednesday over details of legislation aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech firms with a sweeping reform of antitrust laws. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/35LvG4D

Peacock app finally lands on Fire TV devices, following a 14-month wait

After a lengthy standoff, Amazon and NBCUniversal have hammered out a deal to bring the Peacock app to Fire TV streaming players and TV sets. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3vRIa5p

Google Meet to Get YouTube Livestreams, Live Translated Captions, Multiple Hosts Support in Coming Months

Google Meet is getting a bunch of new features in the coming months, and the most notable ones include public live streaming to YouTube, hand-raising improvements and live translated captions. There will be more controls for moderators and admins for better classroom experience and support for multiple hosts is also teased. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3xLZEl2

What Windows 11 could do to solve Windows 10's worst problems

Microsoft is expected to launch Windows 11 this Thursday, and with that comes the hope that the new version will address some of the biggest problems with its predecessor, Windows 10. Our hands-on with the leaked Windows 11 build  gave us an idea of what the new operating system might be like. But if that leaked build was, as we were later told, an early, incomplete version , there’s likely more to come with Windows 11’s official unveiling. It’s also likely that Microsoft will still be working on Windows 11 for weeks and even months to come, providing an opportunity for yet more improvements. So now’s the time to add a few last items to the docket. Here’s a (short, incomplete) list of problems we’d like to see fixed in Windows 11.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3vPf5Yd

Amazon, Google Pressed by US Senator Amy Klobuchar on Matter Smart Home Alliance

Amazon and Google need to offer more details about how their smart home devices and virtual assistants will support competition and user privacy, US Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote to the companies. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gMngjJ

Andover Audio SpinSub review: Deeply satisfying vinyl listening thanks to deep, vibration-free bass

The affordable SpinSub is the perfect low-frequency companion to the company’s SpinBase turntable speaker, pumping the bass from a remarkably vibration-free enclosure. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3qirORU

Lenovo powers new ThinkPad L-series notebooks with mobile Ryzen 5000

Lenovo is beefing up its Yoga business notebooks, specifically the 13.3-inch ThinkPad L13 Gen 2 and the ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 2, with AMD Ryzen 5000 Mobile processors.  Announced Wednesday as part of virtual MWC (normally held live in Barcelona, Spain), both ThinkPad L13s are essentially the same laptop, though with one key difference: The Yoga is a 360-degree convertible, and the ThinkPad L13 is a traditional clamshell laptop. That results in a little less battery life for the Yoga model: 10.6 hours, versus 10.8 hours for its clamshell cousin, Lenovo said. The addition of AMD’s Ryzen 5000 Mobile processors, however, is a first for the ThinkPad L13 lineup, and it arrives specifically following requests from customers, Lenovo said. (Specifically, Lenovo is using the AMD Ryzen 5000 Pro series of processors , with more corporate security and management features.) Executives also noted that the addition of AMD’s processors allow for 20 percent more battery life than a similar lapto...

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 might be the most powerful 16-inch laptop

In the race to make the most powerful and light 16-inch laptop, Lenovo just pulled ahead with its ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4. Announced Wednesday as part of virtual MWC (normally held live in Barcelona, Spain), this redesign features Intel's newest 11th-gen Tiger Lake H CPUs inside, and amazingly up to a GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU. It will go on sale in August with a starting price of $2,149. For comparison, MSI's Creator Z16 offers an 11th-gen Tiger Lake H, but stops at a GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU. Although not quite 16 inches, Dell's latest XPS 15 with an 11th-gen CPU tops out at GeForce RTX 3050 Ti. Of course, Apple fans always wonder how the company's now-ancient MacBook Pro  16 would compare. Considering that it's still using a 9th-gen Intel CPU and a Radeon Pro 5500M—just stop right there.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zP3Hie

Google May Soon Face Antitrust Lawsuit Over Play Store From US States

A group of state attorneys general may file a lawsuit against Google as early as next week, accusing the search and advertising giant of violating antitrust law in running its mobile app store, according to three sources familiar with the matter. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gQMI7u

Google Faces Antitrust Probe From CCI Over Abusing Android in Smart TV Market

India's antitrust watchdog ordered an investigation into allegations that Google abused its Android operating system's position in the country's smart television market. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gP0OXi

How to get Peacock on your Fire TV right now

How to sideload Peacock on Fire TV while Amazon and NBCUniversal fight over money. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2CL6AHC

Microsoft, partners launch 'Designed for Xbox' 4K displays

If you're looking for a TV or Xbox specifically optimized for Xbox gaming, Microsoft and its partners Phillips, Acer, and Asus have three "Designed for Xbox" 4K displays for you to buy. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Uu79i7

PCWorld's June Digital Magazine: How to spot an online scam

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 June issue This month, find out how to spot an online scam, we recap the Intel Tiger Lake H CPU launch for gaming notebooks. Plus, check out our Surface Laptop 4 review. Other highlights include: News : Samsung's new Galaxy Book Pro laptops are thin, light, and smart. Why Microsoft is killing a favorite Windows 10 feature Tested: Is Ryzen 5000 battery performance really that bad? Plus, how fast Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G chip for PCs is Crucial BX500 SATA SSD review: An affordable upgrade drive Hands-on: Xbox Cloud Gaming for the web brings Xbox gaming to your browser 8BitDo Pro 2 rev...

Garmin Dash Cam 57 review: Small and mighty, now with cloud storage

The diminutive Garmin Dash Cam 57 reviewed here is the top of the line for the company’s new generation of mainstream dash cams . It’s on the expensive side ( $230 from Garmin ), but you get what you pay for. This dash cam is the culmination of several years of steady improvement from a company that’s in it for the long haul—and it shows in the design and performance, as well as the long warranty. It’s easily the best overall front-only dash cam we’ve tested.  The big adds for Garmin’s latest generation, including the 57, are a parking mode (wake on G-sensor) and temporary cloud storage for your important captures.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3j0MlJ4

Google Drops Engineering Residency After Protests Over 'Systemic Pay Inequities'

Google plans to shut down a long-running programme aimed at entry-level engineers from underrepresented backgrounds after participants said it enforced "systemic pay inequities," according to internal correspondence from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/35JbCQi

Google in EU Crosshairs Again With Advertising Antitrust Inquiry

Google was in the EU antitrust spotlight again as regulators opened an investigation into whether its digital advertising business gives the Alphabet unit an unfair advantage over rivals and advertisers. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/35Gjylg

FidelityFX Super Resolution is here: How AMD wants to make everyone's GPU faster

It’s finally here. As promised (and after months of teasers ), AMD is unleashing FidelityFX Super Resolution upon the world on Tuesday, promising substantial frame rate boosts in PC games that support the image upscaling technology. AMD’s answer to Nvidia’s killer DLSS differs from the GeForce feature in some crucial ways, however, and that’s driven home by how FidelityFX Super Resolution is hitting the streets. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zLyGf4

How to install a dash cam

How do you install a dash cam? After so many years of dash cam reviews , experience has shown there's more to it than inserting the SD card, slapping the camera on the windshield, and plugging it into a power source. I've made every mistake in the books. Learn from my experiences with this step-by-step guide. Where to place your dash cam Your new dash cam came with either a suction mount, or a mount that uses semi-permanent adhesive. If it's suction, you can trial-and-error camera location until you hit the most convenient placement. If you’re dealing with sticky stuff, consider more carefully—you’ll likely get only one or two shots at it.   To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zMjyhC

Accell Power Cube review: This minimalist surge protector delivers maximalist USB charging and flexibility

Like a child’s playtoy, the Power Cube comes neatly comes apart to provide more functionality. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3cZPzss

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go With 14-Inch Display, Intel Jasper Lake Processor Launched

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go has been launched with Intel’s Jasper Lake processors and up to 8GB of RAM. The new Chromebook model also comes in an LTE version. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3j39zym

Nvidia beefs up DLSS with more games and Linux support

In the war to prove who’s better at high-resolution gaming performance, Nvidia on Monday added three more allies: Rust , Doom Eternal and Lego Builder’s Journey  are joining the more than 55 other games to support its DLSS technology. The company also said Linux gamers would soon get access to DLSS through Proton for Vulkan. DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, taps the AI Tensor cores on Nvidia’s 2000- and 3000-series GPUs to render games at a lower resolution, with comparable visual quality when increased to a higher resolution. We’ve tried DLSS, and it’s like black magic . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2ShIcFV

Twitter Users Freeze Deceased Friends, Family Members in Time With Google Maps Street View Images

A tweet by Fesshole (@fesshole) — a handle where followers submit anonymous confessions — has led to many users sharing touching images of their deceased family members and friends spotted in Google Maps Street View captures. Users have shared screenshots of their loved ones as spotted on Google Maps — frozen in time. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gNzVBB

Best midrange laptops: Affordable notebooks for work, school, and gaming

Each year, laptops improve across the board—between technology advances and the pressure of competition, the hardware inside offers better performance in greater leaps and bounds. That means you don’t need to spend on a premium model to get a solid notebook. Whether it’s a traditional clamshell or a convertible with a 360-degree hinge, spending between $600 and $1,000 can get you a laptop you’ll enjoy using. Moreover, it’ll last the length of the work or school day without trouble. Enough options exist now that finding the right model for you can take some time, so we’ve highlighted our top picks to make the hunt fast and easy. Read on to find your match. (To find laptop recommendations that span all price ranges, see our comprehensive guide to the best laptops .) To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2UmOqF7

Best Amazon Prime Day deals on PC components, monitors, networking gear, and more

Sift through the Amazon Prime Day sales on clothes, outdoor furniture, and beauty products, and you’ll find some surprisingly good deals on PC components and networking gear. While the offerings aren’t nearly as complete as previous years (you can’t build a whole PC with Prime Day PC component deals), those looking to upgrade or grab a few pieces for a project can still save a solid chunk of cash. Here are the best deals we’ve found on CPUs, monitors, cases, routers, and more during Day 1 of Amazon’s sale blowout. Top PC component, gaming accessory, and networking deals during Amazon Prime Day The creme de la creme of Amazon’s discounts in these categories include an unlocked 10th-gen Core i7 available for the price of its Core i5 sibling, a 2TB NVMe SSD for under $150, and one of our favorite gaming mice for just $20. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3wMeg3s

Prime Day 2021 roundup: The best tech deals from Amazon and others

Our editors have been hard at work combing through Amazon’s Prime Day deals, as well as competing deals from other major online retailers. The result is a compilation of the best deals out there in all the popular tech categories: smart home; TV and audio; PC parts; laptops—you name it. We’ll be updating our recommendations as new deals surface, so bookmark this page and check back regularly. Prime Day shopping tips Deals can expire before their slated end time if quantities run out, so don’t wait too long if something appeals to you.  Read our tips on the best way to snag Lightning Deals . To qualify for Amazon’s Prime deals, you can sign up for a 30-day Prime membership if you haven’t already done so in the past. Some retailers offer free 2-day shipping through ShopRunner, which many credit cards offer as a free perk. You can also sign up for a 1-year trial through PayPal . Using PayPal for online purchases? Sign up for the company’s free return program , which foots th...

Big Tech, Internet to Face Huge Changes Under US Antitrust Proposal

The antitrust overhaul package unveiled in Congress targeting Big Tech, if enacted, could have far-reaching effects on how people use the Internet and on America's biggest and most successful companies. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3xE5dC2

How to Transfer Contacts From Android to iPhone

Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone can be a daunting experience. It’s a whole different ecosystem, one that is more exclusive and tightly wound. However, there are a few ways in which you can make the transition smoother when it comes to transferring data. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3wHZU49

Google Developing New Measure of Skin Tones to Curb Bias in Products

Google has said that it is developing an alternative to Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST), the industry-standard method for classifying skin tones, which many technology researchers and dermatologists say is inadequate for assessing whether products are biased against people of colour. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Sc5T2n

Google's Online Advertisement Business Said to Face Its Biggest Regulatory Threat in EU by Year-End

Google under the scrutiny of EU antitrust regulators before the year-end for its lucrative digital advertising business is said to be its biggest regulatory challenge to date. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gJz7hg

Amazon Basics Computer Speakers (USB-powered) review: This cheap set fits the budget stereotype

Amazon Basics Computer Speakers are indeed basic. That hasn’t changed from when we initially reviewed them two years ago. From the packaging to the design, this USB-powered budget set has a spartan vibe. You won’t find glossy paper finishes or a thick manual full of details here. Instead, a plain brown box will land on your doorstep, with two plain, compact black speakers and a very thin user guide tucked inside. That’s it. What has changed is the price. Back in 2019, these budget speakers could be found for as little as $10 for the set. These days they hover at $18, which starts to butt up against the cost of the superior Amazon Basics with Dyanmic Sound speakers —thus making them ripe for reevaluation. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zzuIGe

The Full Nerd: ep. 181: AMD Advantage Laptops and E3!

In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Mah Ung ,  Alaina Yee , Adam Patrick Murray , and Brad Chacos  talk about the all-AMD Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition laptop, and what was hot at E3. The Full Nerd crew kicks it off with talk of the all-AMD Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition laptop, which features a Ryzen 9 5900HX and Radeon RX 6800M. Gordon breaks down what the laptop is good at, what it's not good at, and whether it's a good buy. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3wEGr4h

Best external drives for backup, storage, and portability

Anyone who uses a PC should have an external drive. It can back up your precious data or store your overflow, and it can transport or transfer files between computing devices.  Xbox One X  users, especially, would be wise to invest in an external drive to augment the console’s measly 1TB hard drive (the external drive needs to be USB 3.0-compatible and will be formatted when you insert the drive).  Two things are for sure: No one ever said they wanted less storage space, and no one ever said they wanted a slower drive. Our latest picks for best external performance drive ( SanDisk’s Extreme Pro Portable and Samsung’s T7 ) are blazing-fast—great news if you’re transferring large amounts of data. We’ll also walk you through our other top picks, and everything you need to know to select the best external drive for your needs. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2usNE9o

Why is there a Windows 11 if Windows 10 is the last Windows?

If Windows 10 was supposed to be the last version of Windows, why is there a Windows 11? Like the answer to many questions, the answer is, “it depends.” The authenticity of the concept of “Windows as a service” began in 2015, when Microsoft launched Windows 10. Over time, Microsoft said then, the company would simply deliver ongoing updates, adding features and patching bugs on the “Windows 10” platform. But, as we know now, whatever Microsoft adds to Windows, it’s still Windows.  But Microsoft representatives never said that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows—not really. That comment was actually made by Jerry Nixon, a Microsoft developer evangelist who spoke at the company’s ”Tiles, Notifications, and Action Center” presentation about Windows 10 at Microsoft’s Microsoft Ignite conference in 2015. According to the transcript of the session, Nixon’s comment was more of a throwaway line, one that he literally referred to as a segue. Microsoft developers could neve...

Why you should shop Amazon Prime Day using Microsoft Edge

While you can shop online during Amazon Prime Day or the holidays using any browser you’d like, there are two good reasons for using the Microsoft Edge browser already on your PC: built-in coupons, and an automated check of an item’s price history. Both of these Edge features offer a fantastic way to make sure you get the best deals for Prime Day—or any day, for that matter.  Microsoft Edge is on your Windows PC The Microsoft Edge browser is built right into every Windows PC. While the most popular browser remains Google Chrome, you can open up Edge (if you haven’t already) and quickly import bookmarks (Favorites), passwords, and more from another browser. (We have a detailed tutorial on how to import bookmarks into Edge .) To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gCl0LP

Faster gaming frame rates for free: Resizable BAR explained

If you’re lucky enough to have snagged the latest graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD , you just got another bonus performance boost in your toolkit. It’s called Resizable BAR, and depending on your setup, the technology can give a noticeable lift in gaming framerates. Here’s how it works. What are Resizable BAR and Smart Access Memory (SAM)? Resizable Base Address Register (or Resizable BAR, as it’s known colloquially) is a new feature that improves communication between your processor and graphics card. It’s actually been part of the PCI Express specification for some time, but only now have manufacturers actually enabled it for use on the latest graphics cards, motherboards, and processors. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gBG0Cj

House of Marley Positive Vibration XL ANC headphone review: Vastly improved sound, no noise

House of Marley's Positive Vibration XL ANC's offer very good sound and excellent noise cancellation. They're a major improvement over the previous generation. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gCbbO4

Google Meet Improves Hand Raising Feature, Will Automatically Lower Raised Hand When Speaker Is Done

Google Meet has improved its hand raising feature that will show an improved visual icon for raised hands, move users with raised hands to a more visible position on the video grid, along with more visible improvements to the feature. The rollout began on June 16 for rapid release domain users and will begin on June 30 for scheduled release domain users and may take u... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gBsxuj

Google Could Be Working on Apple-Like Find My Device Network Functionality for Android

Google may be working on device locating network functionality similar to Apple’s ‘Find My’ network. A string of code associated to a network for finding Android devices has been reportedly found in the latest version of Google Play Services app. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2U4W0Uz

Best gaming laptops: Know what to look for and which models rate highest

There are great laptops available now (as pandemic-fueled sales remain strong ), and you can see our tested favorites below. But if you yearn for the latest and greatest, check out our news and reviews of laptops with AMD’s Ryzen 5000 and Intel’s Tiger Lake CPUs, and Nvidia RTX 30-series mobile GPUs. (Psst: We also have a list of the first laptops available with RTX 30-series .) Here are the latest news and reviews, along with our top picks below.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2HTbRN0

Windows 11: Video first look

We’ve already downloaded and gone hands-on with a leaked early build of Windows 11 , or what appears to be Microsoft’s next-generation operating system. Now it’s time for you to see what the leaked Windows 11 build looks like in our video tour of Windows 11. In the video, you’ll see how the new, centered Windows 11 Taskbar works, including the new icons that Microsoft has included as part of Windows 11, too. There’s also a new Start menu that looks quite heavily influenced by Microsoft’s experiment with Windows 10X . (We don’t show it in our video, but there  is a way to return to the Windows 10 Start menu within Windows 11 , complete with Live Tiles.)  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2TJ06S1

Celebrate 5 years of The Full Nerd with merch!

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Since 2016 PCWorld's premier PC building podcast, The Full Nerd, has been bringing you news and analysis of the hottest PC topics every week. From reviews of hardware like CPUs and GPUs, to software tips and buying advice, The Full Nerd crew has worked hard to bring you a show that's educational and entertaining. Now in its fifth year, we are proud to have merch available to show off your PC-building chops, available at our Crowdmade store ! Adam Patrick Murray/IDG To celebrate the launch we have a limited-edition polo shirt available, as well as t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and even a mug. More gear and designs will be added often, so check back to see all the new merch we have available. It's a great way to show your support for our show. We look forward to seeing everyone decked out in the gear. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2U9hEah

Find the best wireless keyboard: Know these details before you buy

You’re sick and tired of tripping over your USB keyboard’s cable and have decided it’s time to go wireless. Besides losing that annoying cable, a wireless keyboard also gives you the freedom to work farther away from your computer, or get some relief from your laptop’s cramped layout.  We review wireless keyboards and are ready to help. Before you shop, here are some critical features you never had to think about with a wired keyboard, but you need to know now.  Form factor: Full-sized or portable? For wireless keyboards that stay on a desk or your lap all day, a standard-size model that looks just like a wired keyboard, but without the wire, will do in most cases. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3xtsuX3

A cord-cutters guide to watching sports without cable TV

How to catch your favorite teams, games, and other sporting events without paying through the nose for a cable or satellite TV subscription. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3vz9vZU

Why don’t more laptops have upgradable RAM? | Ask an expert

Q: Why is soldered RAM so common in laptops? It seems very unfriendly to buyers. To get the amount of memory I want, my options are limited to extremely expensive gaming laptops—but I only need the specs of a mid-range laptop. A: Replaceable SODIMM modules make uncommon memory configurations in the budget and mid-range feasible, for sure. But your description suggests you’re looking at ultraportable laptops, which is the likely reason you’re striking out in your quest for replaceable RAM. Thin-and-light laptops tend to use low-power DDR4 (aka LPDDR4) RAM, which is a type that requires soldering. Why choose it over the SODIMM variety? Beyond the direct benefit to battery life, LPDDR4 also has the advantage of taking up less space—and not just in height. The room gained by using soldered memory helps keep the laptop slim and can be put toward other purposes, like cooling or a bigger battery. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2TFRCuY

TicWatch E3 Powered by Snapdragon Wear 4100 SoC and Google Wear OS Launched in India

TicWatch E3 powered by Google's Wear OS has been launched in India. It features a Snapdragon Wear 4100 SoC paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage. It sports a 1.3-inch high-density display with a 2.5D glass, and offers 24x7 heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, along with 20 workout modes. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gzAdNP

The Windows 11 leak is criticized as an early, incomplete build

Windows 11 may be better than we thought. PCWorld has been told by a knowledgeable source close to Microsoft that the leaked Windows 11 build is being characterized as a portion of an incomplete, early build. The source characterized the Windows 11 build as not a final product, saying that Microsoft will likely offer a fuller look at what it plans to offer at its “ what’s next for Windows ” event on June 24. The source did not refer to the leaked build as either “Windows 10” or “Windows 11.” Of course, running the winver command on the leaked build labels it as Windows 11. It’s also referred to as Windows Dev build 21996.1. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3iUxT5g

The best SSDs of 2021: New cryptocurrency could send prices skyrocketing

Switching to a solid-state drive is the best upgrade you can make for your PC. These wondrous devices speed up boot times, improve the responsiveness of your programs and games, and generally makes your computer feel fast . But not all solid-state drives are the same. You can find top-notch SSDs that offer solid performance at an affordable price, or you can spend big to achieve read and write speeds that reach a whole other level.  Many SSDs come in a 2.5-inch form factor and connect to your PC via the same SATA port used by a traditional hard drive. But out on the bleeding-edge of NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives, you’ll find tiny “gumstick” SSDs that fit in an M.2 connection on a modern motherboard, SSDs that sit on a PCIe adapter and slot into your motherboard like a graphics card or sound card, futuristic 3D Xpoint drives , and more. Picking the perfect SSD isn’t as simple as it used to be. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://...

Best USB microphones for streaming: Upgrade your stream with high-quality audio

Whether you’re streaming games to Twitch , YouTube, or another platform, your audience needs to hear you clearly over the gameplay. (The same holds true if you’re holding live chat sessions or talking with your viewers as you work on a project.) And unfortunately, microphones built into laptops, webcams, and even headsets just don’t sound as good compared to a full-size microphone sitting close to your mouth. The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to upgrade—while professional streamers use pro-level audio equipment for the best possible sound, USB microphones are much cheaper. They’re much easier to use without sacrificing quality, too—plug a USB microphone into your computer, and you can be off and running immediately. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3bKCDpP

Windows 11 Start menu: How to make it look like Windows 10

Windows 11—or a leaked build of Windows 11, anyway—does away with the old Windows 10 Start menu as part of a UI overhaul that simplifies the Start menu. But don’t despair! Here’s how to get Windows 10’s old Start menu back, complete with Live Tiles. Windows 11 was leaked barely a day ago , but there’s already some controversy over the Start menu and the centralized location of the apps on the new taskbar. Everything is to the center of your PC’s screen, unlike the old days of Windows 10, when everything was oriented in the left-hand corner of your screen. The Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu heavily favor simple icons, too, while the Windows 10 Start menu exclusively used dynamic Live Tiles. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3vydOEJ

When will Windows 11 ship? Here's what we know

On June 24, Microsoft is hosting an event for what Microsoft calls the “next generation of Windows,” possibly to be called Windows 11. Assuming that Microsoft does announce Windows 11 on that day, when will Windows 11 actually start shipping to users? Based on how prior Windows releases have worked, we expect Windows 11 to ship probably by fall, and even earlier as part of Microsoft’s Windows Insider program. In part, that's because we've already tried out Windows 11 , going hands-on with a decently polished leaked build. We still can't be absolutely 100-percent sure that the June 24 Windows event will usher in Windows 11. We do know that the event is being billed as the “ what’s next for Windows ” event, and Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella has been trying out the software for the past several months . And yes, there's the leaked Windows 11 build.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2SuEXep

How to create deal alerts for Prime Day: 5 useful tools

Here at PCWorld, we do our best to keep you informed on great deals in tech , but sometimes that’s just not enough. We can’t possibly anticipate everything you might want to buy online, especially when the products are too niche or when they fall outside the realm of tech entirely. That’s why rolling your own deal alerts is an invaluable skill for saving money online. By setting up alerts and reminders for just the products you actually care about, you’ll stand less chance of missing out when prices fall, and you’ll avoid getting duped by “sales” on products with inflated list prices. With Amazon Prime Day set for June 21 and June 22, now’s the perfect time to get situated. Here are a handful of my favorite tools for tracking prices online, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3pXQkaO

7 big ways Windows 11 changes Windows 10

How is Windows 11 different than Windows 10? Our  hands-on look at a leaked early build of Windows 11 begins to answer that question. Simply put, and based only on what we’ve seen in the leak, Windows 11 appears to update the user interface of Windows 10 without changing the underlying infrastructure of Windows 10 by all that much. These cosmetic changes are nonetheless significant. Our leaked build shows changes in the Windows taskbar and Start menu, leveraging the UI tweaks that Microsoft made to Windows 10X before it put that operating system on ice earlier this year. There’s also a massive Widgets drawer that’s entirely new, though we’d expect it to evolve between now and when Microsoft will likely launch Windows 11 in the fall. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3guifwb

Ring Wall Light Solar review: Shine a light where you need it

It’s a great smart light, just don’t install it in the shadow of a roof eave if you expect its solar panel to do its job. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gtO6gj

Reolink Argus 3 Pro review: An affordable 2K security camera

Excellent image quality, intelligent motion detection, and free storage options are the highlights of this Arlo alternative. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gG8jOK

Why you don't want a USB-C charger for your gaming laptop

Beware of gaming laptop makers pushing USB-C chargers. While these smaller Gallium Nitride (GaN) units are called alternatives to the honking-big power bricks such laptops usually come with, you're giving up a lot with the switch. To find out just how much performance you leave behind, PCWorld decided to test a gaming laptop with two popular GaN charger rates you'll run into—60 watts and 100 watts. What is a Gallium Nitride charger? GaN chargers are built using Gallium Nitride, which is far more efficient than conventional silicon-based chargers, allowing manufacturers to greatly reduce the size and weight of the units. It was initially an expensive and rare technology, but it's become far more affordable recently. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2RYs3ow

Google Brings End-to-End Encryption for Messages, Emoji Sticker Suggestions, More to Android Devices

Google is adding seven new features for Android users with an upcoming update. Text messages sent from the native Google Messages app on Android will now be end-to-end encrypted, but with certain conditions. Additionally, users will be able to star important text messages, receive emoji sticker suggestions from Gboard, receive earthquake alerts in more countries, cont... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3iLDL0E

Big Tech Critic Lina Khan Sworn in as US Federal Trade Commission Chair

Lina Khan, an antitrust researcher focused on Big Tech's immense market power, was sworn in as chair of the US Federal Trade Commission, a victory for progressives seeking a clampdown on tech firms who hold a hefty share of a growing sector of the economy. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3wuGzTT

Amazon, Google Pressed by US Lawmakers on Smart Speakers Markets Amid Concern Over Dominance

US lawmakers pressed Google and Amazon about their smart speakers markets, amid concern over the domination of the tech behemoths in this area. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2TDSmAL

Hands on with Windows 11

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s next operating system. It’s here, it’s real, and we’re using a leaked version of it right now. Our hands-on offers an early look at what you can expect: the addition of a mammoth widgets drawer, an updated Windows 10X-like user interface, and more.  On June 24,  Microsoft will host a Windows event, promising  “what’s next for Windows.” Microsoft teased the event with a graphic that showed light falling through a window to create a shadow that looked very much like the number 11. The company also set the announcement for 11 a.m. ET. Chief executive Satya Nadella calls it the next generation of Windows . And make no mistake: The leaked version of Windows 11 advertises itself as Windows 11 throughout. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3iQ12yR

The best graphics cards for PC gaming

Most people who are in the market for a new graphics card have one primary question in mind: Which card will give me the most bang for my buck? Obviously, the answer will vary depending on your budget. Beyond that, there are a number of factors to  consider: Raw performance is important, but so are things like noise, the driver experience, and supplemental software. And do you want to pay Nvidia’s RTX premium to get in on the bleeding edge of real-time ray tracing? 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: GeForce RTX 3060 Ti   [bestbuy.com]  Best 4K GPU:  GeForce RTX 3080 Remove non-product link   [bestbuy.com]  or  Radeon RX 6800 XT [bestbuy.com] Let us make it easy for you. We’ve tested nearly every major GPU that’s hit the streets over the past couple of years, from $100 bud...

Best wireless keyboards: Hand-tested reviews of Bluetooth and USB models

The best wireless keyboards do more than free you from a cable. They let you toss the crummy keyboard you got for free with your PC—does anyone like that one?—and they also give you options. The models we’ve reviewed range from full-size desktop slabs to portable models that skip easily from laptop to tablet to phone. Whatever you need to type with, there’s a keyboard for it.  Keyboard choice can be very subjective. That said, we’ve based our reviews on hours spent with each model, banging away on work projects, surfing the web, and keeping up on social media.  There’s truly no one size to fit all, but our reviews aim to give you enough specifics to make a sound decision. Check out our buying advice at the end to help you choose from other models you find. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2JL9kYC

Windows 11 screenshots appear to have leaked

Screenshots posted online of what may be Windows 11 suggest that the new operating system will look similar to Windows 10X. The screenshots, posted to the Chinese Baidu site , feature characteristics of Windows 10X, including the gray background and the centered start menu. Windows 10X leaked back in January (PCWorld tried it) . Microsoft decided to shelve Windows 10X later in 2021 , and the company said that it planned to merge several features into Windows.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ztGyBL

Google Pixel Stand 2 Wireless Charger With Cooling Fans Spotted in Android 12 Beta 2 Code: Report

Google Pixel Stand wireless charger with cooling fans is under development. The development for the second-generation Qi wireless charger was discovered within the codes for Android 12 beta 2, discovered by 9to5Google. It could possibly feature more than 10W output. Additionally, the fans can be controlled using profiles for adjusting how many work and at what speed. ... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3ztHwOj

Facebook, Big Tech Face EU Blow in National Data Watchdogs Ruling

Facebook and other Silicon Valley giants could face more scrutiny and sanctions in the European Union after the bloc's top court backed national privacy watchdogs to pursue them, even when they are not their lead regulators. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3cKABGJ

Google Meet's Companion Mode to Be Rolled Out in September

Google Meet is introducing a Companion Mode to make hybrid meetings, where some members are physically present and others are working remotely, more interactive for everyone. All members will be able to have access to features and controls like screen sharing, polls, in-meeting chat, and more. Members will also be able to RSVP to meetings by selecting the physical or ... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3cFU37K

E3 2021: 12 big reveals that PC gamers need to see

The first-ever all-virtual E3 gaming expo kicked off this weekend, and while this year’s event may be short on breathtaking Keanu Reeves cameos on big stages, the games continue to come fast and furious. Yesteryear’s E3s largely revolved around console blockbusters, making it easy to round up the meager PC announcements at the show. No more: Nw that Microsoft is weaving Xbox and Windows closer together, both major consoles are built on PC-like AMD chips. Even Sony is bringing triple-A exclusives to the PC. Many (maybe most ) of E3 2021’s games are destined to grace mice and keyboards. Huzzah! To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gwWNFv

Google Workspace Tools Now Available to All Users With a Google Account

Users can head over to the Gmail inbox to enable Google Chat and access the features for free including the new collaboration tool in Rooms. These features have been available for paid users, but now all Google account holders can access it for free. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gxIdgR

Vizio M-Series Quantum 4K UHD TV review: Same accurate color, now with upgraded ports

The M-Series Quantum remains basically the same as it was in 2019: A good lower-mid-range TV. New for 2021: eARC support for uncompressed 7.1 surround sound, along with FreeSync and HDMI variable refresh rates. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/35mAwoF

Eve Door and Window review: This smart, Thread-enabled door and window sensor is only for HomeKit users

Eve’s easy-to-install but pricey contact sensor offers powerful automations and it works with Thread, but it doesn’t support Alexa or Google Assistant. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2S1OoSk

Everything you need to know about HDR on your PC

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is video or image content created with a wider dynamic range, or difference between the darkest and brightest image that can be shown. HDR also comes hand-in-hand with a wide color gamut and greater color bit depth, which help achieve a realistic, lifelike image on your PC’s monitor. In other words, HDR can deliver eye-searing brightness with spectacular colors rarely found outside an acid trip. Sounds exciting, right? If it were only that simple. HDR can elevate movies and games on your PC, but it’s difficult to use. There’s several actual HDR standards and a range of hardware with varying capabilities. It’s possible to achieve jaw-dropping HDR on your Windows machine, but it’s not easy. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gpRo4b

Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 With Up to AMD Ryzen 5 Processors, 256GB Storage Launched

Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 has been launched. The new model comes with AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 3 processors and is designed to offer cloud gaming, with support for Google Stadia and GeForce Now. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3zBHrZd

Razer’s revived Blade 14 puts Ryzen in the hands of fans at long last

The Razer Blade 14 is back. And with its return after a three-year hiatus comes a new flavor of hardware—a Ryzen processor. An AMD-based configuration is one long-requested by fans, according to Razer, which unveiled the 14-inch laptop at its E3 press conference on Monday. Starting at a price of $1,799, it features the 8-core, 16-thread Ryzen 5900HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series Max-Q graphics, along with high-refresh rate displays up to 1440p in resolution. It joins the existing lineup of Intel-based Blade laptops (Blade Stealth 13, Blade 15, and Blade Pro 17). As usual, Razer claims to be industry-disrupting with the new Blade 14, mainly for how this laptop packs top-of-the-line hardware into an impressively compact profile. The most lavish version is a no-compromises pairing of the 5900HX and an RTX 3080, plus a 165Hz, 1440p 100% DCI-P3 FreeSync Premium display. However, the RTX 3070 and RTX 3060 variants retain the luxe feel: The former shares the 3080 model’s screen, while ...