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Showing posts from August, 2021

Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro Pre-Order, Sale Date Tipped Ahead of Official Announcement

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro could be unveiled on October 19, as per the latest leak. At the time Google unveiled the design of the Pixel 6 series, it had was said that the phones will launch later this year. But it now seems like we have a date for Google’s launch event. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/38xNG3P

Google Delays Office Return Until January Due to COVID-19: See What CEO Sundar Pichai Told Employees

Google is extending its voluntary return-to-office policy through January next year, CEO Sundar Pichai said, citing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in many parts of the world. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3DsPSYu

Bose unveils its next-gen noise-cancelling headphone: the QuietComfort 45

The new cans aren’t much of a visual departure from the very popular QC35 II they replace, but Bose says there’s all kinds of improvements under the hood. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3BuTWpg

SK Hynix Gold P31 SSD review: The first 128-layer NAND drive is fast and affordable too

The SK Hynix Gold P31 NVMe SSD moves the needle on the industry seismometer just enough to makes this review far easier to write. Two points alter the needle’s path: The P31 is not only the first drive to sport 128-layer TLC NAND, it’s also the first in my experience to feature eco-friendly packaging. Huzzah! This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best SSDs . Go there for information on competing products and how we tested them. Editor's note: On August 31st, 2021, SK Hynix sent us the newly released 2TB version of the Gold P31 ( $280 on Amazon ). In testing, the performance was within half a percent either way of the the 1TB version reviewed here, which was first published on August 19, 2020.   To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3hcB3O6

Windows 11 won't support Android apps at launch

Microsoft snuck some key news into a corner of the Windows 11 release date announcement: Android app support, one of the most anticipated new Windows 11 features, won’t be available when the operating system launches on October 5. “We look forward to continuing our journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store through our collaboration with Amazon and Intel; this will start with a preview for Windows Insiders over the coming months,” wrote Aaron Woodman, Microsoft’s Windows marketing manager. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zzek8n

Japan has real-life loot boxes full of CPUs

In a country famous for putting just about anything in vending machines, Japan may have topped it all with a vending machine that dispenses CPUs. The twist? You don’t know what CPU you’re going to get. The vending machine snap was taken by Twitter user Nullpo_x3100 and noticed by Wccftech’s Hassan Mujtaba .  Although we wouldn’t put it past someone in Japan to actually sell CPUs like this one day, the machine here is actually more akin to a loot box you’d find in a videogame. After dropping in 1,000 Yen (or about $9), according to Mujtaba, the machine drops a Ryzen box with random processors inside—it could be Intel, it could be AMD, it could be several chips. The setup brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “ silicon lottery .” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3gQCsvJ

Windows 11 will launch on October 5

It’s official: Windows 11 will be released on October 5. “On this day, the free upgrade to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase,” Microsoft said today . That’s an interesting twist, as Microsoft previously said that Windows 11 upgrades for Windows 10 PCs won’t happen until 2022 . Will those eligible PCs start seeing the Windows 11 upgrade prompt immediately, or will most people need to wait until later for the offer? We’ll have to see—and that’s not even getting into the Windows 11 hardware compatibility fiasco for desktop users, which started off confusing and just keeps getting more confusing. Microsoft says new devices will get offered it first, with Windows 11 spreading to all eligible PCs by mid-2022. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/38tgIkY

Watch Dell's thermal expert explain the intricacies of laptop cooling

Modern gaming laptops need to maintain the delicate balancing act of jamming as much hardware as possible into designs that are as thin as possible, all while keeping it from overheating. With Alienware’s new x17 gaming laptop , the company says it pulled out all the stops to push the performance envelope in such a thin design, including the use of four fans with Dell’s patented dual opposite outlet (DOO) design . We had a chance to interview Dell’s thermal engineering technologist Travis North about what it took to create this tiny, yet powerful notebook. The series of interviews runs quite long for those who want to nerd out so we broke it out into three separate pieces. You can watch all three below. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mLDoW7

Windows 11 superguide: News, tips, reviews and more

Windows 11 is real, and it’s drawing closer. Microsoft has announced the next generation of its operating system, and we’ve already received a look at some of its next-generation features. Microsoft has already unwittingly provided us with an early look at Windows 11. It’s noteworthy for its streamlined Start menu and simplified taskbar, layered on top of what looks a lot like Windows 10. As Microsoft rolls out 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, as well as the unexpected new features and major hardware requirements of Windows 11, too. We’ll have hands-on and tips as well. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3wUIpxQ

The Suicide Squad out September 16 on Apple TV, BookMyShow Stream, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies

The Suicide Squad is heading to video on demand platforms including Apple TV, BookMyShow Stream, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies on September 16. The movie released in theatres on August 5 in select regions including India. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gNPc6n

SimpliSafe unveils its first proper outdoor cam

Looks like SimpliSafe is finally getting serious about outdoor security cameras. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/38pJyCO

Netgear’s Nighthawk M5 5G puts gigabit Wi-Fi 6 internet in the palm of your hand

Netgear has officially finally released the unlocked version of its Netgear Nighthawk M5 5G Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Router (model MR5200), which the company first announced at CES in January 2020. The Nighthawk M5 represents a new class of mobile hotspot—er, mobile router —that challenges the notion that you need a hardwired connection to get low-latency, high-throughput internet. What’s more, its mobile nature lends it a versatility that typical routers cannot match—after all, what other router can you just throw in a laptop bag and take with you to a coffee shop? [ Further reading: The best uninterruptible power supplies ] The device itself is a small black rounded square, ever-so-slightly larger than second-generation AirPort Express . A small touchscreen on top displays status information and configuration options. Port selection includes a single gigabit ethernet port and one USB-C port. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zzzxPg

Google, Apple Can’t Force Payment Systems on Developers, Says South Korea’s Landmark Bill That Just Passed

A landmark bill passed in South Korea's parliament bans major app store operators such as Google and Apple from forcing software developers to use their payment systems, effectively stopping them from charging commissions on in-app purchases. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3sZ5mP8

Your big-screen laptop may be smaller than you think

In the world we live in, bigger is better. That, unfortunately, is how we got to a point where a 17.3-inch laptop screen isn’t necessarily bigger than a 17-inch laptop screen. And no, this isn’t a fraction problem like the one that caused A&W to stop selling its third-pounder burger because people thought it was less than a quarter-pounder problem. Consumers legitimately expect a 17.3-inch laptop screen to be larger than a 17-inch one because 17.3 is bigger than 17. It’s reasonable! But the key problem here is the differing aspect ratio of laptops. The vast majority of 17.3-inch laptops feature screens with an aspect ratio—the proportion between the length and the height of the panel—of 16:9, similar to what you see in HDTVs. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3yvunmm

The Windows 11 hardware fiasco keeps getting worse

If there was a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, just to reverse slam dunk victory back into the jaws of utter failure, Microsoft found it with the way it’s handled the Windows 11 hardware compatibility fiasco. Last Friday, the company passed word to several news outlets that it would indeed let PCs built before 2018 install its upcoming Windows 11 operating system, ending what had been building into a modern day Cuban Missile Crisis among PC enthusiasts. The crisis began in June when Microsoft released a Windows 11 compatibility checker that essentially threw computers running still-powerful CPUs like the Intel Core i7-7700K and AMD Ryzen 7 1800X overboard—including its own Microsoft Surface laptops—in the name of security. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jszY8u

Level Lock review: Another brilliant smart lock

Level Home dropped touch operation from its latest smart lock, which costs $80 less than the company’s top-of-the-line model. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3t4Dv0a

Google, Facebook, Microsoft Top EU Lobbying Spending: Study

Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, followed by Apple, Huawei, and Amazon are the biggest lobbying spenders in Europe in a battle against tough new laws aimed at curbing US tech giants' powers, says a study. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2V2gLRR

Windows 11 FAQ: Answers to your most burning Windows 11 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 is 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.  Microsoft launched Windows 11 on June 24 .  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3j8MJFC

Dell XPS 17 review: The ultimate content creation laptop

Warning: Dell’s XPS 17 9710 is no gaming laptop . If you just wrinkled your nose up in disapproval, it’s fine—from Dell’s point of view anyway. That’s because the XPS 17 9710 is seemingly designed to appeal to content creators, not those focused only on gaming. You might have difficulty wrapping your head around the concept since gaming laptops with a higher-resolution screen typically pass as content creation laptops. We admit we thought that too, but over time, we’ve come to finally understand what Dell is doing here—very successfully too. Adobe users in particular will love this notebook.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ysHbcY

Don’t be lazy: Always use a fresh Windows installation for a new PC

Migrating your data from an existing storage drive to a new one is a pain. It can take hours to complete the process, and you always run the risk of leaving something behind. It’s understandable that you’d be tempted to take your SSD or HDD and just connect it to your new system’s motherboard. But you shouldn’t give in to the desire. Yes, we’ve come a long way since the days when moving over a drive wasn’t even an option if you had any sense. Back then, Windows installations reacted poorly to the changeover, with problems ranging from the PC not booting to deactivated features to the risk of random Blue Screens of Death...and more. The best course was spinning up a new drive: You installed a fresh version of Windows, all the relevant drivers for your new build, and your previous set of applications anew. Computer users who did a good job of backing up files could then copy those onto the new drive with minimal downtime, while keeping the old drive on hand as a safety in case a file ...

Edifier D12 review: A classy, affordable, tabletop Bluetooth speaker

Edifier's single-body stereo D12 Bluetooth speaker is handsome, sounds good, and is far more affordable than it looks. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zsUify

Here’s the nicest way to wake up, courtesy of your Google smart display

The sunrise alarm on a Google Nest Hub can gently wake you with a warm glow and a refreshing alarm tone, while also raising the lights in your bedroom. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Wxu0u3

Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro Tipped to Launch on September 13

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were unveiled by Google earlier this month. A new leak suggests that the phones’ dedicated launch event will be held on September 13. Pricing and availability information of the two phones will likely be revealed then. Google is yet to make an announcement of a launch event. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3ztlOd5

Google Play App Store Revenue Hit $11.2 Billion in 2019, Unsealed Court Filing Shows

Google generated $11.2 billion (roughly Rs. 82,320 crores) in revenue from its mobile app store in 2019, according to a court filing unsealed on Saturday, offering a clear view into the service's financial results for the first time. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3kxMvqF

How to Recover Deleted Photos and Videos From Google Photos

Google Photos will not restore your deleted photos and videos if the trash was permanently deleted or if the content was permanently deleted from the device’s Gallery app, without backing it up first. If the photo or video are visible in the trash folder of Google Photos, you can restore them by following these simple steps. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3zrFii9

How to Activate Your Jio eSIM

Jio is one of the largest telecom operators in India. It offers a variety of plans for both prepaid and postpaid users. You can easily get a Jio SIM and activate your number to start using its services. Not only a does Jio offer physical SIM cards, it also offers eSIM or Embedded Subscriber Identity Module facility for smartphones that support it. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Wyq7FC

The gotcha: Installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC disables updates

While Microsoft may allow you to run Windows 11 on an “unsupported” PC, a previously undisclosed Microsoft limitation means that there’s a new, big gotcha waiting in the wings, too. Microsoft lifted enthusiast hopes on Friday when it told some publications that it would allow users to run Windows 11 on an “unsupported PC,” or one that apps like Microsoft’s own PC Health Check would report as incompatible with the hardware requirements of Windows 11. In response to a PCWorld request for clarification, however, Microsoft added that there was more to it than that. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2WCuMpU

Microsoft Is Reportedly Discontinuing Support for Office Apps on Chromebook From September 18

Microsoft is reportedly discontinuing support for its Office apps on Chromebook. A new report states that the company wants Chromebook users to transition to Web versions of these apps. This decision will be incorporated around mid-September and while the apps will not be supported by Microsoft anymore they will continue to function. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3mH9brk

Google Pay to Allow Users Open Fixed Deposits on its Platform in India: Report

Google Pay will soon allow its customers in India to open Fixed Deposits (FD) on its platform, according to a report. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/38lWI3G

Want Windows 11? Your PC better have these specs

Microsoft has published its hardware requirements for Windows 11, adding strict new security requirements for its next operating system...if you're going the official route, that is. Here’s what you’ll need to run Windows 11 when Microsoft releases it in the fall. 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.  Fortunately, if your PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements, you’ll have several years to replace it, as Windows 10 will be supported until 2025. New Windows 11 PCs will also ship this fall. Microsoft has published a multipage document listing the detailed hardware requirements of Windows 11 (PDF),  along with new webcam and touchpad requirements that have been added. On August 28, however, the company began leaking...

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 the 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

Microsoft backs down: Older PCs will be able to run Windows 11, unofficially

Microsoft said Friday that the company is relenting somewhat on its minimum requirements for Windows 11, allowing enthusiasts that understand the risks to download and upgrade Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware. Exact details remain murky, however, due to conflicting reports and the lack of an official Microsoft statement. Users who choose to download a standalone Windows 11 ISO file (as explained in how to upgrade to the Windows 11 beta ) will be permitted to run Windows 11, even if the PC doesn’t technically qualify for the OS upgrade. Reports by ZDNet , The Verge , Windows Central , and Thurrott.com all included unsourced attributions from Microsoft spokespeople that say users will be able to run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Some of the publications implied that there will be a set of minimum hardware requirements that Microsoft will enforce, while others simply ignored them. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jjqblc ...

This dead-simple keyboard shortcut will change the way you use Slack

Forgive me if this is old news to you, but Macworld’s Jason Cross just introduced me to a keyboard shortcut that will fundamentally change the way I use Slack—a program I spend hours and hours in all day, every weekday. And it’s so simple I feel dumb for not knowing about it before, so I wanted to share it with you. Here we go: Pressing the Up arrow reloads the last message you sent in editing mode. Just one button press and you’re instantly editing whatever you sent last. And it works per-channel or DM. To quote Jason: 🤯 If you already knew about the trick you’ve probably forgotten just how awesome this dead-simple keyboard shortcut is. I’ve only known about it for a few minutes and I can already tell it’s going to become an immediate mainstay for me, eradicating several slower manual steps—and more importantly, regaining several seconds of my life—every time I do. As Jason noted, this feels right up there with using middle-click to open a link in a new browser tab, or Crtl +...

Chromebooks versus Windows laptops: Which should you buy?

Should I buy a Chromebook or a Windows laptop? It’s a common question, whether asked by parents weighing the best computer option for back-to-school or by people who just want an inexpensive computer for themselves. We’ll help you choose the right one. Our latest update includes more answers to questions you might have: such as, how slow (and inexpensive) can a Chromebook be before it stops being usable? What does Windows 11 mean for laptops? Read on for the answers, plus our up-to-date buying guide for July 2021 and more. Who should buy a Windows laptop? A notebook PC or laptop powered by Microsoft Windows offers several advantages. Windows offers the most flexibility to run just about any app, your choice of any browser, and configure antivirus options, utilities, and more. You can tweak and configure your PC as you choose. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2HsqjfR

How to turn on AMD's Smart Access Memory for faster gaming performance

AMD’s Smart Access Memory allows you to combine a Radeon RX 6000 series GPU with a Ryzen processor to unlock even more gaming performance—dramatically so, in some cases. Before we show you how to enable Smart Access memory, we’ll discuss the hardware requirements. Next, we’ll walk you through how to configure your BIOS to activate SAM. And lastly, we’ll show you how to confirm it’s working. Let’s get smart! (And be sure to check out our explainer on how Smart Access Memory and the Nvidia-equivalent Resizable BAR work ) . Smart Access Memory hardware requirements AMD 500 series motherboard (X570, B550, etc.) AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs (5600x, 5800x, etc.) AMD Ryzen 3000 select CPUs (excluding 3200G and 3400G) AMD Radeon RX 6000 GPUs (6800, 6800XT, etc.) AMD Radeon Software (20.11.2 or newer) AMD latest BIOS (AGESA 1.1.0.0 or newer) As per the recommended hardware above, best results will come from the RX 6000 series GPUs and Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. AMD did add select 3000 s...

YouTube Starts Rolling Out Picture-in-Picture Mode for iOS Users Worldwide: How to Get on Your iPhone

YouTube for iOS users worldwide are starting to receive the much-anticipated Picture-in-Picture mode. YouTube confirmed to Gadgets 360 that it has started rolling out the feature for all YouTube Premium subscribers worldwide including India. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3sZEkr2

Hey iPhone users: Stop 'Liking' everything

Hey iPhone users, I know your world view is pretty much centered on blue bubbles, but do you think you could stop Liking everything in group texts? It’s annoying AF to Android users, a.k.a. most of us. I know you’ve been conditioned by Facebook and other social media services to show your approval of a friend’s cat being hit by a Budweiser truck—but when you’re in a mixed group text, it doesn’t work the same way. On Facebook or Twitter, when you Like or Heart some tragic thing happening, it just attaches an icon to the original post. In a group text with 20 people in it, it takes the sentence you Liked—such as: “I’m feeling very sad because yesterday they stopped selling the McRib, and I’m really, really torn up about it. I’m not sure what to do with my life now”—and simply repeats it with the word L iked next to it. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mEhmVi

Wi-Fi extenders vs. boosters vs. repeaters: Major differences explained

With the recent boom in smart home technology, even our garage doors and light bulbs are connecting to the internet. And because of this, you may now need Wi-Fi coverage in parts of your home that previously didn’t need access. There are numerous products that aim to solve this pain point, but you’ll need to understand the differences between them to know which one to buy. Below we’ll detail the major differences between Wi-Fi extenders, Wi-Fi repeaters, Wi-Fi boosters, and Wi-Fi bridges. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3zqwiJW

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level review: A top-tier portable music streamer

Oozing charm and smarts, the Beosound Level reaches a new plateau in home audio sophistication. Battery power, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth ensure you can take it with you. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3sO7Csw

Google Said to Pay Apple $15 Billion to Remain Default Search Engine on Safari in 2021

Google may have to keep paying increasing amounts of money to Apple to stay on as the default search engine on Safari. Bernstein analysts have reportedly said Google will be shelling out $15 billion for FY 2021. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3BmbFzn

Google Sheets Can Now Suggest Automatic, Context-Aware Formulas and Functions

Google Sheets is getting an update that will bring "in-line, sequential, context-aware suggestions for formulas and functions." Google notes that these formula suggestions will make it easier to write new formulas accurately and analyse data much quicker. The new feature started rolling out on August 25 and should be visible to all users within 15 days from the date. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2WtxEFa

JioPhone Next Pre-Bookings in India to Go Live From Next Week: Report

JioPhone Next pre-booking in India will start from next week, according to a report. The Jio smartphone is rumoured to carry a price tag of Rs. 3,499. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Y2JLdl

YouTube Suspends Payments to 14 Brazilian Accounts Over Election Disinformation

YouTube said it had suspended payments to content producers from 14 channels accused of spreading fake news about next year's election by the country's federal electoral court. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3jjrxw7

How to tell which way your fan is blowing

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Spend enough time around PC builders and PC building forums, and you’ll learn pretty quickly that the direction of a case or CPU cooler fan matters. When a fan’s positioned for intake, the intent is to pull in cool air. But when a fan is set as an exhaust fan, the idea is to expel warm air away from the case or cooler. Both options are useful depending on where the fan resides in the build. So how do you tell at a glance which way the fan is blowing, especially when even seasoned PC builders sometimes have to take a moment to think about it? It’s pretty simple, even if your fan’s manufacturer doesn’t make it explicitly clear. Look for the arrow Alaina Yee / IDG Some case fans (but not all) have an arrow showing the direction of airflow. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/34ghKPn

Report: Chip prices could go up 10 percent or more as TSMC imposes price hikes

Superfoundry TSMC plans to raise chip prices by 10 to 20 percent, according to a new report. If true, chip prices across the board could increase as a result, especially AMD CPUs and GPUs from AMD, Intel, and Nvidia. Laptops, Apple iPhones, and Android phones powered by Qualcomm could see price hikes, too. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacuring Co., the world’s largest chip foundry, “plans” to raise the prices it charges customers as early as later this year or possibly next year, due to an unusually high demand for chips. The  Journal reported that TSMC would charge automakers up to 20 percent more to manufacture key automotive components, but also charge up to 10 percent more for “more advanced chips.” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mB0mzd

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential Review: The Intelligent Clock You Always Wanted

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a small Google Assistant-powered smart speaker in most ways, but has a 4-inch LED display that shows the time and other basic information. Is this the most interesting clock you can buy right now? Find out in this review. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3zfzsQN

These 6 core apps will change in Windows 11

Windows 11 won’t just change the Windows operating system, it will change the way some Windows apps look and feel, too. Though Windows 11 will launch this fall, Microsoft has already been highlighting several Windows apps that are being updated for Windows 11. So far, Microsoft has shown off several Windows apps that it’s reworking for Windows 11, including what you might consider to be core Windows apps: Mail and Calendar, Paint, and even the lowly Clock app. Below, we’ll show you what to expect of these new apps within Windows 11. (Remember, Windows 11 is officially in beta . Things may change between now and the final release.) To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3BdMnTN

How to set up your PC's fans for maximum system cooling

Hot hardware is unhappy hardware, so where you place your PC's fans plays a crucial part in how efficiently your precious components perform. This guide will explain how to set up your PC fans for the best cooling performance—because you didn't stand in line for days to get your expensive new graphics card just for it to thermal throttle, after all. There are a few important concepts that you should be aware of when it comes to setting up your various PC fans. Let's tackle them one by one. The knowledge should flow in quickly—just like the air in a well-configured system. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2USNkl8

"Free" streaming cable TV channels: They're not what you think they are

Cord-cutting is confusing enough. Knock-off versions of popular cable channels aren't helping. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jgsN3h

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 review: These in-ear headphones pack a punch

Samsung packs a bevy of features, including active noise cancellation, into these sleek true wireless earbuds. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ji4lys

Google, Microsoft, More Tech Firms Pledge Billions in Cybersecurity After Meeting With US President

Leading US technology companies have committed to investing billions of dollars to strengthen cybersecurity defences and to train skilled workers, the White House announced Wednesday following President Joe Biden's private meeting with top executives. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3jiI1oh

Google Said to Tap Samsung 5G Modem Tech for Next Pixel Flagship

Google will tap Samsung to supply the 5G modem for its next flagship Pixel smart phone, sources familiar with the matter said, signalling the first win for the South Korean firm in a US market dominated by Qualcomm. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3sNzgWw

Google Discontinues Pixel 4A 5G, Pixel 5 Ahead of Pixel 6 Launch

Google Pixel 4A 5G and the Pixel 5 have been discontinued ahead of Pixel 6 launch. The tech giant said it expects stores in the US to sell out of the older devices within the next few weeks. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3DfKlVl

Google Chat for Web Gets Dark Mode, Google Calendar to Allow Adding Work Location

Google Chat is getting Dark Mode support on Web, among other PWA (Progressive Web App) platforms. The Dark Mode switch is available in Settings > Theme Settings. Separately, Google has announced that it will roll out a new work location feature in Calendar on August 30. This will allow users to feed in their location of work for the week. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3kfforo

Epic Games Says Google Paid Phone, Game Makers to Avoid $1-Billion App Store Hit

Fortnite developer Epic Games unsealed details about contracts it alleges Google signed with phone makers and other top video game companies to avoid losing $1.1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,190 crores) in annual app store profit. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3y45cXR

Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro Tipped to Offer 33W Fast Charging Support

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been tipped to come with 33W fast charging support. The two phones will launch this fall and bring a unique design which is quite a major change from Pixel phones of the past. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3ATjb4r

Google Fined by Russia — Again — for Failing to Remove Banned Content

Google was fined RUB 6 million (roughly Rs. 60 lakhs) by a Moscow court for failing to delete content that Russia deems illegal, the second such penalty to be imposed on the tech giant in less than a week. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2XFoCpn

YouTube Search to Show Chapter Thumbnails, Better Recommendations for Translated Videos

YouTube has updated its search function that it claims will make it easier for its users to search and find new content on its platform. Users will get more visual search features, such as the ability to preview chapters of a video and will get better foreign language recommendations if there is not enough content in the user's native language. The foreign language re... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3svf3V9

Best Buy will sell Nvidia RTX 30-series GPUs this Thursday (if you have a ticket)

If you’ve been searching in vain for a graphics card during the crippling GPU shortage , tomorrow might just be your best chance yet at snagging one. Best Buy announced that it will be selling GeForce RTX 30-series graphics card in select stores Thursday morning. “Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics cards will have limited quantities available on Thursday, August 26, only in select stores,” the company said in an announcement on Monday. “Blue Shirts at participating stores will start handing out tickets at 7:30 a.m. local time that morning. We’ll hand out one ticket per customer in line. If you get a ticket, you will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase a graphics card inside the store beginning at 8 a.m. local time.” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3jheNX9

The Full Nerd special edition: Intel's Tom Petersen dives deep into Arc GPUs and XeSS

In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung , Brad Chacos and Adam Patrick Murray  are joined by Intel Fellow Tom Petersen to talk about the company's highly anticipated Arc graphics cards for PC gamers . Although still months away, excitement is building for Intel's entry into the graphics game with its Arc GPUs. Petersen drops hints about why certain design decisions were made by the company in AI, and wades into whether Arc GPUs will support adaptive sync (and the state of adaptive sync monitors in general). To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3krhnsG

Fitbit Charge 5 Fitness Band With Always-On Display, Daily Readiness Score, On-Wrist ECG App Launched

Fitbit Charge 5 has been launched with new features like the Daily Readiness Score and on-wrist ECG app. Pre-orders will begin from August 25. The fitness band comes in Graphite and Black, Gold and Lunar White, and Platinum and Steel Blue colour options. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3mtkvXT

Fitbit's Charge 5 reveal hints at the future of Android Wear

Fitbit officially unveiled its latest fitness tracker on Wednesday, but for those following the rumors and leaks , the announcement of the Charge 5 comes as little surprise. Far more interesting are the new features of the Charge 4 ’s successor and the coming updates to Fitbit’s Premium service launching alongside it—plus the tantalizing hint dropped about the Google-owned company’s involvement with Wear OS (formerly Android Wear) devices. Design and features More streamlined, colorful, feature-rich, and expensive is the fastest summary of the Charge 5. Compared to its predecessor, it’s thinner by 10 percent, with a flatter shape and rounded edges similar to Fitbit’s smaller Luxe tracker . However, it still sports the same maximum battery life of up to seven days, despite that downsizing and a switch to a color AMOLED screen two times as bright as the monochrome Charge 4. Reading the Charge 5 in bright sunlight and indoors should be easier than with the Charge 4, as Fitbit has pair...

Google Pixel 6 Pro Specifications May Include In-Display Fingerprint Sensor, Hiroshi Lockheimer Hints

Google Pixel 6 Pro specifications may include an in-display fingerprint sensor. The new details were suggested by a screenshot tweeted by Google Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems Hiroshi Lockheimer. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3zgoD0T

Google Safety Centre Updated in India, Gets Support for 8 Indic Languages

Google on Wednesday hosted its virtual Google for India event to launch an updated Google Safety Centre in eight Indic languages and introduce an online safety-focussed programme ‘Be Internet Awesome’ in the country. Google also announced its partnership with Indian comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha to bring online safety content in popular comic book charact... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3sSP6z9

Acer Nitro 5 review: Great gaming value with a great display

You're likely accustomed to seeing models of Acer’s venerable Nitro 5 budget gaming laptop line with prices comfortably in the triple digits. The company extends the line into midrange gaming laptop territory with this configuration ( $1,700 at Acer ), which packs a QHD display powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics.  Despite its many charms and strong performance, the Nitro 5 takes a close second to the Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition , which remains the best gaming laptop value we've seen lately. The Nitro 5 has an obvious advantage in screen resolution, however: Its 15.6-inch QHD display lends a versatility to the Nitro 5 that makes it an excellent productivity machine as well. If you’re looking for a do-it-all laptop for both work and play, there’s a good argument to be made for the Nitro 5. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3BczucE

ExpressVPN review : Just as speedy now with its own open-source protocol

ExpressVPN in brief: P2P allowed: Yes Number of servers: 3,000+ Number of country locations: 95 Business location: British Virgin Islands Cost: $99.95 VPN protocol: Lightway Data encryption: AES256-GCM Data authentication:  SHA384 Handshake:  ECDHE-RSA Paying more than $60 for a VPN service is too much. Unless that company is offering a ton of extra features and device compatibility to justify the cost. One company making that gamble is ExpressVPN, which charges nearly $100 per year. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2WnbC74

Apple, Google to Face Curbs on In-App Purchase Commissions as South Korean Parliament Committee Votes

A South Korean parliamentary committee voted to recommend amending a law, a key step toward banning Google and Apple from forcibly charging software developers commissions on in-app purchases, the first such curb by a major economy. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2WgYIYh

Hulu’s best movies for cord-cutters

Films like these make a Hulu subscription worthwhile. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3rdaAnS

This massive AI chip has the compute power of a human brain

Cerebras Systems said today that the company has achieved the computational equivalent of the human brain, or the equivalent of 100 trillion synapses. Cerebras manufactures what it calls the Wafer Scale Engine-1 and -2, a massive 46,225 sq. mm chip more like the size of a computer keyboard than the CPU that goes inside of your PC. The company essentially mounts that chip inside of a standalone CS-2 system, about the size of a dorm refrigerator. Now, the company says that it’s been able to surround the CS-2 with several different technologies to enable the brain-scale computational power to reach 120 trillion synapse equivalents, also called parameters. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3guXxf8

How to Choose a Laptop for Online Learning on a Budget

Looking for a laptop for work or online learning but don't want to spend too much? Fret not. We've combed the Internet to find some of the good budget options your should be looking at from brands such as Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo and the lot. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3BawHB0

Ring is killing its desktop apps for PC and Mac

Still using the Ring desktop app? Time to say goodbye and migrate to Ring.com or the mobile Ring applications. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2UI0ZeC

Nest Doorbell review: Google’s porch sentinel shines

The successor to the Nest Hello runs on battery or wired power, packs advanced features, and delivers fast, accurate visitor detection. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3kiLG50

Nest Cam review: A great security cam, indoors or out

The new-for-2021 Nest Cam is a winner, but you’ll need a subscription to realize its full value. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3DcNK79

Nvidia LHR explained: What is a 'Lite Hash Rate' GPU?

It’s a tough time to be a PC gamer. A crippling GPU shortage has made buying the best graphics cards next to impossible, and when you can find a GPU, it’s usually at an exorbitant markup. Making matters worse, crypto currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have been absolutely booming throughout 2021, driving hordes of GPU miners to gobble up what graphics cards they can find to mine cryptocoins and turn a nice profit, sometimes in “farms” composed of rows of toiling GPUs. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3B7xsL4

Gateway 15.6-inch Ultra Slim Notebook review: Big screen on a budget

The Gateway 15.6-inch Ultra Slim Notebook is a classic budget PC. At $399 from Walmart , the price is hard to beat, especially considering its solid performance, decent storage space, and roomy screen size.  The trade-offs come from all the things that don’t show up on a spec sheet. The display is harshly lit, with subpar viewing angles. The trackpad is abrasive. The plastic enclosure is creaky and wobbly, and battery life is woefully brief. This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best laptops . Go there for information on competing products and how we tested them. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ybbyVm

Apple, Google’s In-App Purchase Commission Dominance Likely to Be Curbed by South Korea

South Korea is likely to bar Google and Apple from charging software developers commissions on in-app purchases, the first such curbs by a major economy that could hurt the tech giants' lucrative revenue streams. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Wdpi4x

Google Play Store Removes 8 Fake Cryptocurrency Mining Apps for Tricking Users: Trend Micro

Trend Micro reports that the eight fake apps included BitFunds – Crypto Cloud Mining, Bitcoin Miner – Cloud Mining, Bitcoin (BTC) – Pool Mining Cloud Wallet, and Ethereum (ETH) - Pool Mining Cloud. The firm says that two of these eight malicious apps were even paid; meaning users had to purchase them on installation. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3DfRepi

Razer's mouse hack highlights a problem: Hardware that pushes apps to your PC

A recent “hack” involving a Razer mouse shows what can happen if a new piece of hardware automatically downloads the required utility software: It can allow an attacker to take over a PC. Late last week, security researcher “j0nh4t” showed that the RazerInstaller utility could be used to elevate privileges on a PC, giving an attacker total control. Essentially, all a user would need to do is attach a Razer mouse, wait for Razer’s utility software to download, and then run PowerShell. Using the technique that jonh4t described in his tweet , a guest account on a PC could obtain administrator status and control the PC. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2XLccw5

Full Nerd: Watch Intel's Tom Petersen answer our Arc GPU and XeSS questions Tuesday!

We're in for a treat on this week's Full Nerd podcast. Join us live on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern/10:30 a.m. Pacific when we’re joined by Intel’s Tom Petersen to talk about the company's just-revealed Arc GPU and XeSS upsampling technology ! Intel’s entrance into consumer graphics cards couldn’t come at a better time for gamers, who are suffering through one of the worst GPU droughts in recorded history. If you’re curious about Intel’s GPU and whether its XeSS image upscaling technology can compete with Nvidia’s DLSS 2.0 and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution , come with your questions ready for graphics veteran Tom Petersen, who left Nvidia for Intel in 2019. Tom dropped some deep, insightful knowledge the last time he was on TFN all the way back in 2016. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/386s0eN

Hulu finally adds HDR support, catching up with rivals

Hulu now streams a selection of its content in HDR, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/385GAmL

How to keep your PC cool for best performance

The desktop PC has two major nemeses: dust and heat. Heat can be tough to diagnose since you can’t see it the way you can with dust. The key to avoiding any heat-related issues (besides regularly cleaning your PC ) is sticking with some tried and true principles of cooling. If you follow the basics, then adapt them to your local environment and the demands of your PC, you should be just fine. How to measure temperatures The best way to easily measure if your PC is getting too hot is to monitor the temperatures reported by the CPU and GPU. If these two components are staying within their recommended temperature ranges, then everything else should be just fine. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3y87ncU

Yeedi Vac Station review: An affordable self-emptying robot vac that also mops

Yeedi's latest offering is an impressive and affordable option for those who want to jump on the self-emptying robot vacuum trend. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3k9YqKU

Orbit B-hyve XD Bluetooth hose faucet timer review: Orbit’s 2nd-gen smart waterer gains a display

This new model features an on-device user interface, stronger Bluetooth radio, and the same Wi-Fi option. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3ybtLSH

Gaming laptop CPU showdown: Intel 11th-gen vs 10th-gen vs AMD Ryzen 5000

It’s been a long road, but we may finally have an answer to the question of “which CPU is the best gaming laptop chip?”  The short answer: Tiger Lake H. The long answer is more nuanced, of course, so keep reading. You can also use our handy table of contents below to jump ahead: The Intel CPUs we tested What's in a TGP 11th gen Core i9-11980HK vs Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU performance 11th gen Core i9-11980HK rendering performance Core i9-11980HK gaming performance PCIe performance CPU thread performance Conclusion The Intel CPUs we tested Let’s walk you through the journey to get here. When we first reviewed the 11th-gen Core i7-11800H  we were unable to load Nvidia’s Game Ready Drivers on the GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop. Instead, we concentrated on its CPU performance. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3B6T626

Google Discontinues Pixel 4A 5G, Pixel 5 Ahead of Pixel 6 Launch

Google Pixel 4A 5G and the Pixel 5 have been discontinued ahead of Pixel 6 launch. The tech giant said it expects stores in the US to sell out of the older devices within the next few weeks. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3DfKlVl

Google Chat for Web Gets Dark Mode, Google Calendar to Allow Adding Work Location

Google Chat is getting Dark Mode support on Web, among other PWA (Progressive Web App) platforms. The Dark Mode switch is available in Settings > Theme Settings. Separately, Google has announced that it will roll out a new work location feature in Calendar on August 30. This will allow users to feed in their location of work for the week. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3kfforo

Best PDF editors: Reviewed and rated

Though it’s nearly 25 years old, the PDF may be more useful than ever in our increasingly multi-device, cross-platform world. Much of the time you can get by with a free PDF reader to review and comment on these files. But inevitably, particularly in a business setting, you’ll need to edit a PDF file and that usually requires upgrading to a premium PDF editor. Best PDF editors 2021 Adobe Acrobat Pro DC: Best overall [ adobe.com ] Nitro Pro 12: Runner up [ gonitro.com ] PDF Complete Office Edition 4.2: Best budget option [ pdfcomplete.com ]   Historically, Adobe Acrobat has been the best option, but it has also been the most expensive, often putting it out of reach of individuals and small businesses. That has given rise to a wealth of alternatives with varying features and costs. We looked at several top PDF editors to see what they offer and how they stack up against each other. See below for why we choose our top picks, and scroll to the bottom to see all of our PDF r...

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

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

The Full Nerd ep. 188: Intel's 12th-gen Alder Lake and Arc GPU

In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Ung , Alaina Yee , Mark Hachman and Adam Patrick Murray  discuss Intel's big news on Alder Lake and its Arc GPU. It's all-Intel this week, but that's to be expected with the company unwrapping its Alder Lake hybrid CPU, which combines a redesigned performance core the company calls its biggest change in a decade, and its efficiency cores. You can read more about Alder Lake  in Mark Hachman's story. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/37Y4hxx

Razer Blade 14 review: For gamers who want to lighten up

When we received the Razer Blade 14 for review, we were curious to see what Ryzen 5000 and Nvidia RTX 30 series hardware could do in such a thin and light laptop. To Razer’s credit, the Blade 14 is surprisingly capable—with a few compromises. But you’ll need to reach deep for this top-tier system, which costs $2,800 at Amazon . This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best laptops . Go there for information on competing products and how we tested them. Razer Blade 14 Specifications Razer put some impressive hardware into the Blade 14, especially considering its size. Here are the main components: To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mkv4we

Epic Games Says Google Paid Phone, Game Makers to Avoid $1-Billion App Store Hit

Fortnite developer Epic Games unsealed details about contracts it alleges Google signed with phone makers and other top video game companies to avoid losing $1.1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,190 crores) in annual app store profit. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3y45cXR

Rise Gardens Double Family Garden review: This smart indoor greenhouse doesn’t need the sun

You can produce enough fresh veggies to feed a small army with this foolproof hydroponic growing system. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mjulva

GameSir GK300 review: Wireless keyboard goodness, just not for gaming

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Say you want a keyboard that ticks every box: You want a full-sized beast, eye-catching backlit keys, an included wrist rest, multiple wireless options, and trendy mechanical keys. From big-name suppliers like Logitech, you’re looking at spending $150 to $200. Budget manufacturer GameSir will give you all of that for an impressively frugal 80 bucks.  Is the GK300 as good as keyboards twice its price? No. Franky, it’s not even particularly impressive for gaming, thanks to its use of clicky imitation Cherry Blue switches. But it’s a fantastic value if you want a full-sized wireless mech board with extra bells and whistles.  This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best wireless keyboards . Go there for reviews of competing products and buying advice, including how we tested.   Michael Crider / IDG The key stems on the GK300 accommodate any Cherry-style keycaps, though the switches themselves are inferior Cherry knockoffs. To read this article in full, ple...

How to get the Windows 11 beta

Microsoft has released the first official builds of Windows 11. Here’s how to get Windows 11 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 may need to join the Windows Insider program so that your PC can receive the first beta or Windows Insider builds of Windows 11. As of August 19, though, there’s a second way to receive a Windows 11 beta build: by downloading an .ISO file. (Remember, the Windows 11 beta is beta software. We’d advise that you do not run it on a primary/work PC without understanding that a bug could, in the worst case, render it inoperable.) To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3A7PNYE

PDF Candy review: A feature-packed free PDF editor

While free PDF editors are easy to find, free PDF editors with advanced features are virtually unheard of. PDF Candy is a rarity, offering top-shelf scanning, multiple file-conversion options, OCR capability, and other features you’d otherwise expect to pay for. The web-based editor isn’t presented as a unified interface but rather as a slate of individual app icons accessible from a single landing page. Altogether there are 44 tools for creating, editing, and converting PDFs. You just choose one, upload the file, and wait for PDF Candy to complete the task. This review is part of our  best PDF editors  roundup. Go there to learn about our testing and how all the competitors performed. The tool selection is impressive. Naturally, you get a modest editor that lets you edit, mark up, and annotate text. But you’ll also find tools for watermarking documents; adding, rearranging, and splitting pages; extracting images; editing file metadata; cropping and resizing pages; and pa...

Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro Tipped to Offer 33W Fast Charging Support

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been tipped to come with 33W fast charging support. The two phones will launch this fall and bring a unique design which is quite a major change from Pixel phones of the past. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3ATjb4r

Intel's Arc gaming GPU: Price, specs and availability

Intel’s highly-anticipated Arc GPU is expected to give gamers a much-needed third option to AMD and Nvidia when released. Because we know you do more reading about gaming GPUs than actually using them these days, we’ve compiled everything we’ve learned about Intel’s first entry into high-end discrete graphics. We’ll keep this story updated with more information as we get closer to the launch of Arc. Why is it called Intel Arc? Until this week, Intel’s discrete graphics card has been touted as Xe-HPG, for High Performance Gaming. Although the Xe-HPG microarchitecture will be somewhere on the box, the GPU now takes on the far more memorable ‘Arc’ branding, which, we’re told, comes from the “story arcs” in games. We just know it’s easier to remember than Xe-HPG. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mfwNTu

Intel Alder Lake explained: How it enables a new generation of PCs

Intel’s next PC microprocessor, Alder Lake, marks a radical change for Intel. Its first mainstream Core hybrid processor mixes “performance” and “efficiency” engines to deliver either performance or longer battery life when your PC needs it most. According to Intel, Alder Lake is due “later this fall,” most likely as a 12th-gen Core chip. Intel will manufacture three versions of Alder Lake—one for the desktop, and two more for laptops—with up to 16 cores and 24 threads. Alder Lake will also mark Intel’s introduction of PCI Express 5 and DDR5 memory, executives said at its Intel Architecture Day Thursday. Interestingly, Intel has co-designed with Microsoft a special thread scheduler, destined for Windows 11, that will optimize performance. Desktop and laptop PCs with Alder Lake inside them should mix and match higher performance where it’s needed  and  offer longer battery life, as Intel continues to get better at assigning the right processor core for the right task. ...

Google Fined by Russia — Again — for Failing to Remove Banned Content

Google was fined RUB 6 million (roughly Rs. 60 lakhs) by a Moscow court for failing to delete content that Russia deems illegal, the second such penalty to be imposed on the tech giant in less than a week. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2XFoCpn

Streaming in 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos? Here's a guide

How to ensure you're actually streaming in 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mf5uIY

YouTube Search to Show Chapter Thumbnails, Better Recommendations for Translated Videos

YouTube has updated its search function that it claims will make it easier for its users to search and find new content on its platform. Users will get more visual search features, such as the ability to preview chapters of a video and will get better foreign language recommendations if there is not enough content in the user's native language. The foreign language re... from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3svf3V9

How to remove ads and Special Offers from your Kindle or Kindle Fire

If your Kindle has ads or “Special Offers” showing onscreen, it’s because you made a deal. You chose to save money on your Kindle’s purchase price by accepting the "Ad-Supported discount (formerly known as the “With Special Offers” discount). It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now you’re sick of the ads. The good news: You can back out of this deal. The bad news: It’s going to cost you.  Why is my Kindle Ad-Supported? You might not have given this much thought when you bought your Kindle, but Amazon offers a lower price for the E-reader if you accept Ad Support or Special Offers. As Amazon explains , “If your Fire tablet or Kindle e-reader includes Special Offers, you’ll receive Sponsored Screensavers and special offers, including personalized advertising, from Amazon directly on your device.” To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3k3fKS1

The best Kindle: Reviews and buying advice

The Kindle is the undisputed leader in e-readers, and Amazon makes several models. Knowing which Kindle to buy depends on your budget and your reading preferences. With this guide and our in-depth reviews, we’ll help you find just the right Kindle for you or your lucky loved one. Alert: If you're a longtime Kindle reader, you might have one of the original models. In December, 2021, those 1st- and 2nd-generation Kindles will lose Internet access , as 2G and 3G networks go offline. Read all about it in our story. Amazon’s E Ink slabs were first introduced to the world in 2007, and currently there are four models with varying feature sets—even one for kids. A few scrappy competitors may nip at the Kindle’s heels, but none can hold a candle to the sheer volume of books, comics, and periodicals available to download and consume on a Kindle. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2U3cE5l

Why Amazon's oldest Kindles will be cut off from the Internet

Amazon’s oldest Kindles are being cut off from the Internet. But don’t blame Amazon—these e-readers are collateral damage in the phaseout of 2G and 3G cellular service. The first two generations of Kindle e-readers used a cellular antenna to connect to the Internet for downloading content. Specifically, the original Kindle (1st Generation) from 2007; the Kindle (2nd Generation) from 2009; and the Kindle DX (2nd Generation), also from 2009, all had 2G or 3G cellular connectivity. Check out PCWorld’s ongoing coverage of Kindle reviews and news . That’s a problem, because the cellular networks of that era are shutting down. “Starting in December 2021,” Amazon explained in a statement, “mobile network operators in the U.S. are turning off their 2G and 3G networks, which means customers with Kindle 1st/2nd Generation and Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2G/3G-only devices released between 2007 and 2009) will be unable to download content wirelessly.” To read this article in full, pleas...

Every Tiger Lake H laptop available

In May, Intel unveiled more Tiger Lake H processors—a set of beefy, powerful chips that complement the modest 4-core parts that launched back in January and can compete with AMD’s best. Naturally, a slew of laptop reveals from long-time partners like Dell, Asus, and Acer accompanied the announcement. You can read all the details on Tiger Lake H45 in our comprehensive overview , as well as our comparison of Tiger Lake H and Ryzen 5000 . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3y8Fx0d

Google Search Throwing Up Blank, Broken Images on Top Stories Carousel

Google is facing an unusual issue as its Search is showing blank images on the Top Stories carousel. The problem has been cropping up since morning, as per users’ tweet, and Google is yet to acknowledge the issue. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3ARwdzj

This free Windows text tool will change the way you type

When it works, a text shortcut tool can feel like magic. Create a few shortcuts for your most frequently typed phrases or sentences, and you can enter them instantly with just a few keystrokes. With a bit of practice, text shortcuts—also known as text expansion—can cut down on vast amounts of repetitive typing. For a while, I used a program called PhaseExpress for text shortcuts. It didn’t always work reliably, and I got tired of its periodic nags to pay for unnecessary extra features. Earlier this year, I started looking for text expander alternatives, which led me to a brilliant app—with an even more brilliant name—called Beeftext . To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3mcC3Hn

Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable review: An excellent business tablet PC

Dell’s Latitude 7320 Detachable rivals what some may call the definitive Windows tablets, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7+. The Latitude 7320 may be a little more expensive, but unlike its Microsoft rival it bundles a pen and keyboard. It also boasts Thunderbolt connectivity, a one-two punch of biometric security options, and a suite of genuinely useful utilities. Unfortunately, the Latitude 7320 is not immune to the “lapability” issues we’ve experienced with other 2-in-1 detachable PCs. But that’s the only major flaw we found. Otherwise, the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable rises to the level of a premier business tablet PC, earning our Editor’s Choice award. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2VXLD61

Eufy SoloCam E40 review: Cam security with no subscription required

This wireless home security camera records video footage to onboard storage, so you don't need to pay for a cloud subscription. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2UqF9vY

Google Pixel Buds A-Series TWS Earphones With Hands-Free Google Assistant, Adaptive Sound Launched in India

Google Pixel Buds A-Series earphones have been launched in India as Google's latest true wireless stereo (TWS) offering. The Pixel Buds A-Series TWS earphones also come with Adaptive Sound, Google Assistant support, IPX4 certification, and more. Google has priced them at Rs. 9,999 and will be available to purchase starting August 25. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2W5OZnH

Google Pixel 5a 5G With Snapdragon 765G SoC, 4,680mAh Battery, IP67 Build Launched: Price, Specifications

Google Pixel 5a 5G is official and it comes with the same design as the Pixel 4a 5G. The phone is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G SoC paired with the Adreno 620 GPU. It features IP67 water and dust resistance. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2W1O73s

Google Fined by Russia Again for Not Removing Banned Content

Google was fined by a Moscow court for failing to remove content banned in Russia, news agencies reported, the latest in a series of escalating penalties against the US tech giant. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3md6Nbi

Do you need an HDMI 2.1 monitor?

Computer monitors that support HDMI 2.1, the latest HDMI standard, are beginning to trickle into online retailers. They sell at extremely high prices (when they’re available at all). Even the most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors, like the Gigabyte Aorus FI32U and Acer Nitro XV282K KV , are priced near $1,000. The high price of HDMI 2.1 implies it’s important, but the truth is more nuanced. HDMI 2.1 brings new features to the table, but they’re relevant only to people with specific needs. Here’s who should, or shouldn’t, buy an HDMI 2.1 monitor. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3iPn4kF

JioPhone Next Price in India, Specifications Tipped Again; May Come With 5.5-Inch HD Display, Up to 3GB RAM

JioPhone Next price in India is expected to be set at Rs. 3,499 and its specifications have surfaced once again. It may feature a 5.5-inch HD display and come with the Qualcomm QM215 SoC with 2GB or 3GB of RAM options. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3AJj7nI

LogMeOnce review: The passwordless password manager

Password managers relieve users of the burden of remembering all their passwords except one—the master password. As the key that unlocks access to all your other passwords, it is a single point of failure. Forget it and you’re up the proverbial creeks. LogMeOnce solves this problem by not requiring a master password (though it’s still an option if you want to use it) and using biometric, numeric PIN, and photo logins to provide access to your password vault. Other than this unique passwordless access, LogMeOnce operates similarly to other password managers. It allows you to store and synchronize passwords, credit cards, secure notes, and sensitive files across your devices and secures it all with end-to-end encryption. It includes a strong-password generator that creates passwords of up to 128 random letters, numbers, and special characters. And it audits the strength of your existing passwords, alerting you to any that are too simple or overly used so you can improve the security o...

Google Pixel 5a 5G Could Cost $499, Google Fi App Allegedly Suggests Price

Google Pixel 5a 5G could cost $449 (roughly Rs. 33,400) when it launches as suggested by an alleged mention on the Google Fi app. The phone’s name was part of a promotional banner which stated that Pixel 5a 5G can be purchased for $15 (roughly Rs. 1,100) per month. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3iS7eG0

Former Chrome Team Member Takes a Dig at Hardships Behind Creating Internet Explorer

Former Google Employee has responded to ex-Microsoft employee Hadi Partovi who tweeted on Monday about what went behind creating internet Explorer that is soon shutting down. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3yTuLfl

LG’s $100,000 rollable OLED is a TV for the .1 percent

Capable of disappearing into its speaker-equipped base, LG says its LG Signature OLED R is a one-of-a-kind TV for a one-of-a-kind customer. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3iTH31H

What Intel has to do to make its Arc gaming GPU a win

Intel Arc will be the company’s first high-end gaming GPU. Will it succeed against the formidable competition from Nvidia and AMD? Start the debate with these fundamental ingredients for success that Intel should follow—starting with a good name.  Get a better name You need a good name to win, which Intel has already with the official branding of “Arc” for the GPU and software around its consumer GPUs. That’s way better than Arc’s codename of “DG2 Xe-HPG,” which frankly looks like a cat ran across my keyboard. Arc is a whole lot easier to remember. Even better, it takes up only three characters, so there’s more room to argue on Twitter about it. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3yX8GfP

Anker Soundcore Life Q35 headphone review: Great looks, sound, and noise cancellation

Anker has delivered undeniably stylish headphones that also serve up very good sound and superior ANC at a decent price. With EQ, the sound is also very good. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3yUHcYl

Russia’s Tsargrad TV Ends Talks With Google Over YouTube Block

Tsargrad TV said it had abandoned talks with Google to have its YouTube account unblocked and accused the US group of dragging its feet in negotiations. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3ANZxH8

Google, Facebook Unveil Asia Undersea Data Cable Plan to Connect Japan, Guam, More

Google and Facebook unveiled plans for a new undersea Internet cable connecting Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/37Ott9r

The best free backup software and services: Reviews and buying advice for protecting your data

Finding a good free backup solution is easier than you’d think. A host of companies offer free online backup or free backup software—and perhaps surprisingly, nearly all of them are quite competent. Of course these companies have ulterior motives. Their free versions usually only provide enough storage for essential data, or lack some advanced features that pros would want. They hope you’ll love the program or service so much, or find it so useful that you’ll eventually fork over some cash for additional storage or those advance features.  But wait, you say: I have free online storage through Apple’s iCloud or Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. Then there are services like Dropbox, with 5GB for free. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2UfuzWy

The best free office suites

When it comes to office productivity suites, there is little doubt that Microsoft Office dominates. But despite its deep roots and reknown, as well as its comprehensive array of offerings, Office is not necessarily the best option for everyone. Parsing the ever-expanding list of features—many of which you’ll never use—can feel overwhelming. For the majority of users, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are all that’s really wanted. Which brings us to the final issue: Office’s hefty price tag. Fortunately, free office suites abound, many of which are compatible with Microsoft Office docs. We compared six of the most popular free alternatives to see how well they replicate the most commonly used features of Microsoft Office. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/32umNvr

How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook

Sometimes, a Chromebook beats a Windows laptop. Complexity often makes life harder for users easily confused by computers—and the people who provide them IT support. A Chromebook’s simplified interface does away with driver management, endless system updates, and even malware avoidance. More importantly, Chromebooks run a lightweight operating system that feels fast and responsive on older and budget hardware, making them far more affordable. In fact, you can create your own Chromebook for free if you have an older laptop lying around. You just have to install the equivalent of Chrome OS on it.  To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2EwUTVS

Intel's first high-end consumer GPU to launch as Arc early next year

Intel's highly anticipated consumer GPU and software will launched under the name Arc, the company said Monday morning. The first GPU will be based on its Xe HPG microarchitecture that is expected to launch in the next few months with future generations using the code names Battlemage, Celestial, and Druid. The company didn't say what the codenames referred to but they may be an homage to Bethesda's Elder Scrolls games. Arc will span graphics hardware, software and services and offer "frictionless gaming and content creation experiences to gamers and creators worldwide," the company said. "Today marks a key moment in the graphics journey we started just a few years ago. The launch of the Intel Arc brand and the reveal of future hardware generations signifies Intel’s deep and continued commitment to gamers and creators everywhere. We have teams doing incredible work to ensure we deliver first-class and frictionless experiences when these products are ava...

Google Pixel 5a 5G Component Images Surface Online to Show 4,680mAh Battery, Could Launch on August 17

Google Pixel 5a 5G may be launching soon as some of the images meant for mobile phone repair stores have surfaced online. The images suggest the design and some key specifications of the upcoming Pixel smartphone. The Pixel 5a 5G may support a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual rear camera setup, and a 4,680mAh battery. The smartphone is also tipped to launch on August 17. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/37JMFFm

How Intel integrated graphics leveled up while you weren't looking

Intel integrated graphics. These three words are synonymous with doom for PC gamers hoping to play even the most rudimentary 3D games on a laptop or desktop. An upgrade to AMD Radeon or Nvidia GeForce graphics was once mandatory.  Times have changed, however. Intel famously hired AMD’s chief graphics architect, Raja Koduri, away from AMD in 2017 . While Team Blue’s much-anticipated enthusiast graphics card remains in the oven, recent Intel mobile processors have shipped with Intel Iris Xe graphics, an underappreciated upgrade. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2Ukmu4X

Space Jam: A New Legacy Out August 19 in India on Apple TV, BookMyShow Stream, Google Play Movies

Space Jam: A New Legacy India release date set for August 19 on Apple TV, BookMyShow Stream, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies. It’s the third Warner Bros. movie to skip cinemas entirely during COVID-19 pandemic. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3yQ2Fl2

LG SP9YA soundbar review: This 5.1.2 speaker gets its surround effects from the sides

LG’s 5.1.2-channel soundbar uses side-firing drivers rather than separate speakers for surround effects. Is that effective? from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3y0TCg9

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Light up the night and keep tabs on your homestead

Cutting-edge tech features push this floodlight camera to the top of the market. from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3yLJl8B

Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 review: A $3,000 laptop like no other

Regardless of whether you have $3,000 to spend on a laptop, you have to respect Asus for the one it’s come up with. The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 has two touchscreens, including a 4K OLED display in the usual spot and a squatter OLED screen just above the keyboard. It’s also a beastly machine, with an Intel Core i9-10980HK CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, and 32GB of RAM. You might dismiss the Zenbook Pro Duo as a gimmick, but Asus has been doing the dual-screen laptop dance since 2019. The UX582 refines both the design and second-screen software of the original model. Asus is clearly committed to the concept, and while it’s not for everyone, it does provide real utility for content creators who have a few grand to burn. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/3g7RfSj

Google Infringed Five Sonos Patents, US Trade Judge Finds

Google infringed on five Sonos patents, a US trade judge ruled on Friday, a decision that could lead to an import ban. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3iNziKs

Google Pixel Users Getting Native Call Recording Function with Phone App in India

Google Phone app is bringing native call recording function to Pixel phones users globally. The tech giant had earlier introduced the call recording feature to its Phone app only for users in the US. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3m71Pge

The best graphics cards for PC gaming: The midrange battle heats up

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 a premium to get in on the bleeding edge of real-time ray tracing? Gaming GPU cheat sheet Our quick-hit recommendations: Best budget GPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G APU Remove non-product link   [newegg.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, f...

How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook

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Screenshots—or captures of whatever is showing on your screen—let you easily save or share information. And on a Chromebook, grabbing them is pretty straightforward, so long as you know the right keyboard shortcuts. Knowing the correct keystrokes may be the most difficult part for people used to MacOS or even Windows, as ChromeOS doesn’t try to mimic those operating systems for an easier transition. Instead, you’ll need to learn this fresh set of keyboard commands. How to screenshot your whole screen PCWorld The exact positions of these keys on your Chromebook may be different. To read this article in full, please click here from PCWorld https://ift.tt/2UdD2LV