The Pokémon Company will be hosting the very first Pokémon Sword and Shield online competition next month, on 6th December. If you would like to participate in the Galar Beginnings tournament, all you have to do is sign up between now (15th November) and 5th December to take part.
To do this, you’ll need to enter the VS menu within your copy of Sword or Shield and select Battle Stadium. From here, you select Online Competitions and select “Search Official Competitions” to enter. Entry into the competition is not allowed once the event has begun, so be sure to sign up while you still can.
One big part of Pokémon Sword and Shield is the ability to participate in Max Raid Battles with four other trainers, in order to take down special Dynamax Pokémon. In some rare cases though, a Gigantamax Pokémon will appear.
While the chances of encountering one of these Gigantamax Pokémon are normally incredibly low, there’ll actually be regular events in the game where certain Gigantamax pocket monsters become more common during a specific period. As previously noted, the first one up for grabs is Gigantamax Butterfree.
It’s no secret that Nintendo wants to expand its audience with its smaller and more affordable Switch Lite system.
The company president Shuntaro Furukawa recently revealed registrations for the new model had a higher percentage of female users and also said there was evidence of a “good number of consumers” purchasing the Lite as their second device.
Have you ever had one of those games you were really excited for, but once the game finally comes out you end up not just disliking it, but actually kind of hating it? Enter Highwire Games’ Golem. Despite being delayed over and over since 2015’s announcement, it doesn’t feel like a stretch to say more delays may have been the right call. What we have here is a game that gets several things right to an impressive level while completely and utterly dropping the ball in other key areas.
But let’s start with the good stuff. You play a bedridden child named Twine, living in a post apocalyptic fantasy realm, who discovers he is a “dreamer”, someone capable of controlling the mighty Golems. This ancient city is walled off, so the Golems are actually the only means of penetrating the magical veil. Once Twine takes control of the Golems, the open world experience really gets going as you slowly gain access to more and more of the city. The story and the world building are really great, and help enrich the experience, as does the sandbox itself. The environment and art direction are amazing, and the world feels both unique and interesting to explore. This extends to the animations as well, which are surprisingly good. The humans and Golems you encounter have a wide range of animations to draw from, and the fluidity is impressive. Finally, the music, from Halo composer Martin O’Donnell is simply divine. Incredible in isolation and in service to the game, Golem features one of the most beautiful scores of the year, and frankly, of the generation.
We know for sure that BioWare is currently working on the next Dragon Age — commonly referred to as Dragon Age 4 — but according to a lengthy report by Jason Schreier on Kotaku, that’s not all BioWare has in the oven. Alongside what sounds like it could be a significant overhaul of the ill-fated ANTHEM, the Canadian developer apparently has a new Mass Effect title in the early stages of development at its Edmonton base.
Black Friday 2019 is just around the corner, and the retail giant Amazon is getting a head start with holiday deals that you can shop right now. Amazon’s best pre-Black Friday bargains include massive discounts on 4K TVs, top-brand vacuums, kitchen appliances, the latest Apple Watch, Amazon devices, and more.
Amazon’s top bargains include the best-selling Instant Pot Lux80 that’s on sale for $54.99 today only. That’s a $24 discount and the lowest price we’ve found for the eight-quart pressure cooker. Another fantastic deal from Amazon is the Toshiba 50-inch 4K smart TV that’s on sale for $299.99. You can also find a bundle deal on an Echo Dot and Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum cleaner that’s on sale for $217.94 and $100 off the popular 23andMe Ancestry DNA Test.
These discounts are limited-time offers with some items on sale for today only. This is not only an excellent opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping, but also a chance to snag a fantastic discount before the madness of Amazon’s Black Friday sale officially begins.
TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday dealsin easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.
If you’re interested in Walmart’s pre-Black sale we also have a roundup of the best Walmart Black Friday 2019 deals that are happening now.
If you’re looking for the best laptop for programming, you’ve come to the right place. We found all the best laptops for software developers like you, whether you’re trying your hand at HTML, CSS, JavaScript or VB.
Before you go through are list, bear in mind that are a few things you need to think about before you buy the best laptop for programming.
First, you’re going to need one of the best processors, as that horsepower goes a long way when you’re compiling code. Most modern laptops will feature plenty of cores, threads and high clock speeds, but you should focus on getting the fastest processor you can afford.
Then there’s the memory. You absolutely need at least 8GB, and it needs to be fast. Think about storage as well: one of the best SSDs is essential, as it will shave minutes off your project with all the files and apps you’ll use.
You won’t necessarily need the fastest graphics chip on the market, as modern Intel hardware comes with integrated graphics that are more than good enough for anything you’ll encounter while programming. However, if you want to do some gaming in your down time, go for it.
Oh, and do yourself a favor and make sure you’re getting one of the best keyboards. As programming involves a lot of typing, you need a keyboard with excellent travel and superior comfort. And, a high resolution display will help make sure that it’s easy on the eyes, as you’ll be spending a lot of hours and then some staring at it.
Taking all that in consideration, find the best laptop for programming that suits you best in our list below.
Image credit: TechRadar
The HP Spectre line has always consisted of stunning devices. So, when we say that the 2019 Spectre x360 takes things to another level, that should mean something. Not only is this one of the most beautiful laptops on the market right now – with its gem cut design and sleek profile, but it’s tough on the inside. HP fitted this with powerful Intel Whiskey Lake processors and long battery life, which means that you’re getting one of the best laptops on the market, hands down. As such, it’s also the best laptop for programming right now.
Image credit: Lenovo
If you have the funds for an unstoppable workhorse, then Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is the best laptop for programming for you. This gets our vote as one of the best Lenovo laptops for many reasons. It has several configurations on hand, depending on your needs and budget, but at its most basic, it’s already pretty powerful, packed with a solid graphics card in a robust carbon-fiber and aluminum package that will survive any office or field.
Image credit: TechRadar
The EliteBook x360 1040 G5 is, without a doubt, the apex predator of the business world. It’s not the perfect machine, but it’s got plenty of features that make up for its flaws. It boasts many excellent features in its handsome-looking chassis, as well as plenty of ports, a port that works wonders and impressively audio. Simply put, it’s fit for the professional who demands seamlessness and power at work, making it one of the best laptops for programming.
Thinner, lighter and with a Retina display, 2019’s model is easily the best MacBook Air we’ve ever used. Thanks to improved hardware for better performance and an affordable price, the 2019 MacBook Air is a brilliant laptop for programming on. It keeps that same light and slim design which means it’s easy to sling into a bag and carry around with you, but it also has enough oomph to make programming on it a joy. The improved screen and higher resolution makes it far more comfortable to work on as well.
When you’re looking for the best laptop for programming, especially if you’re developing software for macOS, you’re eventually going to find yourself looking at the MacBook Pro. And, the new MacBook Pro, with its powerful processor and heaps of RAM, is the fastest MacBook that the Cupertino tech behemoth has ever birthed. No matter how extraneous your workload is, no matter what you’re trying to develop, you’re going to be able to get it done on the new 15-inch MacBook Pro, and we’d recommend it to any software developer – as long as they had the budget for it.
Image Credit: Microsoft
Sometimes you just have to work on the go, and in those situations, you’ll be thankful for the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. With its quad-core processors and plentitude of RAM, you’ll be able to compile code quickly and efficiently, even when you’re on the move. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay extra for the Type Cover – you’re not going to want to get any coding done on a touch screen, trust us. While Microsoft has released the Surface Pro 7, we actually think the Pro 6 is the better choice for programmers, as the hardware isn’t the different – but the price is.
Image Credit: TechRadar
Yes, a Chromebook (or two) has made our best laptop for programming list. That’s because Google Pixelbook is powerful (and beautiful) enough to contend with the Surfaces and MacBooks of the world. Admittedly, the ChromeOS is not as good a place to program as Windows or macOS. However, the Pixelbook’s support of Android makes it a must-own laptop for any Android developer. The fact that this laptop succeeds the discontinued Google Chromebook Pixel, which was designed by and for Google’s own developers, should give it some credibility in the eyes of coders.
Image Credit: Asus
Another Chromebook that’s made our best laptop for programming list? The Asus Chromebook Flip, which is one of the best Chromebooks out there, solely because it offers a premium build, a great touchscreen and reasonably powerful components for the price. And, while Chrome OS doesn’t feature many robust programming tools, the Asus Chromebook Flip is one of the best Asus laptops for programming if you’re deep into web development.
Image Credit: Microsoft
The Surface Book 2 is an excellent choice for any coders out there, as Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops on the planet. After all, it boasts components powerful enough to handle pretty much everything you could throw at it – including some light gaming in your down time. If you’re looking for a larger display, there’s a 15-inch model, which also features beefier components – albeit at a higher price tag.
If you need a macOS device that’s fast, but also light enough to carry around with you wherever you go, you’re going to love the MacBook Pro 13-inch. This isn’t just a best laptop for programming; this is one of the best Macs that we’ve ever used. If you need to code on the go, the quad-core processors and up to 16GB of RAM mean you’ll work fast, while the thin and light design means you won’t be held back. We can’t recommend it enough.
With a couple of weeks until ‘Black Friday proper’ rolls around, one of the most bustling areas that have already seen an onslaught of offers and discounts is SIM only deals.
And if we’ve learned anything from the last few years it’s that Carphone Warehouse’s in-house network iD Mobile would be right among the best of them. And with this new offer – which is exclusive to TechRadar readers only – it has certainly joined the Black Friday 2019 party.
This tariff gives you 9GB of data every month (which is more than the average user really needs), unlimited texts and 500 minutes’ worth of calls for a very tempting £11 per month. Sound good? Then you can sign up for this SIM straightaway here.
Need more data (or even go unlimited)? Prefer a different network? Or simply want to see what the competition has come up with for the sales silly season? That’s where our dedicated SIM only deals guide is your friend.
A super iD SIM only deal – just for TechRadar readers!
What is iD Mobile?
iD Mobile is a sub-section of Carphone Warehouse so you can rest assured that it is a trustworthy source for your new SIMO deal. It piggybacks off the Three network’s coverage, so pretty good for most parts of the UK. And you can use roaming in 50 destinations around the world.
Early Black Friday SIM only deals: best of the rest
As we say, iD is just the latest phone retailer to begin unleashing its Black Friday bargains. The competition is looking very strong in the early running.
Possibly the best among them to date is from the up-and-coming Smarty Mobile. Its 45GB data SIM for £15 per month has been absolutely flying off the virtual shelves. And, we’re also pretty keen on Voxi’s cheap £8/pm SIMO that bags you 10GB of data.
And although it isn’t strictly speaking a Black Friday promotion, no SIM only conversation would be complete without mentioning Three’s great value unlimited data SIM only deal. For £22 you can completely kiss goodbye to the monthly anxiety about running out of data for WhatsApping, Netflix watching and Spotify streaming on the go.
The best wireless routers are paramount for your online connection. It doesn’t matter if you’re battling gamers on the other side of the globe, trying to stream a movie in HD or just trying to get some work done. Nothing is more frustrating than a weak or intermittent internet connection and grabbing one of the best wireless routers for your home should be the first step.
You won’t want to be diagnosing a bad internet connection in the midst of binging your favorite shows on Netflix or attempting to download the newest and best PC games. And while you might have your internet provider on speed dial (and ready to expand your service), installing one of the best wireless routers could be the solution to all your problems. You don’t want your router to be the bottleneck keeping your internet service chugging along at a snail’s pace.
While getting the best wireless router money can buy might seem the way to go, needs might change from person to person. Maybe you will want the most cutting-edge hardware available, such as a wireless mesh router that can reach into every corner of your house. Or maybe you want an epic gaming router that can prioritize gaming-related network traffic. Or maybe you want to future proof your network with a router that can handle Wi-Fi 6 technology which should be making a big splash in the near future.
While shopping for the best wireless routers, bear in mind a few things when comparing. If you have multiple devices in your home, which is probably the majority of people out there, you’ll want to make sure that the best wireless routers you’re looking at have MU-MIMO. It allows the router to communicate with those multiple devices all at once. Also, make sure to look at the speed rating of your chosen device – get one with at least a rated speed of AC1900.
Finding the ideal router for you might seem to get tougher as there are more options to choose from than ever before. And while the options seem endless, we’ve compiled this list of our picks for the best wireless routers for your reference. We’ve tested these devices so you know they’re up to the task. Read on to find the best wireless router for your needs.
Google Wifi is proof that the mesh revolution is coming.
The days of traditional wireless routers are coming to an end; the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wi-Fi, alone, is proof that the mesh revolution is upon us, which means that you might be saying goodbye to the days when the only way to have wireless bliss was to install a number of wireless extenders. The idea of Google Wi-Fi is simple: purchase a set of points, put them in strategic places around the house and then scan a QR code. And, just like that, you’re connected anywhere you are in your home. It’s no surprise that this wireless mesh router claims the loftiest spot on our best wireless routers list of 2019, as it’s also the one that’s most effortless to set up and get going.
Asus RT-AC86U easily outclasses practically all the wireless routers on the market.
If you’re well-acquainted with Asus, especially its gaming computers, then you likely have a general idea of what the Asus RT-AC86U brings to the table. This wireless router may look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router making machine. But, inside that kitschy gaming aesthetic is a wireless router that, for its price, effortlessly outclasses almost all of its rivals on the market. Even better, you’re also not paying a premium for a gaming device, so if you’re looking for a high-speed connection with an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U should be at the top of your list.
Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 is supercharged for your online gaming needs.
The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 might be pricey and lacks a broadband modem. However, this is still a router that delivers, especially on getting those pings down. Designed for homes with gamers in-house, it’s supercharged for your online gaming needs, keeping those high “ping” and latency rates down to deliver an excellent connection whether you’re playing Call of Duty or PUBG. If you’re willing to pay a pretty penny – and if you’re a serious gamer, you should be – this is one of the best wireless routers to consider.
TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point.
Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2019 and don’t mind a quirky design? If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it will fit right in your home, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be the best wireless router for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router out there, but it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with a relaxed setup. It’s peculiar looking, yes; however, if you’re scouring the market for a wireless router that can cover a mid-sized home, you can’t go wrong with this.
Netgear Orbi Pro is a modular Wi-Fi mesh router.
If you need to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best routers of 2019, then you must seriously consider getting the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance inspiration from its business-grade competitors. It’s on the more expensive side. However, if you’re running a business where you cannot afford any lags due to poor Wi-Fi, then it’s absolutely worth every penny.
Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 is an economical alternative for casual users.
When the Netgear Orbi hit the streets, it changed the wireless router scene. Then, Netgear released the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, an economical alternative for casual users who don’t have a grand manor to cover. This makes it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its higher end counterpart. However, it does deliver more than enough to provide very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will have no issues blending in – not that you will feel the need to hide it.
TP-Link Deco M9 incorporates IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage.
The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these wireless routers brings tops anything we’ve seen before. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best routers of 2019, we can see how they’re only getting better and better. By incorporating IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without question, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning though, this router is a tad expensive. However, you’re also getting all these features and an outstanding performance in exchange.
D-Link Covr C1203 is one of the best wireless routers if you want to upgrade and save at the same time.
Ready to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon, but without breaking open that piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s one of the best wireless routers, if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. It offers comparable coverage to that of the Google Wi-Fi while also being affordable, and it also looks futuristic in a great way. It’s somewhat slower than Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. It’s no surprise that the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote as one of the best wireless routers of 2019.
Eero Home Wi-Fi System gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI.
If you’re in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the answer. It has a price more premium than that of your standard router, but it also gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone linked to your network safe and secure.
Amplifi HD boasts a brilliant performance and a smart design to match.
The Amplifi HD is one of the most expensive wireless routers on the list. However, due to its clean, contemporary aesthetic, it’s found a loyal audience without a problem. While design isn’t exactly at the top of everyone’s priorities when choosing the best wireless router for them, it does help encourage users to install and show them off it in central locations that will help boost the router’s signal. This wireless router boasts a brilliant performance and a smart design to match, as long as you’re willing to shell out a bit more.
Splish, splash, are you dripping with cash? Waterproof headphones are an absolute must if you’re a regular swimmer, letting you add some tunes to your exercise routine, no matter how many meters you are underneath the water.
While grabbing a top-notch pair of headphones for dry land is a relatively simple task, swimming headphones require a little more research. You can’t just use a pair of wireless earbuds, as, not only are many not truly waterproof, but Bluetooth struggles to provide a reliable connection underwater.
What to look for in swimming headphones
This has lead to the rise of so-called ‘SwiMP3’ players, that bundle a waterproof player with a pair of waterproof headphones. You wear the whole device with you in the pool, but there are a couple of complications with this use case.
Firstly, these devices need to meet the IPX8 standard, meaning they can be submerged in water that’s at least one meter deep (ideally 3m if you are swimming in deeper pools).
Another thing to bear in mind is that chemicals in the water, especially chlorine, can affect the device’s ability to charge over a period of time. Typically, the charging points can scale up like a kettle especially if you don’t clean them after each swim. This can limit the lifespan of waterproof headphones.
Instead you will need to load music (either MP3 or WMA files) onto the device’s storage via your computer. In order to keep its physical size down, the capacity of SwiMP3 players are usually reasonably small (2GB or 4GB): however, that should be enough to store hundreds of songs, more than enough for even the most dedicated swimming session.
Most importantly, you will also need a player that can be securely attached to your head so that the force of the water doesn’t knock it off as you are swimming. Generally, players either attach to a pair of goggles or underneath a swim cap depending on the design (the Exeze WMR is the only one for which you will need a special headstrap).
Finally, it’s worth seeing how comfortable you are using these waterproof headphones before you get into the water as they can be slightly cumbersome to set up. Bear in mind too that you may need to stop your music during your swim to talk to other swimmers or the lifeguard.
Here we look at five very different players for the swimming enthusiast looking for entertainment while they exercise.
The best swimming headphones at a glance
Finis Duo
Exeze WMR
i360
Exeze Rider
Swimbuds
Best waterproof headphones: Finis Duo
Undoubtedly the leading SwiMP3 player on the market, the Duo waterproof headphones come from a US company that’s famous for its high quality swimming accessories. Two colors are available: black/acid green (pictured) and dark grey/mint.
What’s great about the Duo is that it uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound underwater via your cheekbones. This saves you having to fiddle around putting headphones in your ears which can easily come out while you’re swimming.
Large buttons are provided on one of the ear pendants – including fast forward, rewind, shuffle and play/pause – and sound quality is remarkably clear and loud underwater (you can’t use the Duo on land).
Charging is via a magnetic, USB-based dock although you will need to clean the very small charging points on the device out regularly as they can get clogged up.
The second generation player from Exeze, the WMR now comes with a fully waterproof earphones socket.
Various sizes of earplugs are provided but the large white earplugs are recommended for swimming as they can be pushed in further (although we still found they came out when turning in the water and pushing off the wall). Alternatively, you can plug your own waterproof headphones into the 3.5mm audio jack.
To attach the MP3 player there are two options. For running you can use the separate armband provided, while for swimming Exeze offers a separate pair of goggles with a larger headstrap as an optional extra (surprisingly, they are reasonably good quality). Although it is possible to attach to your existing goggles, the player is quite large so it doesn’t stay in place very easily.
Battery life is poorer than with other devices but because Exeze use the audio jack for charging there isn’t the problem of the points becoming damaged as with some MP3 designs. A bank of control is provided for fast forward, rewind, volume up and down. However, as with most underwater MP3 players these are quite fiddly to use in the water.
Unlike the Exeze Rider, sound quality is good both in the water and on land although you will need to turn the volume up while you are swimming. We used the armband for running and found it worked well although we had to use separate earphones as the ones provided have a very short cable.
The great thing about the i360 SwiMP3 player is that, much like the Exeze WMR, it can be used either on land for running or in the water for swimming – this is more than just a pair of waterproof headphones.
A number of different sized and shaped earbuds are provided (the longer ones for swimming, the shorter ones for land use) and there’s a robust Bulldog style clip for charging the device. The flexible plastic cable wraps around the back of your head with the two black control units lying over the top of each ear.
Underwater, sound quality is much better than we expected using the longer earbuds, although the i360 had to be fastened securely under a cap and goggles to ensure it stays in place. The device’s volume also has to be turned up a lot higher than on land.
One small problem is that the buttons on the top and bottom of one of the control units are very small which makes it difficult to use the fast forward, rewind and play/pause functions during swimming.
The key difference with the Exeze Rider is that it comes with an integrated 3.5mm audio jack so it’s possible to pair with a separate waterproof pair of headphones if you prefer.
The main unit attaches to the back or side of your goggle’s strap with a coiled lead running from the audio jack to the earphones supplied. These are designed to clip around the back of your ears and rotate into position for the optimum listening position.
However, they are quite fiddly to put on in the water which is a major inconvenience (Speedo had a similar, more expensive, product called the Aquabeat which has now been discontinued). During testing we found that the earbuds rotated out of position and that the sound was a little echoey both in the water and on land.
On a positive note there aren’t the potential problems of the charging points becoming scaled up as there are with other products, because charging is via the audio jack rather than exposed connectors.
So what happens if you have a waterproof MP3 player that doesn’t feature Bluetooth? For you folks we recommend Swimbuds. These in-ear earbuds are more or less the gold standard when it comes to wired headphones in the pool. They’re not necessarily the most durable waterproof headphones on the market, but they’re relatively inexpensive and are super simple to setup and use.
