It may not quite be Black Friday yet, but plenty of retailers are starting to release fantastic deals, and Walmart is no exception.
As part of its Early Access Sale, the retailer has slashed the price of the Beats Powerbeats Pro true wireless earbuds by $50, bringing them down from $249.99 to $199.99 – one of the best discounts we’ve seen before the Walmart Black Friday deals start rolling in.
The buds, which can now be bought for under $200 for the first time, represented a big step up in terms of sound quality for the Apple-owned brand, with Beats’ signature bassy profile transformed into the kind of neutral presentation even the most dedicated audiophile will struggle to find issue with.
They may not be the absolute best true wireless earbuds we’ve ever tested (that honor goes to the noise-canceling Sony WF-1000XM3), their pressure-reducing micro-laser barometric venting hole, their longer battery life, and their superior sound quality makes them the best Apple earbuds on the market.
That could all change when the AirPods 3 are released, but for now, this is a great deal to take advantage of.
It’s not just Walmart either; you can also get the Powerbeats Pro for $199.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Apple website. It’s worth bearing in mind that they’re only available in navy and black at Walmart, whereas the other retailers also have them in attractive cream and khaki-green colors as well.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up, it can be tricky to know whether to buy them now, or wait until November. This is quite a significant discount for an Apple product, but these prices could drop even lower over the sales event as retailers try to outdo each other.
Even so, if you’re looking for a great pair of true wireless earbuds that you can use for working out and soundtracking your commute, the Powerbeats Pro are a smart option – and even smarter at this price.
Hisense’s O8BOLED TV already lay claim to being the cheapest OLED TV out there when it launched earlier in the year – but a new flash sale in the UK is cutting its price to an absurdly low figure, for the next 50 hours only.
Though you’ve recently been able to buy the set for £1,299, you’ll be able to get the Hisense OLED for only £899 – marking a 36% saving off the original £1,399 RRP, and the first time we’ve seen an OLED TV sell for only a three-figure sum.
There’s a catch, however, as the O8B will only be at this incredibly low price for the next two days (50 hours, to be precise). The sale begins at 7pm on Friday 25 October, and ends 9pm on Sunday 27 October.
Why 50 hours? Hisense is celebrating its 50-year anniversary, so you can see your purchase as a birthday gift as sorts, and certainly not a luxury purchase for yourself. You’ll also find deals on a number of other Hisense TVs, including the U8B ULED and Hisense U9A, which you’ll find under the OLED deal below.
It’s worth noting that the Hisense O8B wasn’t our favorite OLED TV, and we found it had a number of issues that stop us from recommending it above other (admittedly more expensive) TVs of its kind. However, we’ve never seen an OLED TV deal as good as this, and it is certainly, without a doubt, the cheapest way to get an OLED television into your home.
When it comes to PS4 controllers, we can sometimes assume there’s only one option out there: Sony’s own DualShock 4.
However, despite the official controller being a dynamic and powerful gamepad, there are plenty of other choices out there if you’re wanting to enhance your gameplay experience (or simply make it a bit more comfortable).
We’ve put together this list of the best PS4 controllers on the market for everyone from the casual gamer to a budding pro – and even some options for those that just want a bit of nostalgia, rather than a desperation for the right weight, motion control and sharing access.
We’ve rounded up the best controllers that we’ve tried and reviewed for our list – but also added in a couple of others below that caught our eye to give you a bit more variety and choice in the matter.
If you’re looking to upgrade the power of your console, then make sure you check out our best PS4 Pro deals page – and if you just want something better to play, then our best PS4 games list is, well, just perfect for your needs.
Many of these controllers are officially licensed by Sony, so you’ll know they’re designed to work well, but all the options on this list are ones we’d happily chuck underneath our gaming setup.
Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller (Image credit: Sony)
While we did say there are plenty of options out there that aren’t the DualShock 4, it would be hard to create a list of the best PS4 controllers without pointing out it’s still the top option.
The DualShock 4 is perfect for its purpose: sleek, small and wireless. Not to mention the built in speaker, varying light bar colors, touch pad and motion detection that enhance your gameplay experience.
It’s also extremely simply to attach a gaming headset or headphones to the controller (unlike with the Xbox One controller). However battery life can be a pain, with the controller holding charge for around four to eight hours.
We find it’s best to have two and always keep one charging or to invest in a charging dock so you can charge both at once (when you’re not playing of course).
We find the DualShock is a great PS4 controller for someone who just simply wants to get on with playing and isn’t fussed about bells and whistles. If you want to spice up its classic black color, then the controller comes in plenty of other colors and designs.
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller (Image credit: Nacon)
If you are a PS4 player, but prefer the design of the Xbox One controller, then the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller might be a better fit for you. Like the Vantage Controller, the Revolution Pro is built for gamers (more specifically esports) with a directional pad that can move eight ways – instead of four – alongside four shortcut buttons.
However, it’s not quite as complicated to operate as the Vantage, nor is it as expensive.
If you want a PS4 controller with a few extra bells and whistles, but not an overwhelming amount, and prefer a chunkier controller that is a bit more resilient then the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller could be for you.
If you want your PS4 controller to have a bit more bite, and are more specific about your controller’s performance then the SCUF Vantage Controller could be for you.
Built with gamers in mind, this fully customizable PS4 controller boasts enhanced grip, remappable paddles on the back, side action buttons and an audio touch bar.
In other words, there are more buttons to give you control over gameplay, allowing you to specifically map controls to the extra buttons and not have to jump back in forth (in issue in some games more than others).
Essentially the Vantage controller is built so you can play more comfortably for longer but unless you know how to optimize its abilities then its maybe it’s best to stick to a more straightforward PS4 controller.
Especially because the Vantage Controller is much more expensive than your average DualShock 4.
The Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller is more suited to seasoned gamers and pros, allowing advanced customization via the Razer mobile app – that includes remapping and adjusting sensitivity.
If that’s not enough customization for you, you can also make use of interchangeable thumbsticks, the built-in quick control panel, and Hair Trigger Mode – allowing you to be more trigger-happy than ever before.
Much like the other pro controllers on this list, the Raiju Ultimate is chunkier than the DualShock making it more suitable for those who prefer the Xbox One controller style.
The Raiju Ultimate is a fantastic PS4 controller, but it’s not exactly cheap. Make sure you will make use of advanced customizations before investing – but if you harness the controller’s capabilities then you’ll find your gameplay experience all that much smoother.
Looking for a PS4 controller for a young person in your house? Hori’s Mini Wired Gamepad is one we’ve found that would be a good ‘first PS4 controller’ for kids.
The Mini Wired looks like a retro controller, boasting easier grip, plug-n-play with 10ft cable (no pulling the console off the stand) and it’s 40% smaller than the DualShock 4.
However, there is no light bar, stereo headset jack, speaker, dual motors, or motion sensor – it’s a much more streamlined version of the DualShock 4.
According to Sony, the Mini Wired Gamepad is compatible with “most” PS4 games. We’re reading that as the less complicated ones, so don’t fire up Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and expect the controller to be able to hack it – not that children should be playing it anyway.
The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller is a comfortable controller that brings the Xbox One gamepad experience to PS4 (and PC) players. It’s robust, classic and well-made, with a chunkier design than the DualShock 4 and asymmetrical toggles.
It may be a better choice for those who have dexterity issues or simply prefer a bigger controller due to its bigger buttons and triggers.
However, there are a few performance issues to take into account such as the fact the controller doesn’t have motion controls – meaning you can’t play games that use motion features.
We’ve just reviewed the new Pixelbook Go, and it blew us away – to the extent that it has gone straight in as our number one pick for the best Chromebook out there, as well as proudly muscling its way into our roundup of the very best laptops in the world.
That’s no mean feat, and the same is true of the Pixelbook Go managing to score full marks in our extensive review of the device, in which we concluded that it was the “ultimate Chromebook for the rest of us”.
Meaning that Google’s original Pixelbook might have been the ultimate Chromebook at the premium end of the market, but this is a laptop which is considerably more affordable and therefore accessible to the general computing public.
Affordable is a relative term, mind – we’re talking about the price tag in comparison to the full-fat Pixelbook. So this machine still isn’t anywhere near the budget Chromebook category, but the starting price for the Pixelbook Go is a palatable $649 (£629, about AU$950).
That gets you the entry-level spec of an Intel Core m3 processor with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The laptop also boasts a 13.3-inch Full HD resolution LCD touchscreen and a 1080p webcam.
We were particularly stoked to see the Pixelbook Go’s excellent battery longevity, with the laptop managing to exceed 11 hours in the TechRadar video playback battery test. In comparison, the MacBook Air 2019 managed 10 hours. Google’s notebook can also get two hours’ worth of charge from only 20 minutes connected to the mains, which is pretty handy too.
Furthermore, the keyboard is simply superb, and indeed we found that it was the “best combination of silence and forceful feedback that we’ve ever experienced on a laptop keyboard”. High praise indeed.
Achilles heel?
So are there any weak points here? Well, the only real wobbly facet is Google’s pricing at the higher-end of the range.
The Pixelbook Go with an Intel Core i5 CPU plus 16GB RAM / 128GB storage runs to $999 (£949, about AU$1,470), and if you’re going to spend that much, you might as well get the full-fat Pixelbook with its hybrid versatility, sharper display and more besides (even if it does lose out a little on the battery front). And the Intel Core i7 Pixelbook Go with a 4K display is an eye-watering $1,399 (£1,329, about AU$2,050).
Still, for those looking away from the high-end, the Pixelbook Go is a hugely compelling option which is exactly why it has blazed straight up the charts of our buying guides, and snagged the top Chromebook spot.
Cyberpunk 2077’s real-world jacket, which has been seen worn by CD Projekt Red employees and handed out at industry events, is a piece of merchandise we’ve wanted to get our hands on for a very, very long time. It’s a beautiful piece of clothing, and now we can finally purchase our very own.
The jacket is now available for pre-order on the publisher’s official store with an asking price of €88/$98. Shipping and packaging costs will increase the price, however. This piece of clothing has been sold online through various sources for prices a lot higher than this, but CD Projekt Red has always promised that it would always offer an official source eventually. And lo and behold, here it is.
Where to find all Chalices and what they give you.
How do you get Chalices in MediEvil on PS4? Where are all the Chalices, and what do you get for collecting them? There are 20 Chalices to collect in MediEvil on PlayStation 4, one for every level in the game, and they’re absolutely worth finding. Not only will collecting every Chalice restore Sir Dan’s honour, but you’ll also receive a reward from the Hall of Heroes each time. In this guide, we’re going to tell you all about Chalices, where you can find them, and what you’ll get in return.
Hey Alpha ring users! Today’s Xbox Insider Release Notes highlight the latest fixes, known issues, and features coming to your console. Starting at 2:00 p.m. PT today, users will receive the latest 1911 Xbox One system update (build: 19H1_RELEASE_XBOX_DEV_191118363.8099.191021-1917). Keep reading for more details.
System Update Details:
OS version released: 19H1_RELEASE_XBOX_DEV_191118363.8099.191021-1917
Available: 2:00 p.m. PT – October 23, 2019
Mandatory: 3:00 a.m. PT – October 24, 2019
New Features:
Simplified Settings
We’ve got a brand new face lift for your Xbox One console’s Settings with simplified categories and subcategories. Xbox heard your feedback, and we’re working to make Settings easy to navigate and manage, to control your device and account, as needed. Explore the latest update and take control of how you play!
Fixes for Alpha
We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this 1911 build:
Controller
A new version of controller firmware (4.8.1923.0) is available for certain controller models. Users may be prompted to update the controller automatically when it is connected to the console. You can also go to Settings>Devices & streaming> Accessories with the controller connected, then select the ellipsis button to see if a firmware update is available.
Changes in this firmware include:
Reliability improvements for wireless connectivity on console
Improvements to Bluetooth pairing
Xbox Button behavior changes over Bluetooth on Android
Bluetooth reliability fixes
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
Known Issues for Alpha
We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These issues aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. We appreciate your patience at this time!
Audio
Users who have Dolby Atmos enabled and console display settings set to 120hz with 36 bits per pixel (12-bit) are experiencing loss of Dolby Atmos audio in some situations.
Workaround: Disable 120hz or set Video Fidelity to 30 bits per pixel (10-bit) or lower.
Home (Experiment)
Some users may see a different Store icon on the dashboard than what normally appears.
Some users may see their content blocks reset randomly during the experiment.
Store
Some users are reporting issues making in-game purchases in Fortnite. If you are encountering this behavior please submit feedback from the console.
Dolby Access
Users are unable to complete the setup for Dolby Atmos in the app and the app is not recognizing Dolby Atmos headphones.
Note: This is an issue with the Dolby Access app and the app developers are aware and investigating.
Profile Color
Sometimes users may encounter the incorrect Profile color when powering on the console.
Are you not seeing your issue listed above? Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
Learn more about feedback and how each ring is differentiated in the following links:
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter and join the community subreddit for support and updates. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox One Update Preview ring!
Hey Alpha Skip Ahead ring users! Today’s Xbox Insider Release Notes highlight the latest fixes, known issues, and features coming to your console. Starting at 2:00 p.m. PT today, users will receive the latest 2004 Xbox One system update (build: RS_XBOX_RELEASE_200419006.1206.191021-2100). Keep reading for more details.
System Update Details:
OS version released: RS_XBOX_RELEASE_200419006.1206.191021-2100
Available: 2:00 p.m. PT – October 23, 2019
Mandatory: 3:00 a.m. PT – October 24, 2019
New Features:
Simplified Settings
We’ve got a brand new face lift for your Xbox One console’s Settings with simplified categories and subcategories. Xbox heard your feedback, and we’re working to make Settings easy to navigate and manage, to control your device and account, as needed. Explore the latest update and take control of how you play!
Fixes for Alpha Skip Ahead
We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this 2004 build:
Controller
A new version of controller firmware (4.8.1923.0) is available for certain controller models. Users may be prompted to update the controller automatically when it is connected to the console. You can also go to Settings>Devices & streaming> Accessories with the controller connected, then select the ellipsis button to see if a firmware update is available.
Changes in this firmware include:
Reliability improvements for wireless connectivity on console
Improvements to Bluetooth pairing
Xbox Button behavior changes over Bluetooth on Android
Bluetooth reliability fixes
Edge
We’ve fixed the issue with users being unable to dismiss the “full screen” notification watching video.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
Known Issues for Alpha Skip Ahead
We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These issues aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. We appreciate your patience at this time!
Audio
Users who have Dolby Atmos enabled and console display settings set to 120hz with 36 bits per pixel (12-bit) are experiencing loss of Dolby Atmos audio in some situations.
Workaround: Disable 120hz or set Video Fidelity to 30 bits per pixel (10-bit) or lower.
Dolby Access
Users are unable to complete the setup for Dolby Atmos in the app and the app is not recognizing Dolby Atmos headphones
Note: This is an issue with the Dolby Access app and the app developers are aware and investigating.
My Games & Apps
Users have reported seeing an “Xbox Events” app in their collection.
Note: This app will be used to experiment with a new Events experience to showcase in-game events. We’ll have more to share when the feature is ready for Preview.
Home (Experiment)
Some users may see a different Store icon on the dashboard than what normally appears.
Some users may see their content blocks reset randomly during the experiment.
Store
Some users are reporting issues making in-game purchases in Fortnite. If you are encountering this behavior please submit feedback from the console.
Voice Commands
Some users are reporting powering on their console via Google Assistant or Alexa is giving an error, but then powers the console on after a delay.
Xbox Console Companion App
We’ve seen reports of users being unable to stream their Xbox console to their Windows PC via the app.
Profile Color
Sometimes users may encounter the incorrect Profile color when powering on the console.
Are you not seeing your issue listed above? Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
Learn more about feedback and how each ring is differentiated in the following links:
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter and join the community subreddit for support and updates. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox One Update Preview ring!
Under normal circumstances, port begging would be a bannable offence, but we make the rules here and we can’t exactly purge our own accounts. Look, here’s the thing, Windjammers 2 is shaping up to be a superb sequel, but it’s not currently announced for the PlayStation 4 and that’s keeping us awake at night. Having gone hands on with the title at EGX 2019 last week, we came to one conclusion: it needs to come to the PlayStation 4.
It’s a bit strange that Sony’s system isn’t currently confirmed, because the re-release of the 1994 Neo Geo original was announced during a PSX press conference – of course, that was back when the Japanese giant used to invest effort into titles beyond just the big brand names. Nevertheless, if you’re reading this DotEmu, you know what you need to do.
If you’ve just wrapped up a playthrough of Blasphemous and are looking for your next Souls-like hit then boy oh boy do we have the game for you. Dark Devotion, from developer Hibernian Workshop, looks to be a pixelated 2D take on Dark Souls, and the best thing is that it arrives on PlayStation 4 tomorrow.
Taking on and defeating bosses seems to be the biggest hook of the game, some of which have been designed by Kickstarter backers. 17 bosses stand in your way if you are attempting to fully complete Dark Devotion, and you can get a sampling of a few of them on the PlayStation Blog.
