Category: Techradar

  • The best cheap gaming mouse deals in March 2020

    The best cheap gaming mouse deals in March 2020

    This is a great time to be shopping for a cheap gaming mouse deal – with 2020 kicking off some excellent sales, retailers are keen to discount gaming peripherals to net buyers at every price level. That’s why you’ll regularly find top brands like Logitech, SteelSeries, and Corsair for far less in these months than you would any other time of year. 

    Beyond the price tag, there are plenty of other features and factors to take into consideration when shopping for a cheap gaming mouse deal. We’ve made everything easier for you by listing the cheapest gaming mouse deals we’ve come across alongside their specs and defining features. 

    When you buy the best gaming mouse, it’s crucial to be conscious of the price you’re paying relative to the specs and comfort that you’ll be getting from it. You don’t need to know what ‘DPI’ or ‘CPI’ means (it’s dots per inch, by the way), but it does come in handy to know the value of 4,000 vs 16,000 of them. 

    It also doesn’t hurt to know that a higher polling rate gives you better response times and lower latency. Matching all of these specs with the click feel and customization options that are right for you, as well as balancing a price tag alongside all these decisions can be tough. So we’ve gathered the best cheap gaming mouse deals from around the internet to bring you high-quality pointers for the best price. 

    Whether you’re looking for a gaming mouse that’s wireless or wired, RGB or subtle, you can count on our recommendations to get you where you’re going, no matter what kinds of games you play.

    Cheap gaming mouse deals

    best cheap gaming mouse deals

    The G203 is part of Logitech’s budget range designed to provide everyone with high-quality PC gaming gear, and this cheap gaming mouse does just that. With up to 8,000 DPI offering a fair experience in 2020, and six programmable buttons for a decent amount of custom inputs this is a mid-range mouse for an excellent price. While the sensor isn’t the fastest of Logitech’s range, you wouldn’t have guessed it as the G203’s performance is as snappy and responsive as many other higher priced mice.   

    best gaming mouse deals

    This beast of a gaming mouse has seen favour from fans since its release. The Logitech G502 Lightspeed mouse is one of the best in the market right now, and if you’re looking to spend a little more you can be safe in the knowledge that an upgrade won’t be necessary in the near future. Aside from looking and feeling great, the wireless powerhouse brings sensors and tracking to the top of their game inside a heavily customizable shell. This is a stellar cheap gaming mouse, and one to keep an eye on for great deals. 

    best cheap gaming mouse deals

    The Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury was the Rolls Royce of gaming mouse deals when it first landed, and now it can be had at an awesome discount. If you want the substantial feel of one of Logitech’s more high-end mice but with the price tag of their budget range, this is the deal for you. The G402 is only capable of up to 4,000DPI, which puts it behind a fair few items on this list, but the eight programmable buttons mark a boost up from others at this price. It’s a classic gaming mouse that has done the rounds since its release in 2014 but it still holds up today at some excellent price tags. 

    best cheap gaming mouse deals

    The Steelseries Sensei 310 is a sublime ambidextrous mouse with excellent tracking and design considerations that go beyond left / right handed players to create a smooth mechanical experience. Larger handed players may struggle with the tiny stature of this claw / tip grip wired mouse, but if you’re looking for something flexible and cheap while offering a great response and tracking experience this is a great gaming mouse deal. 

    best cheap gaming mouse deals and sales

    Corsair is a trusted brand for a reason – they develop high quality gaming products at a fair price tag. While the Ironclaw may be a little heavy for some, it’s a fantastically tactile gaming mouse with up to 18,000 DPI and an optical sensor. Tracking and response are sublime, and the range and placement of the customizable buttons will serve any genre well. This is one of the cheaper performance gaming mice on this list, so well worth a look if you’re looking to save cash. 

    best cheap gaming mouse deals and sales

    You need speed for a mouse designed for shooting and the Razer DeathAdder Elite has that in bags. The custom 5G sensor from Razer and Pixart will keep your movements fresh and lightning-fast, tracking across 450 inches per second. Plus, the DeathAdder design will sit beautifully on any desk. You are limited in your button configurations, but if you’re after performance on a cheap gaming mouse deal, you won’t find much better than this. 

    best cheap gaming mouse deals

    Having all your powers at your fingertips can make all the difference in MMO and MOBA games, and the Corsair Scimitar RGB is among the finest multi-button gaming mice. Not only do you have 12 fully customizable macro buttons, they all also integrate mechanical key switches that ride along an adjustable rail. The Scimitar tops everything off with a 12,000 DPI sensor and four-zone RGB lighting setup.

    best cheap gaming mouse deals

    Extended gaming sessions can really do a number on your wrist, which is why many are turning to more ergonomically designed gaming mouse deals as opposed to the flashier RGB options. The Logitech MX Vertical may take some getting used to but it will make a hell of a difference once you do. Let’s get it out the way, this is an optical mouse with a top DPI of 4,000 but that sensor is incredibly precise. If you’re not looking to use your new cheap gaming mouse with a high octane gaming experience and want the most comfortable option on the market, look no further. 

    best cheap gaming mouse deals

    Wireless technology often comes at a premium, but you can still find some real steals. Take for instance the Logitech G Pro, a strong combination of wireless power and affordability. You don’t need to compromise on your tracking speed and response rate if you go wireless, the Logitech G Pro is capable of up to 16,000 DPI all the more improved by their HERO sensor. With a killer battery life and optional extra buttons to add to your gaming mouse, this is a great flexible wireless mouse to start off with. Plus, its unassuming form factor will fit in with everything else you use your computer for. 

    What should I look for in a cheap gaming mouse?

    If you’ve found a cheap gaming mouse deal you like the look of, you might be wondering how to tell if it’s worth the cash. There are a few things you need to consider here, as the best gaming mouse for one person may be frustrating and cumbersome for another. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the specifications you need for your cash. 

    You can find cheap gaming mouse deals in a range of sizes and shapes these days, meaning the options for different grips are larger than ever. You’ll find palm, claw and fingertip grips out there all designed for different hand sizes, and styles of holding the pointer. Once you’ve found the grip for you, you’ll want to make sure your cheap gaming mouse is made with the right materials. Steer clear of slippery plastics and flimsy panels and you’ll be good to go. 

    Now let’s talk specs. While it might not be critical to your game plan, picking up a cheap gaming mouse deal with the DPI of a higher price tag always feels good. The higher the DPI count on your gaming mouse, the more responsive the device will be to movement, allowing you to snap into action with twitch reflexes. Don’t be fooled by an overly high DPI, however. Often extreme levels can become a hindrance to your game, causing more inaccuracies through over-movement than benefits of speedy reactions. 

    Beyond this, finding a cheap gaming mouse deal that fits with your setup will make all the difference. The good news is plenty of the gaming mice on this page offer wireless, RGB and weight customisation options for you to explore.

    How to find cheap gaming mouse deals 

    Cheap gaming mouse deals are all around if you know where to look. Typically, you’ll find gaming mouse sales around key shopping events throughout the year, but the beginning of the year also offers an excellent opportunity to pick up a bargain on the previous 12 months’ winners. If nothing takes your fancy today, keep this page bookmarked as we’re always bringing cheap gaming mouse deals your way and check back after new range instalments or competitor price cuts. 

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  • The best cheap Chromebook prices and deals in March 2020

    The best cheap Chromebook prices and deals in March 2020

    After the best Chromebook deals around? We’ve got top prices from retailers across the world wide web selling the best Chromebooks out there.

    If you don’t know where to start: don’t worry. We’ve scoured the major online retailers for the biggest Chromebook price drops to save you the trouble – and are keeping this page updated throughout the year for whenever you happen to be on the hunt for a new Chromebook computer.

    Certainly, the cheapest Chromebooks are already pretty good for the price, and tend to be aimed at those who don’t want to blow all their cash on a single gadget purchase. That said, you don’t need to worry about us prioritizing affordability over quality either. The best Chromebook price is often one that incorporates decent specs at a low cost, and we’ve found a range of models perfect for a variety of different needs. Without further delay, let’s dive in.

    What makes a good Chromebook price?

    The cheapest Chromebooks can sometimes be guilty of skimping on their specs. To find the best Chromebook price, therefore, it’s important to keep your needs in mind when it comes to processor quality and storage solutions. There are definitely deals that take both power and cost efficiency into account, so it’s important to keep an eye out for anything with an SSD capable of storing and managing updates (if you’re not running ChromeOS) and RAM above the 2GB baseline that often appears in searches. 

    Our favorite Chromebooks on sale

    best cheap Chromebook price and deals

    This is where you should begin your search for a Chromebook. At 14 inches in screen size and inside an adorable frame, the HP Chromebook 14 offers a fine middle ground for the indecisive shopper. With standardized parts inside, this Chromebook can do essentially all its closest rivals can and then some, with its microSD card reader and slew of ports – unlike similarly-priced, tinier Chromebooks.

    Read our full review: HP Chromebook 14

    best cheap Chromebook price and sales

    It’s almost as if Dell hand-crafted this Chromebook to get work done in the classroom. It’s got an indicator light on the lid that teachers can use as if the student raised his or her hand to answer (or ask) a question. And, it’s rubberized in many places to better survive drops and dents. It’s an awfully mobile laptop, too, making it sensible for work at almost any class level, or if you just want a lightweight web browser and email machine. In the education sector, a Chromebook price can be one of the most important factors so you’ll be safe in the knowledge that this Dell 11 is efficient as well. 

    Read our full review: Dell Chromebook 11

    best cheap Chromebook price and deals

    If you’re looking for a large laptop but don’t want to spend too much, a Chromebook price offers the perfect deal for you. Acer’s crafted a strong, 15.6-inch Chrome machine that can house plenty of beefier components than most other laptops at its price range. It doesn’t do much that’s exclusive to its larger size so much that it simply does those things more. For many, that’s a selling point worth trying to find the best deal over, and this just so happens to be the best one.

    Read our full review: Acer Chromebook 15

    best cheap Chromebook price and deals

    The Google Pixelbook Go has only just left its box, but it’s already one of the most powerful Chromebooks out there. It does have the price tag to match, but it’s nowhere near the $1,000/£1,000 tag on its predecessor. The 8th generation of processors to choose from and the substantial SSD sizes on offer mean you’ll be zipping through tasks on an ultra portable laptop with a great full HD screen. 

    Plus, the Go can manage all that and still stay alive for 12 hours at a time, which is pretty good going when you consider the power stored inside this sleek shell. It might not be the cheap and cheerful machine you were expecting to pick up, but it’s certainly worth a look if you’re going to be using your Chromebook for anything strenuous. 

    best cheap Chromebook price and deal

    The R11’s subdued design may not win any awards, but inside that white shell is a surprisingly slim laptop destined to last an entire day’s work. It’s even among the first Chromebooks to support Android apps by way of the Google Play Store. So, if you’ve ever wanted to use Firefox on a Chromebook, now you can. The R11 packs day-long battery life, sharp performance and a 360-degree hinge for the touchscreen. It won’t burn your wallet, thereby making cons, like an iffy trackpad and barely-HD screen, a little easier to take.

    Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11

    best cheap Chromebook price and deals

    Acer tends to run the show in our Chromebook roundups, and for good reason: it makes great Chromebooks. If you want the look and near-feel of a MacBook Air, but with the Chromebook price tag this is the model for you. The 14 looks and feels like Apple’s famous notebook on the outside, but of course can’t truly feel like using one with how little it costs. 

    Read our full review: Acer Chromebook 14 

    Not long after killing off the Chromebook Pixel, Google has revived it in a way that no one was expecting leading into its reveal. Now, it’s called the Google Pixelbook, and it takes a sharp turn away from its predecessor. That’s mainly because we’re looking at a machine that can run Android apps natively in addition to bolstering Chrome OS. With ample storage space, nigh-perfect stylus integration and Google Assistant, the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook you can buy. That said, while Google Pixelbook deals will be hard to come by, it’s one of the most-searched laptops right now, so it’s worth calling out – not to mention being on the lookout for hot deals. In all honesty, you can afford to save your cash for an all-in laptop with more features – this isn’t exactly the price tag for a quick Chromebook purchase after all. 

    Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

    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 deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.

    If you’re looking for a more substantial machine for speedy multitasking or high performance software, why not check out our best cheap laptop deals of the week. There’s also some excellent gaming laptop deals to be had as well!

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  • The cheapest Xbox One controller deals and prices in March 2020

    The cheapest Xbox One controller deals and prices in March 2020

    Cheap Xbox One controller prices aren’t too easy to find. That’s because retailers rarely lower the price of Xbox controller deals, leaving shoppers to pay full price most of the time. You can, however, find competitive prices online, and that’s where we come in. We’re here to help you find the best prices on Xbox One controllers. 

    Here’s the thing: console deals are awesome, and often come loaded with huge savings, but unless you buy a bundle that specifically packs in a second controller, your Xbox One will only arrive alongside one. Why is that the case? The main reason is that it’s cheaper that way, yet it still makes it seem like the manufacturer is cutting you some kind of deal. 

    But just because you’re getting shorted a controller doesn’t mean you should go without a second one – how else would you ever play a local multiplayer game without one? For that reason a second controller is a crucial pick-up. So let’s see what Xbox One deals are out there.

    The cheapest Xbox One controller prices

    Xbox One controllers in all colors of the rainbow! 

    While black and white are the most popular choices for extra gamepads, they’re not the only options. In fact, if you really want to add a splash of color to your console, there are plenty of neat controller color schemes to do just that. 

    We’ve listed them below for your perusing convenience. 

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  • The best Microsoft Surface Go prices and deals in March 2020

    We’ve rounded up the latest Microsoft Surface Go prices and deals for your consideration with the freshest batch of orders for the tablet. Now that the Surface Go has been out a little longer, we’re starting to see retailers bring the prices down more often, which is great news for you bargain fans. 

    If you’ve been eyeing up the line of Surface Pro tablet/laptop convertibles but thought they were a bit expensive, or too big to carry around a lot, the Surface Go is the cut-price diminutive alternative that’ll allow you to save some serious cash while getting that super cool form-factor.

    The latest Microsoft Surface Go prices

    There are two versions of the Microsoft Surface Go tablet for you to consider. The cheapest option comes in at $399.99 / £379.99 / AUS$599.99  and has a 64GB SSD and 4GB of RAM. Need a boost in spec? There’s also a 128GB / 8GB RAM model coming in at $549.99 / £509.99 / AUS$839.99.

    Much like the bigger Surface Pro though, the Surface Go, doesn’t come with a keyboard (known as the Type Cover) as standard, so do bear that in mind when checking out the latest prices, as the cheapest offers more than likely don’t include the keyboard as a bundle. As things stand, you order the Type Cover separately, with prices starting at $99.99 in the US, £99.99 in the UK AU$149.95 in Australia. We’ve included a comparison chart for these below too.

    If the 10-inch screen or reduced spec aren’t going to cut it for you though, we’ve rounded up the latest Microsoft Surface Pro deals and prices too.

    Microsoft Surface Go release date

    The Microsoft Surface Go is out now, having finally launched in the USA, UK and Australia. It was released on the dates below in each region.

    • USA: August 2 2018
    • UK: August 23 2018
    • Australia: August 27 2018

    Looking for more of the best deals in tech, mobiles, gadgets, broadband, VPN, gaming and more? Then head on over to our Deals section.

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  • Huawei and ZTE face further US bans with $1bn ‘rip and replace’ campaign

    The US Senate has approved $1 billion in funding for rural operators to remove equipment from Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE from their infrastructure.

    The package had been put forward by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which comprises both Republicans and Democrats, last year but the unanimous approval from the Senate means the legislation will now be sent to President Donald Trump to be signed off.

    Chinese vendors have largely been excluded from the US market because of national security concerns, with major carriers opting to use radio equipment from Ericsson, Nokia and others.

    Huawei USA

    However a number of smaller providers use kit from Huawei and ZTE because it is relatively inexpensive. The Rural Wireless Association, which represents operators with fewer than 100,000 customers, estimates a quarter of its members have Chinese-made kit in their networks.

    Huawei said the legislation was underfunded and would harm consumers and businesses – especially those in the underserved areas that these rural carriers serve.

    “[The bill] does not address the most significant issues of network security, but sells out people and operators in rural areas at the expense of taxpayers,” said a Huawei spokesperson. “It also completely ignores the alternative proposals put forth by our rural customers which provide a more holistic approach and will increase the network security profile of all U.S. networks at a fraction of the cost outlined in the legislation.

    “While the intention of this bill is to provide a robust and secure network for all Americans, if implemented the legislation passed yesterday will fall woefully short.”

    Last year, Huawei and ZTE were effectively blacklisted by the US, preventing them from doing business with US suppliers. Huawei has frequently denied any allegations that its products are a security risk, while the US government has produced no evidence of any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, Washington is now urging allies to follow its lead and ban Huawei from their 5G deployments.

    In the UK, operators had argued innovation would decrease and costs would rise if they were barred from Huawei’s 5G gear and it appears as though the government eventually decided there was no alternative.

    Last month it was confirmed that Huawei equipment could be used in the radio layer of 5G networks but not in sensitive areas like the core – effectively preserving the status quo. However Huawei kit is subject to a 35 per cent cap.

    Despite the ongoing hostility, Huawei is pushing ahead with its 5G strategy. Earlier this week it declared it believed it was 12-18 months ahead of the likes of Ericsson and Nokia and boasted that the number of 5G contracts it has won now stands at 91 – up from 65 in December. This figure includes 47 in Europe.

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  • Wilder vs Fury 2 live stream: how to watch the boxing rematch from anywhere this Saturday

    Wilder vs Fury 2 live stream: how to watch the boxing rematch from anywhere this Saturday

    If the result of the Deontay WIlder vs Tyson Fury rematch came down to trash talk only, then this one would probably be heading for another hard fought draw! But the time for the pantomime is coming to a close, and the serious business of boxing will soon take over.

    It’s a fight even casual fans aren’t going to want to miss and we’re here to tell you exactly how to live stream Wilder vs Fury 2 no matter where you are in the world – plus key information like the Wilder vs Fury time, date and undercard.

    This weekend’s big fight is being promoted as ‘Unfinished Business’, after the first Wilder vs Fury clash in 2018 ended in a controversial split draw decision. Nothing less than the WBC heavyweight title is at stake in Las Vegas, with both boxers also defending undefeated records.

    Standing at an imposing 6ft 7in in height, Deontay Wilder is simply a knockout artist. The 34-year-old American boasts a 42-0-1 record that includes a staggering 41 wins by KO. The most recent saw the Bronze Bomber floor Luis Ortiz in November 2019 for yet another decisive victory.

    On the opposite side of the ring, British man-mountain Tyson Fury’s height is an even more intimidating 6ft 9in. The Manchester fan favorite will fly out to Vegas with a 29-0-1 record that features 20 wins by KO. He’s best known for defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

    By now, you probably can tell that this has the potential to become a legendary fight, so allow us to tell you how to live stream Wilder vs Fury 2 and watch all the action from Vegas as it happens.

    How to watch Wilder vs Fury 2: live stream the big fight from outside your country

    Read on for specific information on who is showing Wilder vs Fury 2 on TV and PPV in different countries including the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia. But the first thing worth mentioning is that anyone who finds themselves abroad for the big fight can still watch Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder via their usual home broadcaster or service by using a VPN. Otherwise known as a Virtual Private Network, it’s a nifty bit of software that lets you access content from your home country completely legally. Crucially, this means you and won’t have to loiter around the internet’s sketchier corners for a stream.

    Wilder vs Fury 2 live stream: watch the fight in the US

    Stream the Fury fight live in the UK 

    How to watch Wilder vs Fury 2: live stream this week’s big fight from Australia

    Live stream Wilder vs Fury live in New Zealand

    Fury vs Wilder 2: undercard details 

    In addition to watchin Tyson Fury take on Deontay Wilder, there are a number of other blockbuster fights set for this Saturday in Vegas.

    The first undercard encounter of the night will be a junior middleweight bout between Sebastian Fundora and Daniel Lewis. While neither of the two are household names, it’s an intriguing clash for boxing fans eager to get a potential glimpse of the future. The main talking point here is the fact that Fundora stands at 6ft5in tall but still manages to make the 154 pounds. Lewis, for his part, is a promising Australian fight who has previously fought at the Olympics.

    After that, Emanuel Navarrete will defend his WBO super bantamweight title on the night against challenger Jeo Tupas Santisima just prior to the main event.  Heavyweights Charles Martin (27-2-1, 24 KOs) and Gerald Washington (20-3-1, 13 KOs) will also enter the ring in a potential title eliminator. 

    Wilder vs Fury 2: UK time and date

    Wilder vs Fury 2 takes place on Saturday, February 22 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The action gets underway at 6pm US Pacific time, which is 9pm ET and 2am UK time. However, with a full undercard to get through before Fury and Wilder take to the ring once again, the main event isn’t expected to start until around 5am UK time. This means you’ll be burning the midnight oil or setting an early alarm if you want to watch all the action live. Should you want to make a full night of it, here’s what you can look forward to.

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  • Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 live stream: how to watch online from anywhere

    Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 live stream: how to watch online from anywhere

    Wherever you are in the world, it’s easy to watch cricket online and get a great quality ICC Women’s T20 World Cup live stream in 2020. Hosts Australia enter the tournament as slight favorites, but England, India and New Zealand can’t be discounted as the world’s 10 best teams compete for T20 glory Down Under.

    The action got underway on Friday, February 21 with a huge match that pitted India vs Australia. India are led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who famously knocked a 171 against Australia back in 2017 during a ODI, but equally impressive are two of the youngsters they’ve included in their side: 16-year olds Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma.

    Hopes are especially high for Shafali, who etched her way into Indian cricket history when she broke the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s 30 year record and became the youngest ever play in the country to score a half century, racking up 73 runs against the West Indies at just 15 years and 285 days old.

    But Australia enter the tournament as the number one women’s T20 side in the world and, captained by Meg Lanning, they won’t be easily beaten.

    If you want to know where you’ll be able to watch this and every other match, we’ll tell you exactly how to access a trustworthy ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 live stream from anywhere in the world.

    Live stream ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from outside your country

    You don’t have to miss a second of the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup. Even if you’re abroad and discover that your home broadcaster’s online coverage is geo-blocked, there’s a simple and perfectly legal way to watch your domestic cricket coverage without – just use a VPN to login back to your country that is broadcasting the match. Here’s how. 

    How to stream the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup live in the UK

    Watch a Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup live stream in Australia

    How to watch the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup: US live stream 

    How to watch a Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup live stream in India

    How to get a FREE T20 Women’s World Cup live stream in Pakistan

    ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 format

    The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is a 10-team tournament split into two groups – Group A and Group B. The top two teams from each will progress and qualify for the semi-finals. The two winning semi-finalists then get to face off in the final on March 8 in Melbourne.

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  • Windows 10X: Everything you need to know about the foldable PC OS

    Windows 10X: Everything you need to know about the foldable PC OS

    By now, you’ve probably heard the term “Windows 10X” thrown around. With the age of foldable PCs and laptops upon us, Windows 10X is perhaps going to be one of the most important operating systems to hit the computing world. So, it’s high time you stop hearing about it and start delving into what it has to offer.

    But what exactly is Windows 10X? Codenamed Santorini, it’s the upcoming version of Windows 10 that’s specifically designed to power foldable PCs and dual-screen laptops. Essentially, it’s going to be the operating system for such Windows-based devices. And, as such, it will boast some features and capabilities that other Windows 10 versions won’t.

    Foldable PCs are about to take over the computing world. Dual-screen laptops like the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo and the HP Omen X 2S are out. Meanwhile, both foldable phones and laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, Dell’s Concept Duet and Intel’s Horseshoe Bend (hopefully) are well on their way. So, it’s no surprise that Microsoft is throwing its hat in the ring. Not only is it gearing up to launch two foldables – the Surface Neo and the Surface Duo, though the latter is rumored to run on Android. But, it’s also hard at work in streamlining this operating system that will power them.

    Windows 10X is key to making sure that this new generation of portables runs seamlessly when they hit the streets. It’s time to know everything about it, from its release date to its unique features. 

     Cut to the chase 

    •  What is it? The upcoming operating system for foldable PCs 
    •  When is it out? Q3 2020
    •  How much will it cost? Most likely free 

     Windows 10X release date 

    Having showcased their concept foldable PCs at CES 2020, both Lenovo and Dell might release them sometime in late 2020. Lenovo said as much of its ThinkPad X1 Fold, at least. Dell still hasn’t shared any hints as to when the Concept Duet will officially launch, so we might not see it until 2021 – if we see it at all. As for the Surface Neo, Microsoft says we’ll see it hit the shelves “Holiday 2020.”

    It makes sense, therefore, for Windows 10X to be ready before these foldables hit store shelves, as Microsoft’s partners will need to test it on their respective foldable devices. Microsoft will also be making the operating system available to developers earlier to give them plenty of time to port their apps over to the unique dual-screen Windows 10X ecosystem. As to when that will be, Microsoft has yet to say. We’re sure we’ll hear more details at Microsoft Build 2020 in May.

    As for us consumers, we don’t have long to wait. According to Microsoft, the operating system will be “available on dual-screen and foldable devices starting in the fall of 2020.” If everything goes according to plan, Windows 10X will be polished and ready before Microsoft releases Surface Neo. 

     Windows 10X compatibility 

    According to Microsoft, Windows 10X will be available on both Microsoft Surface and devices from several Windows ecosystem partners including ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo.” That’s as specific as Microsoft is willing to get at this time. 

    We don’t know exactly if it will work with already existing dual-screen laptops, though from the looks of it, Windows 10X has different orientations that will ideally fit with those laptops’ layouts. The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo’s second screen, ScreenPad Plus, for example, looks like it’s perfectly set up to home Windows 10X’s Wonder Bar.

    What we do know for sure is that Windows 10X will be available on the Surface Neo. And, according to Tom’s Hardware, Lenovo has confirmed that ThinkPad X1 Fold will be utilizing the OS as well, though not at launch.

    But, that’s about it. We’ll make sure to update this page as soon as new Windows 10X compatibility information comes our way, so be sure to bookmark it.

     Windows 10X features 

    Different orientations, different layout
    Thanks to the Windows 10X emulator that Microsoft made available, we now know that even though it’s another version of Windows 10, much like Windows 10 S, it’s noticeably different in terms of look and layout. The changes aren’t all that drastic, but they are noticeable and will certainly feel like a whole new experience for Windows users.

    Gone, for example, is the Start Menu, replaced by what Microsoft is calling a Launcher. When on dual-screen or book mode, this Launcher appears on both screens and may be controlled on either. And, instead of the regular tile mode, your apps will now appear as they would on your tablet home, only in a pop-up menu. This pop-up menu also now houses the search bar.

    But, what’s really impressive about the Windows 10X’s design is its orientations. Microsoft designed it to have a more adaptive user interface (and experience), changing its orientation as you change the mode of your device.

    When you have your device in tablet mode, this operating system takes on the typical single-screen tablet interface. When you have your device in book mode, it takes a dual-screen orientation. It’s also got a laptop mode and an extended canvas mode. Microsoft calls it “multi-posture.”

    In addition, Windows 10X will let you snap two windows in a screen – allowing you to have four applications neatly stacked and next to one another when in book mode. And, if you enjoy landscape orientation, it will also let you drag an app across the two screens so it spans both.

    So, even though it’s looking more like a trimmer version of Windows 10, Windows 10X looks like it’s going to deliver its own brand of versatility, taking advantage of the strengths that only foldable PCs and dual-screen laptops can offer.

    Running Win32 applications in a container
    While Windows 10X is not as stripped down as Windows 10 S, it does have a couple of similarities to the lightweight OS. 

    It doesn’t look like it has Windows Defender, Windows 10’s anti-malware program, which could mean that its final version may not be able to run all desktop applications. For example, PCWorld has reported that its emulator isn’t able to run certain applications like Slack.

    Now, bear in mind that they did test it on an emulator, and the final version of the operating system could very well support many of your favorite desktop apps. Microsoft did also say that it does support Win32 applications.

    However, it’s worth noting that Windows 10X will be running Win32 applications within a container. In essence, the app will be running within a sandbox separate from the operating system, and this could cause performance issues.

    At least, you won’t have to suffer through long updates. Microsoft has promised that Windows 10X will download and install an update in under 90 seconds.

    The Wonder Bar
    Another good thing about Windows 10X is its Wonder Bar, a touch panel that takes Surface Neo’s magnetic flip keyboard experience to a new level. When the keyboard is flipped into place on Surface Neo’s second screen in laptop mode, the Wonder Bar appears above the keyboard, fully stocked with emojis, gifs and kaomojis.

    However, it’s much more than that. It has a clipboard and a keyboard, and it can host that Netflix show you’ve been binging on, while you’re getting some work done on “main” screen. 

    It’s a nifty feature that we, for one, can’t wait to test.

    Bye, Cortana. Windows Hello!
    The Start Menu and tile layout aren’t the only things that Windows 10X ditched in an effort to become a more streamlined version of Windows 10. Cortana fans will not be able to utilize their favorite virtual assistant when they’re on their Windows 10X devices.

    That’s right: it doesn’t look like Windows 10X will be utilizing Cortana.

    Microsoft has yet to explain the snub, however. And, again, we only have the emulator to base this on. It’s entirely possible that Microsoft is waiting until the last minute before adding Cortana back to the mix.

    For now, we can at least take comfort in the fact that Windows 10X will support facial recognition with Windows Hello. It will even forgo the need to dismiss the lock screen once you’re logged in, saving you a bit of time.

    There are a few other bonuses as well. Aesthetically-inclined foldable PC users should enjoy jazzing up their devices, as Windows 10X will feature dynamic wallpapers programmed to change to reflect the current time of day (or indeed night). And finally, those who are concerned about staying connected will be happy to know that the operating system will support 5G, LTE and cloud connectivity.

    Windows 10X will, of course, offer more features that Microsoft will reveal the closer we get to the operating system’s release date. Again, keep this page bookmarked as we will update it as soon as new information comes our way.

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  • How to watch Star Trek: Picard online – stream the new show from anywhere

    How to watch Star Trek: Picard online – stream the new show from anywhere

    Trekkies rejoice! Patrick Stewart is beaming to our screens once again as Jean-Luc Picard, former Captain of the USS-Enterprise. There’s definitely a guaranteed thrill for fans who watch Star Trek: Picard online as Stewart reprises the iconic role and reunites with The Next Generation cast members Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, and Marina Sirtis after 18 years.

    The new series isn’t all phasers blazing and warp speeds, however. Executive producer Alex Kurtzman has promised a more “contemplative show” with a “real-world” look, and the final Star Trek: Picard trailer certainly establishes a wistful mood in addition to impressive visual spectacle. 

    And so far, he has delivered upon his promise – episode four was set at the end of the 24th century, with a very candid perspective on Jean-Luc Picard’s reaction to the loss of Lieutenant Commander Data and the destruction of Romulus. 

    Although, it was episode five that left us on a cliff-hanger as just before the episode ends, a mystery craft which was being piloted by none other than Star Trek’s Voyager’s former Borg, Seven of Nine, swoops in. 

    Ready for the next episode and to ‘make it so’? Keep reading to find out how to watch Star Trek: Picard online wherever you are.

    Watch Star Trek: Picard online from outside your country:

    If you find yourself far from home when the latest episode drops – abroad on business or taking an extended vacation – don’t let geo-blocks ruin your fun. “There’s a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle” Captain Picard once said, and rightly so.

    Say you’re in a country where this content isn’t available. Utilizing a VPN will allow you to watch Star Trek: Picard online no matter where you’re situated. This simple piece of software changes your IP address, so you can access each episode live or catch-up with the series, just as if you were at home.

    How to watch Star Trek: Picard online in the US

    How to watch Star Trek: Picard online in the UK (and for FREE)

      How to watch Star Trek: Picard online in Canada

      How to watch Star Trek: Picard online in Australia

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  • Best e-commerce WordPress themes of 2020

    Best e-commerce WordPress themes of 2020

    WordPress is far more than a simple platform for blogging enthusiasts. Many WordPress themes are devoted to e-commerce, meaning that if you want to monetize your skills and/or start a small business, you can set up a payment processing site with little or no coding knowledge.

    Not all e-commerce platforms are created equal, though. Some may require advanced technical skills, or they might not display well on tablets and smartphones.

    In this guide, we’ve rounded up five of the very best e-commerce WordPress themes. These all represent a good balance between value for money and useful features such as being able to display product slideshows.

    Each of these themes also has a free demo, so feel free to test drive them before you buy.

    Shopkeeper

    Shopkeeper

    Shopkeeper is a user-friendly WordPress e-commerce platform. The homepage consists mainly of one large slider, designed to catch the eye of any potential clients. This is part of the Slider Revolution plugin which is included. Various optional plugins like “Shopkeeper Portfolio Addon” can also be installed.

    The theme integrates completely with WooCommerce, and translation is supported with the WPML plugin. Shopkeeper is Retina-ready and fully responsive, making it perfect to view on both tablets and smartphones as well as your desktop computer.

    The theme is easily customizable. Users do not need knowledge of complex codes in order to use it.  There are a huge array of pre-built layouts to suit your needs, but failing this, users can create their own layout from scratch.

    Users can also upload their own logo, change fonts and colors. Visual Slider and Revolution Slider plugins are included with the Shopkeeper theme; these cost around $26 (£19.5) each. Shopkeeper itself sells at $59 (£45.5) for a regular license. Users can upgrade to 12-months support for a further $17.63 (£13.6).

    Some online commentators have noted that the huge amount of customizable settings contained within Shopkeeper can be overwhelming for newer users.

    Bazar Shop

    Bazar Shop

    Bazar Shop is a slightly more complex e-commerce platform. To be precise, it’s a multi-purpose theme which offers a variety of ways in which to build your website.

    The theme is fully responsive making it perfect to view on platforms other than a desktop PC. Users can choose from several different sliders and there are no restrictions to the number of sliders you can have on your page.

    There are two custom checkout pages to choose from. The ‘zoom’ effect is included in these so there is no need to bother with a third-party plugin. Users can also add multiple images of a product, similar to what you see on eBay and Amazon.

    The homepage includes social media sharing, email subscription forms, featured products and contact information.

    Bazar Shop has over 300 ready-to-use shortcodes, which are perfect for users who do not have any coding knowledge.

    Users can utilize the option panel to change layouts, edit headers and footers, create a sitemap, change the colors, turn on responsive, and customize blog pages.

    Bazar Shop costs $64 (£49) for a regular license and includes 6-months of support.  Users can upgrade to 12-months support for a further $19.5 (£14.65). 

    Online commentators have noted that it is inconvenient to be forced to pay for support after the initial half-year period.

    Divi

    Divi

    Divi is a multi-purpose theme featuring website options to cater for most users, plus it’s highly customizable.

    The theme comes with WooCommerce functionality. The drag and drop feature allows users to include pricing tables, video sliders, tabs and videos. A rating module is also available.

    Users can access a variety of pre-built layouts. These include creating a sales page, multiple blog layouts and a variety of portfolio types.

    Divi is one of the few WordPress themes to include a frontend page builder tool with point and click editing. This gives users instant feedback on any editing that takes place.

    Users can upload logos, choose a new color palette, decide how many posts are displayed on a page, set up social media integrations and more.

    Newer users will find Divi particularly handy as you don’t need any coding skills or any former experience building websites. The user-friendly interface makes the whole process seamless. Furthermore, with various CSS transform options, users can offset the position of any page element with ease.

    Divi allows you to use multiple rows, columns and content elements. All layouts are fully responsive.

    The theme comes with an impressive array of content elements which include an audio player, bar counter, blog, number counter, shop, testimonial and contact form amongst others.

    Divi can also be translated into more than 30 languages such as Chinese, Arabic, Czech, Russian and Spanish to name but a few.

    Users can try a demo version of Divi for free, and there’s the option to purchase a one-year subscription to all of Elegant Themes’ products for $89 (£68) or $249(£187) for a Lifetime access. 

    Halena

    Halena

    Halena is the perfect choice for users with a minimalist philosophy, as its design is clean and simple, meaning that any web page you build will load almost immediately.

    Users can employ the custom-built product quick view mode to get a better view of their items, and the AJAX filtering tool makes inventory searches simple.

    Halena comes with a large variety of pre-built layouts. These include options for product display, shopping cart, checkout and customer accounts.

    The theme also includes WPBakery Page Builder, a drag and drop content editor. This can be used to customize templates as well as creating unique web pages. The Builder also come with its own selection of templates.

    Halena costs $49 (£36.8) for a regular license which includes 6-months of support, future updates and quality checks. Users can extend support for a further 12-months for $13.88 (£10.4).

    Artemis

    Artemis

    Artemis is aimed at those wanting a stylish and classy look for their website. It’s a multi-purpose WordPress WooCommerce theme which includes a variety of online shop demos. All the demos are laid out on the Artemis homepage, making it easier for users to find the right one for them.

    Designs are easily imported onto your WordPress site. Artemis comes with Visual Composer included – a drag and drop page builder plugin which will save you time when building your site.

    Slider Revolution is also part of Artemis. Users have a large variety of number options to choose from, and even novice users will have no trouble creating their perfect website.

    The whole theme is built around WooCommerce. Users can choose to have a full width shop or add left or right sidebars to their web page. Artemis is fully responsive, making it perfect for viewing on tablets and smartphones.

    A regular license costs $59 (£45) with 6-months support and future updates included. Users can upgrade to 12-months support for a further $17.63 (£13.32). Many online commentators have praised the customer support provided.

    Top image credit: Donald Trung (Wikimedia Commons)

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