Intel Cascade Lake-X release date, news and rumors

In 2017, Intel reacted to the threat of Threadripper by pumping out high core count (HCC) Skylake-X processors in the consumer space. And, while processors like the Core i9-7980XE outperformed the highest-end Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, they were also much more expensive, leading more enthusiast consumers to go with AMD’s high-end desktop (HEDT) solution. 

While we know that Threadripper 2nd Generation is coming, Intel has been pretty quiet about its next generation (HEDT) processors. However, we recently got our hands on some leaked roadmaps that suggest that Intel will be releasing its next HEDT platform soon later this year. Whether this “Basin Falls Refresh” is Cascade Lake-X remains to be seen, though. 

Unlike last year, where Intel announced and then released Skylake-X processors at Computex 2017, all we saw at Computex 2018 was a vague 28-core processor. While Intel has since clarified that this 28-core behemoth was running on a 14nm architecture and can overclock to 5GHz, it didn’t clarify which architecture it was based upon. 

However, shortly after its mini debut, multiple sites labeled the 28-core CPU as a Cascade Lake-X processor that utilized the a LGA 3647 socket typically reserved for Xeon chips. This leads us to believe it could either be a preview of what’s to come – even if it’s just a overclocked server-grade chip redesigned for the consumer market – for Cascade Lake-X. 

Still, we don’t have a lot of official information about Cascade Lake-X, so its existence right now is all purely based on rumors and speculation. Make sure you keep this page bookmarked, though, as we’ll keep it updated with any new information that comes our way.

Cut to the Chase

• What is it? Intel next line of high-end desktop CPUs
• When is it out? Late 2018 or early 2019
• How much will it cost? TBD 

Intel Cascade Lake-X release date

The release schedule for Cascade Lake-X is kind of a mess. Now, while we know that the unbelievable 28-core processor Intel showed off at Computex 2018 is supposedly releasing in Q4 2018. 

According to a report from ExtremeTech, Intel’s roadmap shows the Cascade Lake-X HEDT processors debuting next year. This would make sense, as it’d coincide with the rumored release of Cannon Lake next year. However, we’ve also seen leaked roadmaps that point to the end of 2018 as the release window for Intel’s next HEDT platform. Either way, we’re sure we’ll find out soon. 

Intel Cascade Lake-X price

This is where things might get uncomfortable, so brace yourself. Intel doesn’t exactly have a history of releasing HCC and HEDT processors for what we would call ‘reasonable’ prices. So, we expect the pricing of Cascade Lake-X to fall in line with, or exceed Skylake-X’s pricing. 

We’ve taken the liberty of listing the pricing of Skylake-X processors below.

• Intel Core i7-7800X: $383 (£329, AU$519)
• Intel Core i7-7820X: $589 (£509, AU$799)
• Intel Core i9-7900X: $989 (£819, AU$1,309)
• Intel Core i9-7920X: $1,189 (£990, AU$1,589)
• Intel Core i9-7940X: $1,387 (£1,099, AU$1,899)
• Intel Core i9-7960X: $1,684 (£1,399, AU$2,279)
• Intel Core i9-7980XE: $1,979 (£1,649, AU$2,729)

Intel Cascade Lake-X specs

Assuming for a second that the 28-core CPU showed off at Computex is indicative of what we can expect from Cascade Lake-X, things are about to get bananas.

Skylake-X was able to offer significantly higher core counts than the previous generation of HEDT CPUs precisely because it was manufactured on a smaller die. Cascade Lake-X won’t have the same advantage as its based on the a similar 14nm++ process and die-size as its predecessor. 

So while it will be able to offer slightly higher core counts, core clocks and power efficiency than Skylake-X, the leap in performance isn’t going to be as breathtaking.

However, if Intel is able to use this process refinement to deliver a better value proposition – maybe offering a 10-core processor for under $1,000, it might actually attract a lot of enthusiasts to this upcoming HEDT platform, instead of the cheaper mainstream chips. 

And, because Intel has announced a 28-core processor, followed by rumors of a 22-core one, we actually have reason to believe that’s what Intel is planning on doing. Maybe we’ll see a 10-core Core i7 X-series processor – that would certainly put AMD on the defensive. 

We have seen a listing of a Cascade Lake processor, though it was quickly taken down. It pointed to a Xeon server-class processor, rather than any kind of consumer-grade product. However, don’t worry because you probably wouldn’t want to drop $50,000 on a server running a Xeon CPU.More than likely, this is merely a preview of what’s to come with the Cascade Lake-X processors.

We just have to wait for Intel to reveal what’s in store – and we’ll be sure to update this page the second we know more.

• Who wins the processor war between Intel vs AMD?

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/intel-cascade-lake-x

Intel Coffee Lake-X release date, news and rumors

Before we dive into any of this, let’s just get one thing out of the way: Intel Coffee Lake-X isn’t confirmed to exist in any way, shape or form. This is all just speculation at this point.

Intel has had a rough couple of years. Ever since the onset of AMD Ryzen and Threadripper, Intel has been on the defensive – haphazardly throwing out CPU refreshes to keep ahead of AMD. 

Last year, when AMD released the first generation of Ryzen Threadripper, Intel responded with Skylake X, which topped out with the $1,979 (£1,649, AU$2,729) 18-core, 36-thread Core i9-7980XE. Fortunately for Intel at the time, it out-powered the Threadripper 1950X, but only just barely.

Now, in 2018, AMD is poised to release the rumored Threadripper 2990X which, if rumors are to be believed, is a $1,700 (£1,300, AU$2,300) 32-core 64-thread behemoth. If it’s actually real, Intel is going to want to come out with something to compete.  

Enter Coffee Lake-X. 

Now, according to gossip around the web, Coffee Lake-X did actually exist at one point, only to be scrapped by Intel, according to speculation from the Motley Fool. However, seeing how Intel Cascade Lake-X will probably be a server-based platform, rather than the new high-end desktop (HEDT) platform, that leaves Intel with nothing to compete with the Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation processors set to come out later this year. And, if this leaked roadmap is to be believed, we could see Intel’s next HEDT platform launching later this year.

We don’t have any concrete information at this point – we don’t even know if it’ll be called Coffee Lake-X, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate. So, keep this page bookmarked, as we’ll update it as soon as we get more information.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? Intel’s potential next HEDT platform
• When is it out? TBD
• What will it cost? TBD

Release date

 

This is where things get a little hard to predict. If our earlier speculation is true, and Intel uses Coffee Lake-X to compete with Threadripper 2nd Generation, we might see an announcement soon – the first chips of this series are slated to release in Q3 2018.

However, while it’s hard to even find rumors about Coffee Lake-X, we have seen a leaked roadmap that points to a ‘Basin Falls Refresh’ launching in the HEDT space later this year. Whether that’s Coffee Lake-X or not, we don’t know, but luckily we won’t have to wait long to find out.

Intel supposedly confirmed a forthcoming X399 chipset, which would likely be the chipset that would support Coffee Lake-X, but we have no idea when that’s coming out, either.

We’ll just have to wait until Intel to make some kind of announcement about the release date of its next HEDT platform.

Specs

This is where things get interesting. Now, we have no idea what the Coffee Lake-X chips are going to look like, but they have to be basically better than Skylake-X, which is already absolutely bananas. If you need a refresher, the specs for the 7th-generation HEDT processors are as as follows:

• Core i9-7900X: 10-cores, 20-threads at 3.3GHz 
• Core i9-7920X: 12-cores, 24-threads at 2.9GHz 
• Core i9-7940X: 14-cores, 28-threads at 3.1GHz 
• Core i9-7960X: 16-cores, 32-threads at 4.2GHz 
• Core i9-7980XE: 18-cores, 36-threads at 2.6GHz 

That last one, the Core i9-7980XE was the most powerful consumer processor of the last year, and still is at the time of this writing. However, that processor costs nearly $2,000. Remember that rumor we mentioned earlier about the 32-core, 64-thread AMD Threadripper 2990X that’s supposedly launching for less than that?

That’s exactly what Intel is going to need top with Coffee Lake-X. Earlier, at Computex 2018, Intel showed off a 28-core 56-thread CPU clocked at 5GHz. And, while that processor later turned out to be a Cascade Lake-X processor with a completely different LGA-3647 socket, that might actually be what Intel needs to release – and for much less than the rumored $10,000 that processor might end up costing. 

At the end of the day, we won’t know what Intel’s next line of HEDT processors is going to look like until it’s actually announced, but we do know that if Intel is going to stay competitive after Threadripper 2 comes out, it will need to come out with some beefy CPUs at a competitive price. And, you can rest assured that the moment Intel does that, we’ll update this page with any relevant information.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/intel-coffee-lake-x

Intel Cannon Lake release date, news, and rumors

Remember how Intel was going to release Cannon Lake in 2016? And, then when it got pushed back to 2018? Well, according to Intel’s Q1 financial results we won’t see the long-awaited follow-up to Kaby Lake until 2019 – at least in a consumer-ready state. But, at least Intel is still on top of the processor game.

However, before we dive into all the juicy Cannon Lake gossip, we’re going to take a step back, because Intel’s recent releases have been kind of hard to follow. So, in the past Intel followed a predictable ‘Tick-Tock’ release schedule, where generations would switch between introducing a new die process and architecture. This is why we all expected Cannon Lake to succeed Skylake in 2016.

That didn’t happen, though. Instead, Intel changed things up by pushing Cannon Lake back and released Kaby Lake instead – an ‘optimization in a new ‘process-architecture-optimization’ release model. Ok, so the 10nm Cannon lake would follow after Kaby Lake, right? Well, that’s what you’d think. Intel actually followed Kaby Lake with its 8th-generation Kaby Lake R and Coffee Lake processors, the fourth and fifth releases using Intel’s 14nm process.

If you find this to be confusing, trust us, you’re not alone. Now, there’s some good news – we’ve seen a listing for the first Cannon Lake CPU. Now while it’s just a 10nm laptop chip that’ll likely not see a retail release, it’s at least a sign of what’s to come. 

What’s more likely is that Cannon Lake processors will look like the octa-core Coffee Lake S chips that are rumored to be coming out early next year. As time goes on, it’s looking like those Coffee Lake S processors are going to kick off Intel’s 9th-generation, including mainstream Core i9 processors. So, if Coffee Lake-S is the beginning of Intel’s 9th generation, what’s going on with Cannon Lake?

Either way, there’s not a lot of solid information to run on, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate using our CPU expertise. But, be sure to keep this article bookmarked, as we’ll update it with all the latest and greatest Cannon Lake information that comes our way.

Cut to the Chase

• What is it? Intel’s next generation, 10nm CPU lineup
• When is it out? Sometime in 2019
• What will it cost? TBD 

Release date

We were supposed to get Cannon Lake twice already. The presumably 9th-generation Intel CPUs were initially supposed to follow Skylake in 2016, then Kaby Lake in 2018. But according to Intel’s Q1 2018 financial report, it’s “currently shipping low-volume 10nm product and now expects 10nm volume production to shift to 2019.” So, we’re not getting Cannon Lake in 2018. 

So, we know we’re going to have to wait until at least 2019 to see Cannon Lake, but when in 2019? Well, the short answer is ‘we don’t know’, but we did get our hands on a leaked Intel roadmap that shows Coffee Lake-S being Intel’s main platform through Q2 2019, so we could see it launch in the second half of next year. That is, if it’s not pushed back to 2020. 

Price

Intel probably isn’t going to rock the boat too much here. We expect prices to fall in line with the current lineup of 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors. We’ve taken the liberty of listing some of the prices here.

• Intel Core i7-8700K – $350 (£290, AU$520) 
• Intel Core i7-8700 – $313 (£290, AU$430) 
• Intel Core i5-8400 – $190 (£183, AU$250) 
• Intel Core i5-8600K – $257 (£190, AU$325) 
• Intel Core i5-8600 – $213 (about £150, AU$277) 
• Intel Core i3-8100 – $130 (£99, AU$145) 
• Intel Core i3-8350K – $180 (£160, AU$240) 
• Intel Core i3-8300 – $138 (about £98, AU$180)

Unfortunately, we won’t know until Intel actually releases pricing information, but between generations, Intel doesn’t generally shift its pricing all that much. 

Specs

This is where things are going to get interesting. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen a die process shrink at Intel, but when Broadwell succeeded Haswell (yeah, it’s been that long), we saw 30% gains in efficiency. This will mean that battery life in the best laptops will surge, and we’ll be able to overclock even harder while keeping temps manageable.

Tom’s Hardware has reported that a dual-core Cannon Lake CPU was shipped last year according to a Spectre microcode guidance document, but it’s highly unlikely that consumer units will be the same. Otherwise AMD would eat them alive for that. We’ll likely see higher core counts, as Intel is going to want to go up against AMD in a major way.

This dual-core chip was likely that Intel Core i3 8121U processor that was just listed by Intel. According to the product listing the processor features two cores and fou threads delivering 2.2GHz of base performance and boost clock of 3.2GHz. It also has a TDP of just 15W and a 4MB cache.

We’ve also seen a leaked document that suggests a new X399 chipset in the works that would support existing Coffee Lake CPUs and possibly Cannon Lake processors as well, suggesting enthusiasts won’t need to upgrade their motherboard to get on the Cannon Lake train.

If the newly-announced Intel i7-8086K is any kind of clue as to what we can expect from future Intel products with its 5GHz boost clock, we won’t only see high core counts as a result of the move to a 10nm process, but crazy high clock speeds as well. 

Ultimately, we won’t know what performance advantages Cannon Lake CPUs will offer until Intel shares some more information about it, but because it’s been pushed back until 2019. It’s likely we won’t hear anything from the tech behemoth until CES 2019. But, don’t worry if anything changes, we’ll update this page. So, keep your eyes glued to this page.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/intel-cannon-lake

Nvidia vs AMD: which should be your next graphics card?

Galaxy Note9 release date confirmed by another report, list of freebies outed too

A new report from Samsung's home of South Korea confirms the previously outed release date for the upcoming Galaxy Note9: August 24. As you can see from the image below, it's clearly written on a promotional poster made for the device by KT, one of the Korean carriers. Since the date was first leaked by a Polish Samsung employee, and now the same date is said to apply to the Korean market, we're assuming that's when the global launch will happen. Of course things might still change, but this is probably the best estimation of when the phone will be in stores - until August 9 comes, of...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_note9_release_date_confirmed_by_another_report_list_of_freebies_outed_too-news-32530.php

Best Kodi/XBMC streaming boxes 2018: the best hardware for Kodi streaming

Kodi boxes are a massive success no matter how you slice them. The best models deliver 4K video to your TV and allow you unfettered access to audio and video streams of every format and service. If there's a better, more versatile piece of AV software out there, we've yet to see it. 

On top of giving you the capability to stream video and music files over a local network, the software also includes the ability to install add-ons to stream from almost any streaming service you could think of, including Amazon Prime Instant Video, Spotify and Netflix.

One of the main selling points of Kodi is the fact that it’s supported by pretty much any platform you could think of, up to and including macOS, Android, Linux and Windows. The only real drawback we can think of is that Kodi doesn’t actually manufacture streaming boxes (no, the official Kodi Raspberry Pi case doesn't count), so you need to find your own device to run it on.

Luckily, dozens of manufacturers the world over are more than happy to provide some to you. In fact, to be totally honest, the requirements for running Kodi are almost laughably low: all you need is a 3D capable GPU graphics hardware controller for all rendering, a Dual-core 2GHz or better CPU, and 1GB of RAM. 

That said, while there are plenty of boxes available with Kodi pre-installed, you have to be careful. So-called 'fully loaded' Kodi boxes come with lots of add-ons that give you access to pirated content. Unsurprisingly, there's a huge crackdown on these types of boxes, with the EU declaring them illegal.

The best solution is to find a compatible media box and manually install Kodi. And with this guide, we’ve gathered together the best Kodi streaming boxes on the market in 2018. For each, we've tested how easy it is to install Kodi, how smoothly it runs, and how each handles playing 1080p or 4K video. 

• You will find the best VPN services for Kodi and check out our best Android boxes buying guide as well.

Putting Kodi on the Amazon Fire TV takes a bit of finagling, yes, but when it's on there the world of streaming video will be your oyster. We prefer the latest iteration of Amazon's streaming device because it delivers 4K HDR video via a small, inconspicuous dongle. It's easy to hide out of sight and does nothing to mar the appearance of a perfectly clean entertainment center.

In terms of specs, the Amazon Fire TV has a Quad core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU with speeds up to 1.5GHz. It uses the Amlogic S905Z SoC architecture and supports 32-bit apps. Inside you've got 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Its Wi-Fi antenna supports  802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; 2x2 MIMO (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual band)  which means it can handle 4K streams without a problem. 

Our only problem with the Amazon Fire TV is that the remote isn't the best. It's made from a plastic material and, due to its small stature, can be easily lost. Minor qualms aside, however, this is probably the best Kodi box on the market right now.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire TV (2017)

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is one of the most popular streaming devices among Kodi users – and it has been for a while. With the 2017 version of the Fire TV Stick, things are even better. A faster processor makes the media streamer 30% faster than the old one, according to Amazon. The new stick also features Alexa support built in (although this doesn't work with Kodi), and the device is only slightly more expensive than the original.

However, getting Kodi on the Fire TV Stick can be a bit of a hassle, as the app is not listed in the Amazon app store. Instead, you have to sideload Kodi. Once installed, though, the Fire TV stick is phenomenal. 

• Check out our guide on how to install Kodi on a Fire TV Stick

The included Bluetooth remote control effortlessly navigates through Kodi’s menus and interface.  While the older Fire TV struggled a little to navigate Kodi's menus smoothly, the new model has no such trouble with the default skin.

Keep in mind that the Fire TV’s HDMI output only supports up to 1080p video. Testing, we found that our 1080p videos played smoothly; 4K videos launched and were downscaled, but we soon ran into buffering problems as the Fire TV struggled to keep up with the high quality video.

If you don't care about not having 4K and want a small, simple device that can handle 1080p Kodi, as well as Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video, this is the best Kodi streaming box for you. 

Read the full review: Amazon Fire TV Stick

The Amazon Fire TV is a top choice for anyone that wants a great all-rounder. At its heart, this media player is an excellent choice for Amazon Prime Instant Video and Netflix, supporting both services in 4K with HDR, but the power to play Ultra HD content means that the Fire TV is also rather good for Kodi.

As with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Kodi is not available through the official app store, so it has to be sideloaded. This is slightly annoying to do, but not overly difficult. Once installed, Kodi can be launched quickly from the main menu.

• Check out our guide on how to install Kodi on the Amazon Fire TV

Kodi runs beautifully smoothly on the Fire TV and takes just a few seconds to load. Amazon's excellent Voice Remote is great for navigation and connects via Bluetooth, so you don't need line of sight; voice commands are not supported in Kodi, though.

We tested using 1080p and 4K videos, with both playing smoothly. The Fire TV has 802.11ac Wi-Fi built in, but if your home network isn't fast enough to play video without buffering, there's an Ethernet port, too.

While streaming is the easiest option, the Fire TV has a microSD card slot so that you can load this up with movies. Given the media player's small dimensions, you can load it up with content for travelling.

If you want Kodi in 4K, but want access to other streaming services, too, the Amazon Fire TV is the box to buy.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire TV

The Nvidia Shield is the most powerful Android set-top box that we've reviewed. It's designed with all types of 4K home entertainment in mind, from Netflix to the latest games via Geforce Now. Unsurprisingly, this power makes the Nvidia Shield one of the best boxes for Kodi.

Running Android TV on Android 6.0, the Nvidia Shield is one of the easiest boxes to configure Kodi on. With Google Play reconfigured for your TV screen and remote control, rather than a touchscreen, installing Kodi was an absolute breeze; in fact, we didn't have to type anything, since we were able to use the voice search provided by the remote control to find the Kodi app.

Kodi started in just a couple of seconds, with the box recovering from standby in a similar amount of time. There are no lengthy waits with the Nvidia Shield.

Once in Kodi performance was exceptional, with super-smooth menus and animations across the board. The menus and interface were easy to navigate using the excellent bundled remote control, too.

We tested 4K and 1080p videos, with both streaming smoothly. The Shield could also easily downsample 4K video to fill a 1080p TV, too. We had no problems using the built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi; if your network signal isn't strong enough, there's an Ethernet port in the back.

Considering the small size of the Nvidia Shield, the performance is phenomenal. If you don't care about the gaming content, the Amazon Fire TV is better value for 4K playback; if you want the absolute best performance, this is the media streamer to buy.

Read the full review: Nvidia Shield

Want 4K, but don't want to pay over the top for a box that can handle it? You need the Android-powered Seguro Trongle X4. 

There's always a slight fear that bargain-basement products have severe limitations, but the Trongle X4 is refreshingly good, with only the minor annoyance. Measuring just 110mm square with a height of 17mm, the Trongle X4 is also one of the smallest set-top boxes that we've seen.

Wi-Fi is built in, but the X4 couldn't see our 5GHz 802.11ac network, so could only connect via 2.4GHz. The connection was painfully slow, so we recommend using the Ethernet connection at the back instead.

As the X4 runs full Android 6.0, the Google Play Store is built in, making it straightforward to install Kodi (or other Android apps). As the play store is designed for touch, navigating it with a remote control is a little painful. It's handy that the remote has a Mouse button, so you can move an on-screen pointer to make selection a little easier, though. Once installed, Kodi can be pinned to the front screen, making it easy to launch; the only thing you have to wait for is the X4's 25s boot time, as there's no fast standby mode.

The X4's HDMI 2.0b output supports HDR10 and HLG HDR processing, along with Ultra HD resolutions, so you'll easily be able to play the best-looking content on this box.

After all of the latest updates had downloaded and installed, Kodi ran smoothly on the X4, quickly connecting to our shared folders. We tested both 1080p and 4K films, with all playing smoothly, thanks to the 2GHz quad-core Amlogic S905X CPU. Buffering becomes an issue over Wi-Fi, but we had no such problems when using Ethernet. There's even a microSD card slot (up to 32GB), so you can store content locally and carry the X4 around with you, making it great for holidays. The Amazon Fire TV and Nvidia Shield are slicker for 4K, but this is a good budget option.

The Raspberry Pi 3 is a brilliant little computer for all types of projects, and its diminutive size makes it an attractive option for building a tiny Kodi media centre. The Raspberry Pi Foundation makes this easy, too, with NOOBS supporting two pre-built options: LibreELEC and OSMC. We've used OSMC for this guide.

Once installed, the Pi 3 boots into OSMC and runs you through a quick configuration wizard before moving to Kodi. After that, the Raspberry Pi 3 takes around 20s to power on. OSMC gives you a custom skin designed for the Pi, although you can switch back to the Classic option. We recommend avoiding over-complicated skins, as the Pi may struggle to run them. As it stands, the default skins work well, but the animations are only just on the right side of smooth. It's also worth buying a fast microSD card so that the Pi 3 boots quickly and remains responsive.

Thanks to its quad-core CPU, we found that that the Raspberry Pi 3 could handle 1080p videos easily. There's no Ultra HD support from the HDMI output, and the Pi 3 can't downscale 4K movies. With our test 4K footage, the Pi showed a broken image and became very jerky to use. Given the 802.11n Wi-Fi built into the Pi 3, you may find that you need to use the wired Ethernet connection if your wireless network signal isn't strong enough and you get buffering issues.

The Pi 3 comes without a case, so you'll need to budget for one. It doesn't ship with a remote, either, although you may be able to control Kodi using an HDMI CEC-compatible TV's remote; the smartphone app is otherwise the easiest method.

If you have a Raspberry Pi 3 already, it will make a decent 1080p Kodi media centre. If you don't have one, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a better choice, and cheaper considering it comes with a remote and doesn't need a case.

Read the full review: Raspberry Pi 3

The Emtec GEM Box might seem like a good choice for Kodi, but we'd only recommend it if you've already got the box itself lying around. Running Android 4.4, the GEM Box is not compatible with the latest builds of Kodi, and the Google Play Store doesn't show the software as available for download.

Instead, you have to install the Complete Kodi Setup Wizard, which gives you access to older versions of the software. From here, we could install Kodi 15.2 Isengard instead. It's fiddly using to Google Play Store to install the Setup Wizard, and we had to flick the switch at the bottom of the game controller to move between normal and mouse mode in order to select the search box and installation options.

Kodi 15.2 ran smoothly enough on our GEM Box, and we soon had it set up to stream content. Full HD content played without trouble. The GEM Box doesn't have a 4K output, nor can it downsample 4K video; our Ultra HD video just crashed the media player, and we had to cycle the power. Struggling with larger video files shows that the quad-core processor is a little behind the times.

We had no problems streaming videos over either the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. If you want local storage, the GEM Box can take a microSD card, for locally stored video. That can make the diminutive GEM Box a handy device to carry around.

The issue with the GEM Box is its price and out-of-date operating system. If you have one already, being able to install Kodi is useful; if you want to buy a new Kodi box, look elsewhere in this guide.

The PC is the most versatile platform on Earth, so why not use it to build your very own Kodi box? Yes, the total cost will outstrip that of the other models here, but you'll get a more powerful unit that can run more than just Kodi.

There are lots of options to go for, too. The simplest is to buy a pre-made mini PC. We tested on the excellent, but not widely available, Asus VivoMini VC65. This tiny computer measures 197 x 196 x 62mm, so will easily squeeze underneath your TV. There's even a version with a built-in DVD drive, too.

The other option is to build your own computer - check out our guide on how to build a console-sized gaming PC for a good guide.  The benefit of the second option is that you can specify the exact PC you want, so that it can even play the latest games.

There are a few things to watch out for. First, integrated graphics on Intel processors only support an HDMI 1.4 output. That means you're restricted to 4K at a jerky 24Hz; you have to use DisplayPort to get the full 60Hz in Ultra HD. For that reason, you will need a mini PC with a dedicated graphics card that has an HDMI 2.0 output.

You don't get a dedicated remote control with most PCs, but the control options are huge: you can use a wireless keyboard, game controller or the smartphone app, amongst others.

This is probably the most expensive method on this list, but the resulting satisfaction from having built an HTPC entirely yourself is worth the effort it takes several times over.

• Kodi: the good, the bad, and the illegal

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/best-kodi-xbmc-streaming-boxes

Surface Studio 2: what we want to see

When it was revealed by Microsoft, the Windows 10-powered Surface Studio shocked the world. Fast forward to 2018, and we’re extremely eager to get our hands on the sequel.

While the original was lacking when it came to ports, the Surface Studio could – and should – rectify this by coming with an 8th-generation Coffee Lake CPU and a 5K display. If Microsoft pulls this off, it could be the perfect competition to Apple’s iMac Pro.

We don’t have much to go off of, though, as Microsoft remains tight-lipped about the Surface Studio sequel. However, we don’t need to know much to do some speculation, though, so let’s dive into what the Surface Studio 2 may look like.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The would-be second Surface Studio desktop
• When is it out? Possibly between September and November 2018
• What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Surface Studio 2 release date

The original Surface Studio launched in late 2016, so Microsoft’s iMac competitor is due for a refresh given the firm’s general cadence for Surface products that aren’t the Surface Pro.

However, we haven’t really heard anything about when the Surface Studio sequel is coming. All we have to go off of is a Windows Central report citing sources that said ‘Surface Studio 2 is a-go.’ As such, the outlet expects to see the device ‘in the fall.’

That amounts to anytime between September and November for a possible Surface Studio 2 launch – though time is running out to make that date. Until more concrete information shows up, though, this is the expectation we’ll have to stick with.

Surface Studio 2 price

Sadly, there’s even less known regarding the Surface Studio 2’s possible pricing, i.e. absolutely nothing. So, all we can expect of the potential device’s price so far is for it to hold close to that of the previous model.

Currently, the Surface Studio goes for anywhere between $2,999 (£2,999, AU$4,699) and $4,199 (£4,249, AU$6,599). For Microsoft to go any further above that price might be a shot in the foot, especially considering the pricing of its primary competition, the Apple iMac line.

Conversely, it’s tough to expect Microsoft to drive the price much lower than it is now, either, as the original Surface Studio saw an impressive demand at its current price point during launch. Stay tuned to this space as more rumors and leaks come to light.

What we want to see in Surface Studio 2

For as impressed as we were – and still are – by the Surface Studio, plenty has progressed in the nearly two years since its release, and there’s always room for improvement. Here’s what we hope to see come to fruition in the Surface Studio 2:

More powerful components
This is obvious, sure, but the Surface Studio 2 could use some more powerful hardware – the original had weak hardware on release day. This time around, a proper desktop-grade processor is all but essential, as are up-to-date graphics – a Coffee Lake, or even a 9th-generation Coffee Lake-S CPU and Nvidia Turing graphics would be a nice touch. Plus, one of the best SSDs would be hugely beneficial to the creatives it’s targeted at. 

An even sharper screen
The current Surface Studio screen is absolutely gorgeous, sporting a massive 4,500 x 3,000-pixel resolution across the sRGB, DCI-P3 and Vivid color spaces. But, there’s no reason that it can’t go further. Seeing a 5K Surface Studio to directly rival the priciest iMac would be awfully exciting for content creators.

Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
For as versatile as the Thunderbolt 2 DisplayPort is on the current Surface Studio, it's time for Microsoft to collectively move onto Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. Not only does the it offer more throughput for file transfers, it could also serve as a one plug hub for all displays and other peripherals you want to connect. If the Surface Studio 2 is to truly compete, it needs to respect this growing standard for its target audience’s sake.

All accessories included
For what it’s charging for the current – and will charge for the future – Surface Studio, Microsoft should be including all of the essential accessories in the box. Yes, that includes the awesome Surface Dial alongside the Surface Mouse and Keyboard. It’s only fair for a several-grand purchase.

• These are the best computers we’ve tested to date

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/surface-studio-2

MacBook Pro 2019: what we want to see

If you’ve been a MacBook user for many years now, you might feel like Apple has lost that edge that essentially propelled the company out of its dark ages. While they’ve been rolling up new MacBook Pro models (and other devices, for that matter) faster than our bank accounts can keep up – and some of those individual upgrades have definitely helped make for improved machines – those updates have felt a little hollow.

Since 2016, Apple has taken a different tack with the MacBook Pro, focusing on features friendlier to the mainstream, like the Touch Bar, and even further streamlining its design, as with the removal of all ports but Thunderbolt 3. . It’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and it’s been disappointing to seasoned users.

Granted, the MacBook Pro 2018 has been upgraded to boast the 8th generation Intel processor and a newer, faster SSD that some have argued is better than anything else out there, giving it unprecedented speed. They’ve also upped the display with True Tone technology, fixed some of the Butterfly keyboard issues from 2017 (though not the keyboard itself which still feels stiff and has less travel), all while maintaining last year’s battery life numbers.

Do we have high hopes for the 2019 update? Well, this new direction isn’t likely going away anytime soon, and you’re gonna have to get with the times, so to speak. But, we are hopeful that Apple dials down the frills and wows us with updates that we do need. Here’s to hoping Apple gives us back some of the things we loved about the older models.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The 2019 MacBook Pro update
• When is it out? It’s too early to tell, but most likely summer of 2019
• What will it cost? If the Touch Bar stays, likely as much as the 2018 models

MacBook Pro 2019 release date

Although a 2019 update to the MacBook Pro (as well as the Mac Pro) is expected, there’s no rumored release date at the moment. It’s hardly a surprise, as the the 2018 update just dropped this July. We might need to wait a few months or even early next year for a clearer date.

However, going by Apple’s previous release dates — MacBook Pro 2017 debuted in June 2017 while the MacBook Pro 2018 model came out a few weeks ago in July — a summer release for the MacBook Pro 2019 makes sense and is highly plausible. Keep an eye out for updates.

MacBook Pro 2019 price

Just the fact that Apple hasn’t upgraded its non-Touch Bar MacBook Pros this year says a lot about its direction, which is likely to phase them out and continue asking us pay for tech that, while promising, hasn’t been perfected yet.

The worst part of the 2018 models is the fact that you need to shell out thousands to get the highest amount of RAM (the 32GB RAM option is only available to the 15-inch models) and the largest SSD combo. Otherwise, you’re stuck with base amount of RAM and a Touch Bar that isn’t even universally compatible yet. Photographers and filmmakers who need a bigger screen? You can forget about getting a non-Touch Bar model.

You can also forget about upgrading your 13-inch. The majority of its parts are soldered, so you’ll have to bring in a professional and break your warranty. Then you may have to invest in a third-party docking station because the only ports available to you are the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack.

Of course, it’s hard to predict these things, but you’ll probably see more of the same prices. At the moment, the basic 13-inch with Touch Bar configuration, featuring 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and four Thunderbolt 3 ports, will set you back $1,799 (£1,749, A$2,699). You’re basically paying 300 bucks more for the Touch Bar, Touch ID and two additional Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Considering Apple left starting prices unchanged this year over last, expect more of the same for the MacBook Pro 2019.

What we want to see from MacBook Pro 2019

Apple hasn’t been getting a lot of love lately, what with the great keyboard debacle of 2016-2017, the troubled Touch Bar and the soldered RAM, to name a few. But, we’re still hoping Apple takes a new lease on life in 2019 and actually gives the users some of the things they need.

More port variety, please
Or, at least, if Apple’s going to insist on Thunderbolt 3, provide us with a docking station or an adapter for USB, Mini DisplayPort and HDMI. You know, instead of leaving us to pay extra for a third-party one. 

However, if we’re really being honest, limiting us to Thunderbolt 3 is inconvenient. MacBook Pro is for professionals who want a more seamless workflow. Yes, the Thunderbolt 3 is powerful and versatile, allowing for charging, output and data transfers; but we’re still using other devices and accessories that don’t support it. If we’re expected to connect this cable to that adapter to plug in to that port, we’re not going to be happy.

And, while we’re at it, can we just bring back MagSafe charging, please? Some of us tend to trip over those cables, and it was nice to know that we wouldn’t damage those older models in the process.

Improved Touch Bar
When it comes to the new Touch Bar, it seems that Apple is standing its ground. Despite many complaints from users and despite the fact that many still prefer not having it, Apple seems to be in the process of phasing out the MacBook Pros without the Touch Bar. In fact, it’s only the MacBook Pros with Touch Bar that received the 8th-gen Intel processor and True Tone display upgrades this year.

That’s all fine and dandy and, we must admit, the technology has promise. However, if Apple is going to ask for a few hundred bucks for a new feature, can we please get more use out of it? So far, Touch Bar compatibility is only limited to a few programs and apps, and we want to see more added to this list. Plus, it would be nice to get it properly working without the freezes and fat finger issues.

Or offer an alternative
Again, the Touch Bar shows promise, but it isn’t exactly something that most users need. Not all of us are photographers or filmmakers or designers. Some use the MacBook Pro for productivity because of the simple fact that it’s interface is more streamlined and user-friendly. But they won’t have a need for a Touch Bar at all. In fact, it’ll just get in the way.

We’d like to see an option for such users. Bring back the Touch Bar-free 15-inch model and upgrade the 13-inch model without it, perhaps.

Better keyboard, display and sound
Sure, Apple has ‘improved’ the keyboard so that it’s quieter, but it’s still a tad stiff and has less travel than most keyboards. As far as ergonomics, the keyboard isn’t the best. It’s not that we hate it, but it’s certainly more difficult to love it. We could get used to the keyboard, but we’d rather see a better one. Better yet, Apple could bring back the old design we’ve come to know and love.

The MacBook Pro designers should take cues from the iPhone X and get rid of the bezeled display. That’s a lot of precious real estate wasted, and pushing for a bezel-free display will give users a bigger screen without having to compromise the size. Plus, by going bezel-free, it’ll give the update a fresher, more modern look. Also, a laptop designed to edit 4K media should have a 4K screen option.

And, while Apple’s at it, we’d like to see it reconsider those speakers. We get that Apple is pushing for a more compact design, but the speakers in the older MacBook Pros are so much better. With all the technology they come up with, it would be welcome to receive a premium set of speakers with better base and more volume.

New Intel processor
Rumor has it that Intel is designing a new processor, the 10nm ‘Cannon Lake,’ and we’d love to see it on the MacBook Pro 2019 update. Obviously, the 2018 models just got the 8th-generation Coffee Lake boost, but Cannon Lake is expected to be more efficient and even better performing, which would be great for users who skipped on the 2018 update or need to upgrade their units that year.

Of course, since it’s been confirmed that Intel doesn’t expect this chip to drop until late 2019, Apple would have to delay their release until the chip comes out, and that seems highly unlikely. Still, we’d rather see it delayed and have an even better processor than invest in one with only superficial upgrades. Regardless, keep it locked to TechRadar as this page includes more and more rumors and leaks in the lead up to launch.

• These are the best Macs you can buy today

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-pro-2019

The best Windows tablets 2018: all of the top Windows tablets reviewed

Now that the Windows 10 April 2018 Update has been released, the best Windows tablets are more versatile than they’ve ever been. You can now even switch out of Windows 10 S Mode, so now the best Windows tablets can easily run the full-fat version of Windows 10.

Due to their flexibility, the best Windows tablets are capable of covering a wide variety of different use cases. From power-heavy behemoths like the Surface Pro to economical featherweight Windows tablets like the Lenovo Miix 630, there really is a Windows tablet for everybody. Plus, anyone who’s been waiting for a budget Surface Device will be happy to know that Microsoft has announced the Surface Go, which comes out soon.

That’s why we’ve gathered together the best Windows tablets we’ve used over the last year or so. There are obvious choices, like the Surface Pro, alongside the surprisingly powerful HP Spectre x2 and the gorgeous Samsung Galaxy TabPro S. No matter which you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a great Windows experience with any of these tablets.  

The Surface Pro is the massively successful Surface Pro 4’s sequel – we know, it’s confusing – and it deserves to have a number attached to it. This is because the latest version of the Surface Pro not only sees massive battery improvements up to 32%, but it now features an updated Kaby Lake CPU, too. Plus, even though it’s unfortunately no longer included, the Surface Pen now has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. 

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro

If you want the versatility that the Surface Pro offers, but don’t want to pay the exorbitant price that a competent model asks, you might want to check out the Acer Switch 5. You’ll lose a bit in screen resolution and sound quality, but you’re saving hundreds of dollars. The Acer Switch 5 is one of the best Windows tablets for any students or professionals who need to get work done on the go, and save some cash at the same time.

Read the full review: Acer Switch 5 

While it’s rocking a 6th-generation Intel processor, the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a knockout 12-inch tablet that manages to be thinner and better built than most Windows 10 tablets. It also offers a gorgeous Super AMOLED display that you won’t find on any other Windows device, plus a pair of high-quality speakers that sound better than most other tablet speakers. The keyboard is a bit iffy, but if you’re looking for a tablet to consume media on, you won’t do much better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S. 

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

Originally designed as a budget alternative to the Surface Pro, HP has redesigned the Spectre x2 to vie for Microsoft’s crown. In many ways, we have to admit it succeeds. The HP Spectre x2 rocks a 7th-generation Kaby Lake i7 CPU at a lower price point – it even looks better than the Surface Pro. It gets better, the Active Pen and keyboard come packaged in – which we still wish was the case with the Surface Pro. 

Read our full review: HP Spectre x2

In a sense, the Lenovo Miix 510 is the Surface Pro alternative that you buy when you’re fed up with Microsoft’s reluctance to move forward with its connectivity practices. USB-C is here, and it’s brought USB 3.0 with it. While the screen is limited to 1080p, the Lenovo Miix 510 comes with an active stylus, a detachable AccuType keyboard and an articulating kickstand for flexibility without limits. While the battery suffers, the Lenovo Miix 510 is still a surefire win.

Read the full review: Lenovo Miix 510 

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/windows-8-tablets-release-date-specs-and-prices-916134

Best laptop games 2018: 20 games for laptops that won't melt your machine

These days, the best games aren’t limited to expensive consoles with online memberships that cost hundreds of dollars per year. And, while the best laptops won’t be able to play some of the best PC games, like Far Cry 5, the best laptop games and their convenience more than make up for the lack of visual splendor.

You can just look at some of the best indie games of the last few years, like Cuphead, and you’ll realize that the best laptops can be beautiful, without relying on complicated graphics. Plus, there are classic titles like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic that may look dated, but still hold up with stellar gameplay and stories – even if that particular game isn’t canon in the Star Wars universe anymore.

The best laptop games on the market today range from tiny indie games you maybe haven’t heard of, like Thimbleweed Park, to wildly popular triple-A games along the lines of The Sims 4. Whatever your play style, schedule and hardware, we’re willing to bet you’ll find something on this list that you’ll enjoy.

• Once you're looking for something meatier, check out our best PC games

• CPU: 2 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: Intel HD 3000 or better

Whether he’s at LucasArts, Double-Fine or here and now in a new indie studio, veteran developer Ron Gilbert is also sure to serve up a slice of veritable gaming gold. 

That tradition of impeccable output continues with Thimbleweed Park, a pixel art point ‘n’ click adventure that harks back to the glory days of Maniac Mansion while weaving it together with a very modern eye for creativity.

It’s effectively a murder mystery graphic adventure, where FBI agents Reyes and Ray - who in now way resemble another famous pair of fictional, UFO-chasing member of the Bureau - arrive in a quiet town to investigate a murder most horrid. 

The way it weaves together a genuinely clever story and a cast of peculiar yet instantly memorable characters is something most games with far larger budgets miss entirely.

• CPU: Intel Core2 Duo E8400, 3.0GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+, 3.0GHz or higher
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: Geforce 9600 GT or AMD HD 3870 512MB

You might be turned off by the intimidating amount of challenge it poses, but we assure you, Cuphead is worth a shot. If you don’t already find its colorful, whimsical art style endearing, then maybe you’ll be convinced by some backstory of how it was made.

Cuphead hails from indie developer Studio MDHR (short for Studio Moldenhauer), named after the two brothers who started the project, Chad and Jared Moldenhauer. In fact, the entire company consists of family members and friends who sought out to complete their dream project.

Marija Moldenhauer, Chad’s wife, did all of the inking and clean up in this hand-drawn ode to 2D platforming classics like Mega Man and 1930s Fleischer cartoons like Betty Boop. And, if the 19 bosses aren’t enough for you, Cuphead is getting a major DLC next year with new bosses, areas and a new playable character.

• CPU: 2 Ghz
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: 256 mb video memory, shader model 3.0+

If you love farming sims (and, judging by how well the likes of Farming Simulator and Harvest Moon sell, there’s quite a few of you out there), then few games are going to get you jumping for agricultural joy more than the bewitching busywork of Stardew Valley. 

Taking many a cue from the Harvest Moon games, Stardew Valley's top-down POV and cutesy characters feel meld together perfectly.

It’s a dull sounding core concept to be sure - tend your fields, grow produce, raising livestock, etc - but that’s the beauty of it. There’s a moreish peace to the mundanity of SV’s minutia as you expand your farm, fish down at the river and even head into the village to strike up friendships (and maybe something more *wink wink*) with a cast of NPCs. Farming has never been so much fun.

• CPU: Intel i5 Quad-Core
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: Intel HD 4000

In many ways, we’re inclined to describe Night in the Woods as Life is Strange meets Bojack Horseman. The interactive dialogue bits derive from the former while the overarching themes of coping with mental health issues rings true in the latter.

Night In The Woods itself was developed in Unity by Infinite Fall, the virtual studio where you’ll find coder and composer Alec Holowka and Twitter jokester slash illustrator and animator Scott Benson. Together, these two have created not just a game, but a gorgeous world full of relatable characters that you will hopefully resonate with.

You’re put in the shoes of Mae, a cat who dropped out of college and recently returned to her hometown of Possum Springs. And, because it’s modern point-and-click adventure game, it’s heavily narrative driven, with very few gameplay hooks that will keep your attention. So, if you like the Telltale games or Life is Strange, we reckon you’ll adore Night in the Woods.

Best of all, it will run pretty easily on integrated graphics, given that it has an appealing, but not highly demanding, art style. Surely, this is a title we’ll be talking about for years and years to come, even if it was snubbed at The Game Awards.

• CPU: 1.2GHz
• RAM: 512 MB
• GPU: DirectX 8-compatible graphics card with at least 32MB of video memory

You’d wonder whether Hotline Miami’s neon-drenched ultraviolence would exist if the film Drive had never been made, and while it’s hard to miss just how vigorously it doffs its bloody mask at the Gosling classic, the end result is an utterly brilliant little indie title.

With a pixel art evoking a top-down look of Grand Theft Auto’s retro years, Hotline Miami indulges in its almost psychedelic violence. The concept is simple: adorn a mask (each one is styled on an animal and adds is own buffs, debuffs and unique abilities), enter a stage and coat the walls with the blood of your enemies.

Add in buckets of neon, a synth soundtrack that’ll have you sewing a scorpion onto the back of a white jacket in no time and one messed up storyline and you’ve got a classic in its own right.

• CPU: Intel Core i3-2100T @ 2.50 GHz / AMD Phenom II X3 B73
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4850 or NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT

Even though its a 2018 title, and has a pretty huge following, your laptop’s integrated graphics can still handle Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. It largely has the same forgiving system requirements that its predecessor does, so if you were a fan of that game, you should be able to enjoy this one as well.

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire drops players in the Deadfire archipelago and tasks them with hunting down a rogue god. And, much like its predecessor, it features rich storytelling and deep RPG gameplay that harkens to the days of Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights.

Even though all the backgrounds are in 2D and viewed from a top-down perspective, they’re still lovely to behold. Plus, the myriad spell effects will keep you enchanted as you work your way through the intense and tactical combat.

And, because it's coming from Obsidian, a studio known for making the best RPGs of all time, you can be confident that you’re getting an adventure that’s worth every penny.  

• CPU: 1.5 GHz Core2Duo
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: OpenGL 1.4 or better

If someone told you a game about working in a border control office would be one of the most addictive games ever, we’d imagine you’d scoff and walk off shaking your head. 

That is unless you’ve played a little indie gem by the name of Papers, Please. Set in a fictional take on the Eastern Bloc, you’re an immigration clerk tasked with processing refugees from an unfriendly neighbouring nation.

The core concept is simple: check each person’s documents against a clear set of rules, process those who meet the requirements and detain those with false papers. 

The game’s designed to test your attention to detail, but also the strength of your moral compass. Sometimes you’ll have to decide if certain sympathetic characters should be granted asylum, even if it goes against the rules. 

The twist is good performance effectively feeds you family, while mistakes put their lives in danger. It’s dark, but engrossingly so.

• CPU: Intel Pentium 3 1Ghz or AMD Athlon 1GHz
• RAM: 256
• GPU: 32 MB with Hardware T&L

Come on, do we really need to convince you to go out and own a copy of Knights Of The Old Republic? Arguably the greatest Star Wars game ever made (yes, even better than Dark Forces II and Rogue Squadron), KOTOR proved that the most recognisable lore ever could feel fresh and exciting again outside of the silver screen.

Coming from Bioware, the Canadian studio that would go on to create the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series, KOTOR offers compelling characters, intense action that mixes real-time tactics with turn-based mechanics a galaxy of stories that felt tangible and real. Sure, it’s technically not canon anymore, but it still remains one of the greatest games ever coded. Get this in your collection now.

• CPU: 2GHz+
• RAM: 3 GB
• GPU: 512MB

Part role-playing game, part bullet hell shooter, Undertale is a game like no other. The fact that this amazing game is the work of one man is astounding, considering the depth of consequence developer Toby Fox has built into Undertale’s world.

In the diminutive boots of a child who’s fallen into a monster-filled world beneath the earth, you’ll encounter vicious bosses where only the quick thinking survive.

The fact you can befriend bosses as well as fight them changes the fabric of the story, and proves it’s not just NPCs that offer vital moments of dialogue. It’s a game of empathetic reflection, where your actions dictate how a boss or monster reacts to you. 

Aggression leads to more powerful attacks against you, while avoiding retaliation will soften the blows. Strange and seductive in its own special way, Undertale is a curio definitely worth chasing.

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64X2
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 100 series (512 Mb) or Radeon HD 3xxx or better

When it comes to CCGs (collectible card games), Hearthstone does a pretty great job of keeping you and your deck of animated cards entertained throughout - but what happens when you want something a little less innocuous? You give a CCG with a unique spin such as Chronicle: RuneScape Legends a gander.

Based on the classic lore of Runescape, Chronicle combines card-dealing with the 3D setup of a RPG. Cards represent real characters and enemies that appear across a 3D-rendered pop-up books. 

Cards are played sequentially, with player characters facing each one (ranging from foes to curses to stat buffs), before facing off against one another at the end. It’s bizarre, brilliant and absolutely worth your time. 

Hey, it’s even got new single-player content when you don’t want to test your mettle against other users. Not bad for a low-spec CCG.

• CPU: 2GHz
• RAM: 1GB
• GPU: Card with 128MB+ dedicated memory

FTL sounds like an ultra-hardcore game when you describe it: a real-time strategic space roguelike. A roguelike is a game that makes you start from scratch when you die. However, FTL is actually well-suited to pretty casual laptop gaming. You can even get it for iPad, after all.

You tool up your star ship, recruit your crew and do your best not to get destroyed as you take an important message from one end of the galaxy to the other. Screenshots don't really to FTL justice, as all you just see is a blocky graphic of your ship, not really its spacey surroundings.

However, it's the perfect game for public play: nothing on-screen to make you feel too embarrassed. Or keep fellow passengers glued to your screen if you play on train journeys.

• CPU: dual-core 2GHz
• RAM: 2GB
• GPU: DirectX 9 compatible

Few games stay relevant as long as Skyrim. It should feel ancient, but a mod scene has kept it vital for the past half-decade. Being so old has also meant humble hardware has been able to catch up with its real-life spec requirements.

It'll run pretty well on Intel Core-series processors from the last 2-3 years, and even plays pretty well on some recent Atom/Pentium CPUs on its lowest settings. If you have a real dog of a laptop, there's also a mod that'll cut down the settings even further than the game itself allows, called Ultra Low Graphics Mod. Imaginative naming.

In case you've been locked in a cupboard for the past five years, Skyrim is a massive open-world RPG that won countless 'game of the year' awards when it was released back in 2011.

• CPU: 1.7GHz dual-core
• RAM: 2GB
• GPU: Intel HD 3000 or newer

Remember the game that earned millions and millions of dollars of funding on Kickstarter back when such things were unheard-of? That's Broken Age, the point 'n' click platform made by one of the people who came up with Monkey Island back in the 90s.

While it didn't single-handedly revive the genre, it is a fun tale that is nowhere near as frustrating as most of the early 90s adventures, most of which are best viewed through a pair of rose-tinted nostalgia specs. From a distance.

You play as both male and female characters, skipping between chapters in their respective stories to make sure the narrative doesn't get stale. We're steering clear of spoilers, so we'll leave it at that.

• CPU: 1.7GHz
• RAM: 512MB
• GPU: DX 8.1 compatible card

You might head straight for 2D games when you think of games that'll work with pretty modest hardware. However, some once-fancy 3D games work very well with non-gaming laptops. Valve's Source engine is particularly good at working with lesser GPUs, making classics like Half-life 2 play well on modern integrated graphics hardware.

If you're not up for a thinking person's FPS like Half-Life 2, you might want to check out fantastic first-person puzzler Portal 2 instead. It is also based on the Source engine. Portal 2 takes the portal gun from Half-Life 2, which makes teleporting holes in walls, and makes a whole game out of it. Possible one of the best games of all time, actually.

• CPU: Intel Pentium D
• RAM: 2GB
• GPU: Intel HD

It's easy to think of Minecraft as retro in some way, but it's far more innovative than some of the nay-saying haters would have you believe. It is not just for kids. Try it, you might just like it.

This world-building classic was never out to wow audiences with its Crysis-style graphics, but its highly scalable visuals let you tweak Minecraft to suit any machine. As well being able to fiddle with the draw distance and the few visual effects the game uses, you can change the field of view too.

Minecraft is also well-suited to laptop gaming because you don't need to be super accurate with your cursor, which is handy if you're using a trackpad rather than a mouse.

• CPU: 1.6GHz
• RAM: 1GB
• GPU: x1950 Pro, 7900 gt

Take 90s platform stylings, add a roguelike twist, a thoroughly modern random level generator and a few RPG sprinkles and you have Rogue Legacy. It's one of the most addictive indie games of the last decade.

You play as a knight type, leaping right into a castle full of nasties. When you die, and you will die, you return as one of that warrior's descendants. The castle will be different, as will the class of your character. While you have to start from scratch each time, you can unlock bonuses by collecting gold from chests in the castle.

This is the bit that makes it more accessible than a true roguelike game, where you really have to start from square one when you die.

• CPU: 2GHz
• RAM: 1GB
• GPU: Nvidia HD 4450

Don't Starve is a cracking little game where you wander around in a slightly twisted nightmarish world, exploring and picking up supplies to try to survive, day by day. When the sun goes down, awful creatures start prowling around the shadows. If you don't build a fire, you're a goner.

You have to eat to keep yourself healthy, and even your mental health deteriorates if you don't find out ways to pep yourself up.

There are some nice visual effects in don't starve, but as a predominantly 2D near-top-down game, it's happy to work with all but the most basic laptops.

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo
• RAM: 2GB
• GPU: Intel HD 1000

If you don't mind a real risk of addiction in your laptop gaming, Hearthstone is a title not to miss. It is a little like nerd classic card battler game (and also video game) Magic: The Gathering, but much better-suited to quick, casual play.

Like so many modern casual games, though, you'll probably end up playing it for a lot longer than five minutes. And it feels even more "right" on a laptop than a hulking desktop.

It's a Valve game and, like most Valve titles, fares incredibly well on lower-end hardware. It officially supports the Intel HD 1000 integrated GPU, from way back in the Sandy Bridge generation half a decade ago.

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo
• RAM: 2GB
• GPU: Intel HD

Is Civilisation the ultimate "PC" game? Many of us have spent a fistful of full days working through Civilization's virtual recap of the ages of man, whether it was back in the 90s, or just last week. Civilization V has more of the casual vibe that previous Civ games, but that makes it more palatable if you're looking for something to kill 30 mins, rather than 3 hours.

It'll work on almost any Intel Core series laptop from the past five years, but if you find yours still isn't up to the task, don't forget Civilization IV. Despite being ancient, it still works fine on Windows 10 through Steam.

• CPU: Core 2 Duo
• RAM: 2GB
• GPU: Intel HD 3000

EA gets a lot of flak. It was rated as the most hated company in America two years in a row, after all. However, it doesn't half know how to court a big audience. And that means making sure games like The Sims 4 work on just about everything.

This infamous lifestyle sim even has a "laptop" mode designed for systems that can barely make it through the title screen of The Witcher 3. The game itself is very much business as usual: you slog through a virtual life, making bucks and designing living rooms. Or doing your best to torture some poor virtual peon by locking them in an inescapable toilet.

Other less casual EA games that work amazingly well on most laptops include Dead Space 1-3 and Dragon Age: Origins.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/best-laptop-games-top-low-spec-titles-that-won-t-melt-your-machine-1326239

Mac mini 2018: what we want to see

It’s been years since we’ve seen a new Mac Mini. And, while you’d be forgiven for thinking that Apple’s silence serves as a death knell for the tiniest Mac, we’re still optimistic that might actually get a Mac Mini 2018.

Sure, we didn’t get a Mac Mini in 2017, but Apple CEO Tim Cook himself reassured fans that Apple would still support the Mac Mini, so we might actually see it this year.

That’s why we were so surprised when WWDC 2018 came and went without any hardware. However, all hope’s not lost. Famed Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo recently predicted that the rumored Mac Mini 2018 would be coming out this fall, alongside a wave of other Macs. So, we could see the new Mac Mini show up any time – especially when we consider the surprise launch of the MacBook Pro 2018.

We don’t have much concrete information beyond this speculation, so keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll update it just as soon as we hear any new rumors or information.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? A new version of Apple’s compact Mac
• When is it out?  Maybe November 2018? 
• What will it cost? Hopefully around the price of previous models

Mac mini 2018 release date

As with other upcoming Apple products, we haven’t got a solid release date for the Mac mini 2018. Rumors have been thin on the ground as well, so we’re going to have to use a bit of speculation when it comes to the possible release date.

The previous Mac mini was released way back on October 16, 2014, so could we witness an October launch for the new Mac mini?

Well, the latest speculation makes that October release date actually seem pretty likely. There’s a rumor floating around that Apple is going to be refreshing several Macs, including the Mac Mini 2018 this fall. That rumor, in addition to the complete lack of hardware at WWDC 2018 and another rumor that Apple is working on five MacBooks bodes well for the Mac Mini coming out in the near future.

These are both admittedly shaky ideas, but Apple has kept a tight lid on when and if the Mac Mini will be announced. Either way, we’ll keep an eye on any rumors and update this article as soon as any new information comes our way.

Mac mini 2018 price

Again, we haven’t heard much about the potential price of the Mac mini 2018 just yet, but that’s to be expected, as pricing rumors usually begin to circulate closer to the release date.

But, could the price of previous Mac minis give us a clue to what the price of any new Mac minis would be?

The lowest spec Mac mini cost $499 (£399, around AU$650) when it launched in 2014, with the middle Mac mini costing cost $699 (£569, around AU$900) and the top-of-the range Mac mini came with a $999 (£569, around AU$1,300) price tag.

 What we want to see in Mac mini 2018 

While we don’t know a lot about the Mac mini 2018 at the moment, we certainly know what we want to see from a refreshed Mac mini. 

1. An attractive new design

Honestly, there’s nothing particularly wrong with the current Mac Mini’s design, but if we’re going to get the first major refresh in nearly four years, we’d love to see a nice makeover as well. Thinner, smaller and quieter – is that too much to ask? We don’t think so.

An old rumor from early 2017 suggested that the high-end Mac mini ‘won’t be so mini anymore’ which led people to assume more powerful components will be added, requiring more room for better cooling.

However, this rumor is quite vague, so we’d urge caution when taking this completely at face value.

Of course, powerful components will mean more heat produced, so a redesigned Mac mini isn’t out of the question, but as Apple has shown with the iMac and iMac Pro, it’s a dab hand at putting powerful components into svelte devices and keep them cool.

2. A power boost

One of the things we'd most like to see from a Mac mini 2018 is an upgrade to its components, which would make it a formidable mini machine to compete with other small form factor PCs like the Asus VivoMini and Intel NUC, which have been upgraded to 7th- and 8th-generation Intel Core processors, respectively. 

So, to begin, we’d like to see a newer CPU than the current Mac mini’s 4th generation chip. Refreshing the silicon would make modern amenities like Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Display Port 1.2 and 4K video possible, and would give the Mac mini 2018 a considerable power boost over previous models. 

Apple is reportedly planning on releasing three Macs in 2018 with custom co-processors, though we doubt the Mac mini, even if it does come out, would be included.

RAM-wise, the previous Mac mini came with 4GB, and while that could remain, we’d like to see a base 8GB of RAM, as with the MacBook Air. 

2. Mouse and keyboard included

While the Mac mini has a reputation for being the most compact and economical Apple computer around, it’s also known for its lack of included (yet essential) accessories. The Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard can only be purchased separately from the Mac mini itself. That means you’ll have to shell out an additional cost for parts that are required to use it.

A recent patent filed by Apple suggests that the company is interested in bringing spill-free and crumb-resistant keyboards to its MacBooks. We would argue that this guard structure technology, designed to “keep contaminants from reaching the innards of the machine” would be a useful addition to the Mac mini as well.

3.  4K support 

Wouldn’t it be great if the Mac mini 2018 could also act as an alternative to the Apple TV? For that to happen, the Mac mini 2018 would need to be a capable 4K machine – something previous models were decidedly not.

Thankfully, as we mentioned earlier, if the new Mac mini is going to feature recent Intel processors, then the integrated graphics should give it enough graphical power to handle 4K.

Previous models of the Mac mini couldn't quite handle 4K content, and this was due to hardware limitations of the time, coupled with Apple's desire to keep the Mac mini as an entry-level device, price-wise.

However, in 2018 even budget processors come with integrated graphics that are powerful enough to render 4K interfaces and play ultra high definition content from Netflix and iTunes, so we want to see Apple make use of this technology in any new Mac mini that it produces. 

4.  For it to actually exist 

We can speculate all day about what the Mac Mini 2018 might look like, and what it’s capable of, but none of that matters if it doesn’t exist in the first place. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen an update to the Mac Mini, and Apple has a lot to gain from a market where they’re starting to see more competition than ever before. 

If Apple can put out a Mac Mini that improves and innovates on its design, they might end up with one of the best multimedia PCs on the market. So, let’s just hope that Tim Cook’s stated support of the Mac mini means that the Cupertino behemoth has something up its sleeves. 

• These are the best Macs that 2018 has to offer so far

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this report

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/mac-mini-2018-release-date-news-and-rumors

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AMD Ryzen Threadripper release date, news and features: everything you need to know

Last year, AMD released its Ryzen line of processors, but it didn’t stop there. Later in August 2017, AMD launched three impressively overclockable high-end desktop CPUs – named ‘Threadripper’. 

However, AMD didn’t just sit on its laurels after releasing the fastest processor we’ve used. AMD has also suggested that bitcoin miners use Threadripper CPUs for cryptocurrency mining, to save money on future upgrades – likely due to the out-of-this-world compute power of Threadripper.

And, now that AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation is on its way later this year, we’re probably going to be seeing improved performance, similar to what we saw when Ryzen 2nd Generation succeeded AMD Ryzen.

So, here’s all the information we have on AMD Ryzen Threadripper, from the release date to price evaluation and other useful information.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? AMD’s uber-powerful 8-, 12- and 16-core processors
• When is it out? Available as of August 10, 2017
• What will it cost? Starts at $549 (about £420, AU$690)

AMD Ryzen Threadripper release date

AMD Ryzen Threadripper first two processors the 1950X and 1920X arrived on August 10, 2017. While AMD’s entry level Ryzen Threadripper 1900X came out a few weeks later on August 31, 2017.

We’re still waiting on any news regarding the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1900, 1920 and 1950 chips, but given their existence has only been leaked through motherboard manufacturers – a concrete release date is difficult to come by, assuming they ever release at all.

It doesn’t end there, though, as AMD plans to support its Threadripper line of CPUs with new releases until at least 2020, according to some leaks. 

AMD Ryzen Threadripper price

At long last, we now have firm details on what price the AMD Ryzen Threadrippers will release at. They’re not cheap, but you can expect to pay less for more performance than you would get with a comparable Intel chip.

Whereas the 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 1950X retails at $999 (around £770, AU$1,295), the Threadripper 1920X will boast 12 cores and sells for $799 (around £615, AU$1,035). Lastly, the Threadripper 1900X comes with a $549 (about £420, AU$690) price.

Meanwhile Intel’s closest competitor to the 1950X, the Core i9-7960X, sets users back a whole $1,699 (around £1,315, AU$2,200) while the 12-core i9-7920X is $1,189 (around £920, AU$1,500). The Threadripper 1900X's closest octa-core competitor from Intel is the Core i7-7820X that retails for $599 (£529, AU$869). 

AMD Ryzen Threadripper specs and power

We officially know the AMD Ryzen Threadripper series features "up to 16 cores and 32 threads", with the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X serving as the posterchild for these specs. The 1920X, on the other hand, is limited to 12 cores and 24 threads. Lastly, the 1900X serves up 8 cores and 16 threads.

As for how fast those cores will run, the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X can be found running at a base clock of 3.4GHz and a boost clock of 4.0GHz. At the same time, the Threadripper 1920X runs at a base/boost clock of 3.5/4.0GHz. Finally, the 1900X runs at a base/boost clock of 3.8/4.0GHz.

To put this into perspective, the Intel Core i9-7960X has packs the same 32 threads and 16 cores as the Threadripper 1950X and so on and so forth with the Intel Core i9-7920X vs Threadripper 1920X and Intel Core i7-7820X vs Threadripper 1900X we've setup.

Then there are the XFR-less AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1900, 1920 and 1950. First up, the 1900 will run at 3.1/3.7GHz base/boost clock speeds while the 1920 will operate at 3.2/3.8GHz. Though the 1950’s boost speeds have yet to surface, this chip will run at a base clock speed of 3.2GHz. All of these contain the same amount of cores as the 1900X, 1920X and 1950X.

The Threadripper series will use AMD’s SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading) technology found in other Ryzen chips. Finally, the Ryzen Threadripper series processors will use a TP3 socket, which is a modified variant of the SP3 socket originally designed for AMD’s beefy server chips that go up to 32 cores.

• What about graphics? AMD Vega release date, news and features: everything you need to know

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/amd-ryzen-9-release-date-news-and-rumors-everything-you-need-to-know