Happy New Year 2018!

Another year has passed and it was great with the advancements in mobile tech once again. We enjoyed covering all the advancements in technology which the year brought along and we are hoping to see many more of those in 2018 as well. Thank you for being with us and we hope to remain your preferred tech website in 2018. Our YouTube channel has almost doubled its subscriber base over the course of 2017. We now have 318K subs compared to 180K at the end of 2016. We are grateful that you appreciate the hard work we put into our video projects and we hope to do even better in 2018. Our...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/happy_new_year_2018-news-28927.php

New Telegram update brings multiple accounts support on Android

The Telegram messaging app has started receiving a new update. Arriving as version 4.7, the update brings support for multiple accounts on Android. So now you can add up to three Telegram accounts (linked to different phone numbers) on your phone. Use the side menu to switch between accounts. Also, notifications from all accounts are enabled by default - you can change this from the Notification settings menu. Moving on, the update also adds a quick reply feature - just swipe left on any message in a chat to access this functionality. Quick replies have been added to both...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/new_telegram_update_brings_multiple_accounts_support_on_android-news-28931.php

Oreo arrives on OnePlus 5T in form of OxygenOS Open Beta 1

Just days after teasing Oreo Open Beta for the OnePlus 5T, the company has pushed out the update. The Android 8.0-based OxygenOS Open Beta 1 is now rolling out. So those part of the OnePlus 5T beta program will be able to experience Oreo goodies now. The update also includes Android fixes for the month of December. Following is the complete change-log published by the Chinese company: Launcher Optimized the app shortcut style Combine icon options with app shortcuts Now able to upload photos to Shot on OnePlus System Added Picture in Picture Added...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/oxygenos_open_beta_1_brings_oreo_to_oneplus_5t-news-28932.php

Misfit offering 30% discount on some of its products, including Vapor

If you are planning to purchase the Android Wear 2.0-powered Misfit Vapor, you'll be glad to know the company is offering a 30% discount on the smartwatch. The deal is available both in the United States as well as Europe (the UK, Germany, Italy, and France) - those in the US will have to use the promo code BEYOU, while for Europeans, the code is WINTER30. In addition to Vapor, this 30% off deal is available on some other Misfit products as well (depending on the region). Here's the US promo, which ends January 15: And here's the UK promo, which runs through January...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/misfit_offering_30_discount_on_some_of_its_products_including_vapor-news-28929.php

Best iPhone and Android apps to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions

Keeping those New Year’s resolutions could be tricky with all the distractions 2018 is set to bring, but what if you could use your phone to help you keep on track?

There are lots of apps on the market that can help you keep your head in the game and make it much more likely you'll reach your goal, whatever it is.

Below we've listed our top choices to help you stay on track with the new goals you're setting for yourself for 2018.

Todoist: the app to help you get organized

To sort your life out, you need to get a good to-do list app up and running on your phone. One of our favorites is Todoist, which you can have on either your Android or iPhone.

It's a great way to organize your lists so you can keep up with everything you need to do. Todoist looks great, allows you to organize yourself and you can also integrate it with an Amazon Echo so you can make notes whenever you want by just using your voice.

• Download for Android or for iPhone

Bookout: the app to encourage you to read more

Lots of people want to read more every year, and if you want to keep track of the books you want to get into in 2018 this may be the best choice for you.

It's exclusive to iPhone, but Bookout allows you to make lists of titles you want to read as well as tick off the ones you've already got to. There are even further options that allow you to make notes or quotes from each book you're reading.

• Download for iPhone now

LastPass: the app to help you change all your passwords

It's one of the most boring tasks, but if you plan to update and keep track of all your passwords this year we'd recommend trying out LastPass.

It can generate secure passwords for all your accounts and keep them stored safely away behind encryption, so you'll never lose them and are less likely to get hacked.

• Download for iPhone and Android devices

You Need A Budget: the app to help you save money

The name of this app basically sums up what you can expect from it and it may even be what you've written down as your New Year's resolution for 2018.

This app will help you lay out all of your expenses at the same time and you'll be able to work out where you can save money and why you're spending so much every year. You will need to pay after a full month of using the service, but if you find it's saving you money it's likely worth your investment.

• Download for iPhone and Android devices

Strava: the best app to get out running with

Have you decided you want to get fit in the new year? If you plan to do that by running or cycling we'd recommend using Strava to get your feet moving.

It features challenges you can get started with or you can just start jogging and use it to track your stats as you're out and about. There are also leaderboards, so if you're motivated by competition then Strava could help even more.

• Download for iPhone and Android devices

Nike Training Club: the best app to kick start your fitness regime

If running isn't your thing, we recommend the Nike Training Club app to get yourself fit in 2018. It offers a bunch of free workouts - over 160 at the last count - and allows you to work out at home in a variety of ways.

You can choose how much equipment you have, how hard you want to go and how often you want to work out and then it'll create a schedule for you.

• Download for iPhone and Android devices

• Check out our full list of the best fitness apps you can use in 2018

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/best-iphone-and-android-apps-to-help-you-keep-your-new-years-resolutions

The best PC games of 2017

With every year it seems we’ve finally arrived in the best 12 months for gaming ever, only for the next one to roll around with yet another slew of contenders ready to take that title. So here we are again, at the end of 2017, with a quite staggering calendar of gaming behind us on PC.

Whether you’re a RPG diehard, a shooter purist, an indie devotee or a collector of curios, 2017 has served up dish after tasty dish of must-have interactive experiences. And it’s been tough to whittle all these gems down to a powerful ten, so sit back and prepare to been amazed all over again.

Do you really think we could put together a top ten PC game of the year list and not include Bluehole Inc’s battle royale masterstroke? No other game has come close to catching the hype train that is PUBG, brushing aside claims of blatant infringement and laughing in the face of similar BR-esque titles that have followed in its wake. It also put the painfully buggy H1Z1 mercifully to the sword.

The game’s success has helped put top Twitch streamers on the map (such as the tache-toting swagger of Dr Disrespect) and seemingly burned the words ‘Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner’ into the subconsciousness of every gamer on the planet.

While the issue surrounding Bungie’s control of XP (and how it feeds into the ongoing issue of microtransactions in full-priced games) has taken off at least some of Destiny 2’s sheen, there’s no denying the shooter sequel improves on the first game in almost every way. 

A substantial story campaign addressed plot concerns, improved matchmaking made teaming up far easier and a move towards a more Overwatch-style setup in the Crucible all proved Bungie was listening to its fans.

With some exciting new DLC already incoming, and plans to support the title with new updates and events, Destiny 2 looks likely to remain in GOTY lists long after 2017 has drawn to a close.

Originally revealed in 2014, it took many a delay to get Cuphead out into the wilds, but the way proved more than worth it with one of the most challenging run and gun platformers we’ve ever played. 

Even its gorgeous art style - which nails the aesthetic of the 1930s golden era of animation - continues to wow critics and players alike.

Sure, it’s a tough little cookie that rewards the bold and mercilessly punishes those that make the slightest mistake, but every level and each boss offers such a font of unique personality that you’ll instantly jump back in for another run.

Mental health and suicide have always proved difficult subjects to cover, especially in a medium like videogames where interaction and involvement are key, but somehow What Remains Of Edith Finch tackles both with an unrivalled grace and poignancy. 

From the same studio that produced The Unfinished Swan, WROEF follows the story of a family whose members have all died an untimely death.

While it falls into the ‘walking simulator’ subgenre, it’s a game of many facets that’s absolutely worth experiencing blind. It’ll surprise you, make you shed a tear and almost certainly remain with you long after its story comes to a close.

The Creative Assembly had quite the challenge on its hand when it set about following up 2016’s Total War: Warhammer and yet a year later the British studio did just that - and then some. Okay, it’s still not called Total Warhammer (even though it really should by now), but it innovates and improves on practically every element from the first game.

It’s real-time strategy is much improved with four distinct armies to choose from, a genuinely engrossing story and a streamlined approach to battle management that made its turn-based and real-time DNA sing mid-skirmish. With plenty more updates and expansions to come, RTS games don’t come much better.

Yes, the reanimated corpse that is Resident Evil 7 really did shuffle into our lives and onto our PCs in 2017 - but only just, with its release date back in January. And what a return it’s been. Wisely acknowledging the renaissance for horror games and pioneering work of Amnesia, Outlast and the like, Capcom took its premier series first-person and created one of the most terrifying games in years.

With legendary jump scares (because bosses burst through walls now, apparently), PT-esque freakout moments and the usual creature features you’d expect from a Resi game it all coalesces to create an interactive horror that drips with menace both in VR and on traditional screens.

Much like predecessor, Divinity: Original Sin II does something very special. It harks back to the days when isometric RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate infused the genre with both personality and deep mechanics, while taking the genre forward and cementing itself as one of the new cornerstones in PC gaming.

While the ability to build a party of full-playable companions is hardly anything new, it’s the charisma of the world you’re exploring and ability to unlock new story threads and quests at any moment, weaving your very own fantastical tale that grows in depth without becoming convoluted. It looks incredible, has a standout soundtrack and offers all the hallmarks of truly great RPG.

Long gestating as Prey 2, the game that eventually reemerged had very little in common with the original Prey from 2006. 

Instead, its ‘alien catastrophe aboard a space station’ storyline headed in a direction more akin to the open-ended, choice-driven creativity of the Bioshock series. Part System Shock, part Dead Space, Prey may look like a first-person shooter but it holds far more depth than simply firing off some guns.

Myriad powers can turn your character into a hybrid god, but each one comes at a cost that will make the game that bit more difficult. There are secrets to uncover, puzzles to solve and a wave of monstrous aliens trying to kill you.

No one quite expected the Wolfstein: The New Order to be the brutal, bombastic hit it turned out to be, but that placed a tidal of wave of expectation on its inevitable sequel. 

That second outing, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, does something remarkable - it manages to not only better its predecessor in both level design and the agency of its violence, but how it builds a story with moments that will shock and surprise you with equal measure.

Its gunplay mechanics might not be perfect, and its difficulty curve might still be steeper than a cliff face, but The New Colossus offers a new landmark in single-player driven shooters.

There’s nothing quite like NieR: Automata, which is quite the feat considering it’s a spin-off from a spin-off and a product of hyperactive Japanese studio, PlatinumGames. On the surface it looks like a generic action-RPG with a big emphasis on combat, but beneath there’s so much more.

The combat model has the depth and nuance of the early Devil May Cry games, its story fits perfectly with the bizarre plot threads of the original NieR, and its score is deliciously easy on the ears it’s almost a crime. It’s a game as strange and charismatic as its director, and there’s no denying Yoko Taro has produced another classic that walks to the beat of its own drum.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-pc-games-of-2017

Google is testing the mysterious Fuchsia OS on the Pixelbook

Remember Fuchsia OS? It's the mysterious operating system about which we know very little, except that Google is actively developing it and has described it as an "experimental project" that isn't replacing Chrome OS or Android... at least for the time being.

Well, we just learned a something new about it – it's being tested on the Google Pixelbook, the standard bearer for Google's Chromebooks. As Android Police spotted, the laptop has been added to Fuchsia's official documentation on the web, which shows that at least some developers are playing around with it on the Pixelbook.

Chromebooks in general are flexible devices, and it makes sense for Google's flagship computer to be used as a testbed for its next-generation operating system, even if it's not exactly clear what the whole purpose of Fuchsia is at this point.

The future is Fuchsia

Google is keeping its cards close to its chest for the time being as far as Fuchsia is concerned, but from what we've been able to put together it sounds like the OS is being written from the ground up with modern-day hardware in mind.

That means it doesn't have to deal with older, legacy devices and software code in the same way that Android and Chrome OS might have to – and that in turn should result in a leaner, more efficient operating system. We've already seen some indication of what the finished product might look like.

As for whether Google will stick with Fuchsia, nobody knows: the company might decide that the combination of Chrome OS with Android apps, just like on the Pixelbook currently, is enough for users in the future.

• Back in 2016 we heard about Fuchsia for the first time

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/google-is-testing-the-mysterious-fuchsia-os-on-the-pixelbook

The best cheap tablets and deals 2018: the top budget options

You don't have to pay hundreds of pounds for a tablet these days, and there are a number of top cheap tablets available.

[Update: A new year, and perhaps a new dawn for cheap tablets? 2018 will likely bring us an updated fleet of Amazon's low-cost slates, alongside a handful of budget Android tablets from some of the main players. Anyone hoping for a low-cost iPad, well you'll need to keep your fingers crossed Apple launches a new iPad Mini and as a result slashes the price of the iPad Mini 4 (currently £419).]

It's a strange time for cheap tablets, and even tablets in general. Exciting releases are few and far between these days, and the most fascinating tech is restricted to the top end of the market. 

The best tablet in the world is the new iPad Pro, and that will set you back an awful lot of cash. Best budget tablet it is not. 

In fact, none of Apple's current fleet of slates manage to break the £250, but if it's iPads you desire you'll want to check out our best iPad roundup.

All hope is not lost though, and we've got the list of the best cheap tablets you can buy right now below - but let's make one thing clear. There aren't many to choose from.

It's slim pickings for anyone looking to pick up a cheap tablet these days as the market for low-cost slates has somewhat fallen away, but the ones below offer excellent value for money.

• Best tablet 2018 | Best iPad | Best Android tablets | Best cheap tablet deals

The Huawei MediaPad M3 8.0 is the best cheap tablet right now, combining an excellent screen, a whole heap of power and slick Android interface in a slate that offers great value for money.

One of the best things about the MediaPad M3 is its slim, light aluminium frame that looks and feels good while being seriously practical.

The screen is sharp, and has colour modes that provide both more natural and saturated tones, while the speakers are another high point, delivering impressive volume for a tablet this slim.

Read the full review: Huawei MediaPad M3 8.0

In a sea of slates and smartphones, crafting a device that has enough personality to stand out and enough quality to be worth caring about is a difficult proposition.

With the Tab 4 8 Plus, Lenovo has succeeded in producing something with a flavor of its own, and something that makes the mid-range Android tablet market worth attention once again.

If you already have an Android device, commute regularly and want something a little nicer than an Amazon tablet, this is the obvious next step.

Read the full review: Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus

When the Galaxy Tab S2 launched, it was Samsung's thinnest and lightest tablet. While that's no longer the case, it remains a highly portable option in its 8-inch form factor.

There is a larger (and more expensive) 9.7-inch option, but the only really difference is screen and battery size - the 8-inch version still boasts top notch power and a high definition display. 

The metal frame adds a premium touch, there's a comfortable, soft touch plastic back and a microSD slot to expand on the internal storage.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

If you have an Amazon Prime membership and you want a big screen tablet for watching movies and TV, reading, and a spot of gaming, the Fire HD 10 is a great option. If you also have a limited budget, then it’s your best option.

It's a great value package for a 10-inch screen tablet. It does have obvious weaknesses, like the plastic design and useless cameras, but they’re understandable in a tablet at this price.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017)

The Amazon HD 6 may be showing its age, but it's still a top-notch tablet for the money, which is why it features so highly in our best budget tablet list. 

It's no tablet king, but it does what it sets out to well. Its crazy low price tag means it's perfect to hand off to the kids without the fear that they're wielding an expensive bit of kit around.

It may be too small for some, and the cameras aren't up to much, but the Fire HD 6 gives you the core tablet experience for not very much outlay, making it a budget tablet worth buying.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire HD 8

If you're in the market for a low cost tablet with up to date specs then the new Amazon Fire HD 8 and HD 10 deliver.

They won't bless you with a stunning display, sultry design or slick performance - but they will give you enough grunt under the hood to play even the most demanding of games.

The heavily modified Android interface (known as Fire OS) may not be to everyone's liking, but for less tech savvy users it's arguably less cluttered and easier to use.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire 7 (2017)

• Got a bit extra to spend? Here are the best tablets in the world right now

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/best-cheap-tablets-top-budget-options-967277

10 best Android phones 2018: which should you buy?

Update: Happy New Year! 2017 may be behind us, but its best Android phones are still very much in the here and now. 2018 promises to bring us a raft of new Android smartphones, but it's still early days and no new launches have happened just yet.

There's one key way in which Android is massively different from its Apple-branded smartphone competition - the number of phones out there running Google's hot mobile OS.

The big names are all here; Samsung, Sony, LG and Google are at the fore. The many variations in screen size, processor power, software features and design makes finding the best Android phone for you extremely tough.

2018 promises to bring us a new fleet of high-powered, highly attractive and showstopping handsets, with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S9, HTC U12, LG G7, Huawei P11 and OnePlus 6 all rumored - but for now that's all they are, rumors.

Want to know our top 5 smartphones you can buy right now? Watch below!

• Best smartphone: the 15 top phones we've tested
• Best cheap phone: head here if you need a device under £200

To help find the most fitting Android phone for you, we've rounded up the best Android handsets out there today, rating the phones on hardware performance, OS upgrade potential and, of course, how shiny and nice they are to have and boast about to work colleagues.

So here they are - the best Android phones money can buy today. For many, many different reasons.

Samsung has once again taken the top spot of the best Android phone in the world right now.

Samsung's latest Galaxy S8 is in the top position of this list thanks to an incredible design, amazing display and some truly great power packed into the phone.

Everything that has made Samsung phones great over the last few years has been packed into this 5.8-inch device - that's almost bezeless too - and comes with top of the range hardware and some easy to use Android software.

There's a new iris scanner to allow you to unlock the phone with just your eyes and Samsung has also included a new voice assistant called Bixby. It's not the perfect device some had hoped for, but it's the best Android phone you can buy at the moment.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S8

• Also consider: If you budget can't quite stretch to the new Galaxy S8, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is still an excellent option with a strong screen and excellent camera, plus it's now cheaper thanks to the arrival of the S8.

Second place goes to the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. We've loved both the Galaxy S6 Edge and the Galaxy S7 Edge, but this year we prefer the smaller device of the flagship pairing.

The size of the Galaxy S8 Plus may put some people off at 6.2-inches, but we found the device easy to use and the main reason the Plus sits in second place is its higher price.

Everything we love about the Galaxy S8 is available here as Samsung has decided to only really changed the sizes of the screens rather than fiddling with the spec inside the device.

That same powerful 12MP camera and top of the range power setup is here to do everything you want it to as well as the new biometric tech that may allow you to unlock your phone faster than ever before.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

• Also consider: Looking for a big screen Android phone? Then say hello to the new HTC U11 Plus. It won't be for everyone, but for those who want something a bit different the large 6-inch QHD display, punchy performance and solid camera will suit.

A big-screen handset isn't for everyone though, and for those looking for a palm-friendly phone which still boasts the power and performance of a flagship will like the look of the Google Pixel 2.

It's bezel heavy design won't exactly dazzle, but this is a phone you can comfortably use one-handed, with a crisp, clear full HD display and stock Android 8 Oreo at your fingertips.

Like its bigger brother, the Pixel 2 XL, the Pixel 2 also boasts Google's stunning 12MP camera which takes seriously impressive snaps.

The smaller size does mean the Pixel 2 carries a smaller price tag, but it's still far from cheap and when it comes to spending this amount we'd recommend plumping for the Pixel 2 XL if its size doesn't put you off.

Read our full review: Google Pixel 2

• Also consider: Another palm-friendly handset with plenty of power under the hood is the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact. It too is bezel heavy, and Sony's implementation of Android isn't as slick as Google's, but when it comes to one handed use, it's top notch.

Huawei is getting really good at making competitive, high-end flagships these days and the Mate 10 Pro is its best handset to date. 

The standout feature is battery life, toppling pretty much every other phone on this list, but it’s also got a decent slug of power under the hood to handle any task you can chuck at it. 

For those looking for a strong camera performance from their phone need to take a look at the Mate 10 Pro as well. Phones higher up in this list offer better auto modes, but for camera enthusiasts the Mate 10 Pro provides a great selection of modes and settings.

Read our full review: Huawei Mate 10 Pro

• Also consider: After something a little smaller, and a little cheaper? Then check out the Huawei P10 - a flagship phone that fits neatly into the palm of your hand, it has a heap of power and dual cameras too.

Three Samsung phones in the top five?! It may seem extreme, but there's a very good reason why - they're all really, really good.

The Galaxy Note 8 doesn't quite hit the heights of its S8 siblings thanks to its lofty price tag and number of similarities to the S8 Plus, but it's a triumphant return to form for a series that was potentially in trouble after the Note 7 debacle.

But enough about other handsets, what makes the Galaxy Note 8 worthy of its fifth place birth? There's no question the phablet is more of a niche device, but its iconic S Pen stylus is now even better, with higher accuracy and more levels of pressure sensitivity making it great for sketching and drawing.

Then there's the massive 6.3-inch QHD Infinity Display which is superb for movies and games, and with a display this big using apps side-by-side isn't just possible, it makes sense!

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Note 8

• Also consider: Does the S Pen scream productivity to you? If it's a business workhorse you're looking for then the BlackBerry KeyOne delivers you an email machine with a full QWERTY keyboard for you to bash out messages on.

Just when you think it's a Samsung landslide in the best Android phones list, the LG V30 appears! 

Building on the G6 from earlier in 2016, the V30 improves in a number of ways including an improved design, larger, more colorful display and an update-to-date chipset under the hood.

In short what you get is a super smartphone absolutely bursting with features, making it great for gaming, movies, photography and music.

Its design isn't quite as jaw-dropping as the Samsung's that rank higher than it, nor are its dual-cameras quite the all-round super snappers, but this is a seriously impressive smartphone.

Read the full review: LG V30 

• Also consider: LG may have ditched the modular setup we saw on the LG G5, but Motorola's range of high-end handsets go from strength to strength as it grows its MotoMods catalog. Check out the Moto Z2 Force and Moto Z2 Play for some hot modular action.

The LG G6 is a top Android smartphone, with an excellent premium design, lovely QHD display and clever dual camera setup round the back giving you plenty to play with and enjoy.

However, some odd choices to go with lower-spec performance and not upgrade the camera in a meaningful way, but with more recent price drops the LG G6 is still more than good enough for our best Android phone list.

That doesn't mean the G6 isn't innovative – the screen looks great and there's raw power, from the camera to the battery to the general snappiness of the handset, rippling through this phone.

Read the full review: LG G6

• Also consider: The HTC U11 arrived around the same time as the LG G6, and while it doesn't quite make it into the top ten (it was so close though) it's an exciting alternative with squeezable sides and your choice of Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

The OnePlus 5T offers a pleasing array of upgrades that keeps fans of the brand happy without reinventing the wheel or upping the price. 

It's the best phone the brand has ever made, and one that can mix it with the best handsets around without looking out of place

While there are a few small compromises to consider - no QHD display, stereo speakers, expandable storage or standout camera - the OnePlus 5T represents some of the best value for money in the market. You won’t be disappointed.

Read the full review: OnePlus 5T

• Also consider: The OnePlus 5T isn't the only low-cost flagship around, and the Honor 9 only just missed out on a spot in our top 10. It's even cheaper than the 5T, and boasts a strong feature set and an eye-catching design.

Google's Pixel range has matured in 2017, and the Pixel 2 XL is the firm's top dog with its impressive, slender bezel design, dual front-facing speakers and simply fantastic camera.

If you're in the market for a new smartphone and camera quality is of high importance, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING. The camera on the Google Pixel 2 XL is one of the most - if not the most - impressive snappers we've used on a phone.

There's also a whole heap of power under the hood, and the 6-inch display gives you lots of space to operate.

The design isn't overly inspiring on the rear, it's not the most premium feeling phone in the hand - a shame considering the price tag - and the viewing angle on the screen is very narrow before a blue tint creeps in, but there's no question this is a great device.

Read the full review: Google Pixel 2 XL

The Xperia XZ Premium is the flagship smartphone Sony fans have been waiting for, bringing together an eye-popping display, strong snapper and solid battery life.

Those who love watching films and TV shows in 4K can do so on the move with the 4K screen on the XZ Premium - no other phone on this list can boast that - while the front-facing dual speakers also enhance videos and gaming.

If there's an area the XZ Premium does lack in, it's design. The flat glass front and rear are sleek, but the plastic edges of the phone detract from the 'Premium' part of the name.

Make no mistake though, this is a proper, fully-loaded Android flagship which easily holds its own against the competition.

Read our full review: Sony Xperia XZ Premium

• Also consider: If you fancy something a little smaller, and a little more wallet friendly, then check out the Sony Xperia XZ1. As the name suggests, it lives in the same family as the XZ Premium, but has a smaller 5.2-inch full HD display and 2700mAh battery.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/best-android-phone-which-should-you-buy-717819

The 2017 phone trends as we saw them

What's in vogue, what's fallen out of fashion? It's that time of year when we look back at phone trends over the last 12 months and space permitting we may even make a few predictions for next year. So, using our extensive phone database and test results, let's power up our machine learning algorithms and feed it the 50 most popular phones based on your browsing and search patterns here at GSMArena. These 50 phones will represent our definition of 'the market' and as we're not splitting them down by flagship, mid range or entry level we can average them out to give you the hard facts to...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/2017_phone_trends-news-28834.php

Red Dead Redemption 2 release date, news and rumors

Update: We have a new Red Dead Redemption 2 release date leak! This time it's being pegged for a June 8, 2018 arrival, which is a touch later than 'Spring 2018' arrival Rockstar has currently touted.  

Original article continues below...

With so many great games being announced every day, it's not that frequent any more that we see the kind of clamoring excitement that accompanied the announcement of Red Dead Redemption 2. 

Teased and announced with perfect pacing on the part of Rockstar, the game will be the developer's third set in the Wild West and its first release since Grand Theft Auto 5 in 2013. To say Rockstar fans are waiting with bated breath is an understatement.

Though the game isn't due to be released until Spring 2018, news and rumors are circulating and we've gathered everything you need to know right here. 

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The sequel to the Wild West Rockstar hit, Red Dead Redemption
• When can I play it? Spring 2018
• What can I play it on? PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have been confirmed so far

Trailers and screenshots

The first trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2 which was released shortly after the game's announcement. It doesn't reveal much other than that we're going to be returning to the Wild West. The game locations in the trailer are diverse and beautiful and it looks highly likely that the game will be open world. 

The game's second trailer came on September 28, after Rockstar teased some new information would be coming in a tweet earlier that week. This time around we got to see a bit more about the game, including a glimpse of its new protagonist Arthur Morgan.

Watch the trailer for yourself below and take a gander at all the screenshots we've collected as well as see some of the new theories this trailer has dragged up:

Screenshots

Release date

We thought we'd have Red Dead Redemption 2 in our stockings come Holiday 2017, but it turns out that may have been a bit preemptive on our part. 

According to a blog post on the publisher's website from May 2017, we'll have to wait until Spring of 2018 to saddle up for Rockstar Games' next epic western:

"Red Dead Redemption 2 is now set to launch Spring 2018 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This outlaw epic set across the vast and unforgiving American heartland will be the first Rockstar game created from the ground up for the latest generation of console hardware, and some extra time is necessary to ensure that we can deliver the best experience possible for our fans ... We are very sorry for any disappointment this delay causes, but we are firm believers in delivering a game only when it is ready."

However, a more recent leak now points towards a June 8, 2018 release date for RDR2, although the Dutch retailer in question has now updated its product page to read just "2018" - is there another delay on the cards? We'll have to wait and see.

News and features

We have very little in the way of solid facts when it comes to Red Dead Redemption 2 but what has been confirmed by Rockstar can be found below.

There's a new protagonist

John Marston is no more. Red Dead Redemption 2 brings players a brand new protagonist called Arthur Morgan and the game will follow this outlaw and the Van der Linde gang as they rob and fight their way across America. 

Dutch is back

The main antagonist from Red Dead Redemption showed his face in this game's second trailer which confirms he'll be back. Whether or not he'll be the same antagonistic force is unclear but we think it's highly unlikely he's going to be a force for good.

It'll have an open world

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a sequel to an open world game and it's being developed by Rockstar so this isn't exactly surprising information. Though Red Dead Revolver was a more linear affair, it was apparent that Rockstar was moving away from this with its spiritual successor Red Dead Redemption and we imagine this trend will continue. 

On the game's site, Rockstar has called the game world "vast and atmospheric" and the trailer certainly backs up this claim. 

The environments shown in the trailer are diverse and stunning and we imagine that as before you'll be able to traverse them on foot, horseback and perhaps even by rail at your own pace. 

It'll have single and multiplayer

As you'd expect of a Rockstar game, Red Dead Redemption 2's vast open game world will be the backdrop to a thrilling single-player campaign. 

Though the first game followed the story of one man, we're not sure whether that will be the case with Red Dead Redemption 2. The game's trailer shows 7 figures on horseback which does suggest there could be multiple stories weaving together here like Rockstar did with Grand Theft Auto 5. We'll just have to wait to find out if this is the case.

One similarity we do know Red Dead Redemption 2 will have to Grand Theft Auto 5 is its huge online multiplayer world and it could be this element of the game that the 7 cowboys on horseback imagery is referring to. 

On the game's website, Rockstar has stated that the world of the single player campaign will "also provide the foundation for a brand new online multiplayer experience." 

Considering Grand Theft Auto 5's online world is still growing and thriving 4 years after the game's initial release this is an exciting prospect. We imagine the cooperative missions that involve heists, races, gangs and money making will transfer neatly over to the Wild West world of Red Dead Redemption 2. 

PlayStation 4 players will get early access to some online content

Thanks to a partnership between PlayStation and Rockstar, PlayStation 4 owners will get early access to some of the game's online content. In a post on the official PlayStation Blog where the announcement was made it wasn't clear what the online content would be, however it was promised that more details would be revealed soon. 

There's an unlockable weapon in Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand theft Auto Online players are getting an interesting Red Dead Redemption 2 treat in the form of an unlockable weapon. Players should be on the lookout for an in-game email over the next few days containing a clue which will allow them to start a scavenger hunt of sorts. Following the trail in the game will lead players to the Double Action Revolver.

Once the revolver is acquired, a Headshot Challenge will launch in Freemode which, if completed, will give players a $250,000 in-game prize and the opportunity to unlock the revolver for use in Red Dead Redemption 2 when it's released in 2018.  

Rumors and what we want to see

Considering solid facts on the game are pretty thin on the ground, speculation and rumors are understandably rife, with most of the basis for guessing at possible features coming from the game's two trailers.

It could be a prequel or sequel

Red Dead Redemption 2 will have a brand new protagonist called Arthur Morgan which puts John Marston out of the picture. 

It was the appearance of Red Dead Redemption antagonist, Dutch Van der Linde, in the second trailer for this game, however, that made fans think it could very well be a prequel. Dutch looks much younger and more fresh in the trailer which gives this pre-Red Dead Redemption theory credence. 

That said, others have pointed out some anachronistic background details from the trailer which throw the prequel nature of the story into question. First up is a telephone which appears in an office scene of the trailer. This phone has a design which would have been in use long after 1890. However, a train which appears later in the trailer is being pointed out as being from a much earlier time than this.

Red Dead Redemption is largely set in 1911, so all of these details taken together suggest that Red Dead Redemption 2 could actually have a very long timeline which begins before John Marston's Red Dead Redemption and then runs concurrent to it, perhaps starring multiple characters.

However, it could also be a prequel that just doesn't stretch too far back in time – it's also being rumored that the game is set only 5 years before the previous game around 1906 which would make a great deal of sense. 

Bows and arrows and dual wielding weapons 

In the game's second trailer we see protagonist Morgan wielding a bow and arrow as well as simultaneously firing two revolvers. This suggests combat mechanics have advanced significantly from the previous game. 

Bow and arrows were actually a weapon option in Red Dead Revolver before being nixed in Red Dead Redemption. Since then, fans have been crying out for their return and the trailer certainly seems to show that's happening. 

Out on the water

You couldn't even swim in Red Dead Redemption but a glimpse of a character out on the open water in a kayak in the trailer for the sequel has people wondering if you'll be able to travel across water or maybe even swim this time around. It'd certainly make an already sure to be large game world even larger. 

More animals than ever 

The game's second trailers shows in no uncertain terms that bears are back. But this time they're being joined by crocodiles. This makes the surrounding game world significantly more dangerous and although we like to see as much wildlife as possible, we're not looking forward to being taken by surprise by a crocodile in a swamp. 

Sharing the load

A scene of a character walking alongside a mule loaded up with equipment also has fans wondering if it'll be possible to share your inventory with your steed. We imagine this would work in a similar manner to sharing your inventory with your companion in games like Skyrim. 

Could this be the game's map?

Earlier this April, a map claiming to be the setting for the next Red Dead leaked on NeoGAF.

The biggest takeaways from the tentative topography was a slight move eastward from the arid plains of Red Dead Redemption, showing more marshy locations, islands, and even a mention of a bayou city called New Bordeaux - possibly a tie-in with the recently released, 2K-published Mafia III?

A source with insider knowledge did confirm to us that the map was legit, adding that the game plans to take place before the events of Red Dead Redemption.

However, it is still a leaked map from the internet, so checked expectations are always a smart move. 

Rockstar has revealed that the map of the game will be used as the foundation for building an online multiplayer world similar to that of Grand Theft Auto 5 so the incredible scale and diverse landscape suggested by this map would be suited to an online world. 

Keep checking back here for more Red Dead Redemption 2 news and rumors! We'll report everything as and when it's revealed. 

• The real cars of Grand Theft Auto V

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/red-dead-redemption-2-release-date-news-and-rumors

Red Dead Redemption 2 release date leak pegs arrival for June 8

A fresh Red Dead Redemption 2 release date of June 8, 2018  has been leaked by a Dutch retailer, making it later than Rockstar's teased "Spring 2018" arrival.

Retailer slip-ups can be honest mistakes, as they ready product pages for upcoming games, allowing them to switch the pages live as soon as an announcement is made, with fake information entered into them before the real details are made clear.

While this doesn't bode particularly well for this leak, it's the retailer itself - Dutch-based Coolshop - which is of interest as it's the same place that correctly leaked the official launch date for Grand Theft Auto V.

Spring no more?

The listing no longer has the June 8 date on it, with Coolshop changing the expected release date to say just "2018".

However, if the leaked release date is correct it would mean Rockstar has slipped behind the "Spring 2018" promise it made back in May 2017.

It's already pushed the game back from a 'Fall 2017' launch which was touted in the first trailer, so it's not out of the question that the game may have been delayed again.

We have contacted Rockstar for clarification on its launch intentions for the game, and Coolshop on the June 8 date it posted. We will update this article once we hear back.

• Everything we know so far about Red Dead Redemption 2

Via NME and Game Informer

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/red-dead-redemption-2-release-date-leak-pegs-arrival-for-june-8

New games of 2018

Your to-play list of 2017 may be towering over your head in a Damoclesian manner every time you sit on your sofa but still you can’t help but keep an anticipatory eye on what’s coming next. 

We know, no judgement – we also have that problem. There’s so much good stuff available right now, but there are also a lot of great games still to come and it just won’t do to let them pass you by. 

To help you know which titles you should be keeping a weather eye on over the next year, we’ve put together this useful guide. Whether you're playing on PC, PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch, you'll find something in this list.

Not every one of these games has a pinned down release date just yet, but they’re the titles slotted to come at some point in the next year.

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One, PC

When can I play it? March 27 2018

Far Cry 5 has caused some controversy before it’s even been released thanks to its close-to-home setting of Montana, America. When the small town of Hope County is taken over by a violent doomsday cult known as Project at Eden’s Gate, it’ll be up to you the player to become the new Deputy Sheriff and take them out. Expect violence, chaos and a whole lot of fun from this one. 

• Want more info? Here's everything we know about Far Cry 5

What can I play it on? Xbox One and PC

When can I play it? March 20 2018

The Xbox One doesn’t have a large number of exclusives lined up for 2018 but this is one of the big ones. It’s been a while since we’ve seen something big and new from development studio Rare and we really can’t wait to dive back into a charming world with a distinct sense of humor. 

This is an online co-op extravaganza that will see you create your very own pirate, form a crew with your friends and go on wild adventures across a wide open world.

• Want more info? Here's everything we know about Sea of Thieves

What can I play it on? Xbox One and PC

When can I play it? Spring 2018

It was supposed to be one of the key launch titles for the Xbox One X in November 2017 but Crackdown 3 will now be a big 2018 exclusive for the console. The main selling point of the Crackdown franchise is destruction and in this game’s online multiplayer mode every part of the game’s city is open to destruction thanks to a cloud-based physics calculations system. 

• Want more info? Here's everything we know about Crackdown 3

What can I play it on? PS4 and Xbox One

When can I play it? Spring 2018

Voted TechRadar’s most highly-anticipated game of 2018, Rockstar’s latest outing looks set to be one of the biggest releases of the year. Jumping back into the Wild West, this is the third Red Dead game but the first Rockstar game created from the ground up for the latest generation of consoles. 

We can’t wait to meet the brand new protagonist Arthur Morgan and rob and pillage our way across the wide open American heartland.

• Want to know more? This is everything we know about Red Dead Redemption 2

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? Sometime in 2018

Though we can’t help but feel that zombie games have been somewhat done to death, we do have some hope that a good PlayStation exclusive could revive the genre. Days Gone has now been confirmed to be coming this year and when it does players will have to flee hoards of infected enemies known as Freakers. 

What can I play it on? To be confirmed 

When can I play it? Autumn 2018

A pleasant surprise from this year’s E3, Anthem will be developer BioWare’s next big IP. Not a whole lot is known about Anthem at the moment, despite the fact that it’s coming relatively soon, but EA has described it as “a shared-world action RPG where Freelancers challenge the wilds past the wall, exploring a vast world filled with savage beasts and ruthless marauders, but also teeming with amazing technology and forgotten treasures”. 

If that makes you think of Destiny you’re not alone.

• Want more information? Here's everything we know about Anthem

What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One and PC 

When can I play it? 2018

Revealed at E3 2017, this game was basically pitched as Assassin’s Creed Black Flag with the assassin bits removed. That leaves the naval warfare and in Skull and Bones you’ll find yourself engaging in single-player and online multiplayer seafaring adventures. Think Sea of Thieves but a bit more geared towards gritty realism.

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? Early 2018

The PlayStation exclusive God of War franchise is returning and this time it’s moving away from the Greek myths to the Norse and turning the legendary lone wolf Kratos into something of a father figure. When it’s released, this revamped God of War will have more of a focus on narrative than anything we’ve seen from the series but the hack and slash god fighting will still remain.

• Read everything we know about God of War so far

What can I play it on? PS4 and Xbox One

When can I play it? 2018

Given it’s been 12 years since Kingdom Hearts 2 was released, it’s safe to say Kingdom Hearts 3 is one of the more highly anticipated titles for 2018. Once more players will take up the role of Sora as he travels with his closest friends Donald and Goofy across a variety of world themed around and populated by a host of famous Disney and Final Fantasy characters. 

There’s going to be plenty of familiar sights and faces but we’re really excited to see the brand new Toy Story world. 

• Here's everything we know about Kingdom Hearts 3

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? 2018

The latest PS4 exclusive game from writer David Cage, this is a game that looks set to court some controversy with its themes. The script took two years to write and hundreds of actors have lent their faces for motion capture so we’re interested to see how this multi-choice narrative adventure plays out. 

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? 2018

Yet another enticing PS4 exclusive for 2018 is Spider-Man, created by the studio behind Spyro and Ratchet and Clank. Don’t worry if you’re not invested in the latest movie reboot yet – this game stands completely seperate to that with an older more experienced Peter Parker and its very own story. 

There are few things more enjoyable than getting to swing around New York City as Spider-Man and we really can’t wait to do it on the latest generation of consoles.

• Want more info? This is everything we know about Spider-Man (PS4)

What can I play it on? PS4

When can I play it? Late 2018

Considering the first game has been continually hailed as a masterpiece thanks to its excellent, emotional story and engaging life-like characters, the decision to develop The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t actually all that surprising. This time around Ellie takes up the starring role and we’re being promised a much darker game with an even bigger story.

• Want more information? Here's the latest on The Last of Us Part 2

There are some games to which no solid release date has been tied but we know we're going to hear more about them this year, whether that's at E3 2018 or Gamescom or just through another avenue. These are the titles we're can't wait to find out more about. Namely, a release date.

• Final Fantasy 7 remake
• Cyberpunk 2077 
• Beyond Good and Evil 2 
• Death Stranding 
• Ghost of Tsushima 
• The next Tomb Raider 
• Pokemon Stars
• Age of Empires 4
• Bayonetta 3
• Metroid Prime 4

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/new-games-of-2018

Apple to fast track discount battery packs for slowed, older iPhones

Following the reveal that Apple has been slowing down older iPhones as their batteries aged, Tim Cook's company has now announced that it will be immediately offering discount replacement battery packs for those affected. 

Originally, Apple had believed that the discounted batteries would not be available until late January. But as the severity of the situation has risen, Apple appears to have been able to speed up the process.

The batteries would normally cost $79 when not under warranty, but are to be offered for $29 instead. The company has stressed that the replacements may initially be in short supply, however.

Conspiracy theorists

“We expected to need more time to be ready, but we are happy to offer our customers the lower pricing right away,” said Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller.

It's been a damaging week for Apple in the eyes of its customers. While its reasoning for slowing down older devices (extending their lifespan) may be sound, the delayed lack of transparency around the situation has fuelled existing conspiracy theories that Apple reduces the performance of older devices simply to encourage customers to buy new replacements.

In an effort to address these concerns going forward, Apple will be releasing an iOS update that will let users more easily monitor the health of their device's batteries, and whether or not performance is being affected as a result.

• iPhone X review: a handset where performance is never doubted

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/apple-to-fast-track-discount-battery-packs-for-slowed-older-iphones

You're not crazy – in some ways your old PC was faster than your new one

Your brand new laptop blitzes the one you had five years ago in almost all of the important metrics, but computer engineer Dan Luu has spent some time confirming what many of us long suspected. There is one area where newer hardware lags behind older gear: latency.

That's the time it takes for a press on the keyboard to show up on the screen, and Luu found that the Apple IIe, first launched in 1983, beat out a collection of more modern computers with its latency response of 30 milliseconds. A 2014 MacBook Pro was lagging behind on 100ms, while a Windows machine running an Intel i7 processor took 200ms.

To gather his stats, Luu set up a camera in slow-motion mode fixed on the keyboard and computer screen, and ran each test several times to get an accurate average. He also tested several mobile devices, with the iPad Pro coming out on top with 30ms and iOS devices largely outperforming their Android counterparts.

All about the complexity

So why do older computers register key presses faster than newer ones, on the whole? It's all to do with the complexity of the systems – while older machines are nowhere near as powerful, they also have much less to handle in terms of inputs, outputs and all the various processes along the way.

"In practice, the solution to poor performance caused by 'excess' complexity is often to add more complexity," writes Luu. "In particular, the gains we've seen that get us back to the quickness of the quickest machines from 30 to 40 years ago have come not from listening to exhortations to reduce complexity, but from piling on more complexity."

In other words a full-scale code rewrite would be required to get the likes of Windows 10 and macOS High Sierra back to the latency speeds of 1983. However, Luu does say we're now emerging from the latency "dark ages", with modern-day computers and laptops starting to claw back some of the responsiveness they've lost.

• Sluggish PC? These handy tools can help

Via Gizmodo

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/youre-not-crazy-in-some-ways-your-old-pc-was-faster-than-your-new-one

Xiaomi Mi A1 finally getting Android 8.0 Oreo

Today, we're getting numerous reports from users in India that the final Android Oreo update is already actively rolling out to their Xiaomi Mi A1 devices. This comes after a tweet by Xiaomi India which announced the pending start of the update seeding yesterday. We have yet to confirm whether the update is seeding outside of India. We are also yet to hear whether the final build brings the fast charging support, which was available in the earlier beta build. Users who update should expect to see the standard new Oreo features such a lighter UI color, the notification dots,...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a1_finally_getting_android_80_oreo-news-28928.php

Apple in 2017: selling Macs and causing heart attacks with security lapse

How did things go for Apple in 2017? This is our report card for the company which will discuss the highpoints and the low ebbs which respectively buoyed and buffeted Tim Cook’s firm throughout the year. Although note that we’re just talking about the computing front here, and our report won’t go beyond the scope of Apple’s computers and notebooks, plus related software, (so there’ll be nothing on the mobile front, i.e. the iPhone and iPad).

Security shambles

We’ll begin our evaluation of Apple’s year in computing on the software front, considering the recent high profile security shenanigans which have clearly damaged the company’s reputation as 2017 draws to a close.

Traditionally, Apple likes to be known for its ironclad security and the safe havens of its walled ecosystems. Macs have always been viewed as a far safer proposition than Windows PCs, if only because as a relatively niche OS in comparison to Microsoft’s, it’s less often targeted by malware peddlers.

But the threat landscape is changing rapidly, and this year has witnessed even more attacks on Apple’s desktop computing platform. According to Malwarebytes, there was a massive 230% rise in Mac malware as of July 2017 (compared to the previous year). That includes the first macro-based Word document attack aimed at Macs, not to mention a load of other stuff.

Against that general backdrop, macOS 10.13 High Sierra was unleashed in September, and was largely well-received, save for some bugs and glitches. But then, at the end of November, the mother of all bugs descended on Apple’s desktop OS – perhaps the mothership of all bugs, from the planet Exploit on the far side of the Critical Vulnerability system.

Unbelievably, the security flaw in question allowed anyone to log into a Mac computer and gain full access (the ability to do anything) simply by using ‘root’ as the username, with no password needed. Embarrassing doesn’t really cover it. Catastrophic is probably closer to the mark.

As you’d expect, Apple fixed the problem sharpish, but the fact that this gaping black hole (yes, hold onto your helmets, the space metaphor returns) even existed in the first place is a cock-up of galactic proportions.

Macs-a-million

Things are more positive on the hardware front, at least on the face of it. Apple’s most recent financial figures (from November) painted a pretty rosy picture of Mac sales. The company flogged 5.4 million Macs, which was just over 10% up on the previous year’s tally. Profits were even stronger for Apple’s computers, coming close to touching $7.2 billion (around £5.4 billion, AU$9.6 billion), which represented a huge leap of 25% year-on-year.

Despite some blips in sales throughout the year (particularly in the US – at least according to analyst firm Gartner), CEO Tim Cook proudly declared that the Mac had achieved its highest revenue total ever in 2017, reaching $25.8 billion (around £19.3 billion, AU$34.4 billion) for the year.

You can’t really argue with those sort of numbers. Well, there’s no ‘really’ about it; you can’t argue with them full-stop. But before we get carried away with the idea that Apple’s Mac desktops and MacBook laptops were an unqualified success throughout the year, let’s look a bit more closely at a few aspects here. Principally: what was the reaction on the ground to Apple’s machines? What were the thoughts spilled amongst the chattering keyboards of the internet – and indeed our own expert reviewers?

Let’s start with desktops first. Apple ran a refresh on its iMac range this year, and while the all-in-one remains looking somewhat dated, the new offerings were generally well-received, and a rare bright spot for Apple in terms of value-for-money at the entry-level point.

Apple also revealed the iMac Pro, the new spin on Apple’s PC which is aimed firmly at professional users, and will be launched imminently. It’s a very powerful machine, and although it’s still unclear how the product will pan out, what we do know for sure is that it’s pitched at a rather jaw-dropping starting price of $4,999 (around £3,720, AU$6,650), making it a niche proposition at any rate.

Tremors of discontent

Moving onto notebooks, there’s much more to talk about, and some unhappier rumblings here. Apple refreshed both the 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro this year, and we certainly loved the former, which boasted a considerably improved keyboard (a much-needed move). The vanilla MacBook is a strong notebook now, no doubt, although it remains connectivity-challenged with only a single USB Type-C port. And it’s expensive – in fact, at $1,299 (£1,249, AU$1,899), it now starts at the same price as the MacBook Pro (non-Touch Bar).

Speaking of which, 2017’s refreshed MacBook Pro range was a wobblier affair. The keyboard has been much criticized over various issues and its overall feel, and even on this new model we found it a little noisy, and encumbered by something of a learning curve (concerns voiced in our review). Battery life also remains a thorn in the USB-C port, as it were.

And pricing is once again an issue. Particularly for the MacBook Pro variants with the fancy new Touch Bar, which start at a rather eye-watering $1,799 (£1,749, AU$2,699) for the base model. Take a moment to look at that price tag again. Now recall that we just mentioned Apple’s Mac profits leaping 25% this year. Is it any wonder with these sort of profit margins, particularly on these Touch Bar-toting MacBook Pro models?

So while the MacBook refreshes Apple pulled off in 2017 did some good work, many folks – including our reviewers – were unsurprisingly disappointed that the firm didn’t manage to curb the excesses of pricing on these laptops. They seem awfully expensive for the actual components you’re getting inside the notebooks.

Wait a minute – how did we get here? From booming Mac sales into an accumulating avalanche of negativity? That’s the interesting thing about Apple. Even though tendrils of negativity may snake out from all corners of the net trying to hold the firm’s products back, Apple’s machines will simply shrug these off and happily continue to set record quarterly revenues. It’s just what Apple does. Apple knows best, and the firm definitely knows how to make money.

But, interestingly, during 2017, something major did seem to change in terms of Apple’s attitude towards its customers with an axe of one kind or another to grind.

In short, Apple is now listening. Or at least that’s the image the company wants to project.

Speak now or forever scold your PCs

Apple wants your feedback. In April, a couple of months before the official unveiling of the iMac Pro, three big pips from Apple – Phil Schiller, Craig Federighi and John Ternus – gathered together to brief the press on how the firm was proceeding with the next Mac Pro, and how it had made mistakes with last incarnation of the machine.

This trio of Apple top brass were especially keen to make it clear that Apple has been listening to Mac Pro users and their complaints, in order to make the next-generation machine (which may well arrive in 2018) a better offering.

And earlier this month, Jony Ive, Apple’s design guru, made it clear that the company is listening to MacBook complaints as well. Ive commented: “Absolutely, all of your feelings and feedback around the MacBook you use, we couldn't want to listen to more. And we hear – boy, do we hear.”

The message is clear. Like Microsoft – which has gone to great pains to stress the importance of user feedback since Windows 10 launched – Apple is listening. Tim Cook even replies to customer emails like Steve Jobs used to do (and most recently the CEO assured one punter that the Mac mini isn’t dead).

Looking to next year

Overall, then, 2017 was something of a low on the software front, at least in terms of security, but Apple certainly did better with its hardware – and with its attitude, too. The apparent new willingness to listen generates a rather hopeful vibe as we head into 2018. And the hope is that we’ll get a company which doesn’t just listen, but also acts and makes good on its promises.

So with that in mind, with any luck, we’ll see a new, more configurable Mac Pro arrive next year, and a MacBook Pro which has been further honed based on user feedback. Perhaps the biggest question, though, is whether there’ll be any movement in terms of a cheaper MacBook Pro, or indeed a lowering of the price bar for the entry-level MacBook 12-inch.

But when Mac sales are riding high as 2017 comes to a close, even with prices stacked as they are, maybe that’s a dream too far. But we can still dream it…

What we absolutely don’t need is another nightmare of a gaping, abyssal flaw in macOS. Whatever comes to pass in 2018, Apple simply can’t afford to fall asleep at the wheel of the security bus in that fashion again.

• We’ve rounded up the best cheap MacBook deals for Christmas

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/apple-in-2017-selling-macs-and-causing-heart-attacks-with-security-lapse

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus in for review

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 phones, announced at the beginning of December, are among the first in the company portfolio to have 18:9 ratio screens (along with the flagship Mi Mix 2). Xiaomi fans commented after the launch that they will hold back purchases until the Redmi Note 5 arrives, but surprisingly it is already in for review with a different name - Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus. When preparing for the successor of the Redmi Note 4, Xiaomi went with the saying "If it ain't broken, don't fix it" motto. The Redmi 5 Plus has similar looking specs - a power-efficient Snapdragon 625 chipset inside,...

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_5_plus_in_for_review-news-28875.php

Top smartphone reviews of 2017

Being a mobile tech reviewer definitely has its perks. Shiny new devices are great and all, but still, at the end of the day, the most gratifying thing is to see our work actually help out readers and eager buyers navigate the vast and often confusing smartphone market. 2017 was a really interesting year, with many great announcements and more than one interesting trend set in motion and ready to unfold in 2018. Before CES kicks off and draws our collective attention to the future of mobile, what better time to sift through the top ten reviews of 2017, as rated by your interest....

from GSMArena.com - Latest articles https://www.gsmarena.com/top_smartphone_reviews_of_2017-news-28926.php

The best cheap Fitbit deals in the January sales 2018

Cheap Fitbit deals are still going strong at this time of year, meaning the world can stay healthy in a cost-effective way. The fitness tracker is sometimes hard to find on discount, we'd grab any deal you can find.

Inexpensive Fitbit sales do exist, however, and we’ve had our collective noses to the ground in search of the lowest prices for Fitbit’s range of wearables. If you’re in need of a healthy change, start here to find your match.

While the Fitbit Flex 2 offers a sporty look, the Fitbit Alta offers something else entirely. On the wrist, the Alta is a fetching, form-fitting fitness tracker that looks more like a bracelet. But don't let its looks fool you too much. Underneath, it packs in the same Fitbit smarts, like step, exercise and sleep tracking functionalities. To top it off, the battery life is astoundingly good. On the downside, the small display doesn't show off nearly as much info as the Fitbit Charge 2, nor is it as responsive to the touch. However, if fashion is key, this is your Fitbit.

Read our review: Fitbit Alta

The Fitbit Alta HR takes the fetching formula of the original and adds heart rate monitoring into the mix. During use, we found it to be surprisingly accurate and the OLED display shows the metrics in a simple, easy-to-read fashion.

Much of this package is also available on the Alta, like the usual Fitbit smarts, including step, exercise and sleep tracking functionalities. To top it off, the battery life is astoundingly good. 

Opt for this model if heart rate-based exercise is important to you. It's mostly the same as the original Alta, but the added functionality for not much extra cash down is a good thing in our book.

Read our review: Fitbit Alta HR

Fitbit Charge 2, another modern spin on a Fitbit classic, is packed with improvements and thoughtful tweaks over the original to make it worth your consideration. First off, the screen has been blown out to display even more information than before, including smartphone notifications – even if the feature is a bit limited. In addition, the Charge 2 features multi-sport tracking through the comprehensive Fitbit app that we know and love. This Fitbit isn't the cheapest model out there, but if it's multi-sport tracking data and on-screen information you seek, the Charge 2 will fit the bill.

Read our review: Fitbit Charge 2

If the Apple Watch and Android Wear (and now the Fitbit Ionic) smartwatches have caught your eye, but you don't want to sacrifice fitness know-how (or hundreds of dollars), the Fitbit Blaze may be the wearable for you. It boasts a vibrant display that showcases fitness metrics and a healthy share of smartphone notifications. This is one of the most versatile Fitbits that you can purchase at the moment. This model is splashproof, but not waterproof like the Fitbit Flex 2, nor is its battery life as spectacular. But, the Fitbit Charge is much smarter than most and is one to consider if being connected is important to you.

Read our review: Fitbit Blaze

The Fitbit Ionic is the newest member of the Fitbit family and moves deeper into smartwatch territory. It combines the best Fitbit goal-tracking software with all of the major features of a smartwatch, and it's a little cheaper than an Apple Watch. Plus, it works with both iOS and Android.

Read our hands-on review: Fitbit Ionic

Another of Fitbit's latest wearables is an update to one of its oldest: the Fitbit Flex. The new and improved Fitbit Flex 2 doesn't do a whole lot to change the familiar look, but the innards have been refreshed to make this the one worth buying over the original. It's smaller, more fashionable, and most importantly, it's water-resistant, which is a first for Fitbit. The lack of a screen might be a bother for some, but if you can adjust, this fitness tracker compensates by being remarkably low-profile. You don't even need to take it off before you hop in the shower. If a no-fuss tracker is on your list, this is your match.

Read our review: Fitbit Flex 2

If you're someone who works out a ton, you'll want to know about the Fitbit Surge. Competing against Garmin's high-end trackers, the Surge is Fitbit's most robust offering, packing in a long 7-day battery inside, along with a GPS sensor that can track your run or walk for up to 10 consecutive hours. It costs more than many other wearables in the Fitbit range, but it is generally better value than most smartwatches boasting similar specs. The inclusion of GPS, its splashproof design and a battery that can last up to 7 days makes it a smart option for workout enthusiasts.

Read our review: Fitbit Surge

• You've seen the deals, now see the best Fitbit in our ranked list

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/cheap-fitbit

The best cheap RAM prices in the January sales 2018

Looking for an easy upgrade to make your gaming PC, home theater PC or laptop faster? More RAM, or Random Access Memory, might be just the thing you’re looking for. 

An extra pinch of memory can make your computer much more capable at demanding tasks, like gaming, not to mention a better multi-tasker with several applications open at the same time. 

While adding additional memory to a MacBook Pro through Apple – or really any pre-built PC – at checkout might cost a fortune, it’s far cheaper to purchase RAM separately, especially if you can find the right deals like we have found below.

The best RAM deal this week in the US

The best RAM deal this week in the UK

Our favorite best cheap RAM deals

Best DDR4 RAM deal

DDR4 RAM is the fastest memory that came on the block just a few years ago. At first, it was prohibitively expensive for anything but the most extreme gaming PCs, but now you can find it in many  mainstream laptops or desktops. The Corsair Vengeance LPX is among one of the most solidly reliable kits of RAM you can purchase. It’s low-profile form factor makes it an easy fit for most PC builds, and its 2,400MHz starting speed is plenty quick too.

Best DDR3 RAM deal

DDR4 RAM might be the fastest and hottest memory on the market now, but more than a few PCs aren’t designed with the right slot for it. Fear not, though, with DDR3 RAM going on its way out, you’re bound to find even more amazing deals on it, like this set of Kingston HyperX Fury memory. Like the Corsair kit above, Kingston makes solidly reliable RAM and they also feature low-profile designs to work with most PC builds.

Best gaming RAM deal

Gaming requires a higher-class of memory, and this usually means higher frequencies, bigger capacities and a better cooling solution to keep it running, especially if you’re overclocking it. With all this in mind, you should check out the Corsair Vengeance RGB, which features a taller heatsink, a faster 3,000MHz frequency and RGB lighting over the DDR4 set of Vengeance LPX memory we pointed out earlier.

Best Mac RAM deal

Adding extra memory to any Mac is notoriously expensive. Instead of throwing Apple a few extra hundred bucks, you could simply double or even triple the amount of RAM on your system with an inexpensive kit. Crucial is another proven RAM maker, and you’ll definitely want to check out its 16GB or 32GB memory kits that will cost far less than the corresponding upgrades provided through the Apple Store.

Best laptop RAM deal

MacBooks aren’t the only laptop that you can add extra memory to. As long as they aren’t glued together, like a Surface Laptop, upgrading your RAM is one of the easiest things you can do to improve the performance of your notebook. TimeTic makes relatively inexpensive kits of Hynix IC RAM that could seriously bump up your memory capacity.

• You won't need to upgrade your RAM in the best gaming laptop

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-ram-deals