Sunday 31 March 2019
Half of Huawei's flagship phones could be foldable in two years, says CEO
Although it was beaten to the punch by the Samsung Fold (and the Royole FlexPai if you're feeling charitable), Huawei threw down a major gauntlet earlier this when it unveiled its Mate X foldable handset, delivering what is arguably the most appealing folding smartphone design to date.
Now, it appears the company is going all-in when it comes to foldable smartphones, with Huawei CEO Richard Yu offering some refreshingly frank comments about the technology in a new interview with GSMArena.
When asked about how many foldable devices it could have in its stable over the next few years, Yu said "I think that on a flagship level in two years, half of our devices could be foldable."
A smaller foldable phone is in the works
- Huawei Mate X's selfies are a game changer for photos
- Samsung Galaxy Fold video shows it's ready to bend thousands of times
- Apple could be considering a folding iPhone, new patent reveals
Of course, the CEO is more than aware of how expensive its first attempt at the technology is, stating that "folding phones are just in the beginning and the market share is small, they cost a lot and it's very expensive to produce such devices."
However, Yu believes that the cost will reduce significantly over time. "I think in two years foldable phones will have a similar price to current flagship phones," said Yu.
Revealing that his primary handset at the moment is the still-in-development Huawei Mate X, Yu also discussed the just-released P30 Pro, stating that "In the future we can make a foldable phone sized in half of this one [P30 Pro], we have plans for a smaller foldable phone."
source http://www.techradar.com/news/half-of-huaweis-flagship-phones-could-be-foldable-in-two-years-says-ceo
Apple Music may soon get Chromecast support in Android app
When it comes to streaming services and smart home compatibility, there’s no doubt going to be conflicts between the major players and their respective products, but the latest rumors suggest that gap could be closing.
Investigations into the code for Apple Music’s Android app conducted by 9to5Google have found several specific mentions of Chromecast support for Apple’s music streaming service. While this isn’t a guarantee it’ll come soon, or indeed at all, it’s the best indication of compatibility we’ve had yet.
Naturally, with both Google and Apple having their own competing music streaming services and smart home platforms, this kind of compatibility doesn't come easily for either tech giant.
- Apple HomePod holds just 4% of the smart speaker market
- Apple Music hits 50 million subscribers
- Apple Music is rolling out to even more Echo and Fire TV devices
If we do see the Android version of Apple Music become available to stream via Chromecast, this would likely allow phones to cast music from Apple's platform to Google Home devices, Android TVs and other Chromecast-connected tech, although this is just a matter of speculation at this point.
While Apple launched its music service for Android back in 2015, the Google-made operating system hasn't been high on its priority list and it has, only in recent months, added some basic functionality, such as tablet support.
Thankfully, this has resulted in a string of compatibility updates, such as support for Amazon's Echo range of speakers in the US as well as a wider roll-out to other Amazon smart devices.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/apple-music-may-soon-get-chromecast-support-in-android-app
Facebook looking to restrict livestreams, open to more regulation
It's not been an easy couple of years for Facebook in terms of user privacy and data security and everything else, but the giant social network seems determined to start sorting out at least some of its problems.
TechCrunch reports on an open letter published by Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, in which she says the platform is "exploring restrictions" for limiting who can launch livestreams.
The letter comes in response to the terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, which was streamed live over Facebook by the perpetrators.
- A Facebook bug exposed private photos
- Track your usage of social media
- Facebook is testing a new interface
Facebook is ready to support the grieving community in New Zealand, Sandberg says, and will be taking further steps to address hate speech on its platform – although she didn't go into too much detail about what that would involve.
Increased regulation
In a separate op-ed in the Washington Post, Facebook founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg says governments and regulators should take on more of a role in policing social networks.
Zuckerberg is calling for new laws in four separate areas, reports the BBC: harmful content, election integrity, privacy and data portability.
"Lawmakers often tell me we have too much power over speech, and frankly I agree," Zuckerberg writes, saying that the responsibility of restricting hate speech is too much of a challenge for individual sites and apps to tackle alone.
Zuckerberg wants to see a code of conduct that all social media networks must abide by, tighter restrictions on how political parties can campaign online, and new rules for protecting the privacy of users as they move their data between services.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/facebook-looking-to-restrict-livestreams-open-to-more-regulation
The Sega Genesis Mini gets a release date and a price
We've known for some time now that Sega was planning on releasing a Genesis Mini retro console, but up until now details have been thin on the ground. We do now finally have a release date for the box: September 19.
Kotaku reports that the announcement was made on stage at Sega Fes 2019. The Sega Genesis Mini will hit stores in the US for $79.99 – that's roughly £60 or AU$115, though we don't have the official international pricing yet.
The US version of the console is going to differ from the device sold in Japan, which will be take the Mega Drive name like the original console (Genesis was a rebadging done for the US market).
- Play Sega Classics on the Amazon Fire TV
- Check out the Black Shark 2 gaming phone
- Celebrating the Sega Genesis at 30
Apparently the US version of the retro gaming box will come with three-button controllers that connect via USB. The Japanese version is set to ship with six-button controllers. Again, there's no news on which version will hit Europe or the rest of the world.
Games, games, games
We know some of the 40 games that'll be bundled with the box too: Altered Beast, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Comix Zone, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, Ecco the Dolphin, Gunstar Heroes, Shining Force, Sonic The Hedgehog, Space Harrier II and ToeJam & Earl will be included in the US.
In Japan the line-up includes Sonic 2, Puyo Puyo 2, Shining Force, Castlevania Bloodlines, Powerball, Gunstar Heroes, Comix Zone, Rent-a-Hero, Space Harrier II and Madou Monogatari Ichi (some of which were originally Japanese exclusives).
Finally, Sega did say that the M2 studio behind some of its retro game reboots would be taking care of software development on the Genesis Mini.
Sega follows both Nintendo and Sony in releasing a retro version of one of its classic consoles, but we'll have to wait until September to see if there's enough built up nostalgia for the launch of the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini to be a hit.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/the-sega-genesis-mini-gets-a-release-date-and-a-price
Saturday 30 March 2019
Orioles vs Yankees MLB live stream 2019: how to watch today's baseball from anywhere
Spring training is over - regular season MLB baseball is finally back! And in New York today sees the Yankees take on the franchise from nearby Baltimore. With a huge Opening Day win for the Yankees, the Orioles will be looking to strike back quickly on the first Saturday of the 2019 regular season. Find out who will win with an Orioles vs Yankees live stream today.
It's now been 10 years since the Yankees last won a World Series and their players and fans alike will be desperate to go back to the top of the MLB tree. Aaron Judge will be the man with so many hopes on his shoulders, and he didn't disappoint on the Opening Day with three runs from two hits in a convincing win.
Orioles fans may feel like they have a long season ahead after their only 2018 All-Star shortstop Manny Machado left for the San Diego Padres. And the 7-2 defeat in game one of the Yankee Stadium series won't have lifted their spirits one iota.
Keep reading to see the best ways to get an Orioles vs Yankees live stream. As you'll see, it's available via the ESPN+ subscription service (which comes with a 7-day free trial if you haven't tried it before). And we'll also tell you how to catch it even if you're not in the US this weekend.
- Want to watch college basketball, too? Here's how to get a March Madness live stream
How to watch Orioles vs Yankees in the US for FREE
- Check out our guide to all the best sports streaming sites
Live stream MLB baseball from outside your country
If you've been looking forward to this opening day match-up but now find yourself abroad, you'll find that your coverage will be geo-blocked. Annoying for sure, but not the end of the road...as you can try using a VPN to change your IP address to a US server and watch as if you were back at home.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/orioles-vs-yankees-mlb-live-stream-2019-how-to-watch-todays-baseball-from-anywhere
New remote and gamepad tipped for the Nvidia Shield TV
The Nvidia Shield TV was one of the first Android TV boxes to hit the market and it remains one of the best. Nvidia has continued to push a steady stream of updates out for the device, and it looks like another is in the pipeline.
XDA Developers reports that the Shield's latest code refers to a controller called "Stormcaster" and a remote called "Friday", which may be replacements for the current input devices that are available for the Shield TV.
The Shield TV box got a refresh in 2017 but the controller and remote remain the same as they were back in 2015 when the box first appeared (you get the remote included and the gamepad is an optional extra).
- We're ready for Apple TV+
- Nvidia develops AI systems too
- Samsung shows off its new TVs
That means these devices are overdue an upgrade and it looks as though new hardware might be imminent. There might even be a whole new Nvidia Shield TV box on the way.
"Active vs inactive"
The names mentioned in the code don't tell us too much about these input devices, apart from what type they are. Both connect over Bluetooth, apparently, with USB another option on the gamepad controller.
An Nvidia spokesperson gave a statement to XDA Developers which reads: "It's fairly standard practice for various concept codenames to appear in codebases. Those references remain even when it becomes unlikely that the concept ever goes into production."
"We can't comment on which codenames refer to product concepts that are active vs which ones are inactive, as it can be fluid. However, I can confirm that none of the codenames below refer to products that have launched publicly."
So make of that what you will. If you already have an Nvidia Shield TV, you might soon have some new accessories to pick from, and if you don't, you might soon have another reason to make a purchase.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/new-remote-and-gamepad-tipped-for-the-nvidia-shield-tv
This incredible Mate 20 Pro offer beats all Huawei P30 Pro deals out there
With all the Huawei P30 Pro hype we've seen this week, it's been easy to forget about all of the other brilliant Huawei phone deals out there. Well we certainly haven't forgotten about Huawei's other flagships yet, and through a little bit of digging, we found a Huawei Mate 20 Pro deal that leaves P30 Pro prices in its wake.
Yep, this ridiculous Mate 20 Pro offer could well change your mind from grabbing those P30 Pro deals you've been coveting. Coming in at a tiny monthly cost of just £24 and upfront spend of just over £100, we've never seen the Mate 20 Pro this cheap. It doesn't even scrimp on data or have some convoluted clause to justify the price.
This contract is so cheap in fact, that the nearest P30 Pro deal to it will cost you £400 more over the two years. So it's probably a bit of a no-brainer.
You can see this deal in full below, but we wouldn't hang around too long as you'll be kicking yourself if you miss out on this kind of value. If for some reason this tariff doesn't quite fill your needs, try our mobile phone deals guide for all of the other options.
This brilliant Huawei Mate 20 Pro deal in full:
- Decided Huawei isn't for you? Check out the best of Samsung phone deals or iPhone deals or if you want to see the best of everything: mobile phone deals
Why is the Mate 20 Pro so good?
We currently rank the Huawei Mate 20 Pro as the third best phone in the world - let us tell you why. With one of the fastest processors of any Android device, a almost unrivalled battery life, a powerful triple camera set up and world first features like in-screen fingerprint scanning - this is an impressive phone.
In fact, the only issue we've usually been able to come up with is the price, which isn't even a factor you need to worry about with this deal.
Read our full Huawei Mate 20 Pro review
Compare this with the best P30 Pro deals:
source http://www.techradar.com/news/this-incredible-mate-20-pro-offer-beats-all-huawei-p30-pro-deals-out-there
Valve unveils its own virtual reality headset: the Valve Index
There had been whispers that Valve was working on its own virtual reality headset, having previously launched VR kit in partnership with HTC, and now those rumors have turned into a real product: the Valve Index.
However, the name is just about all we know about the new VR headset for now. Valve has put up a teaser site inviting you to "upgrade your experience" and listing May 2019 as what we assume is a launch date.
We get one pretty good look at the headset, but for now the price and specs aren't clear. At least with Valve's track record it should know what it's doing with the new hardware.
- Our hands-on with the HP Reverb
- Steam is getting a fresh new look
- VR really needs spherical displays
Unfortunately there's no sign of the Half-Life game that some insiders were suggesting might be revealed alongside a VR headset from Valve – though maybe Valve is just waiting until May to give us the details.
Guessing game
It's certainly a busy time for new VR headset launches, with the Oculus Rift S and the Oculus Quest about to go on sale, and the HTC Vive Focus Plus coming on April 15 as well.
There's more choice than ever for discerning consumers but it means the Valve Index is going to be up against some stiff competition when it sees the light of day. Presumably it'll run the same SteamVR game and apps store as the HTC models.
What seem to be two sensors can be seen at the side of the Valve Index case and previous reports suggest the headset will come with a wider-than-normal field of view. Expect a lot of these information gaps to get plugged in May.
We'll be bringing you all the news of the Valve Index launch when it happens, but in the meantime, you might want to hold off on that VR headset purchase.
Via Ars Technica
source http://www.techradar.com/news/valve-unveils-its-own-virtual-reality-headset-the-valve-index
These incredible discounted EE phone deals come to an end on Monday
Do you want a top of the line flagship? Want the UK's fastest 4G speeds? Don't want to pay full price for your new mobile phone deal? If any or all of these questions are answered 'yes' by you then you're going to love these price cut offers from Mobiles.co.uk.
With the help of some handy voucher codes, you can currently knock £20 or £25 off top Android and Apple flagships. This includes the iPhone XR, Samsung Galaxy S10 and Google Pixel 3.
This isn't some deal to make incredibly expensive contracts ever so slightly cheaper, these vouchers cut the prices of EE phone deals that were already some of the best offers available on these devices.
So if you're interested in saving some cash on your new tariff, scroll down to see these deals in full. But you will have to hurry, these voucher codes will be gone by Monday, April 1 at 6am. Or if you would rather compare them to what else is available, check out our mobile phone deals page
These EE phone deals in full:
- Compare these to the best iPhone deals and Samsung phone deals
The best deals on these devices no matter the network:
source http://www.techradar.com/news/these-incredible-discounted-ee-phone-deals-come-to-an-end-on-monday
Friday 29 March 2019
Hackers publish details on critical Magento flaw
The Magento e-commerce platform could soon face a number of attacks after hackers publicly released code that exploits a critical vulnerability in its systems which could be used to plant payment card skimmers on sites that have not yet been updated.
PRODSECBUG-2198 is the name of the SQL injection vulnerability that attackers can exploit without the need for authentication.
Any hacker that can obtain user names and crack the password hashes protecting these credentials could theoretically exploit the flaw to take administrative control of administrator accounts. Upon gaining access, they then could install backdoors or any skimming code they choose.
- How are consumers protecting themselves against online fraud?
- Phishing scams account for half of all fraud attacks
- Pointing to the future: the next step in fraud prevention
This method was tested by a researcher at the security firm Sucuri who managed to reverse-engineer a recently released official patch to create a working proof-of-concept exploit.
Card skimming
Competing gangs of cybercriminals have spent the last six months trying to infect e-commerce sites with card skimming malware to steal users' payment details. They employed known exploits as well as zero-day vulnerabilities to accomplish this and such a vulnerability in Magento's e-commerce platform will likely be exploited due to the fact that over 300,000 businesses and merchants use its services.
Lead malware intelligence analyst at Malwarebytes, Jérôme Segura explained the severity of the situation to Ars Technica, saying:
“There is no doubt threat actors are either actively reversing the patch or waiting for a proof of concept to exploit this flaw at scale. When it comes to hacked Magento websites, Web skimmers are the most common infection type we see because of their high return on investment. As a result, we can expect another wave of compromises in light of this newly found critical vulnerability.”
When the proof-of-concept code was published, comments in the code revealed that it could also be modified to obtain other information from Magento's database such as admin and user password hashes. It was also discovered that the vulnerability has existed in Magento since version 1 of its software. This means that all Magento sites that have not installed the latest update are potentially susceptible.
The company's developers recently disclosed and patched a number of vulnerabilities including PRODSECBUG-2198. There is a stand-alone patch for this vulnerability but since the other flaws also pose a threat, it is recommended that all customers upgrade to Magento Commerce or Open Source 2.3.1 or 2.2.8.
Via Ars Technica
- We've also highlighted the best ecommerce platform
source http://www.techradar.com/news/hackers-publish-details-on-critical-magento-flaw
Whoops, Google might have leaked the new Nest Hub Max smart speaker
Whoops, Google might’ve just leaked the new Nest Hub Max, a new smart speaker that has a 10-inch HD screen, a built-in Nest security camera and stereo speakers.
The description for the new smart home hub appeared for a brief moment on Google’s Connected Home section of its storefront before it was spotted by Android Police, who was kind enough to take screenshots of the product before Google scrambled all the information.
According to the information Android Police found, the speaker looks like the evolution of the Google Home Hub: The Nest Hub Max will have a larger display, a built-in security camera and stereo speakers - giving it a clear edge on the smart home hub released last year.
Before today, there wasn’t even a rumor of this device floating around (at least, as far as we know) and was something Google was likely hoping to save until its annual Google IO conference in June.
Then again, maybe it was just several intricately detailed typos in a row? ...Nah, probably not.
- In the market for a home hub? These are the best smart speakers in 2019
source http://www.techradar.com/news/whoops-google-might-have-leaked-the-new-nest-hub-max-smart-speaker
Breaking News: Apple AirPower wireless charging mat has been cancelled
We've been checking for the Apple AirPower release date every day, but there's no more need to do that as Apple has cancelled the project altogether.
AirPower was the wireless charging mat that Apple revealed a little over a year and a half ago at its iPhone X launch event. It was supposed to charge up to three devices at once.
Developing...
source http://www.techradar.com/news/apple-airpower-cancelled
The best Windows tablets 2019: all of the top Windows tablets reviewed
The best Windows 10 tablets are getting better by the minute. Not only are they great for watching Netflix or playing some casual games, but because of their lightweight designs and powerful components, they’re among the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy. It’s easy to see why they’re so universally praised as being the best of both worlds.
This is all thanks to the versatility of the best Windows 10 tablets. From thin and light showstoppers like the Acer Switch 5 to power hungry behemoths like the Surface Pro 6, the best Windows tablets have something for everyone. Plus, anyone looking for a cheap Surface device will love the fact that the Surface Go offers a great Windows tablet experience at a lower price than its Pro counterparts.
However, there are so many Windows tablets out there these days, making it hard to find one that’s truly worth your time. That’s why we’re here, though, and we’ve found the best Windows tablets and listed them all here. And, because we’ve tested all of them ourselves, you can be confident that all of these Windows tablets will be worth your time and money.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro lineup has a reputation for being the ideal of what other Windows tablets should strive for – and the Surface Pro 6 is no different. It doesn’t bring anything especially new to the table, but it iterates in a meaningful way, with more powerful hardware and a new black color option. You still won’t find the Surface Pen or Type Cover in the box, but that’s just the reality we have to live with these days. Either way, it’s the best Windows tablet you can buy today.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 6
A budget Surface device has been demanded by users for years, but the wait is finally over. The Microsoft Surface Go is simply the best Windows tablet for anyone that wants to work on the go. Thin, light, portable and elegant without costing a fortune, Microsoft has packed in everything they could in a device at a low price point. And, if you’re a student, or just someone that wants to consume some media while traveling, you can’t go wrong with the Microsoft Surface Go – you can even play some of the best laptop games on an airplane.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go
If you need a Windows tablet with the versatility of the Surface Pro, but you don’t have a lot of cash to spare, the Acer Switch 5 is an excellent choice. You’ll lose a bit in screen resolution and sound quality, but you're saving hundreds of dollars for comparable power. The Acer Switch 5 is one of the best Windows tablets for any students or professionals that need to get stuff done on the go, while sticking to a budget.
Read the full review: Acer Switch 5
The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S features a quick Intel Core processor, and it’s a beautiful 12-inch tablet that manages to be thinner and lighter than almost anything else on the market. It rocks this gorgeous AMOLED panel that you won’t find on any other Windows device, plus a pair of high-quality speakers that sound better than they have any right to. The keyboard might rub you the wrong way, but if you’re just looking for a tablet to consume media on, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Go
The HP Spectre x2 was originally created to be a budget version of the Surface Pro. However, HP has redesigned this Windows tablet to vie for Microsoft’s premium crown. In many ways, we have to admit it succeeds. The HP Spectre x2 rocks a 7th-generation Kaby Lake Core i7 processor at a lower price point – it even looks cooler. It gets better – the Active Pen and keyboard come with the HP Spectre x2, which is more than can be said for the Surface Pro.
Read our full review: HP Spectre x2
- Images Credit: TechRadar
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2019
Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
source http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/windows-8-tablets-release-date-specs-and-prices-916134
The best portable laptop battery chargers and power banks in 2019
If you’re looking for an effective way to charge the best laptops on the go, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered up the best portable laptop battery chargers and power banks, looking at the easy and portable ways to charge your laptop right now.
When you go out shopping for a battery charger, it’s important to find one that stores enough power to top up – or even recharge – your laptop’s battery when its running low. The best laptop battery charger should mean you’ll never have to frantically search for a power socket when working while traveling – even if you are using that stylish Ultrabook with the tiny battery.
You won’t have to worry about getting stranded in the middle of nowhere when you buy one of the best portable laptop chargers. With these convenient devices, you can make sure you can always get your work done – no matter where you are.
With the Mophie Powerstation AC, high power output is the name of the game. This portable laptop battery charger is able to power a 15-inch MacBook Pro. Meanwhile, the USB-C port is rated at 30W with a USB-PD label, meaning its one of the few batteries capable of fast charging an iPhone X or iPhone 8.
If you have a newer laptop, and find yourself running out of juice throughout the day, the Omni 20 USB-C might be for you. Not only does it have an insanely high capacity, but it also allows charging of multiple USB-C devices simultaneously. So, if you’re working and you need to charge your Nintendo Switch and a mobile device, you go for it. Plus, the Omni 20 also serves as a USB hub, clearing out some extra storage space in your bag.
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Mophie Powerstation AC
The PowerAdd Pilot Pro2 doesn’t just come with 10 connectors that cover most of the laptops on the market today, but it’s backed by a two-year warranty. That means you can use the 23MAh/85Wh capacity without worry. The Pilot Pro2 is also light enough to carry around wherever you go, coming in under 560g. The only thing that holds it back is that it doesn’t have any USB-C connectors, so if you have a modern Ultrabook or MacBook, you may want to go elsewhere, otherwise you’ll have to carry a separate power supply to keep the battery charger backed up.
As technology marches forward, new laptops need less power to function. This is especially ture for high-end laptops like the MacBook Pro, HP Elite x2, Huawei Matebook Pro X or the Dell XPS 13. For all of these devices, and more, USB-C is king – the RAVPower uses this revolutionary connector to deliver up to 30W of power, which should be plenty for the best Ultrabooks. You can recharge it using a 30W wall charger that can also be used to power compatible laptops – very handy, indeed.
The MaxOak MacBook Charger is a perfect example of a laptop battery charger that goes the extra mile to make sure that it matches the expectations of its audience. This portable laptop charger has all the hallmarks of an Apple device, without the logo – but that’s what those Apple stickers are for – with a matching brushed aluminum finish.
It’s the second most capacious portable laptop battery charger on this list, but its huge amount of juice comes with a catch – it carries so much power that at least one airline has outright banned it, so bear that in mind if you plan to use this charger while traveling. It’s also pretty heavy at almost 1kg and will cater to most MacBooks, but nothing else.
The Qi Infinity Upgraded Powerbank is the only product here that targets Microsoft’s popular Surface lineup by offering the appropriate DC output voltage. It comes with a generous five ports, four of which will let you charge other 5V devices (which includes anything from other power banks to tablets and smartphones). But, what’s really interesting here is the addition of fast charging through Qualcomm’s Qi tech. You’ll be able to charge the new MacBook as well, but no traditional laptops that rely on a 19V DC output. Just keep in mind that with a capacity of 35Ah, it might not be allowed on some airlines.
- This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and australian readers, check out a fine alternative in the RAVPower RP-PB058
The K2 is the world’s second highest mountain and it is fitting – to some extent – that MaxOak named this battery after that lofty peak. After all, at 50Ah, this is the biggest battery on our list and one that is also the heaviest of the lot. It supports laptops up to 60W (3A, 20V) as well as fast-charging.
Note that it takes up to eight hours to charge the battery and that can only be achieved via a proprietary charger. Sadly, it doesn’t carry a USB Type-C connector – which makes it useless for newer laptops – and you won’t be able to lug it around on the plane (as with the previous two peripherals, the massive capacity here may mean it’s banned on some flights).
Sandberg's Powerbank is neither the cheapest nor the most powerful around. However, it does come with a couple of features that make it a rather enticing option. It outputs a number of voltages (12V, 16V, 19V and 20V), automatically choosing the right one depending on the device which is connected.
This portable laptop battery charger also features two USB ports, and they’re hardwired to output 5V. You’re also supplied with 12 different charge tips, but if you have an Ultrabook that needs a USB Type-C port for charging, you’ll be out of luck. It also features a premium brushed aluminum finish, with bright blue LED status lights that clearly indicate the amount of juice left, or how close the battery is to full charge.
- This product is only available in the UK and Australia at the time of this writing. US readers, check out a fine alternative in the MaxOak K2.
If you are looking for a versatile laptop charger, then do consider this RavPower offering. It is by far the most expensive model on our list, but this Reddot award winner carries a feature that no one has replicated till now. It has an AC output that can deliver up to 100W of power – yes, this could even power a TV if needed.
Note that you will probably need an adaptor (there’s one bundled) because the power bank can only accommodate two-prong plugs. You will be able to take it on a commercial flight, but you will not be able to recharge it via USB.
Dell sells the Power Companion with various battery capacities. It is more compact than the RAVPower models, and the unit looks like a Dell power brick that charges your laptop. When you're at your desk, you can daisy-chain to recharge the Power Companion and your Dell laptop by connecting your Dell charging brick to the Power Companion, and then connecting it to your notebook.
Dell's Power Companion is a far sleeker battery pack if your office relies on Dell Inspiron, Latitude, XPS or Venue laptops and tablets, with the added benefit that it has extra USB ports should you need them.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/best-portable-laptop-battery-chargers-and-power-banks
Best Mac 2019: the best Macs to buy this year
The new MacBook Air, not to mention macOS Mojave and a new Mac mini are all finally here, and the best Macs have never been better. And, if you want to get your hands on one of the best Macs, keep in mind that specs, performance and design mean way more in how they interact with the OS itself than any of them separately. That’s why it’s not really productive to compare a Mac to a Windows 10 machine.
We did just get a new iMac, and we’re sure that more are on the way. But, even without future devices, the best Macs are extremely diverse. We don’t know what’s in the cards for future Macs, but we’re sure there’s still plenty of life in Apple’s computers. The best Macs cover everything from thin and light notebooks like the 12-inch MacBook to professional workhorses like the iMac Pro. So, it can be hard to find which Mac is right for you.
That’s why we decided to gather up all the best Macs we’ve used – iMacs, MacBooks and more – to help you answer that question. The only Macs that you won’t find here are the ones that we’ve either not been able to review, or just weren’t good enough. So, let’s dive in to all the best Macs you can buy right now.
If you’re looking for the most performance you can get in a MacBook, and you can afford it, you’ll want to look at the MacBook Pro 15-inch. With hexa-core 8th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at this thing – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With this kind of performance, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best Macs of all time.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid-2018)
You know you’re getting a great value from Apple when, even at the entry level, you’re getting great performance and all the ports you can dream of. And, while it isn’t the newest iMac on the block – that honor goes to the iMac 2019 – the 2017 model is still worth your time. It doesn’t have a touchscreen, but when it’s so much cheaper than the Surface Studio 2 with arguably stronger hardware, we can’t complain. Instead, you get a full-fat Intel 7th-generation desktop processor and your choice of an IPS display carefully wrapped in an all-metal chassis.
Read the full review: Apple iMac (2017)
For much of the year, the biggest complaint with the MacBook Pro was that it was still using Kaby Lake processors, even though its competition had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, and is more powerful than ever before. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but it’s been improved – with less noise and more reliability. It’s easy to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 for anyone looking for the best Mac.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
If you’re a professional or a creative, and you need something that will be able to tackle any workload you could possibly throw at it, you’re going to love the iMac Pro. Not only does it have a vivid 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it’s also packed with the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive, but if you’re looking for unbridled power to get through professional workloads, the iMac Pro is the best Mac for you.
Read the full review: iMac Pro
When Apple refreshed the MacBook back in 2016, it didn’t please anyone, despite being more attractive than ever before. And, while the controversy hasn’t disappeared entirely, the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop. It’s low on ports, but in a laptop this thin, that’s to be expected, and it can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017)
We’ve been waiting years for a new MacBook Air, and it’s finally here. Now thinner, lighter and with a Retina display for the first time, it’s easily the best MacBook Air we’ve ever used. With 8th-generation processors, more RAM and faster SSDs, the MacBook Air is also more powerful than ever. We just wish that these were full-fat U-series quad core chips, rather than the Y-series dual-core fanless processors. Still, this means that you’re going to easily get all-day battery out of this thing, which makes it one of the best Macs for travel.
Read the full review: MacBook Air 2018
Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been refreshed with modern hardware, bring Apple’s tiniest Mac into the modern age. This thing is filled to the brim with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same beloved form factor. It’s a bit more expensive this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, we’d have to say it’s worth it.
Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2019
Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
source http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/mac-buyer-s-guide-2015-1295725
Best Mac apps: the best macOS apps for your Apple computer
Now that macOS Mojave is finally here, we have access to key iOS apps, like News and Stocks. Still, macOS has its own rich library of apps. With this software, your Mac can do everything from playing games to organizing your work. At the end of the day, it’s the software that keeps everyone coming back to the Jony Ive hardware every year.
There are so many things you can do with the best Mac apps, so some might not be up your alley. Still, Mac apps, like Evernote, the best note-taking app around, should be useful for anyone.
You won’t find all of these apps on the Mac App Store, but they’re still worth your consideration. With this guide, we found all the best apps, most of which we use every day. From free apps and utilities to professional music applications, these Mac apps will make even the best Mac better than ever.
Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Check out our Linux vs Windows vs Mac - OS comparison video below.
- Protect yourself online with the best Mac VPN
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: Free
A computer free of annoyances simply doesn’t exist – and Macs are no exception. For the longest time, it’s been impossible to use our MacBooks – unbound by the chains of a power adapter – while video outputs to an external monitor. As we all know here at TechRadar, Apple’s laptops will automatically enter sleep mode when the lid is closed. This can be a huge inconvenience should you prefer the sheer magnitude of one of the best monitors as opposed to a 12, 13 or 15-inch screen.
Fortunately, Amphetamine allows you to continue using your MacBook while closed. Before, you could do this by using a similar app called Caffeine, but we prefer the UI features you get with this freebie. Not only does it fit in naturally with the rest of your Menu Bar items, but Amphetamine also supports hotkey commands as well as deactivation reminders – not to mention there are no annoying ads in sight.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: $9.99 (£7.99 or around AUS$14)
While you’ve been able to snap programs to the edge of the screen in Windows since Windows 7, Apple didn’t have a solution until OS X El Capitan. What’s more, even then it lacked some of the comprehensiveness of Microsoft’s alternative. Luckily, HyperDock gives us that full-fledged functionality we so desperately crave, allowing anyone with a Mac to apply it to both the app Dock and windows.
With Windows, you can just drag a window to the right or left edge of the display, and it’ll automatically snap to fill that portion of the screen. This can save an extraordinary amount of time over dragging windows from the corners. For the Dock, hovering over apps activates something close to Windows 7 thumbnail previews, giving an overview of a window that can be accessed by a click or closed directly from there. It’s extremely useful.
- Get it from: Parallels
- Price: $79.99/year (Home & Student) Around £60 or AUS$100)
If you have recently picked up a Mac and miss some of your old Windows applications, don’t fret – Parallels Desktop 13 can bring them back. Instead of having to dual-boot your Mac into a Windows partition, Parallels Desktop 13 allows Windows and macOS Sierra to co-exist side by side, and you can even run Microsoft-only programs such as Visual Studio 2015, or the Windows versions of the company’s Office 365 apps, alongside your native macOS ones.
All you need is a Windows 10 license – so prepare to buy one if you haven't already. Or, alternatively, you can use Parallels to try a handful of free operating systems including Chromium (a free distribution of Chrome OS) or Linux Debian. The latest version of Parallels in particular has seen improvements such as Touch Bar support, better resolution scaling for Retina displays and picture-in-picture for using other operating systems in conjunction with macOS.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: £14.99 (around $20 or AUS$25)
If you’re anything like us, working on just one monitor or screen is just painful. Portable monitors are still fairly expensive (and bulky), luckily, though, you can use an iPad instead using a nifty app called Duet. Developed by ex-Apple engineers, it works by tethering your iPad to your Mac using one of Apple’s Lightning cables and firing up the app on both devices.
You can then drag apps and windows onto your iPad’s screen just like you would with a second monitor, and if you have a more recent iPad with a Retina display, you’ll get the full benefit of all those beautiful pixels. Just realize that the bandwidth isn’t quite what you would get with one of the best monitors, so it can be a bit laggy when you bump the quality up. But it’s still better for watching videos, reading websites and typing up documents.
- Get it from: Atom
- Price: Free
If you’re a coder and looking for a text editor primarily designed for you, Atom is right up your alley. Its flexibility and customization options make it a viable option for many different types of users. That’s because of two reasons: first, you can download a number of different Packages – basically plug-ins – to make it bend to your will. It can morph into a simple editor for blog posts for example, or you can hook it up to Evernote for storing notes in the cloud.
There's at least 10 different word counters out there, and you can even add typewriter sound effects as you hammer out your delicious prose. Atom is also infinitely customizable on the visual side thanks to an editable back-end, allowing you to do anything from changing the font size, line height and colors to giving the caret Word 2016-like elasticity.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: £149.99 (around $195 or AUS$255)
Whether you’re a big time producer or you just like making some jams in your downtime, Macs are kind of known for being among the best laptops for music production – and Logic Pro X is a big part of that. Developed by Apple itself, its accessible interface hides a ton of advanced functionality. The latest version also comes with a svelte design, 64-bit architecture and a new session drummer that will save you from having to drop more cash on a drum machine (or a real drummer).
It also works in natural harmony with iPads, providing a touch-based alternative method of creating song structures to dragging and dropping blocks in the main visual editor. Whether you're a seasoned producer already (Sia used the app to record her hit song 'Chandelier') or are looking to upgrade from Garageband, Logic Pro X likely has what you need.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: Free
An uncomplicated app, but a great one, to do app Wunderlist’s selling point is its cross device functionality. It’s available on Mac, PC, Android and iOS, allowing you to sync your to do list wherever you’re using macOS’ Handoff feature.
Once you've started a list, you can schedule reminders, add notes and embed it into the macOS Notification Center using a widget. Team-based features are unlocked by signing up for Wunderlists’s pro subscription, and you can add files of any size without running into limits.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: Free
Evernote has morphed into a mighty note-taking app over the years. While some people will say that it's too bloated, the sheer number of things that you can do with it still makes it best-in-class. You can type up notes, obviously, organizing them using a combination of folders and tags. You can even embed Google Drive documents, which are accessible in a click.
There's also the ability to set reminders, share notes with friends, find information related to notes using Evernote's 'Context' feature, create lists, and favorite notes that you frequently return to. Better yet, all of your notes are synchronized using the company's servers, making them accessible on nearly any PC (through a browser or the native Evernote app) or mobile device in the world. The paid version lets you use Evernote with more than two devices while upping the amount of data you can sync each month.
- Get it from: Website
- Price: Free
GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation, is one of the best free image editing apps out there. It’s a great alternative to Adobe Photoshop and comes with a wide array of pro-level functions that let you tweak existing images in a range of formats or create fresh ones from scratch. Features include layers, highly customizable brushes, automatic image enhancing tools and filters. You can do even more with plugins, which are available to download from the GIMP Plugin Registry.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: £34.99 (around $45/AUS$60)
These days, balancing features with simplicity and good design in the best Mac apps is critically important. However, unlike Word 2016, or even Apple’s own Pages, Ulysses has an extremely minimalistic interface. This allows you to get on with writing without being distracted by so many buttons and menus. The app uses its own version of Markdown – a type of text formatting engine – that allows users to focus on their writing in a way that not only makes organization easier but also makes exporting easier – Ulysses will format it in an attractive way, using one of many export styles, when you’re done writing.
There's a handy attachments bar on the right-hand side that features an attractive word counter and lets you write notes to assist you in your writing. Notes can be accessed anywhere thanks to iCloud support, so you can pick up your iPad and carry on where you left off using macOS's Handoff feature.
- Get it from: Website
- Price: $20
Sometimes you want to play your Xbox One, but you can’t because your roommate has decided to use the living room TV for watching the whole run of Ugly Delicious in one sitting. Now, you could technically stream Halo 5 or Sea of Thieves if you had a Windows PC. However, you just have a Mac.
That’s where OneCast comes in, a third-party work of reverse engineering performed by an independent developer to bring Xbox One game streaming to macOS. It works as easily as connecting both your Mac and Xbox One to the same network and subsequently logging in to Xbox Live. It works pretty well in our experience, though you should have both systems connected to your modem via ethernet if possible.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: Free
Nobody can deny that the best Macs are great for network admin uses, and if you need to manage a bunch of Windows devices, being able to remote into a PC to diagnose problems is critically important. Luckily, Microsoft has provided an app just for that.
With Microsoft Remote Desktop 10, you get an officially-supported app that gives you remote access to any PCs on your network – as long as you’re a network admin or an authorized user. It can be a bit of a pain to set up, and the PC you’re trying to access will need to be running Windows 10 Pro. But once you get going, you can access files, copy/paste across desktops and even run games – though, we don’t recommend that last bit.
Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 is a godsend for network admins and IT professionals, and is easily one of the best Mac apps you can download right now.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: Free
Microsoft Office has been available on Mac for years now, but you always had to go through a couple hoops to download it. We’ve been asking for a release on the Mac App Store for a while, and, well, it’s finally here.
We’re sure we don’t really need to go into too great of detail what Microsoft Office is, but it’s essentially Microsoft’s suite of office apps, from Word to PowerPoint to Excel. It’s absolutely an essential app to have, but you should keep in mind that you’ll have to get a subscription to Office 365 to use it.
It’s one of those Mac Apps that should be essential for any professional, and the fact that it’s finally on the Mac App Store means that you don’t have to worry about keeping it updated.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: Free
The market for disk optimization apps is neither desolate nor particularly interesting, particularly on the Mac – where Apple usually does a good job of cleaning up its drives on its own. However, for a program that’s far more intuitive and user friendly than, say, the built-in Macintosh HD storage management software, your best bet is to turn your attention to Dr. Cleaner. This app splits up all your data into easily digestible chunks that would otherwise be obtuse.
Dr. Cleaner groups up all the trash on your Mac and labels them in groups like ‘Junk Files’ and ‘Big Files’ – rather than listing off 30GB of documents and 10GB of iOS files you can’t comprehend. Then, you can look at the file names themselves and decide whether or not you want to keep them on your PC. You can also use Dr. Cleaner to monitor CPU, network and RAM usage as well, for the sake of putting some pep in your aging Mac’s step.
- Get it from: Website
- Price: Free
It might be kind of like three apps than just one, but SoftMaker Office 2018 takes all the key features of Microsoft Office and puts them into an interface that tailors to your needs. It comes with a group of programs called TextMaker, PlanMaker and Presentations 2018 that are similar enough to Office 365 without the rolling subscription.
Regardless of whether you need an easy-to-use word processor or a spreadsheet or slideshow creator of equal accessibility, SoftMaker Office has what you’re looking for. And, because it’s still in beta, you can get a complimentary, albeit temporary, license over email if you want to give it a spin. Otherwise, there’s a permanent free version called SoftMaker FreeOffice, but it’s only available on Windows, Android and Linux.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: $9.99 (about £7.19, AU$12.82)
Since you’re obviously going to install all of the other apps we’ve mentioned, you’re going to need at least a utility that, well, declutters your desktop. And, while macOS Mojave brought Stacks to your Mac, making everything less cluttered, Unclutter goes even further. So, whether you’re a frivolous notetaker or a temporary file hoarder like we are, Unclutter will help keep everything in one place, rather than scattered across several folders.
It’s a brilliant idea made even better by the fact that it can be configured for use with gesture controls. At any given point, you can swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers on the trackpad (or one on the mouse) to reveal a trio of windows that can be concealed and re-summoned whenever you please.
- Get it from: Website
- Price: Free
When you’re out there hustling every day, it’s easy to lose track of messages. With so many social media companies, SMS platforms and instant messaging services to choose from, most of us also have a number of different accounts used to administer to all of those messages. But what if you only had to log into one?
That’s the central idea in Franz, a messaging app that allows you to view and send messages in WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Slack, HipChat and more. It lets you seamlessly switch between any of these apps as easily as you can toggle between Slack workspaces. Best of all, there’s no limit to the amount of services you can use at once. That way, even if you have 10 Facebook accounts for whatever reason, all of your messages will be visible in the same place.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: $4.99 (£4.99, AU$7.99)
If you’re anything like us, you have tons of packages coming in all the time – and it can get hard to keep track of everything. Luckily, there’s an app for that. With Deliveries, you can keep track of all your incoming deliveries in one place in an easy-to-read interface.
It will notify you whenever there’s a change in your delivery, syncing the information between macOS and iOS so you are on top of things, even on the go. All you have to do to track a package is hit Command + New and paste in the tracking number – that’s it. It really is one of the best Mac apps for anyone with a busy mailbox.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: $29.99 (£28.99, AU$46.99)
If you do a lot of cooking, and you have a hard time keeping your recipes organized – especially on a digital platform – you’re going to love Paprika. With this app, you can download any recipe you find online, and it will automatically format it in a way that’s extremely easy to read.
What’s more, if you download the iOS app, you’ll be able to sync your recipes between all of your devices, so that you can keep tabs on the ingredients you need when you run to the store in a panic.
- Get it from: App Store
- Price: $49.99 (£48.99, AU$79.99)
Sometimes, life gets hectic, and you need some help getting everything organized. Luckily, there’s an app for that. Fantastical 2 is the most fully-featured calendar and reminder suite we’ve ever seen.
You’re able to set events and reminders using natural language, and it’s fully compatible with your iCloud reminders. There’s also an iOS app for iPhone and iPad that will effortlessly sync with the Mac app, so that you can stay on top of your busy life no matter where you are.
source http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/30-best-mac-apps-for-just-about-everything-712511
The best laptops for mining 2018: top notebooks for mining cryptocurrencies
You don’t need a gigantic mining PC that chugs electricity to mine for cryptocurrency. With this list of the best mining laptops you can buy today, we’ve gathered up all the best laptops that can be used for mining.
Before you head out and drop a wad of cash on the best gaming laptop to get your mining operation moving, you need to think about a few things. First, you need to figure out which cryptocurrency you’re going to pursue. And, even if you already have the best mining laptop, there’s a harsh truth you have to face: many cryptocurrencies have all but died off. That’s not to mention that some cryptocurrencies are just easier to mine on mobile hardware than others.
You should also think about the warranty of the laptop you’re looking at. You’ll be putting it through a ton of stress while mining, so you want to make sure your investment doesn’t burst into flames.
Hold on, you might be saying. “Why would you even use a laptop for mining?” Well, the best mining laptops are much more compact and portable than a giant mining rig, so you can get some mining done on the road, without having to travel in a caravan. Read on to find the best mining laptops you can buy today.
- What is BItcoin? Understanding Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies
- How to buy Bitcoins in 2018
- Bitcoin vs distributed ledger vs Ethereum vs blockchain
- The best Bitcoin exchanges 2018
The best mining laptops 2018
Gaming laptops are a great choice for mining laptops, as they usually come with graphics cards that can help mine. This makes the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming laptop a great option for a mining laptop. It offers absolutely fantastic value for money, especially compared to other gaming laptops. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti graphics chip is a good performer when it comes to mining, and it's backed up ably thanks to the Core i5 CPU. Battery life on this laptop is also superb.
Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming
If you’re looking for the best laptop for mining, you’ve likely had your eyes on a bunch of thick, bulky behemoths. But, these days, you can get a huge amount of performance out of a thin and light gaming machine like the 2019 Razer Blade. Packed with Nvidia Turing graphics and Coffee Lake processors, you’ll be able to make your ROI in no time. Just be ready for that hefty price tag.
Read the full review: Razer Blade
Razer has finally brought us a full desktop replacement that doesn’t look like a desktop replacement. Coming in at just 0.88 inches thick with the option between a 17-inch 1080p display running at 120Hz or a 4K touchscreen panel with G-Sync, the Razer Blade Pro also brings the company’s ultra-low-profile mechanical switches to a laptop for the first time. And, when it comes to mining, this is a great choice, as it features a powerful GPU,combined with a great processor and plenty of RAM.
Read the full review: Razer Blade Pro
If you’re still trying to mine cryptocurrencies in 2018, you’re going to need something incredibly powerful – it’s getting harder and harder to make a buck. Luckily, the MSI GT75 Titan has all the power you could hope for in a laptop – as long as you have the space. This is a gigantic desktop replacement laptop with all the horsepower that brings. Just don’t expect to be able to travel with this thing easily.
Read the full review: MSI GT75 Titan
The fantastic Dell XPS 15 is great for mining, thanks to its discrete GPU. Plus, it has a stylish, ultra-portable design, so it can easily be carried around with you if you need to get some mining done while traveling. And, thanks to Dell’s fantastic build quality and customer support, it’s not only an efficient mining machine, but you can rely on it as well.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 15
There's no way around it – laptops are expensive, especially if you need powerful hardware. So, if you’re looking to save some cash to make your ROI easier to obtain, the HP Pavilion 15 is a great option. This mid-range laptop has a respectable amount of power, while keeping the price at an approachable level. The low cost means you have less of an initial outlay to make back, but because it doesn’t exactly feature the fastest GPU, you shouldn’t expect to buy that castle you had your eyes on with it.
Read our hands-on review: HP Pavilion 15
Thanks to Nvidia Max-Q tech, the Asus Zephyrus GX501 combines the beloved thinness of the best Ultrabooks with the performance that can make some serious cash while mining. It’s powerful, thin and basically silent if you don’t like noise during your everyday routine. It costs a pretty penny, but it could be a wise investment for a sharp miner.
Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501
If you’re looking for a laptop for mining, raw horsepower means a lot. And, if that’s all you need, and you don’t really care about being able to fit the laptop in your backpack, then you’ll want to take a look at the Asus ROG G703GI. With up to an Intel Core i9 processor, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080, you should be able to reach unbelievable hash rates. This is great news, because with how much this laptop costs, you’re going to need all the help you can get to reach your ROI.
Read the full review: Asus ROG G703GI
- Here's our full pick of the best mining GPUs
source http://www.techradar.com/news/best-mining-laptops
The best free tablet and PC games for children
Welcome to our list of the best free games for kids on both tablet and PC. These free games have all been carefully picked to make sure they are appropriate for boys and girls.
There are all kinds of horror stories out there about kids playing games. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, we were inundated by stories about how Pac-Man would bring about the end of society – kids shambling through maze-like streets, starving for a cyber pellet fix.
That never happened, thankfully. In fact, research has shown that gaming can be a productive leisure activity – in moderation, of course. For example, the best free games for kids all encourage creativity and critical thinking. The best free games for kids are therefore an active leisure activity, as opposed to the passivity of watching TV.
So, because free games can be beneficial, it’s important to make sure your kids are only playing the best titles available to them. Luckily, we’ve created a list of the 20 best free games for kids, both girls and boys, between 5 and 11 years old. They’re complete, as is experiences, combine depth and immediacy and feature no violence. And, they’re all extremely fun – no matter how old your little one is. So, sit back, relax, and we’ll show you all the best games for kids.
10 great children’s games for Android tablets and iPad
These days, kids are more likely to first experience computing and gaming on a tablet than a home computer. To that end, our tablet selection skews a little younger.
Everything on this list is rated 3+, according to Google, and should be safe for even very young children. However, Apple rates most of these games with a more conservative 4+, except for Super Stickman Golf and Spaceteam, which are 9+. The games are all simple to control, easy to get into, and fun to play.
A note on IAPs and ads: Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a free game that’s not out to make a buck somewhere, so several games listed here will offer in app purchases for in game currency. And, some others will feature ads. In the former case, you can disable IAPs at a system level on your device before handing it over to a kid. With the latter, you should play the game yourself to ensure the ads are OK to show to your kid.
1. Sago Mini Friends
This sweet-natured set of mini-games encourages creativity, dexterity, and puzzle solving. It starts with you selecting a colorful character, who then explores a neighborhood of cartoon houses.
Knock on a door and you’re invited inside for an animated, entertaining playdate. This might involve dress-up, hammering nails into a birdhouse, or enjoying a tasty snack.
Everything’s bright and cheerful, and the game promotes empathy, with one friend looking glum if spoils aren’t evenly shared.
Get Sago Mini Friends for Android and iOS. A Windows PC version is also available. This game has no IAPs/advertising.
2. Lego Creator Islands
In all honesty, we’re sure most parents would be happier seeing kids playing with real Lego rather than virtual bricks on a tablet. But when the real thing isn’t an option, this official game’s a nice substitute.
The game takes place on the Lego Creator Islands, where you’ll collect bricks in order to buy Lego sets that are constructed with a few taps. While playing, you’ll collect all kinds of houses, vehicles and even cute blocky critters that roam around. As an added bonus, there’s no chance of painfully stepping on a plastic brick.
Get Lego Creator Islands for Android and iOS. This game has no IAPs/advertising.
3. Toca Kitchen 2
If your child regularly uses a tablet, you’ve likely already installed some Toca Boca games. They’re a smart mix of education and play, and Toca Kitchen 2 is no exception.
As you’d expect, Toca Kitchen 2 is all about cooking. This game invites you to create meals – however you prefer. Devise your own recipes and foist your creations on a colorful cast of characters, whether you’ve carefully constructed a burger, or decided to throw a watermelon into the microwave and cover it in sauce.
Get Toca Kitchen 2 for Android. This game has no IAPs/advertising. A paid version exists for iOS.
4. Llama Spit Spit
Llama Spit Spit is an oddball shoot ’em up, featuring a flying llama blasting crazy cartoon enemies with a mix of spittle and high-powered weaponry.
The controls are incredibly simple, meaning even younger players can get on board. Power-ups and collectable llamas (with their own background imagery) keep things interesting over the long term.
The one snag is it’s the spit of Shooty Skies (Android/iOS), which is the better (and more surreal) game – although the lack of ads and IAP means the llamas get the nod for this particular list.
Get Llama Spit Spit for Android and iOS. This game has no IAPs/advertising.
5. Disney Crossy Road
The original Crossy Road cleverly reworked Frogger, with blocky characters hopping across chunky endless landscapes, trying to avoid a dunk in a river or getting flattened by a train. But the masterstroke was a raft of unlockable characters.
Disney Crossy Road is much the same, but uses Disney characters that often radically overhaul the game’s visuals and gameplay mechanics. Over 100 figurines are there to be found, and although IAP lurks, playing and collecting coins in the in-game worlds is all you need to snag them all.
Get Disney Crossy Road for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for buying new characters.
6. Frisbee Forever 2
You’d think flinging a plastic disc about would make for a rubbish video game. Fortunately, Frisbee Forever 2 is more akin to a set of rollercoasters, with you guiding your disc through gates, collecting stars along the way.
There’s a hint of Nintendo about this breezy arcade experience, with its vibrant visuals, smart level design, and a basic control system suitable for all. And although there are freemium underpinnings, you’re rewarded with in-game currency for every second played – even if an attempt at a level ends in failure.
Get Frisbee Forever 2 for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for more rapidly unlocking discs and zones.
7. Fruit Ninja
In the fast-paced Fruit Ninja, your digit becomes a virtual sword, hacking pieces of fruit lobbed on to the screen in two, and attempting to avoid cutting into game-ending bombs.
It’s ideal fodder for a tablet, since you can make pleasingly large swipes across the display. But also the game offers local multiplayer, so two kids can zealously pit their fruit-slicing skills against each other.
Get Fruit Ninja for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for purchasing in-game currency.
8. Mekorama
With its tiny isometric worlds you spin with a finger, and landscape-flipping mechanics, Mekorama brings to mind Monument Valley. But this game has no Escher-like optical illusions; instead, it concentrates on straightforward pathfinding as you help an ambling robot reach its goals.
It’s a charming, thoughtful, tactile experience, and on a tablet is suitable for parent/child play, with you working through the puzzles together. Once you’re done with the 50 built-in levels, you can download more from the internet, or make your own.
Get Mekorama for Android and iOS. This game features optional IAP for tipping the developer.
9. Super Stickman Golf 3
For many kids, golf won’t excite. But the Super Stickman universe doesn’t partake in normal golf. Instead, you’re thwacking balls across larger-than-life side-on courses – massive castles; laser-strewn bases; floating islands.
Even though it’s fun to play by yourself, and makes full use of bigger screens (by letting you see more of each course and therefore aim more precisely), it also has fantastic multiplayer game types. You can play turn-by-turn matches with friends, or try your hand at frenetic, madcap ‘race to the hole’ skirmishes.
Get Super Stickman Golf 3 for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and IAP for unlocking a premium upgrade (more courses and slots for turn-based multiplayer) and in-game currency.
10. Spaceteam
If you’ve several kids with devices, Spaceteam’s a delightfully bonkers way to have them all yell at each other in a vaguely productive manner that in theory helps them work as a team. Specifically, a ‘spaceteam’ in a ship trying to outrun an exploding star, with control panels designed by a sadist.
Once devices are connected, instructions appear on your screen – but the controls may be on someone else’s. So you’ll have people yelling nonsense like “someone turn on the dangling shunter”, while figuring out if their own screen has a ‘spectrobolt’ slider. Just like in Star Trek.
Get Spaceteam for Android and iOS. This game has a single optional IAP that unlocks new features and themes
PCs are inherently more complex than tablets. Whereas even very young children can grasp how a touchscreen works, figuring out mice, trackpads and keyboards may take longer.
This is why our selection of the best PC games for kids skews a little older, although there are still games here that’ll fit a five-year-old. Note that several titles are browser-based, although none require plug-ins. We recommend Google Chrome for these titles.
1. Cube Slam
Pong was one of the earliest home videogames. Cube Slam is Pong in your browser – only in 3D, and you get to play against a bear (or a friend – but the multiplayer option is flaky).
You face your furry opponent, moving the bat left or right to deflect the cuboid ‘ball’, aiming to smash the bear’s shields. Win enough times and the game introduces power-ups, invisible balls, and extra blocks on the table that make the ball bounce around unpredictably.
2. Quick, Draw
For children who enjoy doodling, Quick, Draw should prove fascinating. The idea is to sketch – against the clock – something recognizable enough for Google’s Neural Network to identify.
In each case, you’re told what to draw. But this game isn’t about drawing photorealistic objects. Instead, you must quickly figure out the key visual clues that describe something. Which is probably a good thing, unless you can scribble a realistic rhinoceros in 20 seconds.
3. World’s Biggest Pac-Man
Pac-Man’s one of the most recognizable gaming icons around, and the original game is simple enough that even young kids can get to grips with it. However, its single maze quickly becomes dull – hence our recommendation to instead play World’s Biggest Pac-Man.
This online effort has hundreds of thousands of mazes, which you venture between by sneaking out of exits. Other than that, the original game’s compelling mix of munching dots and avoiding a quartet of spectral pursuers remains intact.
Play World’s Biggest Pac-Man online
4. Forget-Me-Not
This indie hit takes the basis of Pac-Man and a slew of other ancient arcade games, and then smashes them into an endless bout of modern neon craziness.
Again, the basics are simple enough for any kid to understand: march about mazes, grab a key, and make for the exit. But the game’s chaotic nature (the maze’s denizens appear as intent on blowing each other up as taking on the player) ensures it’s relentless raucous fun.
Download Forget-Me-Not for PC, Mac, OpenPandora and MorphOS
5. Little Alchemy 2
It would be a stretch to call Little Alchemy an educational game, but textbook smarts may help you crack the logic at the core of this match-and-discover puzzler.
You begin with a handful of building blocks, which when combined create new things. Sometimes, discoveries are obvious – add water to more water and you get a puddle. But some are more whimsical and funny, like when metal and a pigeon become a plane.
It’s ideal fodder when your kids want to play games, but you’d prefer them to relax and think for a bit.
Play Little Alchemy 2 online. The game is also available for Android and iOS.
6. Contre Jour
This lovely physics puzzler began life on mobile, but its landscape-warping nature works well in the browser.
The aim is to get trundling protagonist Petit to a glowing exit. This involves click-dragging malleable hills to influence Petit’s movements, or using catapults and dangling tentacles to fling him about.
Petit’s endearingly grumpy demeanor, combined with great-looking visuals and clever level design, makes for a family-friendly puzzler sure to have kids scratching their heads figuring out all the solutions.
Play Contre Jour online. The game is also available in paid form on various mobile platforms
7. Escape Goat
The clue’s in the title here – a leaping bovid wants to reach the exit. But doing so requires brainpower, plenty of dextrous jumping, and the occasional help of a friendly mouse.
Mostly, you’re aiming to reach and butt switches that shift rocks and create tunnels in cunningly designed single-screen challenges. But planning’s often required to collect keys, and not get squashed when walls start moving.
Oddly, when you send the mouse on a mission, you can teleport to its position. Quite why the goat can’t teleport straight to the exit, we’ve no idea. Goats never were the brightest creatures.
Play Escape Goat online. The game is also available in paid form on Steam.
8. Spelunky
This side-scrolling dungeon crawler as a distinctly Indiana Jones feel, and this is probably why it became such a huge indie hit on handhelds – but it began on PC. These days, there are various ways to play early incarnations of the game for free.
Although this take is rougher than modern iterations, it remains engaging. You explore caves, bounding about, grabbing bling, and duffing up monsters. Each game is unique – caves are randomly generated, and a single error can bring your quest to an abrupt end, with you impaled on spikes or killed by snakes. So tread carefully and look before you leap.
Play Spelunky online, get Spelunky 1.1 for Windows, or download Spelunky 1.3 for Windows and Mac
9. VVVVVV: Make and Play Edition
One for kids who are a bit older and twitchier of thumb, this take on gravity-flip platformer VVVVVV is a special free edition. Like the paid release, it features a little chap who darts about and can leap from ceiling to floor by tapping the jump button.
His aim is to escape from a maze comprising dozens of single screens full of spikes and roaming enemies. This free edition includes maps created by fans – and the means to build your own.
Download VVVVVV: Make and Play Edition for Windows, Mac and Linux
10. Super Crate Box
This one’s also in the twitchy thumbs category, and finds a little pixelated chap leaping about, trying to grab crates. All the while, he must blast creatures spilling into the screen, lest they hurl themselves into the flames below and emerge from the top furiously angry.
The game is fast-paced, entertaining, and has plenty of weapons and arenas to unlock. And although it’s a shooter, we can’t imagine many parents will be too concerned about their kid taking a cartoon bazooka to a conga of green monsters.
Get Super Crate Box for PC, Mac and Linux on Steam
source http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-tablet-and-pc-games-for-children