Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, the Russo brothers, Marvel Studios and many others honor the actor, who died after a four-year fight with colon cancer.
Sony's imaging department is seemingly keeping very busy, if the latest reports are to be believed.
According to Sony Alpha Rumors – a reliable source for Sony camera news – the company has a brand-new range of full-frame mirrorless cameras in the pipeline, with the first in the new series potentially being announced in September.
The rumors site claims it has reliable information from two sources who have "confirmed" the imminent arrival of a "C" series of "super compact" E mount full-framers, starting with a model dubbed "A7C".
As per the report, the A7C will have a body similar to Sony's compact APS-C mirrorless line – specifically the A6600 – but with the 24.2MP full-frame sensor of the A7 III under the hood, similar performance to the third-generation A7 camera, and will inherit the fully articulating rear LCD of the A7S III. It's also rumored to come with a pop-up electronic viewfinder found on some of Sony's compact Cyber-shot RX100 cameras.
Expensive mish-mash
Other leaked specifications for the rumored Sony A7C include a single SD card slot, USB-C in-camera battery charging, onboard Wi-Fi, and in-built mic and headphone jacks.
Sony is reportedly cashing in on the vlogging market with the new line-up, potentially providing its fans with alternatives to its recently launched ZV-1.
Unlike the ZV-1, which is an affordable camera at $749 (£699 / AU$1,299), Sony Alpha Rumors claims the A7C – supposedly an entry level model – will debut with a price tag of over $2,000 (possibly more than £1,500 / AU$2,700 in UK and Australia).
The report also claims a new line of compact lenses designated the "V" series is also being produced. Whether these are exclusively for the C series cameras is as yet unclear, but with an expected mid-September announcement, we'll find out soon enough.
Facebook plans to block the sharing of local and international news stories on its platforms if legislation requiring tech platforms to pay publishers for content becomes law, the company said in a blog post Monday.
“Australia is drafting a new regulation that misunderstands the dynamics of the internet and will do damage to the very news organisations the government is trying to protect,” Will Easton, managing director of Facebook Australia and New Zealand wrote in the blog post, arguing that the commission overseeing the process “ignored important facts,” including the relationship between social media and news media.
“Assuming this draft code becomes law, we will reluctantly stop allowing publishers and people in Australia from...
Your child needs a comfortable face mask created with their specific proportions in mind. Luckily, you can easily find lots of fun sizes and styles online.
A second $1,200 maximum check from the IRS still seems possible, but some large questions remain. The original CARES Act can offer clues as to what a second round of payments might look like.
The CDN provider Fastly has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Signal Sciences for $775m in cash and stock.
By acquiring the security monitoring and management company, Fastly will be able to bolster its existing security offerings to bring customers a unified edge security solution. At the same time though, the CDN provider will also combine its current solutions with Signal Sciences' technology to form its new security offering, Secure@Edge.
Secure@Edge will be a new modern, unified web application and API protection solution that will protect organizations that are looking to start or further their digital transformation efforts.
By combining content delivery and security, Fastly will ensure that businesses' websites don't go down and that browsers will be able to quickly download and deliver their content. Online companies often choose Fastly or even its competitor Cloudflare for this reason.
Signal Sciences acquisition
The Signal Sciences acquisition also supports Fastly's mission to provide simplified, secure and frictionless solutions at scale while providing organizations with a better alternative to the existing array of fragmented solutions needed to protect their web applications and APIs.
Co-founder and CEO of Signal Sciences, Andrew Peterson praised the deal in a press release, saying:
“Our mission has always been to secure web applications and APIs through a developer-first approach. Together with Fastly, we will be able to offer enhanced protection to a broader set of customers across multiple verticals and geographies. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Fastly, an ideal partner who shares our values, deep technical knowledge, and commitment to extending the DevOps movement into the realm of security.”
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Fastly will acquire Signal Sciences for $200m in cash and approximately $575m worth of Class A Common Stock. The CDN provider will also establish a retention pool of $50m worth of restricted stock units which will be given to Signal Sciences employees.
The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval but both companies expect it to close in 2020.
Much was made during the Republican Convention of the lack of a party platform. The media characterized this as a capitulation to the Cult of Trump phenomenon, but the questioned begged was: so what? If you’re running as a candidate to disrupt the status quo…. But beneath the media framing, an important question emerges. What exactly is the platform we need to emerge from the toxic situation we find ourselves in?
For months, if not years, the technology industry has been working on a new platform to succeed the previous one. Mobile would seem to be that fundamental shift from the desktop world of Windows and PCs. The twin dominance of powerful phones by Google and Apple has created a new language of notifications and streaming video perfectly timed for the devastating pandemic. Our devices are now the front lines for managing the struggle to stay alive for our loved ones, the economy, and our future.
Zoom is of course the poster child for all that it enables, and certainly what it doesn’t. The notion of work from home is more likely a question of what is home and what’s the difference with work? The routines of life are congealing around the interactions with phone, watch, iPad, laptop, and TV. When I wake up, the first dive is for the notification stream built up overnight from overseas and then the East Coast. The rhythm varies from day to day: intense on Monday as the weekend cobwebs dissipate, more issue oriented through the middle of the week, and finally a thank-god-it’s Friday feel. Email, text messages, media updates, and work calendar reminders.
And then there’s the outline of the new platform — live streaming notifications from what some call citizen media, or the influencer network, or the loyal opposition. That last one refers to the decline in trust of the mainstream media. Maybe it’s just me, but the cable model of host-driven cyclical repetition of the headlines, talking heads, and medical ads adds up to a trip first to the mute button and eventually the off switch. Which plugs me right back into the notification stream and a new contract with us based on whether we click on the link or even allow the notification in the first place.
And these new voices are networks of one or a few, broadcasting on a global reach pastiche of cloud services that begin with the ubiquity of Zoom and its click and you’re there ease of on boarding. Then there are the key networks of record as it were: Facebook Live, Twitter/Periscope, YouTube, and maybe LinkedIn if you’re Brent Leary and got an early invite. There’s a whole bunch of streaming accelerators like Restream and StreamYard and Just Streams (I made that up) to use software and a dash of hardware to do what it took many thousands of dollars and cables just a few years ago. Right now it’s early days, but soon you’ll be seeing something that looks like the media it’s replacing as the OG buys in.
Don’t believe me? Just look at how streaming has disrupted the television industry. Or the music business. Or the reemergence of podcasting and newsletters. Or how messaging is growing rapidly as a preferred digital commerce and marketing channel. The pandemic has certainly had a devastating effect with the loss of theaters, events, and travel that drive so much of our economy and the emotional underpinning of our lives. But as we learn to respect the power of the virus to force this digital wave of transformation, we fuel the winners that emerge from a new hybrid blend of evolution and adaptation.
Technology has often been seen as impersonal and cold to the touch. But now we should be making friends with robots for touchless shopping, At the beginning of this Gillmor Gang session, Frank Radice seemed stunned by the administration’s takeover of the symbols of our Washington monuments for political purposes. By the end, he seemed more hopeful of a different result. We have more ways now of making our voices heard, broadcasting our own names in fireworks above and beyond the fake news and suppression. Our platform: suppress the virus, not the vote.
Google’s Chromecast is a fantastic way to fling streaming video from phone to TV — but these days, you can often get a Roku Streaming Stick or Amazon Fire Stick with a dedicated remote control for the same money. But what if Google launched an Android TV dongle with its own remote control for the same $50 you’d pay for a high-end Roku or Fire stick?
Ereaders have been exploding in popularity lately – this surge of demand quite possibly steams from people stuck indoors wanting to fill the extra hours in their days with something move constructive than just binge-watching Netflix.
Reading is a fantastic hobby that expands your mind, deepens your knowledge and takes the lid off your imagination. What's even better is that the best ereaders around are currently being discounted by major retailers so you can grab yours without making a dent in your back pocket.
At the moment, the best device available for quality and price is Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite. Currently on sale for AU$179 through Amazon, this ereader is one of the more affordable options in the Kindle series, and the latest iteration is thinner and lighter than ever before.
The Paperwhite has a stunning 6-inch screen with a 300ppi resolution that makes the words sharp and clear, creating a better reading experience overall. It’s also packed with 8GB of storage and is Wi-Fi enabled so you can download books from the Kindle Store whenever you wish.
You’ll also be able to adjust the built-in light from white to warmer hues to reduce eye strain caused by blue light– a nifty feature, especially when you’re in the habit of reading before bed.
However, unlike the Oasis, the Paperwhites chassis hasn’t been designed for single-hand use, so that’s something to keep in mind when deciding what ereader to get.
That said, the Paperwhite does feature IPX8 waterproofing, and the battery will go weeks before you need to recharge – this combined with all of the above features, makes this ebook a perfect companion, whether at home or out-and-about.
If this sounds like the deal you’ve been looking for, don’t hesitate to grab yours today through Amazon and save a handy AU$20.
Grab Amazon’s mid-range ereader and get lost in the immersive world of reading for only AU$179. This nifty ereader is waterproof (so it’s safe from accidental bath incidents), has a glamorous 6-inch screen and is Wi-Fi enabled – everything you need in an ereader. Head to Amazon to secure your very own portable library today. View Deal
Following its recent appearance in an FCC filing, Google's long-rumored Android TV dongle, is now closer than ever to an official reveal thanks to a listing found within US retailer Home Depot's internal systems. And, if the listing's pricing is to be believed, it will be surprisingly affordable.
As reported by 9to5Google, the Android TV-powered Chromecast Ultra successor will be priced at $49.99 (around £37 / AU$68), placing it right in the same ballpark as the Amazon TV Fire Stick 4K and the Roku Streaming Stick.
According to Home Depot's listing, which can still be viewed thanks to Google Cache, the streaming device will be called Sabrina as per previous rumors.
That said, it's worth noting that both the image and description included in Home Depot's now-removed Sabrina listing was that of the current Chromecast Ultra, and not of the expected Android TV-powered dongle with remote – this implies the listing is more of a placeholder than anything concrete.
Of course, there is some new information to be found within Home Depot's system, including the names of at least three expected colors for the device: Rock Candy, Como Blue and Summer Melon.
While Como Blue suggests a similar color to the Nest Mini's Sky variant, the other two color options could be just about anything. We won't know for sure until Google officially unveils its new streaming device, which should be sooner rather than later.
Qualcomm announced the next generation of chipsets to power mid-range gaming phones: the Snapdragon 732G, which could power the Google Pixel 5a and Xiaomi Mi Note 11.
That’s because the new chipset is replacing the Snapdragon 730G, which was introduced in mid-2019 and powers the Google Pixel 4a, Xiaomi Mi Note 10 family, and other mid-range phones. At least one phonemaker – POCO – has already affirmed in Qualcomm’s press release it will use the 732G in one of its future phones.
The improvements aren’t too significant from the Snapdragon 730G to the new 732G, but that’s not surprising in a year-old chipset: the core clock speed is upped from 2.2 GHz to 2.3 GHz, while the Adreno 618 GPU has 15% improved graphical rendering, according to the official press release.
Best cheap phones: will a Snapdragon 732G-powered phone end up here?
Google Pixel 5a: a mainstream phone that could get the chipset
Snapdragon 732G: the best new chipset below 5G
The Snapdragon 732G has an X15 LTE modem, which doesn’t have 5G connectivity. That sets a clear line between the cheaper mid-range phones powered by this chipset and (assumedly) each that’s numbered lower and the minimal 5G-capable chipset, the Snapdragon 765 and 765G.
It’s no surprise that we’ll continue to see 4G LTE-only phones as 5G infrastructure is built out, especially given the increase in price for 5G connectivity that we’ve seen in this year’s 5G phones. The question was: what’s the threshold dividing these two groups?
That answer seems to be the Snapdragon 765, and every chipset below it won’t be able to connect to 5G. That could change, of course, especially if the Qualcomm processors replacing the Snapdragon 675 (found in the TCL 10 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A70, and other phones) could offer 5G capability to budget and/or mid-range phones. But we’ll have to wait and see what Qualcomm offers.
Even large organizations often need help finding vulnerabilities in their software and services which is why many either start their own bug bounty programs or partner with the bug bounty platform HackerOne to do so.
Security researchers expect to be paid for their work and some have even become millionaires for finding critical vulnerabilities that could have serious repercussions for businesses if they were to be exposed online.
However, a security researcher who recently disclosed multiple vulnerabilities to Slack, which could have allowed an attacker to take over a user's computer, only received $1,750 from the company valued at close to $20bn.
Security engineer Oskars Vegeris from Evolution Gaming privately shared extensive details on the vulnerabilities he discovered in a detailed write-up to Slack back in January of this year. If exploited, these bugs would have allowed an attacker to upload a file and share it with another Slack user or channel to take over a victim's computer.
Critical vulnerabilities
Vegeris provided further details on the vulnerabilities he discovered in a HackerOne report that was recently made public at his request, saying:
“With any in-app redirect - logic/open redirect, HTML or javascript injection it's possible to execute arbitrary code within Slack desktop apps. This report demonstrates a specifically crafted exploit consisting of an HTML injection, security control bypass and a RCE Javascript payload. This exploit was tested as working on the latest Slack for desktop (4.2, 4.3.2) versions (Mac/Windows/Linux).”
According to the report, Vegeris showed multiple ways in which Slack apps could be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution on a user's computer. He even went as far as to make a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) exploit video show just how easy it would be for a hacker to exploit these bugs if they were left unpatched.
Vegeris himself wasn't happy for receiving just $1,750 for disclosing multiple bugs and neither was the rest of the security community. However, the payments he received were in line with rewards detailed on Slack's HackerOne page.
Chief security officer at Slack, Larkin Ryder has since apologized to Vegeris on the company's HackerOne page after a blog post was published detailing his work without credit, which has since been fixed, saying:
“I am writing to convey very sincere apologies for any oversight in crediting your work. We very much appreciate the time and effort you've invested in making Slack safer. While the security team didn't author this blog post and the author has no visibility to your work in H1, we should make the extra steps to ensure all who contributed to improvement efforts in this area are recognized. I will investigate making appropriate updates to our blog post. Brandon will followup to ensure those updates are to your satisfaction and to coordinate your disclosure request. Again, I am very sorry for any misstep on our part.”
These days, the best mouse pad for gaming has come a long way from its humble, just-a-simple-mouse-surface roots. Gaming mouse pads may not be the most obvious accessories to invest in when you’re building your gaming rig, but they actually prove to be such advantageous additions.
More than just a reliable surface to move your gaming mouse around on, the best mouse pad for gaming now typically comes with extra bells and whistles like immersive RGB lighting, as well as nifty features that will prove useful to gamers. Such features include wireless charging if you have a wireless mouse, and perhaps more importantly for gamers, the smoothest glide for pinpoint accuracy.
When setting up your gaming rig this PC Gaming Week 2020, get the best gaming mouse pad. You’ve already invested so much in getting the best gaming PC and the best gaming mouse to dig into the best PC games; why not take that extra mile? You’ll be happy you did.
For the best mouse of 2020, we found a few for you to choose from.
Find the best gaming keyboard to complement your gaming mouse and mouse pad picks.
Best gaming mouse pads at a glance:
Corsair MM600
SteelSeries QcK
Cooler Master MP510
Razer Sphex v2
Roccat Hiro+
Corsair MM1000 Qi
Razer Goliathus Chroma
Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris
Asus ROG Scabbard
MSI Thunderstorm
Corsair MM600 features a low-friction surface that will boost your response times in-game. (Image Credit: Corsair)
1. Corsair MM600
The best gaming mouse pad for most users
Surface: 147.66-inches square | Size: 13.8 x 10.7 x 0.2 inches (352 x 272 x 5 mm; W x D x H)
Huge Surface space
Low-friction surface
No USB pass-through
The Corsair MM600 isn’t interested in distracting you with brightly colored lights like the MM800. Instead, it offers a great deal more versatility than its higher priced sibling. This double sided mouse pad stays secure in place with rubber stoppers on each corner so that your mouse moves – not your mouse pad. The MM600 is also made of aluminum, and features a low-friction surface that will boost your response times in-game.
SteelSeries QcK helps deliver extremely precise mouse control and a smooth glide. (Image Credit: SteelSeries)
2. SteelSeries QcK
The best budget gaming mouse pad
Surface: 133.56-inches square | Size: 12.6 x 10.6 x 0.07 inches (320 X 270 x 2mm; W x D x H)
Relatively thin (2mm)
Smooth Frictionless Surface
Budget model
Existing solely as a budget mousepad, the SteelSeries QcK does exactly what you want out of a mousepad and nothing more. The QcK’s surface material has a high thread count for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth glide. At the same time, its rubber base helps prevent it from sliding around your desk while you’re gaming. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and there’s even a higher end version with RGB lighting – the SteelSeries QcK Prism.
Cooler Master MP510 is made of a durable Cordura fabric that won’t fray, stain or even absorb liquid. (Image Credit: Cooler Master)
3. Cooler Master MP510
All shapes and sizes
Surface: 81.37 - 558 inches | Size: 9.8 x 8.3 x 0.11 inches (250 x 210 x 3mm; W x D x H) - 35.4 x 15.7 x 0.11 inches (900 x 400 x 3mm; W x D x H)
Glow in the dark logo
4 different sizes
No RGB
There are a lot of mouse pads out there that we love in theory, but just won’t fit our desk – either too big or entirely too small. However, the Cooler Master MP510 looks to get on top of this problem by offering 4 different sizes, from a small pad that’ll fit any desk to a giant mouse pad that will take up even the largest desk. It’s made of a durable Cordura fabric that won’t fray, stain or even absorb liquid. So, you won't have to panic when you inevitably spill your drink – except for all your other peripherals, we guess.
This product is only available in the UK as of this writing. US and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the SteelSeries QcK.
Razer Sphex v2 is durable and optimised for laser or optical gaming mouse control. (Image Credit: Razer)
4. Razer Sphex v2
A minimalist’s dream and ultra-thin gaming mouse pad
Surface: 140-inches square | Size: 14 x 10 x 0.02 inches (355 x 254 x 0.5 mm; W x D x H)
Super thin
Unobtrusive
No lighting
Sure, everyone loves RGB lighting, but what if you’re looking for an unobtrusive, seamless desk surface? Well, the ultra thin – less than half a millimeter in height – Razer Sphex v2 is the mouse pad for you. Despite its thin profile, the polycarbonate surface is durable and optimised for laser or optical gaming mouse control. We picked the regular size, but if you have a smaller desk, there’s a Small size variant as well.
Roccat Hiro+ helps increase your gaming accuracy and speed.(Image Credit: Roccat)
5. Roccat Hiro+
Engineered for greatness
Surface: 111.2-inches square | Size: 13.78 x 8.07 x 0.09 inches (350 x 205 x 2.5 mm; W x D x H)
Smooth mouse control
Low-friction surface
Costly for no lighting
The top of the Hiro+ is covered in a vulcanized silicone surface with a 3D structure to help increase your gaming accuracy and speed. The base has a non-slip surface for steady mouse control, and the edges have been rounded for a smoother profile. Its surface is also coated to protect from water and grime, and makes for easy cleaning.
Corsair MM1000 Qi features Qi charging. (Image Credit: Corsair)
6. Corsair MM1000 Qi
Charge your phone while you play
Surface: Micro-textured hard surface | Size: 350mm x 260mm x 5mm (W x D x H)
Great surface
Qi wireless charging
Qi charging only in specific zone
Most people think that the best gaming mouse pads are just glorified tablecloths that you move your mouse on top of. Well, until the Corsair MM1000 Qi hit the market, that was almost right. Not only is this thing one of the best gaming mouse pads, but it also features Qi charging. Launching alongside the Corsair Dark Core RGB SE, which itself features Qi compatibility, the MM1000 Qi isn’t just Corsair’s answer to the Logitech PowerPlay, it takes mouse pads to the next level.
Surface: 140.6-inches square | Size: 13.99 x 10.05 x 0.12 inches (355 x 255 x 3 mm; W x D x H)
Razer Chroma-enabled
Gaming optimized
No USB pass-through
Let’s say you have a ton of RGB-bedecked peripherals, a keyboard, a mouse and maybe even a headset. You can’t just leave your mouse pad out of the RGB party, so you should keep an eye out for the Razer Goliathus Chroma. This illuminated mouse pad takes Razer’s expert RGB implementation and throws it into a soft gaming mouse pad that’ll let you score those headshots, and do it in style.
Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris boasts Corsair’s RGB implementation and uses a low-friction finish. (Image Credit: Corsair)
8. Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris
The ultimate mouse pad for RGB lighting enthusaists
Surface: 139.7-inches square | Size: 13.7 x 10.2 x 0.2 inches (350 x 260 x 5mm; W x D x H)
Customizable lighting
Low-friction surface
Wired connection
You simply can’t go out looking for the best mouse mat for gaming in 2020 without considering RGB. All the hottest gaming peripherals right now boast about how they can light your desk up like a Christmas tree, and the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is no different. On top of Corsair’s always-fantastic RGB implementation, the MM800 uses a low-friction finish that’ll allow for quick and precise tracking across its surface. And if the lighting wasn’t enough, the MM800 uses Corsair’s special CUE2 interface to sync its lighting with your other peripherals and even your PC through RGB share. It’s even available in two materials: cloth and a micro-texture surface.
Asus ROG Scabbard has a non-slip ROG red rubber base and low-friction Sheath woven surface. (Image Credit: Asus)
9. Asus ROG Scabbard
A rugged giant of a mouse pad
Surface: 613.65-inches square | Size: 35.43 x 17.32 x 0.11 inches (900 x 440 x 3 mm; W x D x H)
Gigantic
Well-tested
Might be too large for its own good
More of a ‘desk pad’ than a gaming mouse pad, the Asus ROG Scabbard is absolutely massive. It can hold your laptop or keyboard and mouse, along with any other accessories you have lying around. It has a non-slip ROG red rubber base and low-friction Sheath woven surface for maximum mouse control. Asus has even temperature tested the ROG scabbard down to -30°C – but we wouldn’t recommend gaming in sub-zero conditions, even if you’re really into overclocking.
Image Credit: MSI
10. MSI Thunderstorm
The heavy metal gaming mouse pad
Surface: 110.88-inches square | Size: 12.6 x 8.8 x 0.07 inches (320 x 225 x 2 mm; W x D x H)
Thin
Durable Aluminum make
Cold to the touch
Are other mouse pads just too soft for your gaming setup? Well, if so, you’re in luck – the MSI Thunderstorm gaming mouse pad is all metal. To be precise, this gaming mouse pad is made of an anodized, hairline-surfaced aluminum material with rubber stoppers. This textured surface is optimized for mouse control and speed, while its L shape allows it to be situated close to the keyboard. And, if that metal surface is just too real for you, you can flip it over for a micro-textured surface and the comfort of cloth.
TechRadar’s PC Gaming Week 2020 is celebrating the most powerful gaming platform on Earth with articles, interviews and essential buying guides that showcase how diverse, imaginative, and remarkable PC games – and gamers – can be. Visit our PC Gaming Week 2020 page to see all our coverage in one place.
When you’ve got one of the best gaming keyboards in your setup, you’re guaranteed a much-improved gaming performance and experience, even a bit of a gaming edge. Excellent keyboards designed for specifically gaming are simply lightyears ahead of the rest. They’re not only more durable, reliable and accurate, but they’re also better performing than their run-of-the-mill counterparts.
The best gaming keyboards, therefore, are more than just an excuse to show off some fancy RGB lighting. While they may not turn you into an elite gamer overnight, they’ll definitely make every dive into the best PC games all the more enjoyable and immersive. Sure, most keyboards are good enough to get the job done, but whether it’s due to performance, extra features or build, the difference is still night and day.
Don’t just stop at getting the best gaming mouse and the best gaming monitor this PC Gaming Week 2020. Go for the trifecta, and invest in one of the best gaming keyboards as well. They’ll bring in the fun, as well as a few crucial gaming features you can use to your advantage. Here are our top picks.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro’s svelte aesthetic and clever OLED display are just the appetizers. The SteelSeries Apex Pro gets our coveted 5-star rating for many reasons, the biggest of which are its stunning and solid build, custom actuation and comfortable – not to mention, quiet – magnetic switches. Performance-wise, it’s among the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested yet, which makes its $199 price tag worth the splurge.
If you have the need for speed, then the Huntsman Elite is your best bet, thanks to its new optomechanical switches. That sounds like a mouthful, but essentially, it means that Razer has managed to combine mechanical switches with optical sensors. This unthinkable allows the Huntsman Elite to take its actuation to the next level, and you would be hard-pressed to find a faster keyboard on the market. Switches aside, it’s also remarkably comfortable to type on. Plus, it’s covered with more RGB lighting than you can shake a stick at. Sure, it needs two USB cables for power and costs a small fortune, but with tech like this, it’s absolutely worth it.
The Roccat Vulcan 120 should be at the top of your gaming keyboard wish list, if you want one that looks and feels good. This svelte keyboard uses Roccat’s own Titan switches, rather than the Cherry MX switches found on most other keyboards on this list, and we can vouch for how superb they are. This gaming keyboard combines amazing tactile feedback with quiet and comfort. It really isn’t hard to see why this is one of the best gaming keyboards on the market today.
When you think Alienware, “value” isn’t the word that comes to mind. But, this time around, the Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 is a genuinely great deal. At under 100 bucks or quid, you’re getting the toughest gaming keyboard fitted with mechanical keys, dedicated macro keys and slick aesthetics. It’s not the most feature rich keyboard in the game, but at this price, it really doesn’t need to be. One of the best gaming keyboards in 2020, the Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 gets the job done, and looks good while doing it.
Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is affordable while being up there with its more premium ‘mem-chanical’ competitors.(Image credit: Cooler Master)
5. Cooler Master MasterSet MS120
The complete package
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes | Programmable keys: No
Compact design
Illustrious lighting
Included mouse is mediocre
Not everything has to be super high-end to be good, and the Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is the perfect example. Though this one’s a keyboard and mouse set, the keyboard is the star of the show. Sitting at just under a hundred bucks, the MasterSet’s keyboard is affordable while being up there with its more premium ‘mem-chanical’ competitors in terms of quality. The switches on offer bring a ton of tactile feedback and deep travel. It’s quiet as well, so you can furiously pounding away during an intense late-night Overwatch match without worry. The Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is, without a doubt, one of the best gaming keyboards under $100.
A $159 price tag on a gaming keyboard might a tad too steep, but the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested in the last year, really does give you a lot of ounce for your bounce. We’re not talking the more trivial bells and whistles like fancy RGB lighting either – although since we are on the subject, this one’s got a whole lot of them, not to mention its integrated 19-zone light bar and the 16.8 million color options, to boot. By bang, we actually mean its 6 dedicated macro keys, 8MB on-board storage and aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame.
You might be thinking that if you’ve seen one of the best gaming keyboards, you’ve seen them all: big, garish hunks of metal with bright RGB lighting. Well, the Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard will surprise you. While it definitely has the RGB lighting (honestly, how could it not?), it leaves the rest of the cliches in the past where they belong. Appealing and responsive, this keyboard is only as big as it needs to be, and is thus extremely comfortable to type as well as game on. There are no multimedia buttons, but we’d happily make that trade any day for a keyboard this good at such a low price.
Shelling out more than $100 for a great gaming keyboard is to be expected if you’re even slightly serious your gaming performance. But the beauty of Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is that it manages to deliver fast performance without being the most expensive keyboard in town. True, there aren’t a lot of features here, which puts it behind many of its feature-rich rivals, but it makes up for that by being small and boasting a removable to make it perfectly portable for on-the-go gaming.
The budget-minded SteelSeries Apex 3 may come with a few concessions, but it also boasts some impressive features.(Image credit: SteelSeries)
9. SteelSeries Apex 3
The Apex of value
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes | Programmable keys: No
Affordable
Great RGB lighting
Empty No mechanical switches
No USB passthrough
Not all great gaming keyboards have mechanical switches, as this affordable Apex keyboard is proving. The budget-minded SteelSeries Apex 3 may come with a few concessions, but it also boasts some impressive features that more than make up for those compromises. One of those features is its IP32 water resistance for protection against any spills – because who hasn’t accidentally knocked over a can of soda while gaming? Another is its reactive and customizable 10-zone RGB illumination to make your gaming experience all the more impressive. And, if you absolutely hate those clickety clacking noises that mechanical keyboards love to make, you’ll really appreciate this keyboard’s whisper quiet gaming switches.
Razer may have its share of pricey products, but it’s also got a knack for making quality budget-friendly devices. And, if there’s anything the Razer Cynosa V2 proves, it’s that you don’t have to spend an obscene amount of money on peripherals to get the best. Among the best gaming keyboards we’ve played on this year, this one’s the best in its class, improving on its predecessor’s design while adding more functionality, solid key customizability and a brand-new set of media keys. Even if you’ve never been a fan of membrane switches, this one might just make a convert out of you, especially for that price.
TechRadar’s PC Gaming Week 2020 is celebrating the most powerful gaming platform on Earth with articles, interviews and essential buying guides that showcase how diverse, imaginative, and remarkable PC games – and gamers – can be. Visit our PC Gaming Week 2020 page to see all our coverage in one place.
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Despite supporting more than 4,000 PS4 games at launch, it seems unlikely that the PS5 will be backwards compatible with games from the PS1, PS2 and PS3 eras.
That’s according to an FAQ entitled “Transitioning PlayStation 4 Titles to Next-Gen Versions” that was posted on Ubisoft’s website earlier today that, in very clear language, said “Backwards compatibility will be available for supported PlayStation 4 titles, but will not be possible for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, or PlayStation games.”
That language has since been removed from the post in every territory, but not before sites like Tom’s Guide and Polygon already reported on it.
In Sony's defense, the company has never claimed that the PS5 would be completely backward compatible, and has only said that it will look to support the large majority of the PlayStation 4’s catalog at launch.
Transfer from PS4 to PS5, but not vice versa
Although the rest of the FAQ is fairly straightforward information about upgrade eligibility, there is one point at the end that’s worth paying especially close attention to: "only upgrades from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 are available for physical or digital copies of the eligible games."
What that means is if you buy a game on PS4, Ubisoft will help you get the PS5 version. However, if you buy the PS5 version, don’t expect to get a PS4 copy of the game for free.
While that makes a lot of sense as most folks will be upgrading from PS4 to PS5 and not downgrading, it’s slightly different than Microsoft’s Smart Delivery feature for first-party games on Xbox Series X and Xbox One X which will download the right version of the game for whichever console you’re playing automatically.
Of course, right now none of this is set in stone. We'll have to wait for Sony's response to Ubisoft's post and we'll know more once Sony has issued a statement confirming or denying Ubisoft's information.
We’re now less than one week away from Father’s Day, and we know finding the right gift for your dad can be tricky. Whether he’s a fully-fledged tech-head with a smart home setup, or a little averse to electronics, we’ve got you covered with plenty of practical gift ideas he’ll actually use.
There’s recommendations here to suit a variety of budgets, and something for the dad who appreciates high-fidelity, wants a clever security system or simply enjoys relaxing with a book. Everything below is available online, just make sure you order early enough for it to arrive in time for Father’s Day on September 6!
Last minute Father's Day gift ideas
So Father’s Day has snuck up on you again, huh? If you’re scrambling for a gift with less than a week to go, why not consider some of these last-minute gift ideas.
Our original list of tech gift ideas is also available below, and you might still be able to get them if the seller offers fast shipping – just be sure you're ordering early this week.
(Image credit: Kayo Sports)
Kayo Sports
Got a sports-mad dad? A subscription to Kayo will be the gift that keeps on giving. Signing him up to Kayo this Father’s Day will get him almost everything sports-related that’s available on Foxtel for a pretty nice price. That’s over 50 sports live and on demand, plus a bunch of excellent features not available on any other platform. That includes SplitView, that allows you to watch multiple streams at once, and a No Spoilers mode, to ensure you don’t see the scores of the matches you've missed. Kayo offers a 14-day free trial, and after that, a basic subscription costs AU$25 a month.
If your old man’s more into Emmy-worthy drama over sports, then a subscription to Foxtel’s new streaming service is definitely worth a look. It has a huge library of classic HBO TV shows and an impressive movie line-up, and it’s quite affordable compared to a regular cable TV subscription. Binge also offers a free trial for 14 days to new sign-ups, and once that ends, plans start at AU$10 a month for a single standard-definition stream. For AU$14 per month, you can step up to two simultaneous high-definition streams, and hey, that’s not a bad deal if you want to Binge for yourself as well.... we won’t tell.
To have your last-minute gift-giving sorted in a pinch, consider a membership to Audible. This is a unique (and great) idea if your dad’s an avid reader but finds it hard to sit down with a physical book. You can set him up with Audible’s audiobook gift membership, which has more than 400,000 titles to choose from – whether he loves true crime stories, autobiographies or getting lost in sci-fi fiction – for as low as AU$16.45 a month. There are a few gifting tiers to choose from – see full details below.
Tech, gaming, photography or AV magazine subscriptions
If you’ve got a dad who loves to talk tech, why not gift him with a subscription to APC or TechLife – TechRadar’s sister titles in print? These top tech magazines will have your dad in the know on what’s happening in the world of tech, with the latest news, in-depth reviews and handy tips and tricks for his devices. A yearly subscription to either of these magazines is now discounted for Father’s Day – down to AU$69 for 12 issues, which is AU$10 off the usual price, and much less than what you’d pay at your local newsagent.
If your pop isn’t into tech, but likes his music, video games, or is deep into photography, there are other magazines to choose from. See the full list below:
And with TechRadar’s Aussie team regularly contributing to all the above magazines, we guarantee they’re excellent reads!
Note: these offers are only available to Australian customers
Father's Day tech gift ideas
(Image credit: Apple)
Beats Powerbeats Pro
If your dad’s the active type, consider gifting him the rather stylish Beats Powerbeats Pro. These true wireless earbuds are designed with working out in mind, with a unique and adjustable hook that keeps the ‘buds securely on the ear. These aren’t just made for exercise though – most importantly, the sound quality is up to scratch, warranting them a place as your dad’s all-purpose set of headphones. The Powerbeats Pro also have an IPX4 sweatproof rating and nine hours worth of juice on a full charge, and an extra two charges from the case, each worth about eight-or-so hours. Time to kick dad’s fitness back into gear? Now he can do it in style.
There are plenty of smartwatches to choose from these days, but the brand-new Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 offers one of the best experiences you can get. This is a rather slick-looking timepiece, and it’s more refined than the original Galaxy Watch – it’s slimmer, lighter and more comfortable to wear. It has a vivid display which your dad can navigate around using the rotating bezels with a satisfying click, click, click, rather than a fiddly touchscreen. This updated version has improved on its fitness features too, with automatic tracking for selected workouts and plenty more you can add in yourself. This savvy smartwatch works with both Android and iOS phones, though it will play better if you own an Android device.
The Nest Cam IQ is really darn smart. While this rather sweet-looking security camera will look unassuming wherever it’s placed, it’s hiding some pretty impressive power. When it detects movement inside the house, not only will it differentiate between people and animals, it will also identify whether it’s a familiar or unfamiliar face – pretty remarkable. With a 4K image sensor, you can monitor your home in full high definition (1080p), while two-way audio should help in deterring unwanted guests. It’s worth noting that full functionality of this smart security camera will require a subscription fee to Nest Aware. Without one, you’ll only be able to see snapshots of the past three hours. So while the Nest Cam is usable without it, it’s something to consider if dad wants continuous and live video recording.
If your dad often has his head buried in a book, the Kobo Libra H2O should make for a fantastic gift. It’s comfortable to use single-handed thanks to page-turn buttons and an asymmetrical design, so your dad can kick back and get cosy. The Libra uses the latest E Ink technology, so the 7-inch display imitates real paper and is wonderfully fast and responsive. Kobo’s ereaders also have OverDrive support, which means ebooks can be borrowed from the local public library as well. Oh, and did we mention it’s waterproof? The user interface is also streamlined and intuitive, making the Libra H2O, in our books, one of the best ereaders you can get without spending too much money.
The UE Megaboom 3 is for the dad who wants to enjoy his music both indoors and out. It’s an incredibly rugged Bluetooth speaker, with an IP67 waterproof rating to handle rain, accidental spills, and even a dip in the pool. While it’s portable, it’s also powerful enough to be a go-to home speaker, with a 360° design that pumps out loud room-filling sound. We favour the Megaboom 3 over the slightly smaller Boom 3 because it has better bass, louder volume and a longer 20-hour battery life for a reasonable price – but either will make a great present for dad.
If you're looking for a backpack that’s equal parts style and substance, you’ll want to take a closer look at Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack. Originally designed to comfortably and securely carry camera gear, these well-constructed backpacks can be customised to suit any purpose. These bags have a weather-proof shell, so whether it's for commuting to work with a laptop or camping out in the elements, everything will be protected. Expandable side pockets provide extra room if you need it too. The Everyday Backpack retails for AU$369 and is the brand’s leading bag, but if you’re hoping for something a bit cheaper, check out the more streamlined Everyday Backpack Zip for AU$270. And they're both available in a variety of great natural-looking colours.
(Image credit: Future)
Nanoleaf Canvas
To really make your dad’s eyes light up, consider gifting him the unique Nanoleaf Canvas. It’s a set of interactive smart light panels that can absolutely transform a space. The colour on these panels can be adjusted to suit the mood, from playful colours for entertaining to soothing ambient light. Those colours and scenes can be controlled through the app, but they’re also touch- and voice-sensitive, with a touch sending out a mesmerising ripple and colour change effect. While setting up the Nanoleaf Canvas might sound like a tricky task, it’s actually quite easy, and your dad can get creative with the design – the app will help if you need a hand.
At first glance, this is a rather unassuming power plug, but it’s a nifty device that can turn almost any appliance into a smart home gadget. You just need to insert the plug into an AC outlet, then connect it to your home Wi-Fi using the companion Kasa app. Once that’s sorted, simple home devices, like an electric kettle, can be controlled remotely. Even their power usage can be monitored through the app. That means you can switch off lamps without getting up, or set on and off schedules for your devices. If your dad accidentally leaves something on while he’s away, he’ll be able to switch it off with a tap on his smartphone from anywhere.
(Image credit: Audio Technica)
Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB
If he loves his vinyl collection, get your dad an easy-to-use turntable this Father’s Day that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. This deck from Audio Technica is a fully automatic belt-drive turntable, and has a line output so it can be plugged directly into any amplifier. What’s more, this turntable can also convert vinyl records into digital audio files, in case your pop wants to take his music with him while on the go.
(Image credit: TechRadar)
Oculus Quest
For the gamer dad, the Oculus Quest is a superb piece of kit. If he’s curious about virtual worlds, this VR headset will deliver it right out of the box, no expensive extra equipment required. The set comes with two handheld motion controllers, and it’s completely wireless, so you can really immerse yourself in virtual worlds without fear of tripping over a cable. There are a ton of games available – he can get his hands on a virtual lightsaber and face off against Darth Vader himself, or play puzzle-platform games if that’s more his speed.
If he’s been curious about a smart home setup but has been worried it might require some elaborate equipment, put your father’s mind at ease and get him the Nest Hub. This smart display is a nice introduction to Google Assistant (if you're not already using it on a smartphone), and it’s intelligent enough to answer almost any question you can throw at it. YouTube is also available, and now so is Netflix, Stan and Foxtel too. So not only can your dad listen to music or follow along to a recipe in the kitchen hands-free, he can even stream his favourite shows and movies while he’s pottering around with other things. There’s Google Photos integration as well, so when it’s not busy fielding queries, this device makes for an excellent digital photo frame.
For the forgetful person who always seems to be misplacing their valuables, a Bluetooth tracker could be just the thing they didn’t even know they needed. Tile make some of the best, and the Tile Mate is the most affordable. It looks like a keychain, and it can easily be attached it to your keys, lanyard or even laptop bag. So next time your dad asks “have you seen my…” he can use the companion app to find it again. The range of the Mate is 61 metres from a smartphone, and the tracker will ring out loudly when you’re near the lost item.
(Image credit: Sonos)
Sonos One
If you’re looking to get your dad a smart speaker, why not spoil him with one of the best. Not only is the Sonos One the best-sounding on the market, it has support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. That means you can request songs from Spotify, hear the news, set an alarm and get questions answered completely hands-free. The audio really is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, and if you want to elevate it a step further, a second Sonos speaker can create a multi-room setup.
For the film buff who wants to watch movies and TV shows in picture perfect quality, the Apple TV 4K is a great gift. To match the brighter colours and richer detail, it also has support for Dolby Atmos sound to deliver a truly immersive experience. It supports the most popular streaming apps including Netflix, Stan and Apple TV Plus, as well as most Aussie TV catch-up apps. You can use the remote to search, or simply ask Siri to find what you’re looking for. We’d strongly recommend this one be paired with a 4K HDR-ready telly, and being an existing Apple user can be beneficial, though not essential.
GoPro’s flagship model is its best offering yet, and it’s ideal for the dad who wants to capture all his adventurous exploits in glorious 4K. It’s image stabilisation is second to none, so all the action from his (mis)adventures will look much better than he might be letting on. There’s unique time-lapse modes as well, and sound quality for video recording has improved over previous models. If you want to make your father feel like a video pro, this is a brilliant buy.
For anyone that craves a shot of caffeine in the morning, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is convenient, easy to use and serves up great-tasting coffee in a variety of flavours. This is a great gift if you’re not interested in grinding your own coffee beans, and prefer the thought of just getting delicious coffee with two touches of a button. It’s a compact machine, so you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much valuable countertop space. It’s one of our favourite coffee machines here at TechRadar, so we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it to any caffeine-loving dad.
The SodaStream is a nifty kitchen gadget that’ll turn your tap water into a refreshing sparkling drink. It’s an easy system to use as well, with a simple push being all that’s required to add some fizz to your beverage. You can add some flavouring as well to turn plain water into something a little more exciting. It’s all a rather compact system, and should be simple to store on the kitchen bench or in a cupboard. The carbon dioxide canister is refillable and there are plenty of places that’ll do so, including some major supermarkets and petrol stations.
When is Father's Day 2020?
Father’s Day in Australia and New Zealand is reserved for the first Sunday in September. This year, it’s on September 6, 2020. It’s a day to celebrate the men who look after us, or have helped us raise children of our own, whether that be our own fathers, stepfathers, guardians, caregivers or partners.
This year, Father’s Day is likely to look very different. Physical and social distancing are still strongly encouraged, and the traditional gatherings may not be able to go ahead.
Despite all this, we can still take time to make our dad’s feel special. That might mean getting them a gift they’ve long wanted, or a nice surprise with the latest gizmo or gadget. If you’re planning to shop online, we’ve laid out some excellent gift ideas right here – just make sure you order in time to have it delivered by September 6.
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