Jumat, 31 Mei 2019
Starfield: latest trailers, rumors and news
We may not know much about Starfield, but by goodness are we excited. Bethesda's upcoming single-player RPG set in outer space marks the gaming giant's first new IP for 25 years.
But just what is the game about? And, more importantly, when will we actually be able to play it?
During the game's shock announcement at E3 2018, Bethesda boss Todd Howard called Starfield "our next-generation, single-player epic". However, Bethesda wouldn't divulge any more details apart from a short teaser trailer announcing the game and showing off its logo.
However that hasn't stopped us from boarding the hype train with a first-class ticket. There's nothing more exciting than whetting your appetite for a new game by future gazing (or star gazing in this case).
So, in that spirit, we've searched the galaxy to bring you the latest news and rumors on Starfield. Here's everything you need to know.
[Update: Starfield isn't likely to make an appearance at E3 2019. Read on to find out more.]
Cut to the chase
- What is it? A single-player RPG in outer space from the makers of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls
- What can I play it on? It's almost certainly coming to PC, PlayStation and Xbox, but we might have to wait for the next generation of consoles
- When can I play it? No word yet, but we may be looking at later than 2020
Starfield release date
So far, what's been released is a title, trailer and, well, promise of greatness to come.
With details so thin on the ground, the earliest we'd expect to see a Starfield game would be 2020.
Bethesda Game Studios Director Todd Howard has stressed that "everyone should be very, very patient".
In Bethesda's E3 2018 presentation, Howard referred to the first Starfield game as "next-gen", suggesting it might not see a release before the next generation of consoles (either the PS5 and Xbox Two).
He might, however, just mean the game will use the capabilities of the PS4 and Xbox One's recent mid-cycle upgrades, in which case late 2019 or early 2020 would be a more likely window.
In an interview with Eurogamer, Howard elaborated:
"What systems we put it out on - what's the hardware requirements - is still to be determined. We're pushing it; we're thinking very, very far in future so we're building something that will handle next-generation hardware. That's what we're building on right now, that's where our mind is, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't exist on the current systems as well."
Starfield trailers
We saw our first glimpse of the game during E3 2018. it's not much more than a title and setting at this point, but the video does introduce us to an unnamed planet, a floating satellite or space station, and some sort of... glowing wormhole?
Check out the teaser trailer below:
Starfield news and rumors
Starfield may not be coming to E3 2019 after all
E3 is the place to announce exciting gaming news but it looks like Starfield won't be making much of an appearance at E3 2019. During a panel at PAX East which celebrated the 25th Anniversary of The Elder Scrolls, Todd Howard responded to a question about some photogrammetry tech being used in Elder Scrolls and Starfield with the news that "it’s going to be a long time! It’s not something we’re going to be talking about, either of those games, at E3 this year, and so patience, please”.
Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase dated and confirmed
Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase kicks off at 5.30pm PDT on Sunday June 9, with the horror shooter Doom Eternal taking center stage. But could we see some surprises too?
First announced at last year's E3 show, could we finally get a glimpse at Starfield? It's no secret that Starfield is a long time away from public consumption, but with the PS5 and Xbox Two apparently around the corner, we're hopeful that Starfield could be revealed alongside them. But, as stated above, it seems unlikely due to Howard's comments at PAX East.
A whole new world
Bethesda has reportedly been talking about making Starfield for years now.
There have been rumors flying around about the game since Bethesda publisher Zenimax filed a trademark for the name as far back as 2013.
Given how much mileage Bethesda has achieved out of its other tentpole IPs – Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, which have both seen various spin-off entries and MMO variants – it is presumably hoping to make Starfield a far-reaching franchise in the same vein.
...and whole new systems
The idea behind Starfield has been floating around as far back as 2004, and Howard has said it has the recognisable Bethesda DNA to it – so expect deep character customisation and open exploration. But also expect all new ideas entering into the mix – this won't just be Fallout or Skyrim in space. Speaking to Eurogamer, Howard stated "[...] it has a lot of new systems we've been thinking about for a while that fit that kind of game really well." So don't be surprised if there's some sort of on-theme space flight element involved too.
Bigger than ever before
Both the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series have shared a similar character progression system and open-world backdrop, partially rooted in their sharing of the same gaming engine.
While we haven't heard specifics on gameplay, Starfield looks set to follow in the same vein, albeit in a more galactic setting. But the final frontier could hold much larger potential for exploration, allowing players to travel across various planets and encounter unknown civilizations.
There's a big gap in the market for sci-fi RPGs
With the future of the space-opera RPG series Mass Effect looking uncertain, and the unfulfilled promise of the planet-hopping exploration game No Man's Sky, Starfield will be entering a gaming market hungry for a sci-fi RPG done right. With the proven success of Bethesda's other franchises, could the developer have the next Mass Effect up its sleeves?
(Image credits: Bethesda)
Keep checking back here for all the latest Starfield news
- Keep up to date with all our game coverage of E3 2019
May 30, 2019 at 11:49PM
Henry St Leger,Gerald Lynch,Vic Hood
Huawei Mate 20 Pro makes a comeback on Google's Android Q beta program
When Google officially announced the Android Q beta program at Google IO 2019 in early May, it revealed 21 handsets that were part of the beta program.
One of those handsets was Huawei's Mate 20 Pro, however, when the US Government put Huawei on the entity list, Huawei's products disappeared from the Android Enterprise program and the list of devices eligible for Android Q beta.
However, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro has reappeared on the Android Q beta program, as spotted by Android Police.
We don't know if there has been any progress on talks between Huawei and Google but this is surely good news for Mate 20 Pro owners that registered to be a part of the Android Q beta program.
Re-instating the beta suggests that Mate 20 Pro will receive updates that Google posts to the Android Q beta program.
- Huawei calls for quick end to US ban
- Huawei ban: the global fallout explained
- How to download the Android Q developer beta
May 31, 2019 at 01:00PM
Abbas Ali
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 could drop headphone jack and all physical buttons
Often praised as a steadfast holdout amongst smartphone manufacturers for its refusal to cave to handset trends that negatively impact the end user (i.e. removing the 3.5mm headphone jack), it now seems Samsung is planning to do just that, if a new report from Android Police is to be believed.
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Citing a "source familiar with the company's plans", the site is reporting that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 10 may finally (and regrettably) ditch the headphone jack that it's held onto for so long.
Additionally, the report states that Samsung may also drop all physical buttons from the Galaxy Note 10, including volume and power keys, opting instead to use "capacitive or pressure-sensitive areas" which may or may not be "highlighted by some kind of raised 'bump' and/or texture along the edge."
But why?
Along with LG, Samsung is one of the few Android phone manufacturers to reject the headphone jack removal trend that was spearheaded by Apple with 2016's iPhone 7. Brands such as Huawei, OnePlus, Google and Motorola have all dropped the 3.5mm socket from their current flagship devices.
Of course, there are numerous reasons why Samsung might want to remove the headphone jack it's long fought for: it could provide additional room for an even larger battery in the Note 10, and may also allow for a thinner form factor.
That said, the latter reason seems unlikely, given the device will always need a place to hold its signature S Pen, which is far larger than the 3.5mm area taken by the headphone port.
While rumors of Samsung ditching the headphone jack and buttons from its phones are hardly rock-solid, it's not the first time either has cropped up – South Korean technology site ET News reported on Samsung's supposed desire to remove the 3.5mm port back in October, and we reported on the possible removal of all physical buttons back in March.
At present, there's no word on whether Samsung is planning to do the same with next year's Samsung Galaxy S11.
May 31, 2019 at 11:10AM
Stephen Lambrechts
The best Australian EOFY 2019 tech deals
The end-of-financial-year sales in Australia are just around the corner and, as always, there'll be a massive list of bargains to look forward to, and plenty of tech that sells for cheap.
During this time, retailers are often trying to get rid of aging stock they’ve accumulated over the year, or trying to reach sales targets. This is good news for the consumer, with substantial discounts available on a range of products – from cars to home appliances and pretty much everything else in between.
It’s also the best time to get your own finances in order. At this time of year, you’ll find plenty of discounted products that are also tax deductible. So not only will you be able to snag a great bargain during Australia’s annual EOFY sales, but also get back in the form of tax returns.
- Planning on shopping on Amazon Australia during EOFY? Then save on shipping by signing up for a Prime membership.
While it might be fun to visit brick-and-mortar stores to browse everything on sale, shopping online is more efficient – it can take the weight off your feet, literally, and give you more time and energy to trawl through the numerous storefronts to find the best bargains.
Alternatively, you can let us do the hard work by just keeping this page bookmarked and checking back periodically in the lead up to June 30. The Australian TechRadar team will be constantly updating this page with all the best tax-time deals.
If the previous year is anything to go by, some of the offers we share here will actually end before June 30, so check in frequently if you want to score the best EOFY bargains – and try not to leave it until the last minute!
- Last year, our sister site Getprice also listed a plethora of EOFY deals in a variety of categories, not just tech. It will happen again in 2019, and we'll let you know where to find them.
Early EOFY 2019 deals and bargains
It's early days yet but you can always snag a decent bargain early in case you can't wait. While most retailers are still holding back, Dell and Lenovo have jumped the gun with some excellent laptop deals already live on their respective sites. We've gathered the best laptop bargains on our dedicated EOFY laptop deals page.
Amazon Australia has also jumped onto the sales bandwagon this time of year. While there's not long to go before we celebrate our second Prime Day in Australia, there's a 'mid-year sale' currently on Amazon with plenty of great bargains. We've looked through them all and selected the best tech deals right here.
EOFY sale: What to expect in 2019
The end-of-financial-year sales are one of Australia's most popular big sales. While the discounts may not be comparable to Black Friday bargains, there's always plenty of savings to be had, especially if you ensure you the items you pick up are tax deductible.
So, what kind of tech can you find during EOFY sales Down Under? Plenty. From computers to gaming gear, the best flagship smartphones to personal audio. To get an idea of what to expect in 2019, let's take a look at what was on offer last year.
Gaming: Last year saw some great discounts on console bundles. With some blockbuster games just waiting to be played, you can expect to see them bundled along with either the PlayStation consoles or the Xbox One.
If, however, you're more interested in the Nintendo Switch, you won't be disappointed. Last year, the Switch dropped down to $378 during the EOFY sale – that's not quite the cheapest price we've seen, but with rumours of a new Switch being announced soon, we're anticipating the current model will be substantially discounted again this year. But stay sharp, as this popular console gets gobbled up real quick.
Laptops and PCs: There will be plenty of computing gear on sale during the EOFY sales. Manufacturers like Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell and HP will host their own sales on their sites, but you’ll also be able to grab laptops and desktop PCs from major retailers as well. You can expect to see average discounts of about 15% to 20%. You’ll even be able to snag bargains on accessories as well, with printers, keyboards, SSDs and external hard drives all going on sale during this time.
- Keep your devices safe from cyber attacks and save money at the same time with our round-up of the best antivirus deals and discounts in Australia.
Smartphones and tablets: The latest flagship handsets from the major phone makers all generally carry a hefty price tag. So if you’ve held off on buying a new phone, the EOFY sales might be a great time to score an upgrade without having to pay full retail price. Samsung's latest Galaxy handsets and Apple’s iPhone XS and XR flagships could well be available for less, as could older models. Great budget handsets will likely get a trim to their prices as well.
It will also be a great time to save on tablets, especially the premium Samsung models of you prefer Android devices. And while Apple hasn't previously offered any direct EOFY discounts, third-party stockists will potentially offer 10% off on select iPad models.
Home entertainment and personal audio: There were plenty of TVs, soundbars and speakers on sale during the last couple of EOFY sales, and we don't expect that trend to change any time soon. And with some excellent 4K UHD smart TVs already seeing price drops outside of big sales, we're looking forward to seeing how much more affordable they'll be during the 2019 tax-time sale.
It's not just home entertainment setups that you'll be able to save on but portable Bluetooth speakers and the best wireless headphones as well. The premium audio products retail for about $500 a pop, but there's a good chance you'll see them drop well below the $400 mark. Whether the prices will match the 2018 Black Friday offers (where Sony and Bose noise cancelling headphones dropped to about $320) remains to be seen.
Cameras: The EOFY sales are also a great time for photographers – beginners, pros or hobbyists – to grab the latest gear. Last year saw plenty of cameras go on sale: from compacts to DSLRs and action cams, and this year will be no different. There are now plenty of full-frame mirrorless cameras that are trying to outdo each other in terms of features and performance, so don't be surprised if you see the Canon EOS R snappers or Nikon's Z series cameras drop in price. Keep an eye out of lens kits as well, as you'll be able to save a tad more.
While the tech itself will be discounted, you'll also find SD cards, camera bags, tripods and other accessories going for less.
Smart home devices: These nifty voice-activated products have been flooding the market – from internet-connected lights to smart security systems, and the speakers to control them all. Amazon discounted its Echo range of smart speakers last year and we're quite sure that will happen again, along with the other smart devices the e-commerce giant stocks, like Philips Hue smart lights. You'll also find plenty of retailers offering discounts on Google's range of smart speakers as well.
Home appliances: If you’re looking to renovate your home, the EOFY sales will help you save plenty on the new appliances you’ll need. You can expect to see bargains on not just Dyson vacuum cleaners, but also fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and plenty more.
May 31, 2019 at 09:13AM
Sharmishta Sarkar
Salesforce launches blockchain channel
At its fourth annual TrailheaDX developer conference, Salesforce announced its new low-code platform called Salesforce Blockchain that enables organizations to share verified, distributed data sets across a trusted network of partners and third parties.
By bringing blockchain to its CRM platform, the company is enabling organizations to create blockchain networks, workflows and apps that have the potential to deliver entirely new customer experiences.
To deliver increased connectivity for their organization and customers, businesses need to be able to harness and share massive amounts of data with their network of partners and third parties, all without sacrificing trust. Blockchain technology is able to solve this “trust gap” through the use of a distributed ledger that saves, traces and authenticates data across every employee and partner in the network.
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The combination of Salesforce's CRM workflows with blockchain data will allow companies to create new business processes and models that span their entire organization to help accelerate the speed of business.
Salesforce Blockchain
Salesforce Blockchain is a low-code blockchain platform that extends the power of CRM to lower the barrier for creating trusted partner networks.
The company built its new blockchain offering on the open source technology of Hyperledger Sawtooth and it has been deeply customized for Salesforce Lightning.
Businesses can utilize the platform to build and maintain blockchain networks, apps and smart contracts using the company's powerful low-code capabilities. Customers will even be able to create and share a blockchain object using the same process as they already do for any CRM data object in Salesforce without the need for writing code.
Salesforce Blockchain is currently available to select design partners but the company expects it become generally available in 2020.
May 31, 2019 at 05:58AM
Anthony Spadafora
The 5 best laptops of Computex 2019: the most exciting laptops from the show
Computex 2019 is clearly the biggest computing trade show of the year, focused almost exclusively on the latest in desktop PCs and the components that power them. However, it has increasingly become a show about laptops, too, and 2019 is the biggest year for them yet at the Taipei show.
We’ve sifted through a veritable ton of laptop news and hands-on reviews to bring you the absolute most exciting highlights from the show. You’ll find dual-screen wonders, incredible new redesigns and bold, fresh directions that will make 2019 a landmark year in mobile computing – all debuting at Computex 2019.
Check out all of TechRadar's Computex 2019 coverage. We're live in Taipei to bring you all the breaking computing news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from fresh laptops and desktops to powerful new components and wild overclocking demonstrations.
Asus has been experimenting with additional displays on its laptops for about a year or two, but the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is on a whole new level. This notebook adds an entire "Screenpad Plus" display above the keyboard but below the 'main' screen. This secondary 4K screen can be used to present document editing controls, making editing video and image content at 100% 4K resolution on a primary laptop display a reality.
Of course, Asus plans to bring the goods to back up such endeavors with a larger 'main' display, allowing for Intel Core i9 and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics configurations. This certainly isn’t a thin or light notebook, but really the point is to serve as a one-stop shop for content creators that also like a little bit of gaming on the side. While we don’t yet have a price, we can’t wait to see what this laptop can do with those two displays.
The new flagship Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop from Dell heralds the firm’s new XPS design aesthetic that started earlier this year with the revamped Dell XPS 13 for its hybrid line. Sure, the webcam has moved to above the display, but we’re more excited by the laptop’s brand-new, quieter MagLev 2 keyboard – not to mention its cooling system that allows for full-fat, 10-nanometer Intel mobile processors.
This is a 2-in-1 laptop that can promise to deliver on power, much unlike so many that has come before it. It also delivers a larger display than before – bigger than even the straight-laced XPS 13 – with a new 16:10 aspect ratio. As you can see, just about everything regarding Dell’s leading 2-in-1 laptop has seen a revamp or upgrade, making us quite excited to give it a full review later this year.
The next phase for MSI’s desktop replacement gaming laptop obviously brings on the power by packing in the latest components from Intel and Nvidia, but that’s not the biggest story here. The real buzz behind the MSI GT76 Titan is the aesthetics. Everything about this laptop’s chassis has become more worthy of its astronomical price tag.
Gone are the plastic trappings of last year, replaced by an aluminum shell and RGB lighting strewn throughout the chassis – including per-key backlighting. This is a laptop that truly looks the part when you see the massive price tag. Throw in desktop-grade, overclock-ready parts, and you’re looking at a PC gaming desktop setup in a box … one that you can actually haul around.
While these laptops sadly weren’t available for hands-on review in Taipei, we have to commend HP’s interesting design direction with its upcoming HP Envy Wood series of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1 laptops. All of HP’s 2019 Envy laptops will feature real wood aesthetics on their palm rests.
Across the three available colors for these laptops, there is a unique type of wood that comes as a placard in the palm rest, trackpad and even fingerprint reader, including walnut, pale birch and ceramic white birch. Naturally, HP promises that this wood will be sustainably sourced. We don’t know how much these laptops will cost when they launch later this year, but we’re a lot of intrigued folks will be willing to pay up.
We are ecstatic to see Dell and Alienware bring that rad Area-51m design to the Alienware m15 and m17 laptops. The design translates to the thin and light trappings of the product line perfectly, making laptops that look less like the mothership that is Area-51m and more like light, nimble fighters in the fleet.
This new design also brings plenty of previously absent practicality to Dell’s thin-and-light Alienware laptops, vastly improving their cooling design as well as visual aesthetics. Now, we are a bit miffed by the entry-level pricing. But Dell certainly adds a lot of value to the more expensive options, particularly Tobii eye tracking, which is used by Alienware’s very own competitive gaming tutors (via Alienware Academy) to train your reflexes.
May 31, 2019 at 04:18AM
Joe Osborne
Warriors vs Raptors live stream: how to watch the 2019 NBA Finals online from anywhere
The 2019 NBA Finals lineup is set and the Golden State Warriors will take on the Toronto Raptors in a best-of-seven series to see which team will be this year’s NBA champion. If you’re looking for a Warriors vs Raptors live stream, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading and we’ll show you exactly how to watch the 2019 NBA Finals online wherever you happen to find yourself in the world.
For the first time in franchise history, the Toronto Raptors have advanced to the NBA Finals. The team may have lost two games to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals but thanks to a run led by Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors managed to win Game 6 and earn themselves a spot in the Finals. The Golden State Warriors on the other hand, swept the Portland Trail Blazers 4-0 in the Western Conference Finals to advance to the final round.
The Warriors are back in the Finals for the fifth straight season and the team will be shooting for their third title in a row. If they can pull it off, they’ll be the first team to three-peat since the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the feat back in 2002. Either way, the 2019 NBA Finals are set to be an exciting time for fans of both teams and lead to an historic outcome.
Whether you’re rooting for Golden State or Toronto, we’ll show you how to tune into all the action either on your TV or online. Get the info you need in this Warriors vs Raptors live stream guide.
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How to watch the 2019 NBA Finals online from outside your country
Living in the US, UK or Australia and want to catch the Warriors vs Raptors? Scroll further down the page and we'll explain how to watch a 2019 NBA Finals live stream, whether or not you have cable.
But if you can't watch because you're not in your home country and so your coverage is geo-blocked then we can suggest a clever alternative (and no, it doesn’t involve finding some dodgy feed on Reddit). Using a VPN - or Virtual Private Network - you can change the IP address to one in a different state or country which does have the stream so that you can watch the series from anywhere in the world. The process is very straightforward…
Watch the NBA Finals on TV in the US
If you've already signed up for an NBA League Pass then we're afraid that won't help you get a live stream of the Warriors vs Raptors. The NBA's own streaming service doesn't show any NBA Finals games live online. The best it can do is to show the games on replay three hours after they air on TV.
To watch on TV then, ABC is your only option as the network has secured the rights to broadcast the NBA Finals live.
We wish watching the NBA Finals was easier on TV but you can get around network exclusivity deals by opting for a streaming service that gives you access to every channel showing the playoffs and all of which coming with some kind of free trial.
- fuboTV $44.99 for the first month - fuboTV doesn't include ESPN but you do get access to TNT, NBA TV and ABC in most markets. The service also includes Cloud DVR so you can record games to watch them later and if you forget to record a game, the company's 3-day replay allows you to replay nearly any game, show or movie that aired in the last three days. FuboTV even offers a free 7-day trial so you can test out the service.
- Hulu with Live TV $44.99 per month - Hulu with Live TV gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in most markets but the service doesn't include NBA TV. The service supports a wide variety of streaming devices and even includes its own Hulu Originals in case you want a break from watching sports.
- Playstation Vue starting at $44.99 per month - Playstation Vue has four plans: Access, Core, Elite and Ultra but you'll need to opt for the Core plan at $49.99 per month to watch sports. The service's base plan gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in most markets but you'll need to check to see if the plan you choose has NBA TV. There is also a 5-day free trial available.
- DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in most markets but only some plans offer NBA TV. You can stream on up to three screens simultaneously and with the DirecTV Now app you can watch live TV on the go. New customers can take advantage of a 7-day trial but you'll have to purchase on of DirecTV Now's packages first.
- Sling TV starting at $15 per month - Sling TV's Sling Orange or Sling Blue packages each cost $15 or you can combine them for $25 per month. However, each package contains different channels so make sure the one you choose has the channels you want to watch. Sling TV gives you access to ESPN, TNT and ABC in limited markets with NBA TV available as an add-on.
- YouTube TV $49.99 per month - YouTube TV gives you access to ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and ABC in most markets. The service also offers NBA League Pass. With YouTube TV you get free unlimited DVR storage space to record games for later and you can stream the service on three devices simultaneously. A free 14-day trial is also available so you can test it out for yourself.
- Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites
How to watch the Warriors vs Raptors in the UK
Basketball fans in the UK will be able to tune into the NBA Finals on Sky Sports. The service will air the majority of the Warriors vs Raptors games at 2am BST.
If you’re not already a Sky Sports subscriber and don’t feel like paying for the service just to watch the NBA Finals, don’t worry as you can buy a daily, weekly or even monthly Sky Sports Pass on Now TV. This will allow you to watch the NBA Finals and all other sports shown on Sky.
When it comes to streaming basketball online our first choice is NBA.com. With the NBA League Pass you you can watch hundreds of Live and On-Demand games on all of your favorite streaming devices including Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, Playstation and even on mobile. It costs £39.99, and will give you access to all remaining NBA games live.
And if you find yourself outside the UK at any stage during the playoffs then don't forget that you can always use a VPN to change your IP address back to the UK and watch any of these streaming services as if you were back at home.
How to get an NBA Finals live stream in Australia
If you're up for a bit of morning NBA watching Down Under (the games are due to start at 11am AET), there are plenty of options on TV and online.
If you have Fox Sports, then you'll want to turn to channel 508 for the ESPN channel.
If it's a phone or laptop you'd sooner watch from, then there's the ESPN Player instead. Or you can live stream NBA action via the Kayo Sports streaming service, which features no lock-in contracts and also includes access to over 50 sports, both live and on demand.
Kayo Sports Basic Package costs $25 per month and allows users to stream across two devices simultaneously. Alternatively, the service also offers a Kayo Sports Premium Package, which provides three concurrent streams for $35 per month.
The Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports apps means you can access this from your chosen device wherever you are (although you'll need a VPN if you're taking that abroad).
May 31, 2019 at 03:56AM
Anthony Spadafora
Apple, WhatsApp criticize GCHQ surveillance plans
Apple and other tech firms have rallied together to criticize a GCHQ proposal which would enable the UK government to eavesdrop on encrypted chat services.
The iPhone maker, together with WhatsApp and 50 companies, civil society organizations and security experts, have signed an open letter calling on the GCHQ to abandon it so-called “ghost protocol” and instead focus its efforts on “protecting privacy rights, cybersecurity, public confidence and transparency”.
Technical director of the UK's national cyber security centre, Ian Levy and head of cryptanalysis at GCHQ Crispin Robinson first raised the proposal back in November of 2018. Together they suggested a technique that would require encrypted messaging services to share any encrypted messages sent with a third recipient in addition to those already in a chat.
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Levy and Robinson made the case that their proposal was “no more intrusive than the virtual crocodile clips” already used today in wiretaps of non-encrypted communications.
GCHQ surveillance opposition
The open letter sent to the GCHQ in opposition to its plan argues that the proposal “requires two changes to systems that would seriously undermine user security and trust”.
Under the proposal, service providers would be forced to inject a new public key into a conversation that would turn a two-way conversation into a group chat with the government being an additional participant.
Additionally, the GCHQ's proposal would require messaging apps, service providers and operating systems to alter their software by changing the encryption schemes used. They would also be required to mislead their users by blocking the notifications that appear when a new user joins a chat.
The proposal may not call for back doors into encrypted messaging services but it would undermine user trust in security as a whole. Levy replied to the open letter in such a way as to suggest that the proposal could be scrapped following the backlash it has received, saying:
“We welcome this response to our request for thoughts on exceptional access to data - for example to stop terrorists. The hypothetical proposal was always intended as a starting point for discussion. We will continue to engage with interested parties and look forward to having an open discussion to reach the best solutions possible.”
- We've also highlighted the best VPN
Via The Guardian
May 31, 2019 at 03:49AM
Anthony Spadafora
Chrome will limit full ad blocking to enterprise users
The days of easily blocking ads in Google Chrome may soon be over thanks to a proposed change to the browser's extensions system called Manifest V3 that Google announced back in January.
Manifest V3 would prevent current ad blockers from working efficiently and despite overwhelming negative feedback, the search giant is sticking to its guns concerning Chrome's ad blocking changes. However, enterprise users will not be affected and will be able to continue utilizing current ad blocking capabilities going forward.
Once Manifest V3 goes into effect, Chrome's extension system will see a revamp to its permissions system as well as a fundamental change to how ad blockers operate.
- Latest Google Chrome update draws government and telecom concerns
- Popular Chrome ad-blockers could be crippled under proposed design changes
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Ad blockers such as uBlock Origin and Ghostery, which rely on Chrome's webRequest API to block ads before they're downloaded will no longer be able to do so as under the Manifest V3 proposal, Google will deprecate the API's ability to block requests before a page is loaded.
Manifest V3
Now that months have passed since the changes were first proposed, Google has responded to some of the issues raised by the community by offering more details on how permissions and ad blockers will be affected.
Extensions developer advocate, Simeon Vincent clarified the company's changes to ad blocking and privacy blocking extensions in a Google Group discussing Chromium extensions, saying:
“Chrome is deprecating the blocking capabilities of the webRequest API in Manifest V3, not the entire webRequest API (though blocking will still be available to enterprise deployments).”
Essentially Google is saying that Chrome will still be able to block unwanted content but this feature will now be restricted to paid enterprise users. However, enterprise users will likely not be blocking ads and will instead develop in-house Chrome extensions that can block unwanted content for employees.
Now that ad blockers can no longer use the webRequest API, they'll have to switch to a rules-based system similar to the one currently in use by AdBlock Plus. However, Chrome imposes a limit of 30,000 rules which will likely makes things difficult for developers trying to switch to a rules-based approach.
Advertising is Google's main revenue stream and by allowing ad blockers to continue to operate unchecked, the company was cutting off a significant portion of its own revenue. Enterprise users will be able to continue blocking ads because they pay for the company's services unlike most of its users.
- We've also highlighted the best VPN
Via 9To5 Google
May 31, 2019 at 03:03AM
Anthony Spadafora
Sprint 5G network launches today in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Kansas City
Sprint has officially launched its 5G network in a handful of US cities: Texas, Georgia and Kansas/Missouri today, with aims to expand to more including Los Angeles and New York City by the end of 2019. The carrier is the third to join the 5G race this year after Verizon and AT&T back in April.
Sprint 5G is live today in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Kansas City. Customers can access the network by picking up a Sprint 5G phone – the LG V50 ThinQ 5G or an HTC 5G Hub, or the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G in the coming months (‘summer’ in the northern hemisphere).
Unlike the ‘millimeter wave’ 5G in Verizon and AT&T’s nascent networks, Sprint is opting to spread their low-frequency network essentially on top of its existing 4G LTE one – literally, with the carrier deploying its 5G Massive MIMO radios (which broadcast on the 2.5 Ghz mid-band spectrum that Sprint already uses) on existing 4G cell sites. The 5G network should then have similar (if not identical) coverage to its current 4G range.
Pros and cons in the early days of 5G
We’ll have to see whether Sprint’s 5G network performs better than its competitors; almost two months after launching, Verizon 5G mmWave has demonstrated over 1 Gpbs download speeds, but only within a few blocks in Chicago and Minneapolis.
Thus far, reporters have noted speeds of 100 Mbps up to 250 Mbps, with some claiming up to 700 Mbps. That’s obviously lower than Verizon’s 5G speeds, but lower is expected from Sprint’s sub-6 network – the bigger question is how far that coverage extends, at least in the early days of both networks.
If Sprint’s 5G network continues to underperform, we’ll have larger concerns, but building out a new network on top of the old is promising.
- Sprint has only some of the 5G phones on the market – check out our list
May 31, 2019 at 02:58AM
David Lumb
NordVPN ups security with new encryption tool
NordVPN is known for providing VPN services to users around the world and now the company is expanding its offerings with the announcement of a new tool for securing files stored locally or in the cloud.
The company's new cybersecurity tool called NordLocker will secure files stored on a user's computer or in the cloud with end-to-end encryption.
NordVPN's CMO, Marty P. Kamden explained how NordLocker will make data security more accessible to all users, saying:
“We at NordVPN believe that the digital environment must be better than it is today. As a company, we strive to move towards becoming an all-around cybersecurity solution that people trust. By releasing NordLocker, we want to make top-notch data security available for everyone – regardless of their tech skills. To achieve this, we combine the best usability practices with the highest encryption standards.”
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NordLocker
When it launches later this year, NordLocker will be available for both macOS and Windows and it will help protect user's data by encrypting files on their device as well as those stored in the cloud.
The file encryption app will use the two most secure encryption algorithms available today, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) and 4096-bit RSA. NordLocker will also utilize NordVPN's own zero-knowledge encryption process to ensure ultimate security. In addition to encrypting their files, users will also be able to share them securely by managing access permissions.
NordLocker is currently going through internal stress-tests to ensure that it is ready for its launch later this year. However, interested users will be able to get their hands on the first beta version this summer.
You can sign up for early access on NordLocker's website and we'll fill you in on more details regarding the new app as we get closer to its launch.
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May 31, 2019 at 02:16AM
Anthony Spadafora
Call of Duty Modern Warfare trailer shows us the bleak future of combat – again
After laying dormant for close to a decade, Activision has finally announced the next game in the Call of Duty Modern Warfare franchise called… well, Modern Warfare.
The game was unveiled in a new trailer posted by Activision that stars one of the game’s protagonists, Captain Price, and gives us our first look at some of the locales we’ll be visiting in our next tour of duty. (We’ve posted it down below.)
One of the most striking parts of the trailer, however, is all of the nightvision scenes, where the footage seems almost identical to real-life raids. According to Activision, everything in the trailer was in-game footage, so that seems really promising.
According to information sent to TechRadar in a press release, the game won’t feature a traditional season pass and will instead offer at least some of its map packs for free. We’ve also seen reports that Modern Warfare will support cross-play between the three platforms - though, thanks to some pre-existing deals between Sony and Activision, PS4 might get DLC ahead of the other platforms.
The game will be developed by Infinity Ward, the studio behind the original Modern Warfare and its sequel, Modern Warfare 2, and is set to arrive on October 25 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One with pre-orders beginning today.
- Need something to play right now? Here's our list of the best PS4 games
May 31, 2019 at 02:00AM
Nick Pino
Prime Day preview: Amazon's Fire TV devices are on sale today
If you don't want to wait for Amazon Prime Day to snag deals on best-selling devices, then you should take advantage of today's sale on Fire TV sticks. You can get the best-selling 2nd generation Fire TV stick on sale for just $29.99. That's a $10 discount and the best price we've found for the streaming media player. Amazon also has the 4K Fire TV stick on sale for $39.99.
The Fire TV stick allows you to stream thousands of movies and TV shows, and gives you access to thousands of apps, games and Alexa skills. You can also browse websites like YouTube and Facebook or stream your favorite songs through services like Apple Music and Spotify.
The 2nd generation streaming device now features an Alexa voice remote so you can launch Netflix, browse movies, turn on the TV and more with the command of your voice. You can also ask Alexa to control other compatible smart home devices using the remote.
If you want to stream your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K Ultra HD, Amazon also has the 4K Fire TV stick on sale for $39.99. That's a $10 discount for the streaming media player that's powered by Alexa.
You can shop more Fire TV device deals with the best Amazon Fire TV deals, prices and sales that are happening now.
Learn more about Prime Day with our guide on Amazon Prime Day 2019: everything you need to know for the July deals event.
May 31, 2019 at 12:28AM
Mackenzie Frazier
Starfield: latest trailers, rumors and news
We may not know much about Starfield, but by goodness are we excited. Bethesda's upcoming single-player RPG set in outer space marks the gaming giant's first new IP for 25 years.
But just what is the game about? And, more importantly, when will we actually be able to play it?
During the game's shock announcement at E3 2018, Bethesda boss Todd Howard called Starfield "our next-generation, single-player epic". However, Bethesda wouldn't divulge any more details apart from a short teaser trailer announcing the game and showing off its logo.
However that hasn't stopped us from boarding the hype train with a first-class ticket. There's nothing more exciting than whetting your appetite for a new game by future gazing (or star gazing in this case).
So, in that spirit, we've searched the galaxy to bring you the latest news and rumors on Starfield. Here's everything you need to know.
[Update: Starfield isn't likely to make an appearance at E3 2019. Read on to find out more.]
Cut to the chase
- What is it? A single-player RPG in outer space from the makers of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls
- What can I play it on? It's almost certainly coming to PC, PlayStation and Xbox, but we might have to wait for the next generation of consoles
- When can I play it? No word yet, but we may be looking at later than 2020
Starfield release date
So far, what's been released is a title, trailer and, well, promise of greatness to come.
With details so thin on the ground, the earliest we'd expect to see a Starfield game would be 2020.
Bethesda Game Studios Director Todd Howard has stressed that "everyone should be very, very patient".
In Bethesda's E3 2018 presentation, Howard referred to the first Starfield game as "next-gen", suggesting it might not see a release before the next generation of consoles (either the PS5 and Xbox Two).
He might, however, just mean the game will use the capabilities of the PS4 and Xbox One's recent mid-cycle upgrades, in which case late 2019 or early 2020 would be a more likely window.
In an interview with Eurogamer, Howard elaborated:
"What systems we put it out on - what's the hardware requirements - is still to be determined. We're pushing it; we're thinking very, very far in future so we're building something that will handle next-generation hardware. That's what we're building on right now, that's where our mind is, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't exist on the current systems as well."
Starfield trailers
We saw our first glimpse of the game during E3 2018. it's not much more than a title and setting at this point, but the video does introduce us to an unnamed planet, a floating satellite or space station, and some sort of... glowing wormhole?
Check out the teaser trailer below:
Starfield news and rumors
Starfield may not be coming to E3 2019 after all
E3 is the place to announce exciting gaming news but it looks like Starfield won't be making much of an appearance at E3 2019. During a panel at PAX East which celebrated the 25th Anniversary of The Elder Scrolls, Todd Howard responded to a question about some photogrammetry tech being used in Elder Scrolls and Starfield with the news that "it’s going to be a long time! It’s not something we’re going to be talking about, either of those games, at E3 this year, and so patience, please”.
Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase dated and confirmed
Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase kicks off at 5.30pm PDT on Sunday June 9, with the horror shooter Doom Eternal taking center stage. But could we see some surprises too?
First announced at last year's E3 show, could we finally get a glimpse at Starfield? It's no secret that Starfield is a long time away from public consumption, but with the PS5 and Xbox Two apparently around the corner, we're hopeful that Starfield could be revealed alongside them. But, as stated above, it seems unlikely due to Howard's comments at PAX East.
A whole new world
Bethesda has reportedly been talking about making Starfield for years now.
There have been rumors flying around about the game since Bethesda publisher Zenimax filed a trademark for the name as far back as 2013.
Given how much mileage Bethesda has achieved out of its other tentpole IPs – Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, which have both seen various spin-off entries and MMO variants – it is presumably hoping to make Starfield a far-reaching franchise in the same vein.
...and whole new systems
The idea behind Starfield has been floating around as far back as 2004, and Howard has said it has the recognisable Bethesda DNA to it – so expect deep character customisation and open exploration. But also expect all new ideas entering into the mix – this won't just be Fallout or Skyrim in space. Speaking to Eurogamer, Howard stated "[...] it has a lot of new systems we've been thinking about for a while that fit that kind of game really well." So don't be surprised if there's some sort of on-theme space flight element involved too.
Bigger than ever before
Both the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series have shared a similar character progression system and open-world backdrop, partially rooted in their sharing of the same gaming engine.
While we haven't heard specifics on gameplay, Starfield looks set to follow in the same vein, albeit in a more galactic setting. But the final frontier could hold much larger potential for exploration, allowing players to travel across various planets and encounter unknown civilizations.
There's a big gap in the market for sci-fi RPGs
With the future of the space-opera RPG series Mass Effect looking uncertain, and the unfulfilled promise of the planet-hopping exploration game No Man's Sky, Starfield will be entering a gaming market hungry for a sci-fi RPG done right. With the proven success of Bethesda's other franchises, could the developer have the next Mass Effect up its sleeves?
(Image credits: Bethesda)
Keep checking back here for all the latest Starfield news
- Keep up to date with all our game coverage of E3 2019
May 30, 2019 at 11:49PM
Henry St Leger,Gerald Lynch,Vic Hood
Kamis, 30 Mei 2019
How Google Maps’ new feature could save you from a speeding ticket
If you use Google Maps to help you navigate while driving, you may have noticed a rather useful feature has been missing all these years: speed limit warnings and radar location notifications that let you know when you're approaching a speed camera.
Now, after running tests in the US, Google's rolling out speed limit warnings to the popular navigation app in 40 countries.
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The rollout will be coming to Google Maps on both Android and iOS devices, as Google confirmed to TechCrunch. Now speed limit signs will appear in the bottom corner of the Maps display, while icons indicating the presence of speed cameras will appear on the roads themselves.
About time
The introduction of speed limit warnings to Google Maps has been a long time coming, especially when you consider that Google already brought the feature to navigation app Waze in 2016.
The new feature will likely make Maps a more realistic competitor to navigation apps and standalone GPS systems from the likes of Garmin and TomTom.
According to Engadget, speed limit warnings will be available in the following countries: "Australia, Brazil, US, Canada, UK, India, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe".
The rollout of course doesn't include countries where this kind of tech is illegal like France, Switzerland, and Germany. In France, for example, "police are allowed to check your mobile phone for illegal apps and can levy steep fines and even confiscate your vehicle if they find them".
So, best to just keep an eye on your speed the old fashioned way if you're planning a road trip through Western Europe.
May 30, 2019 at 04:16PM
Olivia Tambini
Anthem won't be at EA's E3 show, despite Cataclysm update
Sci-fi looter shooter Anthem's long-awaited Cataclysm content update will be unveiled today, with a livestream on both Twitch and Mixer – as publisher EA reveals the game will not be part of the company's E3 2019 showcase.
The news will accompany the 1.2.0 update for the game, which (as developer BioWare previously stated) focusses on "bug fixes, stability, and game flow" rather than new gameplay moments.
1.2.0 delivers "under the hood content you won't see right away, but is setting things up for a future update, the Cataclysm," according to BioWare.
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Cataclysm is (or at least, was) set to be a huge moment for Anthem, setting the stage for the game as a service's long-term ongoing content plans. The time-sensitive update would offer "massive, world-changing events" and the "most ambitious and challenging content" for high-level, endgame players to take part in. Tougher enemies, raging storms and "new mysteries" are all set to be part of the Cataclysm.
We'll be sure to update you with the precise details as soon as they're revealed in the livestream, which will play on both Twitch and Mixer at 3pm Central Time today.
A cataclysmic year
But is it too little, too late for BioWare's Anthem? Publisher EA appears to already be giving the game the cold shoulder – at least insofar as its big E3 showcase plans are concerned.
The company will be flaunting its wares in LA over a three-hour conference and livestream extravaganza, set to include titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Apex Legends, Battlefield V, FIFA 20, Madden NFL 20 and the ageing The Sims 4.
But Anthem, once poised to be the company's big ongoing live-game concern, looks conspicuously absent, with new shooter poster child Apex Legends instead taking the limelight.
It's to a degree understandable from EA – Anthem was poorly received, plagued with bugs and lacking content at launch, while failing to nail the loot-shoot-repeat loop that the game's genre requires.
Anthem may be getting some solo time dedicated to it today, but it's definitely the black sheep of the EA family at present.
- Check out our full Anthem review
May 30, 2019 at 03:53PM
Gerald Lynch
Cricket World Cup 2019 live stream: how to watch every game online from anywhere
The sound of leather on willow. The smell of the freshly mown grass. The teas! The 2019 Cricket World Cup has arrived, and with it (hopefully) a great British summer. 10 of the world's elite cricket-playing countries are competing title of best ODI team on Earth. Expect big hitting, athletic fielding and only one victorious team left standing by the end on July 14 - you've come to the right place to find out how to live stream every last ball of the Cricket World Cup regardless of where you live.
So what should we expect from the 12th incarnation of Cricket World Cup? Well the hosts England enter the tournament as favourites (according to Betfair at least). Not only have they proved over the years that they should be feared in the unique British conditions, but Eoin Morgan's men come in on fantastic form, too. Their batsmen in particular have set new standards, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root all hitting form at the right time.
India have the world's two top ICC ODI ranked batsmen (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) and the number one bowler (Jasprit Bumrah) and will naturally be a feared force. But perhaps most attention will be on reigning champions Australia, as they welcome back suspended duo Steve Smith and David Warner.
With the likes of South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies also involved and hungry to win the competition, it should be a fantastically exciting few weeks of daily cricket action. If you want to know where you'll be able to watch every single match, we'll tell you exactly where you can catch them online with a Cricket World Cup live stream.
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How to watch the 2019 Cricket World Cup from outside your country
You don't have to miss a single minute of Cricket World Cup - even if you're abroad and discover that your home broadcaster's online coverage is geo-blocked (we hate it when that happens).
If that happens to you and you're desperate to watch that domestic coverage, there's still a way to get it that doesn't involve putting your security at risk with some dodgy, illegal stream from Reddit. You can simply use a VPN to login back to your country that is broadcasting the actions, and it's really easy to do:
Upcoming Cricket World Cup fixtures
Thursday 30 May
England vs South Africa - The Oval, London, 10.30am BST
Friday 31 May
Pakistan vs West Indies - Trent Bridge, Nottingham 10.30am BST
Saturday 1 June
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 10.30am BST
Australia vs Afghanistan - County Ground, Bristol, 1.30pm BST
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What is the format of the 2019 Cricket World Cup?
The Cricket World Cup is a ten-team tournament. Each country plays each other in a round-robin format, after which the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals. The two winning semi-finalists then get to face off in the final on Sunday, July 14.
How long do Cricket World Cup matches usually last?
Most 2019 Cricket World Cup matches will start at 10.30am BST and end early evening – around 6.30pm BST. A number of day/night games will start at 1.30pm BST and finish under floodlights at around 9pm BST.
Cricket World Cup matches broadly follow the rules of One Day Internationals, with each side facing 50 overs within a 210-minute time limit. Add in drinks breaks for each side and a 30 to 40 minutes innings break and matches can run up to nine hours in length. Some matches are much shorter however - England’s capitulation to New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup saw play wrapped up within four-and-a-half hours, with the Kiwis reaching their 123-run target in just 12 overs.
What teams are competing in this year's Cricket World Cup?
Afghanistan
Having made their maiden World Cup appearance in 2015, Afghanistan aren't likely to be on anybody's list of pre-match favourites.
Australia
The five-time winners suffered a blow with injury ruling out fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, but are boosted by the return of key batsman David Warner after serving a ban for ball tampering.
Bangladesh
With outside odds of 80/1 to win the trophy, Bangladesh will be hoping talismanic batsman Tamim Iqbal continues his excellent ODI record which has seen him clock up over 5,000 runs.
England
The hosts are clear favourites going in to the tournament. Captained by Eoin Morgan, since the last World Cup England have beaten every country competing in the tournament in a one-day series with the exception of Afghanistan.
India
Their recent home ODI defeat to Australia doesn’t bode well, but India will be hoping to repeat their 1983 triumph which saw them win the World Cup on English soil.
New Zealand
Having been sensational throughout the tournament, the Kiwis reached their first ever Cricket World Cup final in 2015, only to fall short at the final hurdle against Australia. A strong top order of Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham should see them in contention again this time.
Pakistan
Having played a recent test series in England, Pakistan come into the tournament well prepared. Tipped by many to at least reach the semis, the tournament’s most unpredictable side stand a good wildcard chance of glory.
South Africa
The Proteas come into the World Cup in fine form having won nine of their last 11 ODI series, however injuries in the run up to key stars like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Dale Steyn will raise concerns about their chances.
Sri Lanka
A run of just one win in the last 11 games suggest the 1996 winners will struggle in 2019. Much will depend on what form former captain and key batsman Angelo Mathews will be in if they are to get out of their current rut.
West Indies
Like Sri Lanka, the ODI form of the West Indies in recent times has fallen off a cliff. However, the emergence of Shimron Hetmyer and powerful batsman Shai Hope mean there’s some sense of optimism for a decent showing at the World Cup.
What grounds are being used for the Cricket World Cup?
The Oval, London
Established in 1845, the home of Surrey County Cricket Club played host to the first-ever Test match on English soil between England and Australia in 1880.
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Home of Nottinghamshire CCC, the 17,500-capacity ground will host five World Cup matches, including England vs Pakistan.
Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Built in 1889, and subsequently bought by WG Grace, the ground has been home to Gloucestershire CCC ever since.
Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
The 17,000-capacity ground will host ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures for the first time in 2019, with five matches taking place at the venue.
The County Ground, Taunton
Three World Cup fixtures will be held at the County Ground Taunton, home of Somerset County Cricket Club.
Old Trafford, Manchester
Lancashire County Cricket Club’s ground has the honour of hosting the most 2019 Cricket World Cup matches with six games set to be played there, including one of the semi-finals.
Edgbaston, Birmingham
Warwickshire CCC’s ground was the scene of the 1999 semi-final showdown between Australia and South Africa - arguably the greatest Cricket World Cup game of all time.
Headingley, Leeds
Adjoined by Headingley Rugby Stadium, the complex is home to Leeds Rhinos rugby league and Yorkshire Carnegie rugby union clubs as well Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The cricket ground has hosted Test matches since 1899 and has a capacity of 18,350.
Lord's, London
Widely referred to as the Home of Cricket, the iconic north London ground will host the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final.
The Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
English cricket’s most northerly ground is also one of its most picturesque. Home to Durham CCC, the stadium is overlooked by the 14th-century Lumley Castle.
Cardiff Wales Stadium
The single ground in this year’s World Cup that is based outside of England, Glamorgan County Cricket Club’s stadium will host four fixtures during the tournament.
May 30, 2019 at 02:46PM
Adam Marshall
How Google Maps’ new feature could save you from a speeding ticket
If you use Google Maps to help you navigate while driving, you may have noticed a rather useful feature has been missing all these years: speed limit warnings and radar location notifications that let you know when you're approaching a speed camera.
Now, after running tests in the US, Google's rolling out speed limit warnings to the popular navigation app in 40 countries.
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The rollout will be coming to Google Maps on both Android and iOS devices, as Google confirmed to TechCrunch. Now speed limit signs will appear in the bottom corner of the Maps display, while icons indicating the presence of speed cameras will appear on the roads themselves.
About time
The introduction of speed limit warnings to Google Maps has been a long time coming, especially when you consider that Google already brought the feature to navigation app Waze in 2016.
The new feature will likely make Maps a more realistic competitor to navigation apps and standalone GPS systems from the likes of Garmin and TomTom.
According to Engadget, speed limit warnings will be available in the following countries: "Australia, Brazil, US, Canada, UK, India, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe".
The rollout of course doesn't include countries where this kind of tech is illegal like France, Switzerland, and Germany. In France, for example, "police are allowed to check your mobile phone for illegal apps and can levy steep fines and even confiscate your vehicle if they find them".
So, best to just keep an eye on your speed the old fashioned way if you're planning a road trip through Western Europe.
May 30, 2019 at 04:16PM
Olivia Tambini
Anthem won't be at EA's E3 show, despite Cataclysm update
Sci-fi looter shooter Anthem's long-awaited Cataclysm content update will be unveiled today, with a livestream on both Twitch and Mixer – as publisher EA reveals the game will not be part of the company's E3 2019 showcase.
The news will accompany the 1.2.0 update for the game, which (as developer BioWare previously stated) focusses on "bug fixes, stability, and game flow" rather than new gameplay moments.
1.2.0 delivers "under the hood content you won't see right away, but is setting things up for a future update, the Cataclysm," according to BioWare.
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Cataclysm is (or at least, was) set to be a huge moment for Anthem, setting the stage for the game as a service's long-term ongoing content plans. The time-sensitive update would offer "massive, world-changing events" and the "most ambitious and challenging content" for high-level, endgame players to take part in. Tougher enemies, raging storms and "new mysteries" are all set to be part of the Cataclysm.
We'll be sure to update you with the precise details as soon as they're revealed in the livestream, which will play on both Twitch and Mixer at 3pm Central Time today.
A cataclysmic year
But is it too little, too late for BioWare's Anthem? Publisher EA appears to already be giving the game the cold shoulder – at least insofar as its big E3 showcase plans are concerned.
The company will be flaunting its wares in LA over a three-hour conference and livestream extravaganza, set to include titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Apex Legends, Battlefield V, FIFA 20, Madden NFL 20 and the ageing The Sims 4.
But Anthem, once poised to be the company's big ongoing live-game concern, looks conspicuously absent, with new shooter poster child Apex Legends instead taking the limelight.
It's to a degree understandable from EA – Anthem was poorly received, plagued with bugs and lacking content at launch, while failing to nail the loot-shoot-repeat loop that the game's genre requires.
Anthem may be getting some solo time dedicated to it today, but it's definitely the black sheep of the EA family at present.
- Check out our full Anthem review
May 30, 2019 at 03:53PM
Gerald Lynch
England vs South Africa live stream: how to watch today's Cricket World Cup 2019 match from anywhere
So here it is...the once-every-four-years Cricket World Cup has arrived on English shores. And the host nation gets the whole thing kicked off in the curtain raiser today against another of the pre-tournament favourites. If you want to know how to get an England vs South Africa live stream - regardless of where you are in the world - you've landed on the right web page.
On home turf, England are usually dominant and the bookies have them as overall favourites for the whole tournament. Their batting line-up is looking especially strong, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root all looking in scarily good form coming into this match.
That's particularly bad news for a South Africa bowling attack that has been impacted by injuries to seamers Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. It will be on captain Faf du Plessis to rally his troops and get the likes of Hashim Amla, David Miller and Quinton de Kock firing on all cylinders.
This is by no means an easy one to call and both teams will be desperate to make an early mark on the 2019 Cricket World Cup at The Oval. What is straightforward however, is getting an England vs South Africa live stream. Continue reading to see how to watch from just about anywhere on Earth.
Watch a Cricket World Cup 2019 live stream from outside your country
Watching in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US or India? We've got all the details you need about the broadcaster in your country further down this page.
But if you're away from your home country today, the minute you try to watch your domestic broadcast you'll discover that you can't because of geo-blocking. That's annoying, but by using a VPN you can watch it anyway without reverting to some dodgy, illegal feed you've dug out online.
How to stream England vs South Africa live in the UK
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How to watch England vs South Africa: US live stream
May 30, 2019 at 03:35PM
Adam Marshall
A Nokia smartphone for life
With 2.71bn of us around the world owning a smartphone, it seems like we’re fully embracing the mobile age. But, with such a vast and growing device ecosystem, not all of us are ready or willing to fully embrace the fast hardware upgrade cycle. Why? Because we’re either not interested in buying the latest tech yearly, or we’re looking to minimise waste and be more sustainable, or we simply want a smartphone that we can keep for a while without worrying about it becoming obsolete. So, what if we want a smartphone that not only lasts but remains reliable and up-to-date as time goes by? Is there a way you can be sure that you’re investing in the future, while reducing tech waste and making sure your device stays fresh for longer?
The smartphone ownership paradigm is shifting from the latest specs and hardware to actual device experience over time. We’re more aware than ever about this and with our unique Nokia smartphone promise, we’re making sure you don’t need to worry about what the future holds. Every Nokia smartphone is guaranteed to receive 2 years of OS upgrades, ensuring you benefit from all the latest software features meaning your phone experience will keep getting better over time.
Choosing a smartphone that can stand its ground in the face of increasing cyber security threats is important too. We already know viruses pose a real threat to smartphones and it’s natural that we want our data to be handled responsibly. Surprisingly, more than half of Android devices are running a version of Android older than two years, meaning they face potential vulnerabilities through lack of updates. With our promise to deliver the latest version of Android and 3 years of monthly security updates for each and every smartphone, we’re making sure you can enjoy your device with complete peace of mind.
Over the past two years Nokia phones have received over 300 security updates, and with almost the entire portfolio now running the latest Android 9 Pie, we have delivered updates almost twice as fast as any other manufacturer. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our phones. This goes far beyond our reputation for hard-wearing devices with incredible battery life. It’s about ensuring the experience keeps getting better, so you can avoid the-latest-smartphone-must-have-FOMO whilst enjoying all the latest software features and most secure updates on a simply great phone.
May 30, 2019 at 03:30PM
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Cricket World Cup 2019 live stream: how to watch every game online from anywhere
The sound of leather on willow. The smell of the freshly mown grass. The teas! The 2019 Cricket World Cup has arrived, and with it (hopefully) a great British summer. 10 of the world's elite cricket-playing countries are competing title of best ODI team on Earth. Expect big hitting, athletic fielding and only one victorious team left standing by the end on July 14 - you've come to the right place to find out how to live stream every last ball of the Cricket World Cup regardless of where you live.
So what should we expect from the 12th incarnation of Cricket World Cup? Well the hosts England enter the tournament as favourites (according to Betfair at least). Not only have they proved over the years that they should be feared in the unique British conditions, but Eoin Morgan's men come in on fantastic form, too. Their batsmen in particular have set new standards, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root all hitting form at the right time.
India have the world's two top ICC ODI ranked batsmen (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) and the number one bowler (Jasprit Bumrah) and will naturally be a feared force. But perhaps most attention will be on reigning champions Australia, as they welcome back suspended duo Steve Smith and David Warner.
With the likes of South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies also involved and hungry to win the competition, it should be a fantastically exciting few weeks of daily cricket action. If you want to know where you'll be able to watch every single match, we'll tell you exactly where you can catch them online with a Cricket World Cup live stream.
- Football fan too? Catch a Champions League Tottenham vs Liverpool live stream
How to watch the 2019 Cricket World Cup from outside your country
You don't have to miss a single minute of Cricket World Cup - even if you're abroad and discover that your home broadcaster's online coverage is geo-blocked (we hate it when that happens).
If that happens to you and you're desperate to watch that domestic coverage, there's still a way to get it that doesn't involve putting your security at risk with some dodgy, illegal stream from Reddit. You can simply use a VPN to login back to your country that is broadcasting the actions, and it's really easy to do:
Upcoming Cricket World Cup fixtures
Thursday 30 May
England vs South Africa - The Oval, London, 10.30am BST
Friday 31 May
Pakistan vs West Indies - Trent Bridge, Nottingham 10.30am BST
Saturday 1 June
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 10.30am BST
Australia vs Afghanistan - County Ground, Bristol, 1.30pm BST
How to stream the Cricket World Cup live in the UK
How to live stream the Cricket World Cup final in Australia (for FREE)
How to watch the Cricket World Cup 2019: New Zealand live stream
How to stream 2019 Cricket World Cup online in India
How to watch the Cricket World Cup: US live stream
What is the format of the 2019 Cricket World Cup?
The Cricket World Cup is a ten-team tournament. Each country plays each other in a round-robin format, after which the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals. The two winning semi-finalists then get to face off in the final on Sunday, July 14.
How long do Cricket World Cup matches usually last?
Most 2019 Cricket World Cup matches will start at 10.30am BST and end early evening – around 6.30pm BST. A number of day/night games will start at 1.30pm BST and finish under floodlights at around 9pm BST.
Cricket World Cup matches broadly follow the rules of One Day Internationals, with each side facing 50 overs within a 210-minute time limit. Add in drinks breaks for each side and a 30 to 40 minutes innings break and matches can run up to nine hours in length. Some matches are much shorter however - England’s capitulation to New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup saw play wrapped up within four-and-a-half hours, with the Kiwis reaching their 123-run target in just 12 overs.
What teams are competing in this year's Cricket World Cup?
Afghanistan
Having made their maiden World Cup appearance in 2015, Afghanistan aren't likely to be on anybody's list of pre-match favourites.
Australia
The five-time winners suffered a blow with injury ruling out fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, but are boosted by the return of key batsman David Warner after serving a ban for ball tampering.
Bangladesh
With outside odds of 80/1 to win the trophy, Bangladesh will be hoping talismanic batsman Tamim Iqbal continues his excellent ODI record which has seen him clock up over 5,000 runs.
England
The hosts are clear favourites going in to the tournament. Captained by Eoin Morgan, since the last World Cup England have beaten every country competing in the tournament in a one-day series with the exception of Afghanistan.
India
Their recent home ODI defeat to Australia doesn’t bode well, but India will be hoping to repeat their 1983 triumph which saw them win the World Cup on English soil.
New Zealand
Having been sensational throughout the tournament, the Kiwis reached their first ever Cricket World Cup final in 2015, only to fall short at the final hurdle against Australia. A strong top order of Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham should see them in contention again this time.
Pakistan
Having played a recent test series in England, Pakistan come into the tournament well prepared. Tipped by many to at least reach the semis, the tournament’s most unpredictable side stand a good wildcard chance of glory.
South Africa
The Proteas come into the World Cup in fine form having won nine of their last 11 ODI series, however injuries in the run up to key stars like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Dale Steyn will raise concerns about their chances.
Sri Lanka
A run of just one win in the last 11 games suggest the 1996 winners will struggle in 2019. Much will depend on what form former captain and key batsman Angelo Mathews will be in if they are to get out of their current rut.
West Indies
Like Sri Lanka, the ODI form of the West Indies in recent times has fallen off a cliff. However, the emergence of Shimron Hetmyer and powerful batsman Shai Hope mean there’s some sense of optimism for a decent showing at the World Cup.
What grounds are being used for the Cricket World Cup?
The Oval, London
Established in 1845, the home of Surrey County Cricket Club played host to the first-ever Test match on English soil between England and Australia in 1880.
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Home of Nottinghamshire CCC, the 17,500-capacity ground will host five World Cup matches, including England vs Pakistan.
Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Built in 1889, and subsequently bought by WG Grace, the ground has been home to Gloucestershire CCC ever since.
Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
The 17,000-capacity ground will host ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures for the first time in 2019, with five matches taking place at the venue.
The County Ground, Taunton
Three World Cup fixtures will be held at the County Ground Taunton, home of Somerset County Cricket Club.
Old Trafford, Manchester
Lancashire County Cricket Club’s ground has the honour of hosting the most 2019 Cricket World Cup matches with six games set to be played there, including one of the semi-finals.
Edgbaston, Birmingham
Warwickshire CCC’s ground was the scene of the 1999 semi-final showdown between Australia and South Africa - arguably the greatest Cricket World Cup game of all time.
Headingley, Leeds
Adjoined by Headingley Rugby Stadium, the complex is home to Leeds Rhinos rugby league and Yorkshire Carnegie rugby union clubs as well Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The cricket ground has hosted Test matches since 1899 and has a capacity of 18,350.
Lord's, London
Widely referred to as the Home of Cricket, the iconic north London ground will host the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final.
The Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
English cricket’s most northerly ground is also one of its most picturesque. Home to Durham CCC, the stadium is overlooked by the 14th-century Lumley Castle.
Cardiff Wales Stadium
The single ground in this year’s World Cup that is based outside of England, Glamorgan County Cricket Club’s stadium will host four fixtures during the tournament.
May 30, 2019 at 02:46PM
Adam Marshall