Updated: Why Apple buying Tidal makes sense

Updated: Why Apple buying Tidal makes sense

Apple is reportedly in talks to buy Tidal, the music streaming service run by iconic rapper, Jay Z.

Unnamed sources familiar with the matter tell the Wall Street Journal the talks are ongoing and may not result in a deal. A Tidal spokesperson denies the company is in talks with Apple.

But if discussions are happening, why would Apple want to buy Tidal when it has its own Apple Music subscription service already? By all accounts, Apple Music isn't doing too badly for itself.

One obvious reason is for Tidal's technology. It's currently the only music subscription service that offers CD-quality "Hi-Fi" streaming for $19.99/£19.99/AU$23.99 a month.

Of Tidal's paltry 3 million subscribers, almost half of them pay for the Hi-Fi subscription, pointing to a passionate user base willing to chip in for higher quality sound. Apple could tap into Tidal's audio tech to offer a higher tier for its own streaming service, charging more than its standard $9.99/£9.99/AU$11.99 monthly subscription for those willing to pay it.

Star power

Tech and higher subscription prices aren't all Apple has to gain. It also likely has its eye on Tidal for its exclusives and influence in the always-tricky music industry.

Jay Z successfully brought on big names like Rihanna and Kanye West to the service, scoring exclusive streaming rights to boot. Tidal even houses exclusive video content, like Daft Punk's Electroma film and The White Stripes' first TV appearance. Not surprisingly, Beyonce's Lemonade was a Tidal exclusive, too.

For Apple, having big stars onboard means more influence over the music biz when it comes to rights. It's already nailed down its own exclusives like Drake's Views album, but Tidal would bring even more offerings to Apple's service.

Being able to tap artists like the aforementioned singers and rappers would be a huge boon for Apple as it looks to further its business as a lifestyle brand, not just a tech company.

For its part, while it's carved out a niche in the crowded streaming market, Tidal has struggled to gain traction. Though it's managed to bring on 3 million subscribers, executive shakeups and an industry dominated by the likes of Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and countless others have likely left it with few options but to look for an acquisition.

Today's rumor comes just a year after Apple launched its music streaming service, which currently has around 15 million subscribers, roughly half of Spotify's numbers. Adding Tidal's subscribers wouldn't boost Apple Music users significantly, though exclusives would draw in more as time goes on.

At any rate, a potential Tidal buy certainly doesn't help Apple's case that it's not trying to snuff out competition. Oops.

Michelle Fitzsimmons contributed to this report



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Analysis: 5 things about Android Nougat to chew on

Analysis: 5 things about Android Nougat to chew on

Here it is. The long-anticipated name of the newest version of Android was finally revealed today as Android Nougat.

My first thought was - relief! We finally have a name and can stop calling it the tauntingly incomplete Android N. "N" was a reminder that this Android was still somewhat of a mystery, a codename just waiting for a candy-coated moniker. Its name was in beta, just like the new operating system itself.

My second to sixth thoughts were more varied. I've jotted them down below.

1. I hate nougat

It's chewy, it can be hard and it's usually tooth-achingly sweet.

Yes, some nougat is creamy and delicious, like what you'd find in a Snickers bar, but Google has chosen to attach Android N to my least favorite nougat (see above photo). The kind that sticks to your chicklets and feels like it's literally giving you cavities as you (try to) eat it.

I know this is not an insightful observation, but the fact that I already hate nougat gives me weird feelings about a mobile operating system named after it. It doesn't exactly bode well for our future together.

2. Is Android Nougat really what the people wanted?

Google asked the general populace to help it name this version of Android, but is Nougat really what we voted for?

I had my doubts, though, according to Google, Android Nougat was one of the most popular non-branded suggested names among millions of submissions (emphasis Google's). A company spokesperson noted that from the get-go the Android team said it would make the final naming decision.

Personally, I would have preferred Android Nacho, though that's problematic on several levels, not least because nachos are not a sweet confection.

Android Nutella is a strong second for me, though without a brand tie-in, like Android KitKat had, I'm also not surprised it didn't make the cut, either.

After that, Android Nectarine had my next vote, though Google is probably saving citrus for later.

I suppose, then, Nougat, is a natural choice, though it doesn't feel particularly inspired. It's almost so predictable, it's boring. And chewy - don't not forget that.

3. Now that we have a name, are new Nexus phones next?

Android N is already in beta, and now that it has a name, even more questions are starting to surface.

The big date on the horizon is "late summer" as that's when Android Nougat is releasing to the wild, Google says, but that doesn't mean consumers will actually see Android 7 at that time.

New versions of Android are notoriously slow to reach users because carriers hold the keys to the OS floodgates. But, we're talking about a whole new version of Android here - might Google release a new Nexus to mark its arrival?

While a new, reasonably priced device might make sense before school gets into session, the timing would be odd for Google to announce a Nexus, according to our Senior Mobile Editor Matt Swider.

He speculates that Google will in fact wait until Android Nougat 7.1 to release a new Nexus, along with Daydream VR support.

I'm inclined to agree, first because of the timing - a new Nexus release makes more sense around the holidays - and second because it seems like Google would want to put out a Daydream-ready device to get the ball rolling on its VR venture as well as pump up the new OS.

Introducing a VR-compatible Nexus phone that's running the latest version of Android makes the most sense to me, and doesn't seem likely to happen until later this year.

4. What happens when we get to Android Z?

We still have 12 letters to go, but the chatter among TechRadar staff is, what happens when we get to Android Z? Zeitgeist? Zebra? Zero Bars are a thing, according to the internet.

Now that I type this out - what about Android X? I feel a crisis coming on.

All this is to say, how sustainable is Google's Android naming scheme now that we're getting into the more difficult, less popular letters of the alphabet?

It's a similar question asked of the iPhone: iPhone 7, 8 and 9 aren't too crazy, but are we really going to have an iPhone 10? It's highly doubtful.

Google still has plenty of time before it runs into Android U, but it may want to start thinking of an exit strategy now.

5. Android O, oh, oh

There are still a lot of questions surrounding Android Nougat, and while it won't reach market saturation for quite some time, it's not too early to start thinking about Android O.

Chances are we'll hear plenty about O at Google IO 2017, which will be here in less than year.

What features will Google introduce in the next version of Android? One prediction is improved chat integration, including incorporating its new Allo app into the mix without overwhelming consumers with conversational client choice.

But, as you may have guessed, I'm also heavily invested in its name. What delicious treat will Android O be named after? Oreo? Orbit? Oh Henry!? Orville Redenbacher?

Or, might Google take a healthy turn - Android Orange, anyone?



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THW Global Review : Earn For Watching Videos ($25 Per Hour / $250 Per 10 Hours Per Week)


This is not a Rev Share Or a HYIP. This is totally Different Concept of earning money online.

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This Program will pay you up to $25 per hour with a maximum of 10 hours weekly ($250 weekly) just for watching “Better Than You Tube Type Videos”.

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If you want to Earn $25 per Hour or $250 per Week just for Watching Videos, just register here. (Free Registration/ NO Start Up Capital/ NO Deposit)

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New Nexus 2016 specs rumors follow Android Nougat announcement

New Nexus 2016 specs rumors follow Android Nougat announcement

Google's meticulously planned transition from the Android N to the Android Nougat naming scheme isn't going unaccompanied by unplanned new Nexus 2016 news.

The internal specs for these next two Android phones has been leaked, and they're both shaping up to be promising sequels to the current Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, according to Android Police.

As we have reported on in the past, HTC is making both handsets this year, but we finally have a clearer idea of the power being put into the larger Android Nougat smartphone, codenamed HTC "Marlin."

The phone's 5.5-inch screen will be a pixel-dense Quad HD AMOLED display and, at its core, it'll have a quad-core Qualcomm processor, 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 128GB of internal storage.

What's really new here

With an identical 12MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, 3,450mAh battery capacity, USB Type-C port and rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, it sounds like a simple CPU and RAM specs upgrade from the Nexus 6P.

Nexus 2016 news

But what's exciting is the unknown Qualcomm chip: It could be a Snapdragon 820, or the 821 or 832, both of which have yet to debut in a smartphone. It'll rival the blazingly fast Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge (which have Samsung's Exynos processors outside of the US and China).

The unusually narrow 32GB and 128GB storage options hopefully mean the higher capacity is at a fair price. Image if Google subtly mocks Apple's "gracious" move of getting rid of 32GB.

Only, Google would be axing 64GB. Meanwhile, Apple is very likely to finally kill off 16GB in the year 2016, but reintroduce 32GB with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. It'd be a stark contrast.

Don't expect a underpowered Nexus 5X

The Nexus 5X was a solid phone for its price and it very briefly appeared on our coveted best phones list, but its specs and performance couldn't hold a candle to the Nexus 6P and the other best Android phones.

That won't happen again, judging from the rumored specs of the smaller, HTC-built "Sailfish." It's similar 5-inch display sound just as hand-friendly as before, though it may end up using a 1080p AMOLED panel.

Nexus 2016 news

It's said to have a quad-core 2.0GHz 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM and at least start with of 32GB storage. A 2,770mAh battery is onboard, which may be okay for the smaller screen.

Everything else is said to be the same as the 5.5-inch Nexus 2016: a 12MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, rear fingerprint sensor and a USB-C port.

The 1080p display isn't that big of a deal; it's the full processor specs that I want to find out about in order to really judge the upcoming smaller Nexus. That's where the Nexus 5X failed in longevity as my daily driver, even if it's still an awesome phone for the unlocked price.

With Android Nougat due out in late summer, we expect these Nexus 2016 phone rumors to become an almost daily occurrence, so stay tuned for more updates about the new hardware.



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In Depth: What the Time Warner-Charter merger means for you

In Depth: What the Time Warner-Charter merger means for you

Mega-cable in America

Well folks, it's happened. Charter owns Time Warner Cable, as well as Bright House, thanks to a merger worth a whopping $79 billion. Yes, that's billion with a "b".

What does that mean? For starters, it means that Charter is now one of the largest TV and internet service providers in the US, going up against the likes of AT&T, Verizon and Comcast.

This merger marks the rise of the mega cable company in the US – headed by Charter and Comcast. I know what you're thinking: "That's just business – I want to know what the merger means for me!"

I thought you'd never ask. So, here's why you should care that two mega cable companies now all but rule the market, and how this one in particular affects you.

Does this merger mean I'll get more/better service?

In all likelihood, no. Charter, Time Warner, and Bright House have almost no overlap in terms of their coverage, so prices aren't going to go down because of this merger. If anything, the merger will help Charter raise prices, although the company assures customers that no such thing will happen. This coming from a company that sponsored so-called official surveys touting how helpful the merger would be for customers.

In reassuring customers of the merger, Charter said that the merger would allow it to focus on offering on developing faster Internet speeds and offering better products. While that may be partly true, you should really expect more of the same from the companies, at least when it comes to Internet. When it comes to things like video streaming, you should expect a few new things from the company, given that the likes of Comcast are pouring money into video streaming.

All this said, at the very least the New York Attorney General is demanding for Charter to come in and clean up Time Warner's act.

Mega-cable

Is this just going to create another Comcast?

You may or may not remember, but a few years back a merger of Comcast and Time Warner was proposed, long before the merger of Charter and Time Warner was thought of. That merger failed mostly because it would lead to a monopoly in most major US markets. Ironically enough, the merger of Charter, Time Warner and Bright House has resulted in another mega-company that really only Comcast can go up against.

Consumer advocates aren't too happy about this – it means even less competition in the broadband market, and that gives Charter leverage to charge premium rates for content providers that want to reach their audiences through the Charter network.

In other words, cable companies sometimes try to put the squeeze on online video providers with clauses in cable TV agreements with programmers. Charter has been accused of these deals in the past, as has Time Warner – perhaps even more so.

"TWC has been the most aggressive MVPD (multichannel video programming distributor) in the industry in securing Alternative Distribution Means (ADM) clauses in its contracts with programmers that either prevent the programmer from distributing its content to OVDs (online video distributors) or place certain restrictions on such online distribution," said the Department of Justice in a statement.

Good news is that, under the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rules, that kind of business will be illegal for the newly formed company for the next seven years. Still, looking at the big picture, the future is bleak for internet in America.

After the seven years are up, Charter could have the power to charge those network access fees again, something that could eventually lead to hiked subscription rates for internet services, like Netflix, which has had to pay similar fees to the likes of Verizon, Comcast and more.

Don't get too excited about better customer service, either

Time Warner has been notoriously lacking when it comes to customer service, especially in big markets, like Los Angeles and New York City. Between billing issues, massive lines at Time Warner offices and technological problems, Time Warner isn't America's favorite company.

Unfortunately, you shouldn't expect this to change too much in the near future – Time Warner may be horribly rated when it comes to customer service, but it turns out Charter is actually worse.

Mega-cable

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Time Warner scored a measly 58 out of 100 in customer satisfaction for 2016, while Charter took things a notch down to 57. Comcast was the worst of the bunch, sitting at 56. So, while things should stay better than Comcast, that hardly says much.

Having said that, Bright House has been quite highly rated in terms of customer service. So, on the off chance that Charter takes a page out of the Bright House customer service book, there may be hope that horrible reputation of Charter and Time warner improves. Unfortunately, it's more likely that the cable guy will continue to show up late and that your internet service will continue to be less than advertised.

Why are mega cable companies such a big deal?

First off, mega cable companies in and of themselves aren't, really. The issue is this: these mega companies largely exist in their own market. That is, Comcast doesn't serve customers where Charter does, and vice versa.

There's an oligopoly now at play. Sure, that might not be such a problem if they existed in the same markets, as it could drive competition in both price and customer service, but they simply don't.

Even companies like Verizon and AT&T largely exist in their own markets. There is some overlap, to be sure, but take a look at a Verizon FiOS coverage map and you'll see that the mega companies have nothing to worry about.

In the end, it's hard to predict exactly what will happen. Eventually, it would be nice to see Comcast and Charter competing in the same markets, creating a kind of mega-cable war, if you will. But, the likelihood of that happening, at least in the near future, is slim.

Mega-Cable

You might want to sit down for this one

The reality is this: media and broadband companies – which are more and more becoming one in the same – are going to continue to consolidate in the future. They want a monopoly.

Part of why the FCC exists is to manage this consolidation and ensure that monopolies don't happen, something that it doesn't seem to be doing too well at. Thanks, lobbyists.

Having said that, it's nice to see that the commission has imposed restrictions on the merger. If imposed correctly, these restrictions should help ensure that some of the problems associated with a massive merger like this don't exist.



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Buying Guide: 10 best gaming laptops 2016: top gaming notebooks reviewed

Buying Guide: 10 best gaming laptops 2016: top gaming notebooks reviewed

Gaming laptops we recommend

Don't even bother telling your friends you want to buy a gaming laptop. "Just build a PC," they'll condescendingly suggest. But you know better. You have the money to spare and putting time and effort into building your own desktop sounds like a chore. You want to get to the fun part: playing games. A warranty that covers the entire product is just an added bonus.

Being able to take your rig on the go, complete with a built-in monitor and keyboard, however, isn't cheap. A decent gaming laptop starts at about $1,400 (about £900). That's on the low end. If you want to play games at 1080p 60fps on the highest settings, you're looking at a computer that's well over $3,000 (around £1,900, AU$4,000). Fortunately, this could soon change thanks to AMD's low-cost Polaris GPUs and Nvidia's insanely powerful-for-the-price Pascal cards.

Factor in the cost of your monitor, keyboard, mouse and potential hazards, and a gaming laptop might be more suited to your needs. We know you eat, sleep and breathe gaming, but fiddling with cables and being tied down to a desk that sports an encumbering brute of a machine intimidates you. Gaming laptops are sleeker and more powerful than ever. And some of them even have the battery lives to support the massive workload. Here you'll find which gaming laptop is best for you, from the eye-tracking GT72S G Tobii to the immortal Alienware 17.

Best Gaming Laptops

1. Origin EON15-X

A desktop-grade CPU in an unbeatable gaming laptop

CPU: 4GHz Intel Core i7-6700K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (8GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 530| RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 LED Backlit Matte Display | Storage: 256GB SSD; 1TB SSHD

Great value
Desktop-grade performance
Razor thin viewing angles

The Origin EON15-X is a real head turner. It packs a desktop Skylake processor into a fairly compact 15.6-inch laptop that, while smaller, offers even more performance compared to other, bigger hardcore gaming rigs. This extra CPU power is handy for users who need to edit video and other processor intensive tasks that a mobile chip can't handle. You'll also get an extra kick of performance in no matter what game you're running. This machine is definitely worth consideration over all others.

Read the full review: Origin EON15-X

Best Gaming Laptops

2. Gigabyte P35X v5

Underneath the plain exterior lies a 4K gaming beast

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M 8GB GDDR5, Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM | Screen: 15.6-inch, UHD 3,840 x 2,160, IPS LCD | Storage: 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD

Splendid performance at 4K
Surprisingly decent battery life
Poor ergonomics
Pointless optical drive

The Gigabyte P35X v5 is a mighty powerful, 4K gaming laptop equipped. While most machines have failed to play games at Ultra HD resolutions, this 15-inch rig has come closest to making it a reality with speed Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GTX 980M stacked with the maximum amount of video memory on a mobile GPU. All of this overwhelming power will see that you're able to play 4K games at a decent 30 to 60 fps clip. All the while, the P35X v5 offers decent battery life to boot.

Read the full review: Gigabyte P35X v5

best gaming laptops

3. Lenovo Ideapad Y700 15-inch

An attractive and long lasting 15-inch gaming laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M (4GB DDR5 VRAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2,133MHz) | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD LED AntiGlare Backlit Multitouch (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 128GB SSD, 1TB HDD (5,400 RPM)

Stylish look
Ample battery life
Gets hot
Terrible trackpad buttons

Entry-level gaming are a great introduction into the glorious world of PC gaming, and from performance to looks, it's hard to beat the Lenovo Ideapad Y700. It's an inexpensive machine that stands out amongst other budget gaming machines with its all metal chassis and included SSD. It also comes packed with enough power to run modern games at decent settings.

Read the full review: Lenovo Ideapad Y700 15-inch

Best gaming laptops

4. Gigabyte P55W v5

High-end graphics on a low-key laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia Geforce GTX 970M | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-inch full HD 1,920 x 1,080 IPS anti-glare LCD | Storage: 128GB SSD; 1TB SSD

Decent power
Good battery life
Slightly chunky
Pedestrian design

For the most part, the Gigabyte P55W v5 gives you the meat of the company's P57W v5, but in a smaller form factor. Everything about this laptop is subtle. Even the tiger stripes color scheme, which you would imagine to be quite flashy, is discreet and subdued, perhaps even passing as a workstation if you're so inclined. Starting at only $1,224 (around AUS$1,694) or £1,178 in the UK, the P55W is a capable, yet surprisingly portable machine with an appearance that might fool you into thinking otherwise. Its use of a GTX 970M gives it an edge over laptops with more unruly, boisterous exteriors and with only a 15-inch chassis to boot.

Read the full review: Gigabyte P55W v5

best gaming laptop

5. MSI GS60 Ghost Pro

The best thin-and-light gaming laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 6700HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M, Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 eDP Wide View Angle | Storage: 128GB SSD; 1TB HDD

Performance pusher
Stupendous keyboard
Fleeting battery life
A bit expensive

High on mature styling and light on weight, the MSI GS60 Ghost Pro is one of the thinnest gaming laptops you can buy. Don't think this svelte machine has sacrificed performance for the sake of cutting weight. It still comes packed with a high-end Intel Skylake processor and graphics card to make it a one of the strongest platforms we've ever tested. Just make sure to stick with a 1080p resolution and medium to high visual settings.

Read the full review: MSI GS60 Ghost Pro

Best Gaming Laptops

6. Asus ROG G752

This mobile PC gaming powerhouse throws a hefty punch

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M (3GB GDDR5); Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 17.3-inch, full HD 1,920 x 1,080, IPS LCD | Storage: 128GB SSD; 1TB HDD (7,200rpm)

Distinguished design
Top-end specs and performance
No 4K screen
Poor battery life

The Asus ROG G752 has an aggressive design that sets it apart from many of the world's sedate gaming laptops. Instead of donning the typical appearance of black plastic, the ROG G752 sports a shell with brushed aluminium panels, angular lines and the glowing red segments. On top of its in-your-face styling this 17-inch gaming laptop delivers a hefty performance and it can play modern games at a smooth clip even if you put the graphical setting to max. The only thing the Asus ROG G752 is missing is the option of a high-res 4K display.

Read the full review: Asus ROG G752

best gaming laptop

7. MSI GT72S G Tobii

More than meets the eye

CPU: 2.7GHz Intel Core i7-6820HK | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M (8GB GDDR5 RAM); Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 32GB | Screen: 17.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) anti-glare IPS | Storage: 256GB SSD (PCIe Gen3x4); 1TB SATA HDD (7,200RPM)

Accurate eye-tracking
Solid gaming performance
Seeing three constant dots
Limited game compatibility

Despite lacking the visual-slash-desktop performance appeal of the GT72S Dominator Pro, the MSI GT72S G Tobii boasts a unique set of features you can't find anywhere else. Making use of Tobii eye-tracking technology, this version of the GT72S allows players to use their eyes as an additional control input, at least for a specific set of games. If you don't need the extra power (or at least don't want to shell out upwards of $3,000), the GT72S Tobii is an affordable solution with some tricks up its sleeve.

Read the full review: MSI GT72S G Tobii

Best gaming laptops

8. Origin EON17-SLX

The ultimate gaming laptop built with desktop-grade power

CPU: 4GHz Intel Core i7-6700K | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 (8GB GDDR5 VRAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2,133MHz) | Screen: 17.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS Matte Display with G-SYNC | Storage: 256GB SSD, 1TB Hybrid Drive (7,200 rpm)

Nearly unrivaled performance
Sharp, aggressive styling
Awful battery life
Astonishingly heavy

The Origin EON17-SLX takes gaming laptops to their ultimate conclusion of being portable desktops. This 17-inch notebook comes packed with a desktop-grade Intel processor and Nvidia GPU chip, making it one of history's most powerful mobile machines. Of course, it comes with the sacrifice of portability in both weight and battery life. If these are worthy trade-offs for greater performance, you won't find a better machine whether you're a hardcore gamer to in the media creation business.

Read the full review: Origin EON17-SLX

best gaming laptops

9. MSI GT80 Titan

An outrageously sized and powerful gaming laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-4720HQ | Graphics: 2 x Nvidia GTX 980M SLI (16 GB GDDR5); Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 18.4-inch WLED FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Display | Storage: 256GB SSD; 1TB HDD (7,200 RPM)

Authentic mechanical keyboard
Easily upgraded
H-E-A-V-Y
Impossible to use on your lap

The MSI GT80 Titan goes above and beyond to give gamers a desktop experience in a notebook with a complement of high-performance parts to a built-in mechanical keyboard. However, weighing in at nearly 10 pounds and measuring roughly two-inches thick, this laptop is seriously pushing the limits of what you can call portable. For all the strain it'll put on your back and wallet, though, this 18.4-inch gaming laptop absolutely plow through almost any graphically intense game you try to run. This gaming behemoth proved to be a monster with the best in class mobile GPUs so we can't even fathom what it could do with a Nvidia GTX 980.

Read the full review: MSI GT80 Titan

best gaming laptop

10. Alienware 17 (2015)

The Alienware 17 is an impressive refinement for this series of gaming laptops

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-4710HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (4GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 17.3 inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS anti-glare display | Storage: 256 GB M.2 SATA SSD + 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm)

Flexible desktop mode
Excellent large screen
Still quite expensive
Slightly bottlenecked Amplifier performance

The Alienware 17 is one of those few outrageously priced gaming laptops that's actually worth it. The notebook is a fully capable gaming machine on its own, but with the added power of desktop graphics through the GPU Amplifier it can play almost any game on Ultra settings.If you're looking for something smaller, the Alienware 13 also works with the optional GPU box.

Read the full review: Alienware 17 (2015)



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Upcoming Tesla update makes Autopilot smarter

Upcoming Tesla update makes Autopilot smarter

Tesla is reportedly working on a huge update for its cars that will improve its self-driving Autopilot system as well as revamping its in-dash interface.

Update 8.0 will bring the ability to take off ramps autonomously, according to website Electrek. Tesla drivers will be able to tell their cars to get off the highway simply by signaling. Tesla Autopilot already allows drivers to change lanes by signaling. Once you've taken the off ramp, you'll have to retake control of the vehicle as Autopilot cannot drive the car on surface streets.

Interface overhaul

Other upcoming improvements to Autopilot include a more responsive Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer feature for smoother driving in traffic. The dashboard interface will also be updated to show the position of surrounding cars from any angle. Currently, the dashboard only displays the rear of surrounding vehicles.

Tesla Model S interior

The upcoming update will also bring changes to the maps and navigation interfaces with an improved "turn list" and improved routing to find you a charger when the battery is low.

The Tesla 8.0 update is currently being tested and this may mean some features will be changed or omitted in the final release. There's no word when Tesla owners should expect to receive the update but Electrek speculates it could be coming in a few weeks or months.



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Buying Guide: The 10 best PCs of 2016: which computer should you buy?

Buying Guide: The 10 best PCs of 2016: which computer should you buy?

Introduction

Although it's not nearly the behemoth it once was, the desktop PC still has its place in an ever-expanding landscape of devices. Unlike laptops, tablets or even smartphones, they aren't limited by portability and battery life requirements. Whether you want to expand on storage, memory, graphics or sheer processing power, a desktop PC gives you the most flexibility to upgrade on hardware.

It's also a surprisingly diverse category. These machines come in all shapes and sizes and can be used in many different ways. The beautiful, compact simplicity of the all-in-one computer is undeniably attractive. Components, such as the speakers and display are built directly into a single unit, with few cables left trailing around your desk. Therefore, it's the perfect for those of us who like to keep our workspaces neat and tidy.

Small form-factor PCs and inexpensive micro media machines are a popular choice as well. There are small desktop PCs that are intended to be used in the living room, designed to look attractive and provide a quick way to access all sorts of digital media. You can hook one up to a surround sound system and your main TV to enjoy Netflix or your own DRM-free media files with software such as Plex.

And, of course, the traditional desktop tower keeps trucking on. Whether you leave it on your desk or underneath it, this hulking form factor gives you the freedom to choose whatever components and specification your budget allows for, from an inexpensive family computer that can be used for word processing, spreadsheets and other office tasks, to a powerful video editing workstation complete with a top-end processor and graphics card.

Prices vary depending on the configuration, from less than £200 (around $303 or AUS$432) for an entry-level family desktop computer, to four figures for a desktop with a powerful video card suitable for demanding gaming.

And, with the exception of our Apple examples that naturally ship with OS X 10.11 El Capitan (soon to be replaced by macOS Sierra) and the Chromebase which beautifully packages Chrome OS, you can expect any of the PCs on this list to come with Windows 10 as standard. Here we've listed 10 of the best, ordered by price and spec starting first with only the most expensive and powerful machines money can buy.

Apple iMac

1. Apple iMac with 5K Retina display

A stylish all-in-one with a stunning screen

CPU: Intel Core i5-4260U | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 5100 | RAM: 4GB 16GB | Storage: 500GB HDD | Communication: Wireless: 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dimensions (W x D x H): 196 x 196 x 36mm

Bright IPS screen
Few wires or cables
Tough to upgrade

As we already mentioned, the unique selling point of all-in-ones is their simplicity, and that's partly what makes the iMac so appealing. A built-in screen and speakers, 802.11ac wireless networking and a wireless keyboard and mouse means you only need a power cable to get up and running.

There's quite a range of iMacs, starting at £899 (around $1,365 or AUS$1,943) for an entry-level 21.9-inch model with a dual-core processor that's okay for basic tasks, up to 27-inch iMacs with quad-core processors, and even a 5K display.

Even on the low-end model, the IPS display is bright and vivid, with a clever design where the edges of the aluminium chassis are thinner than many standalone monitors. And as standard, the iMac runs OS X, although it's very easy to install Windows alongside if you want to continue using your existing Windows software.

Read the full review: Apple iMac with 5K Retina display

Apple 4K iMac

2. Apple iMac with 4K Retina display (21.5-inch, Late 2015)

CPU: Intel Quad-Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz) | Graphics: Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 | RAM: 8GB 1867MHz LPDDR3 | Storage: 1TB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400RPM | Communication: Wireless: 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dimensions (W x D x H): 45cm x 52.8cm x 17.5cm

Display
Accessories
SSD not standard
Pricey

Featuring a vibrant Retina 4K display that's packed with color, Apple's new 21.5-inch iMac is a small bundle of aluminum joy. Its display's massive, 4,096 x 2,304 pixel-resolution is great for surfing the web in comfort with multiple windows side-by-side in El Capitan's Split View, image and video editing, watching 4K video content and just about everything else.

As expected from an Apple computer, it's a typically well-built machine that, in true iMac tradition, barely takes up more space on your desk than a large laptop. Apple is bundling the 4K iMac with a superb set of accessories, including the latest versions of its Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2 and its all-new Magic Keyboard.

Just make sure you upgrade the standard spinning hard drive to a 1TB Fusion Drive (or even better, the 256GB SSD) if you want to shell out a bit more cash to eliminate lengthy loading times.

Read the full review: Apple iMac with 4K Retina display (21.5-inch, Late 2015)

Dell Inspiron 3000

3. Dell Inspiron 3000

A slim mini-tower which is a decent performer

CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5000 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 1TB hard disk | Communication: Dell Wireless-N 1705, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dimensions (W x D x H): 178 x 388 x 431mm

Slim tower design
Core i5 is surprisingly powerful
No SSD option
Core i3 only dual-core

Dell's Inspiron desktop computers aren't quite as small as a PC like the Acer Revo One, but they still come in a mini-tower, and therefore won't take up too much space either on a desk or underneath it. With a black design and a silver trim, Dell has gone to some length to make this standard PC chassis look quite sleek and a bit more exciting than a mere black box.

As standard, it has a dual-core Intel Core i3 processor rather than a Celeron, and 8GB of memory – so it's a lot more powerful than the Revo One.

For an extra bit of cash, you can upgrade the processor to a quad-core Intel Core i5-4460 and the graphics card to a discrete Nvidia GeForce GT705, for a decent all-round performance boost. Dell also sells complete packages with a bundled 23-inch S2340L display.

Apple Mac Mini

4. Apple Mac mini

The cheapest way you can go Mac

CPU: Intel Core i5-4260U | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 5100 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 500GB hard disk | Communication: Wireless: 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dimensions (W x D x H): 196 x 196 x 36mm

The most affordable Mac
Internal power supply
Few expansion options
Upgrades get expensive

The Mac mini exhibits the luxury of an Apple desktop without the price tag to match. Starting at a mere $499 (£399, AU$779), the Mac mini is barebones yet affordable. Though it ships without the otherwise expected Magic Mouse and Keyboard peripherals, getting to choose your own accessories is liberating (plus you can buy used and save a trunkload of cash if you're so inclined).

And, while it hasn't been updated in quite some time on the hardware front, the Mac Mini's Haswell-based i5 processor still chugs along nicely. Plus, with Iris Graphics onboard, you'll get a bit more juice than expected. Combined with 500GB of storage space and 4GB of RAM, the Mac mini is arguably the best starting point for OS X newcomers even if a contemporary makeover is long past due.

With an aluminum shell and simplistic industrial design, the Mac mini represents Apple at its very core. Where it mainly lacks, however, is in performance. Luckily the option for a Fusion Drive, which marries the power of both HDD and SSD technology, somewhat makes up for this inadequacy. A configuration sporting 8GB of RAM is an option too, but if you don't want to shell out the extra cash, the base model will do just fine.

Read the full review: Apple Mac mini

Asus K31ADE

5. Asus K31ADE

A compact desktop machine for everyday computing

CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5000 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 1TB hard disk | Communication: 802.11ac | Dimensions (W x D x H): 180 x 350 x 390mm

See more Asus K31ADE deals

CPU boosts to 3.7GHz
Blu-ray drives available
No SSD option
Only 4GB of memory

Asus is a unique PC maker in that it offers a wide range of computers for a variety of different types of users. The K31 desktop towers in particular the company describes as "all you need for daily computing."

So, you shouldn't expect them to run Crysis with the Intel Core i3 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. However, you can get a Core i5 or Core i7 processor instead for an added cost. Other configurations include discrete graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD, along with USB-C for increased data transfer rates.

Acer Revo One

6. Acer Revo One RL85

A compact media PC with plenty of storage

CPU: Intel Celeron 2957 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 2TB hard disk | Communication: 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dimensions (W x D x H): 107 x 107 x 220mm

Small, sleek, smart design
Plenty of storage
Fairly weedy performance
Lacks 802.11ac Wi-Fi

If you're looking to share your PC with an entire household rather than locking it behind a desk in your home office, Acer's Revo One accomplishes just that. Though it doesn't have the most powerful processor on the market, don't underestimate its versatility.

The Revo One packs in not only two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and DisplayPort, but it also comes with a 2TB hard drive in case you're worried about running out of space for your massive movie collection. Plus, thankfully, it has a built-in wireless card meaning there's no need to reconfigure your entire house's network wiring just to keep it underneath the TV.

Read the full review: Acer Revo One RL85

HP Pavilion Mini

7. HP Pavilion Mini

The Windows-toting answer to a Mac Mini

CPU: 1.9GHz Intel Core i3-40255U | RAM: 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM | Storage: 1TB 5,400rpm HDD | Communication: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dimensions (W x D x H): 144mm x 144mm x 52mm

Nice design
Small footprint
Limited upgrades
Excess bloatware

If you'd rather prevent a computer from occupying your entire desk space, the Mac Mini is worth your consideration. However, if Apple's OS just doesn't do it for you, HP offers a stunning Windows alternative. The Pavilion Mini as it's called won't blow your mind in terms of specs, but it will get the job done if you're not planning on doing any intensive gaming or video editing.

Plus, it's still faster than a lot of mini computers on the market, and with plenty of storage space to boot. And, if you don't need a mouse and keyboard, most retailers are selling it for downwards of $300. Not a bad deal if you just need a compact computer to get you through the day to day.

Read the full review: HP Pavilion Mini

HP 260 G1

8. HP 260 G1

The tiny computer that can

CPU: Intel Celeron 2957U | RAM: 2GB to 16GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM | Storage: 32GB M.2 SSD | Communication: HP 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi | Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.5 x 17.7 x 3.4 cm

Two memory slots
DisplayPort and VGA
No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Storage capacity

For the money, the HP 260 G1 is a surprisingly speedy performer. Sure, the Celeron chip isn't exactly hardy, but it boasts specs more comparable to an Intel Core i3-4020Y than what you'd normally expect from the Celeron moniker. And, of course, as a mini computer focused on business, the HP 260 G1 entitles you to special treatment when it comes to customer support. Run into a hardware problem? You can expect attentive care within the next business day. Need phone support? It's available 24 hours a day.

Sure, the HP 260 G1 is a year old now, but it still runs like a charm, especially if you're on a budget. However, if the included 2GB of RAM isn't enough, HP was generous enough to allow for memory expansion up to 16GB using a pair of 8GB twin modules. Keep in mind, though, that this is still a budget PC, so don't be surprised when you find out that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities aren't built into the device.

Read the full review: HP 260 G1

Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190

9. Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190

A micro PC which you can mount on the back of your display

CPU: Intel Celeron 1017U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 500GB hard disk | Communication: 802.11n Wi-Fi | Dimensions (W x D x H): 22 x 192 x 155mm

Versatile design
Enough memory
Sluggish CPU
Poor graphics

Let's face it: most of us don't need a tricked out desktop rig with the fastest processor and the flashiest case. If you're looking for a computer that can pull off the basic necessities like web browsing, email, social media, watching videos and word processing, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 kicks tail.

As one of the lowest-cost offerings on this list, Lenovo's offering doesn't impress specs-wise, only bolstering a mere 1.6GHz dual-core Celeron 1017U processor and 4GB of RAM but it shouldn't matter for the price. Bang for buck is Lenovo's game with the IdeaCentre Q190, and it unabashedly succeeds in our book.

Plus, if you appreciate the design of the Q190, but your day-to-day demands something a bit more powerful, upgrades with faster Pentium and Core i3 processors are also available.

Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190

LG Chromebase

10. LG Chromebase

An easy to use and excellent value all-in-one

CPU: Intel Celeron 2955U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB flash | Wireless: 802.11n Wi-Fi | Dimensions (W x D x H): 528 x 43 x 320mm

Astonishing value
Simple to use
Annoying keyboard

Chrome OS is a decent alternative to Windows on laptops, but there's no reason why it can't be used in a desktop computer in the same way. LG has had that very idea when making the Chromebase, an all-in-one PC that runs Google's desktop OS.

Being an all-in-one, it carries the same benefits as Apple's far more expensive iMac – no need for cables everywhere, the speakers are built into the display, and it's all very straightforward. And actually, some of the hardware is really quite smart. You get an IPS screen, which looks really good.

Of course, Chrome OS has some downsides. You can't run Windows software, so that means no Microsoft Office, for example. That said, Google has recently started making Android apps from the Google Play Store available on a handful of Chrome OS devices, which could breathe new life into the LG Chromebase's software catalog later down the road.

Chrome OS is intentionally designed to work with files stored in the cloud rather than locally, and has equivalents of Microsoft's software which run in a browser rather than from the computer. It takes some getting used to, but it does work, and works well.

Once again, for basic use, this type of setup will prove to work well, although it may take some time to get used to. All said, it's tough to beat a deal like this.

Read the full review: LG Chromebase

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article



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Is Apple keeping you from the best Spotify experience possible?

Is Apple keeping you from the best Spotify experience possible?

Music streaming service Spotify claims Apple is intentionally making hard update its iPhone app and holding back new features. The updated app reportedly avoids Apple's payment system altogether, which is permitted, but Apple doesn't allow the use of an alternative payment system within the app.

Spotify sent a letter to Apple's top lawyer this week, bashing the iPhone maker for its anti-competitive business model. According to Recode, Spotify general counsel Horacio Gutierrez sent a letter to Apple's legal representative Bruce Sewell on June 26 blasting the company for its App store subscription limitations.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren also chastised Apple, Amazon and Google for trying to "snuff out competition."

"[This] continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anti-competitive conduct aimed at Spotify […] we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors," wrote Gutierrez.

Spotify dominates the music subscription service world with over 30 million paying subscribers. Apple Music, on the other hand, has half of that.

We've reached out to Spotify and Apple for comment and will update when and if they reply.

Apple shoots itself in the foot

While Apple has the right to set rules for its App Store, it's easy to see that these rules are making its own products worse. Spotify isn't the first company to fight back against the Apple's 30% cut. Amazon removed the ability to purchase books within its Kindle and ComiXology apps, instead pointing users to make purchases in Safari. It's a band-aid on a real problem.

Spotify for AndroidLike most app stores, including Google Play and Amazon, Apple takes a 30% cut from any in-app purchases, including subscriptions.

The main difference is that Google and Amazon allow alternative payment systems within apps. This means Android users can sign up for Spotify using PayPal or a credit card instead of using the Google Wallet system.

Other similar services like Google Play Movies & TV are subjected to the same sub-par user experience on iOS because of Apple's anti-competitive rules.

You can browse and watch your purchased content but you can't buy anything within the app itself. Instead, you'll have to do that in Safari.

Make Apple Music better, not its competitors worse

It makes sense for Apple to prioritize its own apps and services over the competition, especially on its own platform.

But by restricting third-party developers and services, Apple is making its own product worse. Users who don't want to live exclusively within Apple's ecosystem are left with a limited user experience and Spotify users won't likely jump to Apple Music because they can't purchase a subscription.

Instead of making its competitors worse, Apple should make Apple Music better. It's not that hard for a Spotify user to hop into Safari and sign up for the service. Personally, it's annoying, but it's not going to stop me from using the services that I want to use.



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This cloud-connected Das Keyboard does so much more than type

This cloud-connected Das Keyboard does so much more than type

Das Keyboard has kicked off its first-ever Kickstarter for of all things a cloud-connected keyboard called the 5Q.

The Das Keyboard 5Q has everything you want from a modern, mechanical keyboard including a RGB lighting system that's customizable down to each individual key. On top of giving the keyboard your personal flair, the lights can be used as notifications for information streamed directly from the internet.

Das Keyboard 5Q


Das Keyboard 5Q

The premium peripheral maker explains that the RGB LED in each key can be color-controlled remotely to represent a specific piece of information such as weather info, stock quotes and urgent emails. The idea here is instead of keeping separate tabs open or checking your phone 150 million times a day, the 5Q will remind you subtly by changing the colors of the keys.

Das Keyboard 5Q

The entire experience is customizable and users will be able to setup triggers from a cloud-based Q-app. Alternatively, users could also connect the Das Keyboard 5C to services like Zapier and IFTTT.

The keyboard itself is fairly high-end with a long braided cable and a magnetic palm rest. Meanwhile, the underlying Gamma-Zulu mechanical switches offer a soft-tactile feel and are of Das Keyboard's own design.

Das Keyboard 5Q

As of this writing, the Das Keyboard 5Q has just passed the three-quarters mark of its $100,000 Kickstarter goal and you can nab your own cloud-connected keyboard for $109 with shipping expected in January 2017.



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