With the Galaxy Note 20 launch just a week away, all eyes will be on what upgrades Samsung brings to the table. While the chipset might remain unchanged, there might be a silver lining. While Samsung flagship like the Note series and the S series are powered by Snapdragon chipsets in the US and European markets, they come with Exynos chipset in Asian markets such as India. It often tends to lose out on the performance front against Qualcomm Snapdragon counterparts. However, a new leak suggests some good news in this regard. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 release date, price, news and leaks Upcoming smartphones in India: Specs, launch date, price (Image credit: Samsung/WinFuture) According to a tweet by Anthony, a Youtuber, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 will continue to be powered by the Exynos 990 chipset, but with major improvements in terms of the performance and efficiency. These optimizations should bring it closer to the Snapdragon 865 series. He even suggested that it is almost li
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The best broadband deals in November 2017
Broadband deals
Finding the best broadband internet deals is no easy task - there are so many options. Do you need superfast fibre broadband? Should you go for a cheap broadband only deal for less than £20 per month, or add TV and phone plans to your internet package? And is it worth hanging on until Black Friday to see if better deals emerge then?
We're here to help you make that decision. Pop in your postcode above and we'll give you a list of the lowest priced home broadband deals available in your area. With the latest offers from BT broadband, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk all included, our widget will filter down the best broadband deals in the UK today.
Below, you'll find TechRadar's handpicked favourite deals for fibre (if you can get it), broadband and TV packages and broadband only plans. Keep scrolling down and you'll find our advice on what else you should consider when buying broadband - from the speed you'll need, to whether getting fibre broadband is a must for your household.
See also: BT Broadband and Infinity deals | Virgin Media broadband deals | Sky broadband deals | Fibre broadband deals | Broadband and TV deals | Broadband only deals
Superfast fibre broadband may sound appetising, but it may not be necessary for your home - especially if you want to cut costs. It could be worth considering slower, cheaper ADSL instead.
Broadband speeds are represented in megabits per second, or Mb. Crudely speaking, the more Mbs, the faster the broadband speed. But remember that the advertised speed is the maximum and doesn't necessarily represent the actual speed you'll end up getting. That varies depending where you live.
0-25Mb This entry-level broadband speed is transmitted via an ADSL connection to your nearest BT exchange. The equivalent to around 2.1MB per second, It should be fast enough for small households where only one or two people are using the internet at once. Be aware that if you stream TV, you may experience the odd interruption.
25-50Mb Where Virgin led the way, the rest followed. Now every big provider offers rapid fibre broadband. This is the sweet spot between fast speeds and good value and just the ticket for a family household where four or five members are all streaming, downloading and surfing at once.
50+Mb If you stream 4K TV or have loads of people trying to use your broadband connection at once, then it may be worth shelling out for the extra speed. It may cost you more, but you're pretty much guaranteed lag-free use - plus, the providers often sweeten the deal with added extras and rewards.
There's one very easy way to find out...scroll to the top of this page and input your postcode. We'll tell you straight away whether you can get fast fibre broadband.
Roughly speaking, 90% of UK homes now have the option of connecting to fibre broadband. But if you have your heart on Virgin Media fibre plans, it's more like around 60%.
Most broadband providers lock you in for at least 12 months, with one year plans being by far the most common. That said, perhaps taking their cue from mobile phone contracts, we are now seeing some providers experimenting with longer plans, with 18 month contracts rearing their heads.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, some providers now offer short term rolling contracts. Virgin Media, for example, have 30 day plans for commitment-phobes. The downside is you'll be expected to play a larger setup fee.
When your contract comes to an end, be prepared for your monthly tariff to be hiked - especially if you were lucky enough to get a great introductory offer at the outset.
Usually. Sometimes known as 'setup', 'upfront' or 'activation' fees, most of the major broadband providers ask for at least some payment when you kick off your contract. The amount usually depends on what level of package you go for, but it will likely be somewhere between £10 and £60. Only TalkTalk bucks the trend - they've scrapped their activation fee completely, while other brands run frequent promotions where they temporarily scrap their upfront cost.
There may be other added extras, too, however. If you take a broadband and TV package, you might be charged for the TV set-top box. And some, including BT and EE, charge delivery for the router.
If you still use a home landline to make and receive calls, you're in luck - many broadband plans don't just feature a landline, but they actually include it in your monthly price.
You will have to start paying more though when you have a personalised call plan. You'll see your standard monthly bill begin to escalate when you start adding unlimited evening, daytime or international calls to the mix.
Here's the chipset that could be powering the Samsung Galaxy S9
While Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 will likely be powering the Samsung Galaxy S9 in the US, the rest of the world will probably get a new Exynos chipset, and Samsung’s just announced the one that it might well use.
Dubbed the Exynos 9810, this is the first proper 9 series chipset from the company, as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 both use the Exynos 8895.
Samsung describes this new chip as its “latest flagship processor” and notes that it has “3rd-generation custom CPU cores, upgraded GPU, and gigabit LTE modem with industry-first 6CA support.”
So it sounds like an upgrade in all areas from the Exynos 8895, and that last bit of the description is worth a closer look.
Faster than fast6CA (six carrier aggregation) means that whatever phone has that chip will support download speeds of up to 1.2Gbps, which is an industry first and up from the 5CA-powered 1Gbps download speeds that the Samsung Galaxy S8 theoretically tops out at.
It’s a 20% improvement in other words, and should mean that the Galaxy S9 – or whatever phones get this chip – can download an HD movie within 10 seconds, and the chip could also eliminate buffering when live-streaming or having video calls.
That part of the chip isn’t new information, as Samsung had already revealed it was working on 6CA back in July, but until we get more information on things like the upgraded GPU it’s the most specific example of what the Exynos 9810 will be capable of.
One potentially less impressive aspect of the new chipset is that it’s a 10nm one, which means it’s the same size as the previous generation.
That’s slightly surprising, as The Investor previously reported that Samsung would use a smaller, more efficient 8nm chip for the Galaxy S9, but that now looks unlikely.
This could put the Exynos chip at a slight disadvantage to the Snapdragon 845, as that’s rumored to be made using a 7nm process, but as both models are sure to be among the fastest phones around, you probably won’t notice.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is sure to be on the way tooVia Phone Arena
5 Best DSLR’s under Rs 30,000
If you are looking for a DSLR camera offering some of the best performing features but often drops buying it, then you’ve come to the right place. DSLR’s are always associated with professional photographers, and are considered as their tool of capturing the moments with their actual beauty. If you check around you will see a good number of people going crazy for clicking pictures every chance they get, thanks to the great OEMs which are offering some good camera features in their devices. Though the devices come equipped with some extra ordinary camera features, but nothing can replace the quality offered by the DSLRs.
No doubt, that these cameras come with some of the best functions but they are costly as well. Also, cameras with advanced features might confuse the user who is a beginner, trying his hands on the device for the first time and desires to own a DSLR.
We have prepared a list of five cameras which offers some good features, comes with a reasonable price tag and are perfect for the beginners.
Best DSLR cameras under Rs. 50,000 in India for October 2017
Nikon has added the SnapBridge feature to this camera which allow users to transfer the images to their smart devices via a constant Bluetooth Low Energy connection. You can also access the images using this connection even if the camera is switched off. So, Nikon D3400 is a camera worth buying if you are a first time DSLR user.
The Nikon D3400 is the successor of the company’s another beginner level DSLR – D3300. It is considered as one of the best choices for the beginners with easy to use functions and good quality results. It comes with an in-built Guide Mode, which teaches the user the art of clicking great pictures with ease. With a 24.2-megapixel image sensor and an EXPEED image processing engine, the camera delivers accurate colours and fine details in the images.
Read the full review: Nikon D3400
While Nikon offers the SnapBridge feature for transferring files to smart devices, the Canon EOS 1300D comes with in-built Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. In fact, that is the highlight of this camera which differentiates it from its predecessor Canon EOS 1200D. Apart from this, the camera is also equipped with an upgraded image processor-DIGIC 4+ along with a better screen resolution of 920k dots. This results in some good quality pictures and you will love it specially if you are shifting to a DSLR from a point and shoot camera.
Read the full review: Canon EOS 1300D
The Nikon D5200 stands third in our list. It is basically an alternative to the much famous D5300 with a reasonable price tag. The camera delivers fine quality images with its 24.1-megapixel sensor when paired with EXPEED 3 image processing engine. Its 2016-pixel RGB sensor provides accurate scene brightness and colour information. In addition to this, the camera comes with a wide ISO range of 100-6400 which can be further extended up to Hi-2 ISO 25600, thus, providing superior quality images in all lighting conditions.
Users who love capturing fast moving objects will appreciate the camera as it comes with a continuous moving speed of 5fps. Overall, the Nikon D5200 is a good camera for beginners with articulating screen combined with simple interface.
Read the full review: Nikon D5200
The camera comes with 18-megapixel sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor along with 9-point all cross type AF system which ensures accuracy every time you click a picture. The camera tries to enhance the creativity of the user with its seven different creative filters but these can only be applied after shooting. Apart from this, the camera can also take beautiful pictures under low lighting conditions with its wide ISO range of 100-12800 which is expandable up to 25600 in H mode. Adding comfort to the user, the camera features a vari-angle touch screen with high responsive rate and 360 degrees rotatable mode dial which means it can be twisted around instead of reaching to a point and then twisting back. In all, the camera has everything which you need as a beginner.
Read the full review: Canon EOS 700D
Last but not the least, comes the Pentax K-500 camera which features a 16-megapixel high performing sensor which delivers promising image quality when paired with the PRIME M image processing engine. It also comes with a special In-Body Shake Reduction and Dust reduction technology which ensures sharp, stabilized and dust free images with any mounted lens. For transferring files to your smart devices, the camera has Eye-Fi Card compatibility. So, Pentax K-500 is a beginners DSLR with excellent image quality at an affordable price.
Read the full review: Pentax K-500
The best digital cameras in 2017
Samsung Galaxy S9 Mini may tout a 5-inch Infinity Display
Samsung is reportedly developing a sub 5-inch screen phone with an Infinity Display that curves around the edges of the phone like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus.
Ice Universe - a known leaker of Samsung mobile products who provided details on the Note 8 before it launched - shared a post on Chinese social networking site Weibo that claims the company is working on the phone, but Samsung isn't yet certain if it'll release the phone or not.
The post doesn't claim this will be the Samsung Galaxy S9 Mini, but considering Samsung hasn't yet included curved displays on its other lines of products it makes sense this will be an addition to the flagship S line up.
Will it be the mini?If it is a miniature version of the S flagship line, it would make sense for Samsung to release it alongside the rumored Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus that we expect to see in the first few months of 2018.
Samsung was rumored to be working on a Galaxy S8 Mini earlier in the year, but the phone didn't materialize and wasn't made available to the public so this handset may go the same way.
It may also be that Samsung decided to delay the Galaxy S8 Mini and put its focus on a smaller version of the upcoming Galaxy S9. It may even be that Samsung is working on a curved screen, cheaper, smaller phone than its flagship line.
We'll keep our eyes peeled for more details on the rumored handset, but it's likely we won't know much more about whether Samsung will even release the phone until the Galaxy S9 likely launches at the start of next year.
Samsung Galaxy S9: everything rumored so farVia SamMobile
Amazon Echo Plus, Kindle Paperwhite and more up for Whole Foods Black Friday deals
With Amazon now the owner of the Whole Foods healthy-eating grocery chain, it should come as no surprise that it'd start putting its products on the shelves next to desiccated fruit and quinoa parcels.
As such, with deals season about to go into full Black Friday overdrive, Amazon is getting ready to slash the prices of its own-brand gear in Whole Foods stores.
And it's not just a warehouse full of old stuff Amazon is looking to get rid of. The deals include even the brand new Amazon Echo Plus.
Echo, Kindle and Fire dealsOver 100 Whole Foods stores will be offering Amazon-related offers, with pop-up stores dedicated to Amazon items being introduced for a brief time at Illinois, Michigan, Florida, California, and Colorado from November 13.
From the week leading into Black Friday, you'll be able to pick up at a Whole Foods Store:
Amazon Echo Plus - $122.49, down from $142.49Amazon Echo - $74.99, down from $94.99Amazon Echo Dot - $27.49, down from $47.49Kindle Paperwhite - $89.99, down from $119.99Fire 7 Tablet - $27.49, down from $47.49Fire HD 8 Tablet - $45.99, down from $75.99Amazon Cloud Cam - $99.99, down from $119.99TechRadar will be digging out all the best offers come Black Friday weekend, so stay locked on our deals pages for some massive savings.
Amazon Black Friday 2017: best deals
Toyota C-HR: more than just a holiday romance, this could be hybrid love
My first sighting of the Toyota C-HR in the flesh was in Portugal earlier this year. I was walking through a car park in Lagos when my eye caught a series of gleaming, angular lines protruding out between a couple of far more sedate sedans.
I tugged at my partner's hand to indicate that I required a closer inspection of this mystery machine. We approached, and I grunted my approval as I paced around its perimeter. The sharp lines, the sporty rear complete with wing and the adventurous front reminding me of a rodent keen on exploring its surroundings, had certainly got my attention.
I notice the badge above the front wheel arch. 'Hybrid', it read. My eyebrow raised. This looks rather good for a hybrid, I thought to myself.
Then I felt a tug on my hand… it was time to head to the beach, so I made a mental note of the model name and trotted off, the slapping sound of our flip flops signaling to the locals that the British were on their way.
With my interest piqued, I got in touch with Toyota on my return to Britain, eager to find out what the C-HR was like to drive, and it's surprising.
The Toyota C-HR does something that many hybrids at the affordable end of the market have arguably struggled to do. It's thrown off the rather dusty 'Uber driver's car of choice' image and given us a car that looks decidedly futuristic and desirable.
The C-HR falls into the extremely popular SUV category, albeit at the smaller end of the scale - which makes it better for city driving (and parking), while also still seating five adults reasonably comfortably.
Its sporty style front seats are comfortable, and the raised ride height of the C-HR gives an improved view through the windshield. The textured door panels and roof lining bring the funky exterior details inside the cabin, and while spacious in the front things feel a little tighter in the rear seats thanks to the small passenger windows.
It’s the main rear window which feels just a little too small though, with the chunky roof pillars either side creating sizable blindspots. In reality it means a more liberal use of your wing mirrors are required when parking in tighter spots, but its size will likely put a few people off.
The silence that greets you when the start/stop button is pressed still unnerves me slightly - is the car even on? Thankfully the large center console display, and the small 4.2-inch screen tucked in-between the instrument clusters show there is life here.
Toyota C-HR design gallery
Acceleration is smooth, and the C-HR gets up to speed at a good pace. It's not going to electrify you with performance, as it's 0-62mph in 11 seconds shows, but it's also no slouch.
At low speeds the C-HR slips seamlessly into EV mode, with a small green icon illuminating on the dash to let you know you're in planet saving mode.
I found the C-HR was more comfortable at sitting in EV mode for longer periods than the sportier, pricier Lexus RC 300h I had driven a few weeks previous.
It means gentle acceleration around town could well result in short journeys that don't require the petrol engine at all.
If you're really feeling green, there's an EV Mode button just below the electronic handbrake switch and gear shift allowing you to only utilize the C-HR’s battery. It's only useful for short, low speed trips, but is a handy fuel saving option.
Taking it slow and steadyYou can keep of your green credentials on the 8-inch display that extends from the top of the center console.
From here you can see when the car is using the battery or petrol engine, and keep an eye on your MPG (miles per gallon) - handy if you're trying to drive economically.
It's not just vehicle stats though, as this screen also doubles as your infotainment interface, with Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones allowing you to make and receive phone calls, read text messages and stream music to the car's punchy JBL sound system.
Toyota C-HR infotainment gallery
There's satellite navigation too, which is easy enough to operate, although it's not as feature rich as the versions found in Audi's or even your smartphone.
While it comes with all the core tech you'd expect, including auxiliary 3.5mm and USB ports hidden under the driver armrest, the on screen experience is slow.
Everything took a little while to load, which detracted from the overall experience. A slicker interface would have made the C-HR an even better car. Something to build on for 2018’s revision then.
Overall though, the Toyota C-HR now was me pondering whether my next car could well be a stylish hybrid. If Toyota can tidy up its infotainment, this could become a full-blown love affair.
SIM only deals: the best plans pre-Black Friday 2017
So you've come to the end of your phone contract? You basically have two options - grab a brand new mobile phone deal on one of the latest and greatest smartphones on the market. Or keep your beloved phone of the last two years and sign up for one of the cheap SIM only deals on this page.
A SIM only deal is a mobile phone plan that offers calls, texts and data in return for a monthly fee, but does not come bundled with a phone. Leaving the phone out of the equation gives you more flexibility (especially if you go for a 30-day rolling contract) or is ideal if you're eyeing up a new SIM-free phone.
If you take a sift through our handy price comparison tool above you'll see that 12-month prices start from a mere £4 per month for a basic plan, while you can also still bag Three's Mobile Choice Award winning 30GB for £17 deal. Whatever your needs, going SIM only is just the ticket if you're thinking to team one up with a brilliant Black Friday handset purchase.
And if you're still unsure whether SIM-only is the route for you, our expert advice will help you decide - our all knowing FAQ includes tips on switching your number, the networks that offer free gifts and answers to a host of other questions.
The best SIM only deals of the week are:We've run the figures and plucked out the very best sim only deals available this month. Whether you’re after the cheapest plan possible, want to dig out the best value big data SIM plan or just want an all-round great deal but don’t know how much to spend, you’ll find a recommendation just for you.
1. The absolute cheapest SIM only deal out there 2. The best 1GB+ SIM only deal 3. The best 2GB-4GB SIM only deal 4. The best 6GB-8GB SIM only deal 5. The best 10GB-16GB SIM only deal 6. The best 20GB-30GB SIM only deal 7. The best SIM only deal for unlimited data 8. Best EE SIM only deal 9. Best Three SIM only deal 10. Best data only SIM deal
If you a) want to save some money; b) don't want to be tied into a lengthy contract; or c) both of the above, then SIM only is well worth considering. In fact, you're probably one of two people if your thoughts are indeed turning to SIM only:
You're coming to the end of your contract and your network is calling you a million times a day to get you to upgrade. Well if your phone is dying a death or you just fancy a change, head to our best mobile phones deal page to see what bargains are lurking, but otherwise going SIM only on your current phone is a no-brainer. You'll wind up paying much less than you are under contract, and you can stick to a rolling 30 day contract so that if your circumstances change, you can get out of the arrangement tout suite.It's time for a shiny new smartphone and you want to get the best value humanly possible. You'll have to find a few hundred quid up front for the handset (be sure to check our SIM free comparison chart) but box clever and you'll end up paying less over the next 24 months (see below). Plus, if you're a commitment-phobe, most SIM-only plans don't require you to sign up for two years like you would with a normal contract.
It can be. Teaming a SIM only plan with a standalone SIM-free handset could save you a few quid. It's usually the case when a flagship phone hits the market and contracts are made deliberately expensive. Take the Samsung Galaxy S8 as a prime example, where you could have saved over £100 over two years by splashing the £800-odd for the handset and slipping in a cheap SIM card.
Not all the savings you can make are as extravagant, and on big data it's frequently more cost effective to dive into a contract instead. But if you can afford to splash a few hundred pounds up front then the savings over the next couple of years could well be worth it - especially if you can bag a bargain on Black Friday 2017.
The times have passed since most phones were locked to a network and you had to pay a dodgy backstreet 'engineer' to unlock it. Nowadays, it's standard practice for networks to let you use whatever SIM you want in the phone as soon as you've paid up the original contract (or earlier if you pay them a fee) - and Three ships all its handsets unlocked from the outset.
The exception, alas, is Apple iPhones. They're generally sold locked to the original network that you purchase them with for the life of the handset. Very frustrating if you're looking for a tasty SIM only deal once your 24 month sentence is up.
The good news is that your iPhone (or any other mobile before the end of your contract) can be unlocked - the bad news is that most networks make you pay for the privilege. Insert a friend or family member's SIM into your phone to see whether it's already unlocked and, if it isn't, look for your network below to see how to cut ties with them:
EE Once six months have gone by on your contract, you can call EE on 0800 956 6000 and pay them £8.99 to unlock your phone. It says it will take around 10 days to complete. PAYG phones can be unlocked for free.O2 As long as you don't own a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus (they can't be unlocked until you've paid off your contract), you can unlock any O2 phone - including iPhones - for free if you're on a pay monthly contract. PAYG customers have to pay £15.Three Fear not, all phones on Three are unlocked as standard. Shove whatever SIM you like in there, it will work a treat.Vodafone The red network doesn't quite get the same marks as Three, as your phone will be locked to them on arrival. But they have made unlocking handsets absolutely free within 10 days of your request.
There are three sizes of SIM card that you can get for your phone, and the one you need will depend on your handset. It's been a while since the traditional, so-called standard SIM (15x25mm) has genuinely been the staple in new phones. Instead, any phone you've bought within the last five or so years is much more likely to require a micro (12x15mm) or nano (8.8x12.3mm) SIM - the iPhone 5 was Apple's first mobile with a nano SIM, while Samsung began using the smallest size in its Galaxy S6.
Before you purchase your new SIM, double-check the manufacturer's website to see what size you require. And if you're simply not sure, most networks now simply send out a triple SIM, so you'll get one of each size.
Ever heard of PAC codes and wondered what a classic 80s arcade game had to do with telephone numbers? It actually stands for Porting Authorisation Code, and it's the set of digits that you need to grab from your old network to let you transfer over your existing mobile number. If you're on one of the major networks, you can see what phone number you can contact them on here:
EE 07953 966 250O2 0344 8090202Vodafone 03333 040 191Three 0333 300 3333ID 0333 003 7777GiffGaff 43431 from your handsetVirgin 0345 6000 789BT 0800 800 150Tesco 0345 301 4455Sky 03300 412 524Asda 0800 079 2732If you want to grab a bargain SIM only plan above, but it's on your existing network then your network won't release a PAC code and you'll be forced to take a new phone number.
At least you would have, if it wasn't for this clever (if convoluted) work-around. You have to order a free pay-as-you-go SIM from another network. Once you have it, you can tell your old network that you're moving and they'll give you that precious PAC code. Then, once your number is registered to the substitute network, simply get another PAC code from them. Take that to your old network, and they'll move your number to your new contract. Simple - kind of!
Unlike with a contract, there's a lot more flexibility available when it comes to how long your SIM only plan will last. Two year commitments are virtually unheard of, with the norm being either one year or rolling one month contracts for ultimate flexibility. You can often get better prices if you tie yourself in for 12 months, especially on larger data tariffs. But sticking to one month at a time means that you can effectively hand pick a new plan to suit you every 30 days or so.
Because you can change your plan up more regularly than a normal, lengthier contract, it's less crucial to get this nailed from the start. But if you're thinking of grabbing a 12-monther or just put a personal pride on getting things right first time, then we'll help you pick out the sweet spot of data for you.
Firstly, check your phone to see how much data you've been using to date, and whether you have the tendency to use more than your current allowance every month. Then, if you're still unsure, check out our guidance:
0-1GB Tiny amounts of data on SIM only deals could be a blessing or a curse. If you're putting it in a rarely used phone that will scarcely be away from wi-fi then you're quids in. But if you end up with one because your head's turned by the incredible price, then you could end up paying more if you continually go over your allowance.2-3GB For anybody who needs data for little more than the occasional Google Maps route planning, 2GB and 3GB plans come cheap and give you much more freedom to check the football scores and scroll Facebook away from the wi-fi without danger.4-8GB If you can't leave the house without having a music streaming service like Spotify pouring into your ears, then it might be worth paying for some extra GBs of data.10-16GB This is a significant amount of data and some networks offer it for a very appetising price. Whether streaming music, downloading podcasts, watching social media videos, or all three is your thing - you should be covered.20-30GB Only smartphone junkies that need regular (and hefty) data fixes need bother with this avalanche of GBs. You'll be able to rinse Netflix, Spotify and online games without too much fear of topping out.Unlimited Maybe it's because you use remarkable amounts of data. Maybe it's because you simply don't want to keep checking how much data you've used every month. Whatever your reason to go unlimited, you have only two choices when it comes to network: Three or GiffGaff.
Call it practicality, call it greediness, call it what you want - it's human nature to want 'unlimited' anything if offered. But you should think genuinely about whether you really need it in a world where the likes of WhatsApp and Skype let you call and text for free over wi-fi or 4G. If you decide that a few thousand monthly minutes and texts should do you, then you could shave off some cash from your bill.
While EE, O2, Vodafone and Three are generally considered the major four networks for contract plans, when it comes to SIM only there are some other key players are well worth a look. See what we think of them below, and whether you'll get any free perks to help persuade you to sign up. Plus, we'll tell you about a couple of other SIM sellers that might be able to wrangle you an even better deal.
If you want fast and furious 4G, then your choice has to be an EE SIM only deal. Its speeds are around 50% faster than the other major networks, which is really noticeable if you like watching films or football on the move. And EE gives you three free months of BT Sport, as well as six months of Apple Music.
View all: EE SIM only deals
O2's best claim for your contract is with its Priority rewards - from cheap lunch deals and pre-order privileges on gig tickets, to ad-hoc discounts and competitions. Plus, they have 1000s of Wi-Fi hotspots in shops and cafes that you can connect to for free and save your precious data.
View all O2 SIM only deals
Vodafone seems to have been around since mobile phones were cumbersome bricks, but they remain a major player. Look out for a Red Entertainment tariff, which gives you your choice of a NOW TV Entertainment Pass, Spotify Premium or Sky Sports Mobile subscription.
View all Vodafone SIM only deals
Three is still the only network to offer unlimited data and it often features unbeatable deals on other big data plans - that makes them a natural choice of many a data hungry smartphone addict. But it's a bit shy on the free promotions stuff, and 4G coverage isn't as strong as the other networks.
View all 3 mobile SIM only deals
That familiar old stalwart of telecommunications BT is so-so when it comes to SIM only tariff prices. That's unless you're already a BT broadband customer, in which case you get some really favourable prices - a fiver less than the rest of the hoi polloi. Plus you get to choose an Amazon or iTunes voucher, the value of which depends on how much data you're in for.
Check below to see the current prices plans and how what voucher you can claim when you sign up. It's also worth noting that the 10GB and 15GB SIM only deals with BT also include free access to BT Sport on mobile.
For existing BT Broadband customers
(click the customer option at the top if the prices are more expensive)
12 months | 500MB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £30 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £6 per month at BT
12 months | 3GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £50 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £9 per month at BT
12 months | 10GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £60 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £17 per month at BT
12 months | 15GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £90 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £22 per month at BT
For non-BT Broadband customers:
12 months | 500MB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £30 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £11 per month at BT
12 months | 3GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £50 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £14 per month at BT
12 months | 10GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £60 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £22 per month at BT
12 months | 15GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | £90 Amazon or iTunes gift card - £27 per month at BT
iD is a good option if bargain basement prices are what you covet most. This is a network run and owned by Carphone Warehouse - it piggybacks on the Three network. It's an excellent option if you want great value on a rolling monthly contract.
View all iD SIM only deals
GiffGaff is very hard to beat on price – if you want to grab a cheap SIM card deal, this could be your best option. You can't argue with £5 a month. The cheap deals don't give you much of an allowance to play with, but if you just want to keep your phone going and available to use for calls and texts with the occasional bit of internet use outside of your home WiFi, GiffGaff is a strong offering. Look out for the T&Cs though as some of the big data deals throttle the speed after a few gig.
View all giffgaff SIM only deals
Virgin Mobile has been going for a long time, and some of its SIM only deals are particularly attractive. They're all one-month rolling contracts, so you can stop paying at any time if you so wish, giving you flexibility if you want to change your plan or go for a phone-inclusive deal down the line. Prices start from as little as £9 a month.
View all Virgin Mobile SIM only deals
The UK's biggest supermarket has been known to offer competetive - if not stellar - SIM only deals, with low data prices starting around the £6 a month mark. Where it get's really interesting is if you download the Xtras app to an Android phone: you'll save £3 on your monthly bill, but you will have to see adverts every time you unlock your handset.
View all Tesco Mobile SIM only deals
TalkTalk is a telecoms company that also offers home phone, broadband and TV packages, so the best deals can be had if you sign up for more than one service. However, at the time of writing the cheapest deal is £3.95 per month for an admittedly measly 250MB of data. Better yet, for just £7.75 you can get 2.1GB.
View all TalkTalk SIM only deals
Plusnet might be more well known for its broadband deals, but it's also keen to push some very cheap 30-day SIM only deals. You don't have to be a Plusnet customer, although you could get double the data on some of these SIM only deals if you are. You don't have to worry about signal either as Plusnet uses EE's network that covers 99% of the UK. Plusnet's latest cheap SIM only deals start at just £4 a month, check them out via the link below.
View all Plusnet SIM only deals
Freedom Pop is trying something new - offering contracts for FREE. The catch being that you only pay if you do over the allowances of your bundle or opt for a larger deal. The prices for doing so vary, so be sure to take a look at the small print. It seems that they feature a different offer each week, but seeing as you can cancel at any time, they may be worth a look.
View all Freedom Pop SIM only deals
It's always worth checking out Mobiles.co.uk before settling on your SIM - its aggressive price cuts are often unmatched by anyone else. While the online retailer is known more for its handset contracts, it also offers a wide range of SIM only deals from all your favourite networks.
View: SIM only deals at Mobiles.co.uk
Carphone Warehouse doesn't just sell handset contracts. It also has a wide range of SIM only deals for Vodafone, O2, EE and ID. The online store is also known to include additional incentives such as half price fees for six months, free Beats by Dre headphones or Currys vouchers.
View all Carphone Warehouse SIM only deals
It's one of life's (many) little frustrations - you sign up with a network, get your SIM up and running and then discover that you get no coverage at all in your house. Well this little pain in the neck can be avoided by using the dedicated coverage checker that most networks provide. Enter your postcode and you'll see whether your address has 2G (calls, texts and email), 3G (the basics plus picture messaging and faster web browsing) and 4G (all the powers of 3G, plus faster downloads, online gaming and media streaming) coverage.
We've provided links below to all the available coverage checkers on multiple networks. We'd advise not only checking coverage in your home, but also work, school, uni, favourite pubs and so on. Anywhere where you spend time on a regular basis really.
EE coverage checkerO2 coverage checkerVodafone coverage checker3 mobile coverage checkerBT mobile coverage checkeriD coverage checkerGiffGaff coverage checkerVirgin mobile coverage checkerTesco mobile coverage checkerTalkTalk coverage checkerPlusnet coverage checkerFreedom Pop coverage checker
If you buy a phone after visiting this page, TechRadar will be paid a small commission by the network or reseller you buy from. This money is paid by the site you buy from and thus does not affect the amount you pay for your phone contract. If you go direct to the site you buy from, you would pay the same amount.
While some sites out there will be paid larger fees for pushing people to specific deals that aren't necessarily the cheapest, TechRadar will always find you the absolute best value. Trust and integrity is important to us, so if you ever think we're not displaying the very best deals let us know.
The SIM only deals on this page are checked every day to make sure they're still available and up to date! If you're ready to go SIM only, then head back to the top of this page and use our tool to find the perfect plan...
Reliance Jio changed India’s telecom landscape, but do you need to switch?
The story of Reliance Jio dates back to sometime in 2010, with rumours doing the rounds that one of the biggest conglomerates in India would be making a re-entry in the telecom industry. After revolutionizing the Indian telecom industry back in 2002, Reliance Industries was being rumoured to announce its comeback in the telecom sector.
However, that wouldn’t happen for another 5 years, when late in December 2015 Reliance Jio started beta-testing its service. The first public beta tests went live in the next six months, with the new service provider starting its commercial operations from September 2016.
Reliance Jio changes the rules of the gameAs was widely expected, Reliance Jio’s arrival was the second big revolution in India’s telecom sector. However, this time around, Reliance focused on high-speed data instead of voice and SMS – the company announced data plans with 1GB 4G data per day in a market where some of the more popular plans provided 1GB data per month.
In a price-sensitive market like India, this move was a game-changer. Until then, incumbent service providers would charge anything between Rs. 250-350 for 1GB of 4G LTE data, with separate charges for voice, SMS and roaming services. However, Reliance Jio was here to turn the game on its head and started off with extremely low prices for data services, bringing down the price of 4G LTE data to under Rs. 5 per GB during the initial promotions.
Incumbent operators strike backHowever, incumbent telecom operators like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea have been responding with their own plans to compete with Reliance Jio’s plans. As a result, subscribers of these operators can now enjoy similar benefits of unlimited data and free voice calls.
To make their offerings even better, Airtel, Vodafone and Idea have recently announced free outgoing roaming calls with their plans, bringing them on par with Reliance Jio’s plans.
Airtel 1GB data per day plansFor example, Airtel recently announced a couple of plans to compete with similar offerings from Reliance Jio. Taking on Jio’s Rs. 399 plan, the telco announced a Rs. 448 plan that offers 1GB 4G/3G data per day along with unlimited voice calls, outgoing roaming calls and SMS, with a validity of 70 days.
In addition to this, Airtel has also started rolling out 4G VoLTE services which should help its customers enjoy improved voice call quality, adding another feature in its services to take on Reliance Jio.
Vodafone 1GB data per day plansVodafone has also announced a new Rs. 349 plan that offers the same 1GB 4G/3G data per day along with unlimited voice calls and free outgoing roaming calls, albeit with a 28 days validity. In addition to data and voice benefits, Vodafone also gives a free subscription to VF Play which is a mobile streaming app.
Idea 1GB data per day plansFor its part, even Idea has joined the bandwagon and announced its own 1GB data per day plans starting at Rs. 398, and these plans come with free outgoing roaming calls too.
Should you still switch to Reliance Jio?Essentially, all the incumbent operators have harmonised their plans to offer benefits similar to Reliance Jio’s plans. Apart from similar benefits, these incumbent operators, especially Airtel, may have better network coverage when compared to Jio, especially while traveling. Moreover, Airtel and Vodafone now offer data rollover benefits in some plans, allowing customers to enjoy their data allowances in a much better way. This is something that Reliance Jio does not offer, yet.
So, at the end of the day, the question arises – should you still switch to Reliance Jio?With incumbent operators having caught up with Reliance Jio’s offerings, switching to Reliance Jio does not make as much sense as it did a few months ago. Sure, some plans may be slightly more expensive with these operators, but at the end of the day, they don’t seem to be expensive enough to deal with the hassle of switching to a new operator.
Black Friday 2017 sales in Australia: how to find the best deals
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales originated in the US, and although they aren’t officially a thing yet in Australia, retailers Down Under are catching up with the trend and beginning to cash in, offering a plethora of discounts to lure shoppers.
Adopting this shopping strategy seems to have paid off, too, with reports from the 2016 event showing a 6% increase in retail sales compared to the November average in Australia, with Melbourne spending the most (17%), followed by Sydney (12%) and Brisbane (7%) in that one month.
The history of Black Friday salesBlack Friday is always the Friday immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, so Black Friday 2017 will be on 24 November.
It’s the starting gun of the Christmas shopping season, and it’s famous for what retailers call ‘doorbusters’: deals so good that shoppers will try and break down the front doors to get at them. Inevitably, that means it’s also famous for shoppers battling one another, with each Black Friday bringing a new bunch of YouTube clips showing people fighting over flat-screen TVs.
The tradition of sales on Black Friday began in the ‘60s, when American retailers used to mark profits and losses in their ledgers in black and red ink respectively. Before the Christmas season kicked off, retailers tried to turn year-long losses into black-marked profits, thus kicking off the largest and most popular shopping trend of the year.
Australian retailers began to show interest in replicating Black Friday sales locally about five years ago, and the shopping event now gets nearly as much attention as the Melbourne Cup.
But Black Friday doesn’t have to be about getting caught in a real crowd of shoppers trying to reach the best bargains. Online deals are available in plenty, meaning you can beat the crowds and not have to take a day off work.
What to expect from Black Friday 2017As Black Friday gains in popularity in Australia, more and more retailers are joining the bandwagon and offering greater discounts. And with competition between retailers gaining momentum, 2016 saw Black Friday go from being a single-day event to being spread over a few days.
JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman turned out to be the most popular retailers shoppers looked to for Black Friday deals.
If Amazon sets up shop by the time Black Friday comes around this year, the online retailer could shake up the market with their own deals. This could mean local retailers will be scrambling to sell more and possibly offering higher discounts.
iPhone X and iPhone 8
Apple’s iPhone X is dramatically different from the older flagships, including the latest iPhone 8 handsets, and we can reasonably expect all three 2017 Apple phones to go on sale in November. Predictions from Cuponation – Australia's leading couponing website – are that the iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus will see discounts of about 3% to 7%.
Samsung Galaxy S8
Black Friday 2016 saw really good deals on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, with retailers like Kogan offering up to $450 off on the two handsets. That was a fantastic deal, and we’re expecting to see similarly great Galaxy deals on the Samsung Galaxy S8 in 2017. In fact, Cuponation predicts that the Galaxy S8 will be the top phone, seeing anywhere up to 27.5% off on the usual RRP.
PlayStation 4 Pro
Black Friday 2016 was all about the PS4 Slim, and Black Friday 2017 will be all about the PS4 Pro. As with 2016, we’d expect the very best deals to be on bundles, with some of them costing only a little more than the PS4 Pro itself, so start working on your game wish list: a bundle’s only a good deal if it includes the games you actually want to play. Up until now, the PS4 Pro has held pretty close to its RRP, but you can expect that to change later this year with perhaps up to 28.5% off, particularly now that Microsoft has launched the Xbox One X.
Xbox One X
Microsoft’s launched it pro console, right in time for Black Friday 2017. As with the Xbox One in 2016, we’d expect to see the very best deals on bundles, rather than on the console itself: there’s more wiggle room for the retailer there, so they can afford to be more daring with the discounts.
4K HDR OLED TVs
Black Friday 2016 was positively packed with TV deals, including nearly half-price deals on selected OLED TVs. High-end sets are where the really expensive RRPs are, and the ever-advancing world of telly tech means those prices can only be sustained for a fairly short time. If you’re in the market for the kind of TV whose price tag wouldn’t look out of place on a car, Black Friday 2017 could be a very good day for you indeed.
Are Black Friday sales held in Australia?
Most definitely. Black Friday may have started off as an American tradition, but it's become increasingly popular in Australia over the last five years or so, with major retailers like Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, and Ted's Cameras offering big bargains on a wide variety of products.
What and when is Black Friday?
Black Friday is the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving. It’s a day when retailers offer big discounts to kick-start the holiday shopping season. Black Friday 2017 will be Friday, 24 November.
What and when is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is the Monday immediately after Black Friday. Cyber Monday 2017 will be on Monday, 27 November.
What is Black Friday deals week?
It’s the week that includes Black Friday. Retailers are increasingly offering deals before and after Black Friday itself in an attempt to stand out from the crowd.
Are Black Friday deals real?
Yes, although in some cases the discounts have been negotiated well in advance with suppliers. As with any sales, you’ll see a mix of genuine bargains, discounted end-of-line stock and mysterious things found in the back of a warehouse somewhere.
Where can I find the best Black Friday deals?
Right here on TechRadar of course! We scour all the top retailers’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals so that you don’t have to – and we tell you whether the deals are worth getting excited about too. Whether it’s a 4K HDR OLED TV or an Xbox One controller, if it’s discounted we’ll have the details here.
How do I get the best Black Friday 2017 deals?
Know what you want, know what you can afford to spend and know the market: you’ll often spot retailers charging higher than usual prices in October so they can offer amazing discounts on Black Friday. Pay particular attention to real prices, not RRPs: TVs are particularly bad for this, with sets whose RRP is eleventy billion dollars routinely selling for a few hundred dollars.
It’s also a very good idea to be flexible: for example, if you fancy a Sony 4K TV then think about the features you want rather than a specific model number: the BRV123ABD54-88C-9218-B may not be discounted on Black Friday, but an almost identical set with the specification you want probably will be.
Can I get cashback on Black Friday deals?
Sometimes, yes. Your credit card may offer cashback on purchases, and some big brands often offer cashback even when you purchase from a retailer.
Am I protected when I buy on Black Friday?
Yes. In Australia, anything you buy from a company online is covered by a wealth of consumer protection legislation which give you the same rights as with any other online purchase.
How can I stay safe on Black Friday?
Black Friday brings out the scammers as well as the sellers, so be wary of unsolicited emails or links to deals on social media, no matter how legitimate they look: anything asking for card details or login details may be a scam. Phishing sites do big business on Black Friday, so be extra suspicious – and if you’re on a PC, make sure your security software is up to date. Many security suites automatically block known scam sites.
The best free video editor 2017: the best video editing tools around
Some of the best video editing tools are yours to download and use completely free. Whether you're an experienced home videographer or making your first foray into filmmaking, there's a free video editor that will provide everything you need.
If you just want to cut a clip to size or add a new soundtrack, there are lightweight editors that will help you get the job done in seconds, and export the video in a format suitable for uploading online, or playing on any desktop or mobile device.
Alternatively, if you're looking for more advanced tools like chroma keying and color grading, there are also advanced programs that offer everything you'd expect to find in premium software – except the price tag.
However, not all free videos editors are created equal. Some put strict limitations on the length of your finished products, offer a very small selection of editing tools, or apply a watermark when you export your work. Here we've rounded up only the editing software that delivers on its promises, making filmmaking easy and fun.
Lightworks is far much more than a simple tool for cutting clips – the pro version has been used to create big-name movies including The King's Speech and Road to Perdition.
As you would expect for such a powerful video editor, you won't be able to master it overnight, but that's certainly not something you could hold against it.
Lightworks is described as the professional video editor for everyone, and we reckon that's a fair summary. Despite its power, it will run well on fairly modest hardware, and it handles video capture and advanced editing with aplomb.
If you've tried other free video editors you'll probably find that the interface is a little different to anything you're used to, but you can arrange the various controls and windows to create something that suits your way of working.
The free license has everything you need to make amazing videos, but TechRadar readers can also get 40% off a monthly Lightworks Pro license using the special discount code TECHRADAR_LW_PRO_MONTH_2017. Lightworks Pro adds the ability to export in formats other than MPEG, publish 4K video directly to YouTube, and export 3D videos. Find out how to use your discount voucher.
Lightworks reviewDownload Lightworks
Shotcut is another professional-feeling free video editor that requires a little patience if you are achieve the results it is so capable of delivering. The slightly unusual interface can be put down to the fact that this started life as a Linux application, and little has changed in its conversion to Windows.
To start with, the interface may seem a little stark. You will need to not only load a video, but also choose which editing mode you would like to work in and which tools you'd like to use.
There's no getting away from the fact that Shotcut has a steep learning curve. It's possible to achieve some impressive results by simply applying one of its many filters to your video, but the real rewards will only be reaped by those willing to invest the time and energy in fully getting to grips with what's on offer.
Shotcut reviewDownload Shotcut
Hitfilm Express is another video editor that promises pro-level features for free – and it delivers. The basic editor is very impressive, with advanced cutting tools, a great set of audio and video filters, layers and masking, compositing options, and chroma keying for creating green screen effects.
Additional tools are available for a fee, starting at £8.85 (about US$10, AU$15) for a pack featuring color-correction, exposure adjustment, split screen masking, and various creative filters.
The downside of all this power is that Hitfilm Express is much more demanding than either Lightworks or Shotcut, which is the main reason it's dropped to third place. Make sure you check the technical requirements before downloading it to avoid disappointment.
Hitfilm Express reviewDownload Hitfilm Express
VSDC Free Video Editor provides a huge array of effects and filters to enhance your footage, with both wizards and manual options to suit beginners or more advanced users.
VSDC is highly capable, and can yield superb results. As a non-linear editor, it works in rather a different way to many other similar tools, letting you position clips and other elements on the timeline wherever you like and edit them there.
With the ability to not only work with multiple scenes and transitions, but also to add sprites and text to videos, you can create a professional-quality movie if you're willing to stick with VSDC's slightly odd way of working and unusual interface.
The latest version of VSDC adds extra artistic effects, including smoke. There's also a dedicated Instagram export profile and automatic image stabilization. It's noticeably faster, too. An excellent choice for creative video projects.
VSDC Free Video Editor reviewDownload VSDC Free Video Editor
One thing to understand about Avidemux from the outset is that it is not going to help you create the next Star Wars or to become a master movie producer. Rather, it's a set of essential tools for everyday video editing, covering all of the basics such as converting formats, trimming footage, appending one clip to another, and applying filters and effects.
While Avidemux isn't offer the most powerful free video editor, it's not a pared-back Windows Movie Maker style affair either. You might have to go hunting for some of the more advanced options, but spend a little time perusing the menus and you'll be impressed.
There's also a handy quickstart guide to get you rolling if you're totally new to video editing. If you can't see a tool you need, Avidemux is also expandable via plugins that add features like subtitles and watermarks.
Avidemux reviewDownload Avidemux Check out our guide to the best free video converters
The best Toys R Us Cyber Monday deals 2017
Toys R Us Cyber Monday deals in the US may not be here until the very end of the month, but doesn't mean you have to wait until then to start saving on kids gifts. You know, the ones that are so cool you want to play with them yourself when the kids go off to bed?
All of this is a lot easier thanks to the mega-savings that Toys R Us promises and always delivers on. This year, the American toy outlet is facing bankruptcy, and that means you may find even better Cyber Monday prices than usual.
We've seen worthy discounts on Nerf blasters, Marvel action figures, kids tablets and even Power Wheel-style ride ons. And Toys R Us is always a good source of movie and video game deals, according to every other Cyber Monday we've tracked. Oh, and have we mentioned Legos? Yeah, those are popular come the biggest shopping days of the year.
The best part about Cyber Monday 2017 is that the Toys R Us deals will be just as good online as in person in almost every case. You can shop the store without leaving the comfort of your home (or getting dressed). That makes sneaking away to buy toys in the middle of the night a lot easier than before, making the surprise when your kids open their gifts that much easier to achieve.
So, what are the best Cyber Monday deals at Toys R Us? While we have time before we see big items like Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One on sale, we're already finding a lot of other early Cyber Monday deals you can consider right now.
Early Cyber Monday deals in November Toys R Us ads to leak ahead of timeThere are no leaked ads detailing the Cyber Monday deals Toys R Us will have for 2017 right now, but they should come in late November. Since Cyber Monday comes after Black Friday, Cyber Monday ads may not be officially released until after Black Friday.
Once the ads do arrive, however, they will offer the prime opportunity to figure out what deals are worth going after, and which you can skip.
If you do find something you like, remember there’s no such thing as unlimited stock, and being able to quickly hop on the internet and press the buy button is the surest way to get the deal you’re looking for before it vanishes.
If ads are available early from multiple retailers, then it's a good opportunity to compare deals and make sure you’re buying products from the store offering the lowest price. Toys R Us will likely have a lot of good deals, but they may not be the very best ones.
Sometimes advertisements detailing the deals coming on Cyber Monday leak early, so keep checking here, as we’ll post these leaked ads when they become available so you can plan your shopping and find the best Cyber Monday deals. We're all about eliminating shopping stress, which to a parent, is a good thing, right?
Pre-Cyber Monday Toys R Us dealsA number of children’s tablets are on sale with heavy discounts right now. The LeapFrog LeapPad Platinum is $30 off for a price of $99.99. The Barbie 7-inch Kids Tablet is $26.50 off for $53.49. And the Kurio Xtreme 2 Special Edition is $20 off for $79.99.
Some cool tech toys are also discounted right now. The Aura Drone with Glove Controller is $19 off for $75.99 and the Disney Pixar Cars 3 Service Station is $20 off for $49.99.
Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Packs are discounted across the board, with the Xbox One version selling for $13, the Wii U version for $9.98 and the PS4 version for $14.98.
NBA 2K17 for Xbox One is $30 off for a total of $29.99.
Expected Toys R Us dealsCyber Monday might be about online shopping, but for Toys R Us, there will likely be a lot of overlap with the deals happening at the toy store on Black Friday.
Video games and gaming consoles are often on sale for Cyber Monday, so expect Toys R Us to have some significant deals in this category. The new Xbox One X is already out, and this fall is going to be full of new video game releases, like Star Wars Battlefront 2. New games and consoles aren’t cheap, so any Cyber Monday deal on these items is worth looking at. Lots of deals also include bundles of consoles and games together, so be on the lookout for those if you want the best prices on multiple products at the same time.
With a new Star Wars moving coming out later this year and Rogue One inventory getting old, expect some deals on everything Star Wars. Lego has had The Lego Batman Movie and will have The Lego Ninjago Movie this year, so related products may be popular and discounted. Disney and Barbie are also popular brands for deals, and should continue to be this year.
Cyber Monday may also be a good time to look out for big and expensive items you wouldn’t want to schlep out of the store yourself. If you’re looking for trampolines and Power Wheels, Cyber Monday will be a good time to do it as these will be delivered to your door (no need to squeeze them into your car).
Toys R Us Cyber Monday adviceThere’s no pushing or shoving in online shopping, but there’s still serious competition among shoppers. Look for deals early and often if you know what you want to buy. Doing so will not only help you spot the best Toys R Us Cyber Monday deals as soon as possible, but it will also help you known when the listed deal price is actually a change from the regular price. If you just want to see the best deals and decide whether they’re to your liking, just reload this webpage regularly to see any updates
Since Cyber Monday will have a lot of people visiting the same retailer sites at the same time, you might want to use a VPN to avoid internet congestion. If the local servers for Toys R Us are too busy during Cyber Monday, you might not be able to access the site, but a VPN can help you route your internet traffic to another region where it’s not so busy, so you can get to the deals before they are all sold out.
One last thing you won’t want to do is wait around when you see a deal on a product that you know you want. If a product is popular and has a really great deal on it, chances are everyone else has seen it and it will sell out quickly. You don’t want to stare at that product all day only to click the purchase button and have the webpage tell you that it’s no longer in stock. If you know what you want from Toys R Us during Cyber Monday 2017, don’t wait until the following Tuesday to get it.
The best Walmart Cyber Monday deals 2017
Walmart Cyber Monday deals in the US are set for the end of November, but that hasn't stopped the biggest US retailer from offering its rollback prices well in advance of November 27.
Yes, early Cyber Monday deals have already landed at Walmart, and thanks to the immense success of its website sales in the last year, we're expecting an even bigger focus on online discounts. That's good news for everyone, right?
Well, the news comes with a major caveat: sorting through Cyber Monday deals, on an online portal as big as Walmart's, is going to be next to impossible if you try to do it alone. That's why we, your humble tech reporters, are here to save the day (the day specifically being Cyber Monday and all those so-called 'Cyber Week' days surrounding it).
Discounts on all sorts of products, from 4KTVs to computers to game consoles and even spare tires are ones we'll keep an eye on if they're really good. After all, Cyber Monday is the only day you may be able to snag the SNES Classic or the iPhone X, and maybe get a great deal on the Xbox One X that just launched. Any other day of the year? Forget about it.
With new games like FIFA 18, CoD WW2 and Destiny 2 out in time for the holiday rush, you can expect some price drops and or even see them included in some console bundles. But you may need our help in the matter.
Let's prove that right now by showing you where to find early Walmart Cyber Monday deals.
Walmart Cyber Monday deals quick link Walmart Cyber Monday deals homepage Walmart Black Friday deal categories Walmart Cyber Monday 4KTV dealsWalmart Cyber Monday video game dealsWalmart Cyber Monday console bundle dealsWalmart Cyber Monday movie dealsWalmart Cyber Monday toy dealsWalmart Cyber Monday home deals Earlier Walmart deals and Cyber Monday ad leaksThe Cyber Monday date is on November 27, which is the last Monday in November. Right before that day, we expect to see Walmart Cyber Monday ads leak. This means we'll see what's going to be on sale in advance, though not by much.
We also have a bit of a cheat in that the Walmart Black Friday ad is already here, giving us a good look at what will be on sale during the biggest retail shopping day of the year, and what we might expect on Cyber Monday, too.
But until the Walmart Cyber Monday ad leaks, we have a bunch of items on sale today (below), and they're all likely to be even cheaper come Cyber Monday. It's usually how the holiday shopping process works.
Xbox One S Ultimate Halo Bundle (500GB) is $249 after $30 savings. Now that the Xbox One X is out, we're seeing deals on the older generation Xbox consoles. If you don't need a 4K game player, getting this Xbox bundle is a good way to save before the holiday rush.
Google Chromebooks start at $149 Chromebook discounts have grown with the popularity of Google's back-to-basics laptop. It's a real threat to Windows 10 laptops with prices falling anywhere from $149 to $429 on discount.
Dell desktop computers at $457 give you enough power in a clean all-in-one design that used to cost a fortune. It's close to dropping into the Under $400 category, and it's a safe bet Walmart's Cyber Monday deals will take it there.
50-inch Philips HDTV for $378 is a big-screen television that gives you a 1080p resolution without falling for 4KTV prices. Walmart will have those too for Black Friday, but this deal is still plenty affordable right now.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 starting at $680 is now the last-generation Surface 2-in-1, but has long been one of our favorites – made even more excellent by this deal. Supply is limited, so act fast if you're interested.
Expected Walmart Cyber Monday dealsCyber Monday is going to feature the above deals at even better prices, as well as new deals not yet seen. At least those are our advance Cyber Monday Walmart predictions. With so many items on sale across categories, it's safe to predict that Walmart will deliver deals on all its goods.
PS4 and Xbox One Cyber Monday deals: Sony and Microsoft wage a consumer-benefiting battle to price drop their respective home consoles during the online shopping period, and we could see another $50 off the systems in addition to multiple free games included.
Google Home deals: Walmart sells Google Home and it made the smart speaker even cheaper during Cyber Monday last year by reducing the price by $30. The best part is it seems Walmart carries this out of spite for the Amazon Echo from its chief retail rival.
4KTV deals during Cyber Monday: You can't go wrong with buying a 4KTV on discount, and Walmart is going to be a major retailer that price drops televisions this upcoming holiday. It's going to be a must-have if you're stuck in 1080p.
Walmart drones deals for Cyber Monday 2017: Drones with HD cameras will be just as popular this holiday season as they were last year, and we hope to see another DJI Phantom that was over $1,000 and went down to $447.
Cyber Monday is the semi-relaxed online shopping day where you don't have to go in to an actual Walmart store in order to find the very best deals. That's a relief to everyone who wants to avoid 'The people of Walmart.'
The deals listed here are just a preview of what's likely to come from the No. 1 retailer in the US. It may be known for its stores, but the website is what's popular come Cyber Monday every year.
Best Netflix TV shows: the top Netflix television series in Australia
UPDATE: The Sinner, starring Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman, has been added to our list of the top Netflix television series in Australia. Find out why on the next slide!
It's been a long time coming (like, a seriously long time) but Netflix has finally arrived on Australian shores, giving Australians unfettered access to all of the critically-lauded Netflix Originals shows. Not only that, users also have access to a wealth of other licensed material.
Sure, Netflix also streams movies, but its television output is perhaps the reason most people have signed up for an account. There's nothing quite like firing up Netflix and binge-watching a series at your own pace. Getting instant access to entire seasons of House of Cards from day one is half the appeal.
This is why we've created the TechRadar guide to the greatest TV shows on the Australian version of Netflix right now (in no particular order). We'll keep this best TV show list constantly updated with the latest television shows that you should be watching and also tell you why.
Find even more quality shows to watch using our best Australian VPN services for Netflix 2017What causes a seemingly normal woman to violently murder a random person while out at the beach with her husband and newborn child? That is the premise behind The Sinner, a show which sees Jessica Biel take on a darker character than she ever has before. Bull Pullman also stars as an investigator who becomes obsessed with finding out where these violent fits of rage come from. Is there something hidden deep in her past that even she doesn't know about? Thrillingly told and terrifically acted, The Sinner is compelling viewing.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Perfectly timed with Halloween this year, Stranger Things season 2 is now streaming on Netflix. Playing like a cross between Stephen King and Steven Spielberg, Stranger Things is a nostalgic and somewhat scary throwback to the classic Amblin films of the '80s. In the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, young boy Will (Noah Schnapp) disappears in the middle of the night without a trace. The very next day, a young girl in a hospital gown appears in town, scared and unable to speak. In true Goonies/Stand By Me-fashion, the girl joins up with Will's buddies in an attempt to track down their missing friend. Also embroiled in the mystery is the young boy's mother, Joyce (Winona Ryder) – a woman who must confront terrifying forces if she has any hope of seeing her son again. Without spoiling the first season for newcomers, Stranger Things 2 picks up a year later and not only introduces some new characters, but also an even bigger and more terrifying threat that must be stopped at all costs!
Seasons on Netflix: 2
From David Fincher, director of such serial killer classics as Se7en and Zodiac, comes Mindhunter – a Netflix Original series that details how the FBI's profiling practices came into fruition. Academic and detail-oriented, the series sees its agents stare deep into the heart of darkness in order to better understand this new breed of demented killer that they've been tasked with chasing. Based on autobiographical accounts by FBI Agent John Douglas, who inspired the fictional character of Jack Crawford in Thomas Harris' seminal Hannibal books, Mindhunter is a gripping series that applies an analytical approach to a well-worn subject.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
It may take an episode or so to truly get off the ground, but the newest Star Trek TV series delivers all the intergalactic adventuring we could possibly hope for. There's no shortage of action or spectacular visuals here, though the show's creators have balanced it with the series' trademark smarts to provide a truly compelling new entry in the Star Trek canon. The cast, which is led by Sonequa Martin-Green and features the likes of Michelle Yeoh and Jason Isaacs, is extraordinary. We can't wait to see where Star Trek: Discovery takes us in the future.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
A note-perfect spoof of the 'true crime docu-series' model that's become all the rage following the success of Making a Murderer and Serial, American Vandal follows the investigation of a fictional crime in which an underachieving high school student is accused of spray painting dicks on every car in his high school's faculty car park. Like any good true crime investigation, American Vandal is filled with conflicting testimonies, unreliable witnesses, compelling evidence, huge revelations and, of course, moody cinematography. Hilarious and constantly surprising, American Vandal is a must-see for any true crime aficionado.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
The best way to approach BoJack Horseman is to let it slowly grow on you. Chances are you won't be blown away by it from the first episode, but once you get hip to its rhythm, you'll likely find it to be one of the best animated comedy shows since Bob's Burgers (only with a lot more depth). Will Arnett voices BoJack, a washed-up '90s sitcom star who spends his days being bitter about his failures alongside perpetual houseguest, Todd (Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul). Things get complicated when his cat girlfriend and agent Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris) hires ghost writer Diane (Alison Brie) to pen BoJack's memoir. Filled with hilarious characters that could only exist in drawing-form, BoJack Horseman is a real winner. Now back for its fourth season, BoJack finds himself in a weird position as his 18-year-old lovechild enters the picture. Things aren't going so smooth for Mr. Peanutbutter and Diane either, with the former's political aspirations putting a strain on the couple's marriage.
Series on Netflix: 4
While the first two seasons of Narcos recounted the true story of the world's most infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), and the DEA agents (Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal) tasked that brought him down, the third season shows us what happened after the end of Escobar's reign. This time, the focus in on the Cali Cartel, a drug empire so powerful, that its wealth rivalled that of Fortune 500 companies. This riveting crime drama plays like a cross between City of God and Goodfellas, employing a voiceover-based narrative that gives you an unprecedented look at the ins and outs of Colombia's drug trade. Violent, sexy, well-written and immaculately acted, Narcos is truly one of the best shows on Netflix, and we're glad to see it continue even though Pablo's story is over. We expect things to get even hairier from this point on.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Everything has been leading to this – Marvel's insanely popular Netflix shows, each set in the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe, are finally colliding in The Defenders. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, all the lead heroes of their own respective shows, must now come together to stop a threat that aims to watch New York City fall. Think of them like the television equivalent of The Avengers, only more street-level. Will they be able to put aside their differences to fight as a team? Or will The Hand, the shadowy, ancient criminal organisation that featured in both Daredevil and Iron Fist, take one more step towards global domination? You'll have to binge-through this 8-episode special event to find out!
Seasons on Netflix: 1
If you've seen and are a fan of David Wain and Michael Showalter's hilarious film Wet Hot American Summer (WHAS), then you've surely watched its Netflix Original prequel series, WHAS: First Day of Camp (also on our list of the best shows on Netflix Australia). Hilariously taking place during the same summer of 1981 (despite a cast that's obviously aged by 15 years), the series hit every comedic note that made the film a cult favourite. Now, a sequel series has been made that sees our beloved characters return to Camp Firewood ten years after the events of the film and first series. Set in 1991, the show gets a lot of comedic mileage out of its new era, and sees most of its original cast return in some form or another (Bradley Cooper is unfortunately absent, though Adam Scott does a good job of filling his shoes). If you've ever wondered what these ridiculous characters might be like as adults, this is a series you must watch.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Though Netflix's new crime drama Ozark has understandably been compared to Breaking Bad, the show approaches similar themes in an entirely different and uniquely intense way. Chicago businessman Marty Bryde (Jason Bateman, who also directs some of the episodes) seems like a standup guy, but has actually spent years laundering drug money for a Mexican cartel. When it's revealed that his friend and business partner has been skimming money off the top, Marty finds himself in debt to a trigger-happy drug lord who has no qualms about murdering Marty's entire family, including wife Wendy (Laura Linney) and their two young children. Now, Marty's only chance at keeping his family alive is to move them to the Ozarks, a long coastline in Missouri that Marty believes is potential a goldmine, so that he can pay back the money that's owed. Gripping and very adult, Ozark will surely appeal to fans of shows like Fargo and the aforementioned Breaking Bad.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Inspired by the beloved video game franchise of the same name and modelled after Japanese anime, the Netflix Original series Castlevania isn't shy about packing its short four-episode season with as much blood and guts as possible. Produced by noted geek Adi Shankar (Dredd) with animation by the renowned Frederator Studios (Adventure Time), Castlevania sees Dracula (Graham McTavish) wage war on mankind after the senseless killing of the one human he loved. Now, it's up to whip-cracking hero Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) to stop him. With comparisons to Game of Thrones, Castlevania is definitely a series made with adults in mind. If you like brutal medieval stories that are willing to explore some seriously dark territory, you're going to love Castlevania.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Did you know that competitive body painting was a thing? Well, if you didn't, Skin Wars is here to show you what you've been missing out on! Hosted by Rebecca Romijn and featuring RuPaul Charles, Skin Wars pits the world's best body painters against each other for a chance to win a grand prize of $100,000. Contestants are given weekly tasks that involve painting naked models. Need more convincing? Well, the tasks will put their skills for painting and storytelling to the test, with a panel of judges handing out verdicts at the end of each episode. The person who presents the least skin-tillating artwork will be sent packing. Brutal, but hey, war is Hell.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
From the makers of Orange is the New Black comes Netflix's latest hit series, GLOW, a show based on a real-life all-women wrestling league that existed in the '80s. Why's it called GLOW? It stands for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, that's why! The show stars Alison Brie (Community) as an aspiring actress who auditions for the wrestling gig after being fed up with the lack of meaty female roles in Hollywood. Here, she can be a fierce warrior, one who is in charge of her own destiny and gets to play opposite other strong women. Like Orange is the New Black, GLOW is a show that masterfully balances comedy and drama. We can only hope that it gets as many seasons as that award-winning show.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
It may have never reached the heady heights of House Of Cards, but Orange Is The New Black is another show that proves Netflix is now up there with HBO when it comes to offering decent programming. Set in a woman's prison, Orange doesn't shirk the big issues of violence and rape but manages to mix these with a heady dose of black humour. Oh, and its first series was actually more popular than Cards, which is a surprise as Netflix's advertising has always been very Spacey heavy. And, if you've already watched the first four seasons, you'll be happy to know that season 5 has just made its way to the service. Get ready to binge!
Seasons on Netflix: 5
Finished watching Netflix's new Voltron reboot series and crave even more intergalactic action? Well, you're in luck – Netflix has seen fit to drop a whole bunch of classic Voltron episodes from the original series on its service! Rather than just posting them in the order they were released, the episodes have been handpicked by members of the creative team behind the new series. Not only that, each episode is prefaced by a short introduction from the person who picked it detailing why it's important to them. A must-watch for Voltron fans who want to take a stroll down memory lane.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Ever spent an evening with friends watching bad movies and cracking jokes at their expense? If that's you, you're going to love Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K). Based on a flimsy premise involving a scientific experiment by Gizmonic Institute, the show's lovably homemade sci-fi angle is just an excuse to have comedian Jonah Ray hang out with a bunch of wise-cracking robots named Gypsy, Tom Servo and Crow as they relentlessly mock utterly terrible movies. The new Netflix version is actually a remake of an American cult favourite from the '80s and '90s and each episode will actually give you an entire movie to cringe and laugh through. Charming, funny and endlessly entertaining, MST3K is bound to capture a whole new generation of fans.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
True crime fans, get ready for your newest obsession. The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story recounts the 1994-1995 murder trial involving all-star NFL legend O.J. Simpson, in which he was accused of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ronald Lyle Goldman. The first in a series of one-off stories, American Crime Story season one is an engrossing and terrifically-acted retelling of the infamous trial told from the perspectives of both the prosecution and the defence. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a fantastic performance as O.J., while Sarah Paulson (as Marcia Clark), David Schwimmer (as Robert Kardashian) and John Travolta (as Robert Shapiro) provide exceptional support.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
They say that chefs are like the new rock stars of our time, and if that's the case, the lovably-outspoken celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain is the culinary equivalent of Iggy Pop and Henry Rollins rolled into one charming yet thoughtful dish. In his show No Reservations, Bourdain roams the globe in search of mouth-watering meals, although unlike most other travel/food programs, Bourdain spends an equal amount of time exploring the cultures and socio-political environments that birthed them. Funny, eye-opening and extremely entertaining, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is a must-watch show for foodies and globetrotters alike.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Set aside any pre-conceived notions that you might have about a 'sexy Archie' series and get ready for one of the most addictive new shows of the year with Riverdale. First things first – this ain't your grandpappy's Archie show. A modern day re-imagining of the beloved comics franchise that has spanned almost eight decades, this Twin Peaks-inspired version of Riverdale is fraught with murder, deception and small town scandal. Famous characters like Jughead, Veronica, Betty and even Josie and the Pussycats are all present and accounted for, only with a decidedly millennial twist. The question on everybody's lips: Who killed star quarterback (and most popular kid in school) Jason Blossom? With new episodes fast-tracked from the US every Friday, your only problem will the seven day wait between episodes.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
True crime stories are so hot right now, evidenced by the immense popularity of the podcast Serial and HBO's The Jinx. Netflix's original series Making a Murderer however, is probably the hottest of them all, documenting and recounting the trials of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey, two working-class Americans accused of the murder of 23-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach. Over its 10 episodes, the show exposes the failings of the Wisconsin justice system in blood-boiling detail. Having spent 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Steven Avery is exonerated based on new DNA evidence. However, shortly after his release, he becomes the prime suspect in Halbach's murder, and Avery is put through the ringer once again by law enforcement figures that seem to have it out for him. What follows is an anger-inducing sequence of events that involve forced confessions, unconvincing (and possibly planted) evidence, dodgy lawyers and a complete presumption of guilt from almost everyone involved. Compelling, infuriating and tragic, we guarantee you won't be able to stop watching Making a Murderer once you've started.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
When Marvel revealed that it would be creating several Netflix shows tied directly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fanboys (like me) were over the moon. The fact that it would start by bringing Daredevil back to life (Evanescence pun completely intentional) after the much-maligned Ben Affleck film was more than we could have ever hoped for. This isn't some low-level player – Daredevil is a genuine fan favourite. And if you ask us, 'The Man Without Fear' is probably better suited to being the star of a series rather than another movie – especially as he'll eventually team up with Netflix's other Marvel heroes Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage in the Netflix miniseries, The Defenders. Though the series kicked off with a bang in the first season, Marvel has managed to top it in every single way in the second season, with the inclusion of The Punisher and Elektra dialling up the action and intensity considerably.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
One of the greatest cartoons of the '80s, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has finally made its way to Netflix Australia! Set on the magical world of Eternia, the show follows Prince Adam, a young man who becomes the superhero He-Man whenever he holds aloft his magic sword and speaks the words: "by the power of Greyskull!" Together with his friends, Teela, Man-At-Arms, Battlecat and Orco, He-Man regularly faces off against the dastardly (and deliciously campy) villain known as Skeletor, who will stop at nothing in his attempts to take over the realm. If you're after a mad rush of nostalgia, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe should do the trick!
Seasons on Netflix: 1
In retrospect, it would seem impossible for Marvel to surpass its last Netflix Original series, Daredevil, with a show about a hard drinking ex-superhero that's little known outside of comic book circles, but that's pretty much what it's done with Jessica Jones. Though the show doesn't quite reach the action heights of Daredevil, Jessica Jones manages to be even more compelling in terms of story and character. Based on the comic Alias by Brian Michael Bendis, the show sees private investigator Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), bar owner Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and celebrity Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) do battle with a mind-controlling creep named Kilgrave (David Tennant), whose incredible obsession with Jessica is causing everyone around her to die. Dark, violent and quite sexual for a Marvel show, Jessica Jones is required viewing for fans of the MCU.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Arguably the finest show on television, Mad Men is a brilliant time capsule that takes us on a journey through the ever-changing landscape that was 1960s America. Over the years, we get to see the country evolve through the eyes of the people who work at a swanky New York advertising agency – most notably our lead character Don Draper (John Hamm), a damaged individual with a hidden past and a drinking problem who is constantly engaging in infidelity. Through the show, we get some insight into the slow rise of power for women in the workplace while facing overt sexism, race relations and the evolution of the American family during the most tumultuous period in American history. Truly an outstanding, must-watch show.
Seasons on Netflix: 6
Many scoffed when it was announced that MTV would be making its own Scream show based on the hit Wes Craven-directed film series of the same name, but that initial cynicism bleeds away once the show sinks its hooks into you. Inspired by the films but in no way connected to them, the show maintains the meta-commentary and slashing action that the Scream name is known for while creating a whole new mythos of its own. Featuring a (mostly) likeable cast, buckets of blood and a central mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, fans will definitely get a kick out of Scream's small-screen slashing mayhem. And, with Scream currently in its second season, Netflix is fast-tracking brand new episodes directly from the U.S. every tuesday.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
One of the funniest shows to hit TV in years, Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Andy Samberg as an immature goofball who also happens to also be a brilliant NYPD detective. The show revolves around the many cases (and shenanigans) that Samberg and his equally hilarious co-stars get wrapped up in under the watchful eye of their stern Captain. Quick-witted and full of heart, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a new comedy classic.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Netflix has been killing it with its Marvel shows so far, having already launched two well-received top-tier shows in Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Now, it's time for a new kind of hero – Luke Cage, also known as Power Man to fans of the comics the show is based on. If you've watched Jessica Jones, you'll already be familiar with this literally unbreakable character, as he played a pivotal role in that show's first season. This series, however, picks up some time after that, with Cage relocating from Hell's Kitchen to Harlem, and finding himself coming to blows with local gangster Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes. Expect plenty of intense action with a real hip-hop flair.
Series on Netflix: 1
Someone escaping from a Domesday cult shouldn't be a recipe for comedy but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt manages to squeeze the funny out of this premise. Created by Tina Fey and starring Ellie Kemper as the title character, the show sparkles with wit and lands on the right side of kooky. Best of all, season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has arrived and is fizzing with the same energy of the first. If you're a fan of shows like Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock, you're pretty much guaranteed to love Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Seasons on Netflix: 2
You've never seen a lawyer show like this before. Suits mostly avoids the 'courtroom drama' angle that law shows usually take, and instead focuses on the dealings behind the scenes. Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) is a brilliant man with a photographic memory who is wasting his life away as a petty drug dealer, until lawyer-extraordinaire Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) hires him to work at the most prestigious law firm in New York. Let's hope no one finds out about his lack of a law degree. Absolutely addictive.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
If there ever was a poster boy for Netflix, House of Cards' Frank Underwood would be it. Funded completely by the streaming service, Cards' boasts a visual style crafted by director David Fincher and immense acting by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. The reason: Netflix positively wanted you to binge watch, putting all episodes up at once. With five seasons currently available, Netflix's Card trick is still impressive and shows just how far Netflix has come, bringing the service worldwide critical acclaim and awards attention. With the world as focused on US politics as it is now, House of Cards is downright therapeutic entertainment.
Seasons on Netflix: 5
One of the freshest and most enjoyable shows Netflix has put out to date, the semi-autobiographical Master of None sees comedian Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation) play Dev, a character much like himself who is trying to navigate his family, friends, acting career and love life in New York City. Hilarious and thoughtful, Master of None gives Dev the opportunity to reflect on difficult subjects like like racism and misogyny in a way that's warm, funny and eye-opening – no easy feat! Master of None also has an amazing soundtrack, and some wonderful supporting turns from Noël Wells, Eric Wareheim, Kelvin Yu and Ansari's own scene-stealing parents, Shoukath and Fatima.
Seasons available on Netflix: 2
An incredibly fascinating four-part docu-series charting the birth of hip hop music, Hip Hop Evolution takes us on a trip back to New York City's South Bronx area during the tumultuous early '70s. Beginning with the famous DJ Kool Herc block party that started it all and continuing on to the early days of gangsta rap music in the late '80s, Hip Hop Evolution is an eye-opening examination of all the elements that led to rap music becoming the global phenomenon it is today. Featuring countless interviews with hip hop pioneers, including Africa Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash and Kurtis Blow, this Netflix Original series is one of the most entertaining cultural lessons you're ever likely to see. Once you're finished watching this, keep the beat going with Netflix's other brilliant hip hop show, The Get Down.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Before he was the showrunner for Marvel's Daredevil, Steven DeKnight worked on the gratuitously violent and sexual series Spartacus. At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that there's nothing more to the show than meat-headed beefcakes fighting and screwing in a 300-aping manner, but there's so much more going on – we follow Spartacus (the late Andy Whitfield and his replacement, Liam McIntyre) as he is taken into slavery and forced to do cruel and unimaginable things in the gladiatorial arena, just waiting for the day that he can finally get his revenge on slave-owners Batiatus (John Hannah) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). All of this culminates in one of the most satisfying season finales in recent memory. Be warned – this show is filled with grotesque violence and an immense amount of sex and nudity. It's like Game of Thrones times ten.
Seasons on Netflix: 4
Reportedly Netflix's most expensive show ever, The Get Down is an absolutely dazzling look into the birth of hip hop music in the South Bronx during the late 1970s. The show effortlessly blends real life footage from the period with scenes from the show, mixing them together like a good DJ. Created by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!), The Get Down is bursting with style, drama, colourful characters and fantastic music. If you have even the slightest interest in hip hop music, consider The Get Down required viewing.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Fans of brainy, politically-minded science fiction, like the incredible Battlestar Galactica reboot series, would do well to check out The Expanse, a futuristic series that sees our Solar System colonised by humans. Initially presented in the guise of a cop procedural about a missing person, The Expanse's stakes are quickly raised when a vast political conspiracy becomes apparent that threatens the fate of our galaxy. Starring Thomas Jane, Steven Strait and Shohreh Aghdashloo, The Expanse is a show that takes a little while to warm up to, but once you're hooked, you won't be able to look away.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
As far as dystopian fiction goes, Black Mirror is up there with the very best. Penned by Charlie Brooker, who before this was disassembling and decimating the news in his show NewsWipe, Black Mirror consists of a handful of caustic tales about the perils of technology, shady governments and human nature as a whole.
Not only has Netflix nabbed the original seven episodes of the show to stream, comprising two series and a Christmas special, but it also funded a further six. Each standalone episode holds a mirror up to our society in extreme satire, with themes that are not too far from issues facing us all today: social media highs and embarrassing lows, technology going awry and new games that start to feel all-too real. Pitch-black comedy at its absolute darkest, Black Mirror is a must for tech-heads with a wicked sense of humour.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Watch Black Mirror on Netflix now
Playing like a hilariously twisted version of Back to the Future, Rick and Morty follows a whiny high schooler and his alcoholic scientist grandfather as they set out on crazy adventures across the Universe. From Dan Harmon, creator of Community, and Justin Roiland, who voices both the titular characters, Rick and Morty is an endlessly clever show that never ceases to come up with mind-blowing stories to tell. This isn't just the best animated sci-fi comedy since Futurama – it's even better. So, grab your Plumbus and strap in, because the second season of Rick and Morty is now available to stream on Netflix Australia!
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Reviled on initial release and then rediscovered as a cult classic, the 2001 film Wet Hot American Summer is the kind of satirical comedy that leaves most people scratching their heads. Those in the know, however, see it as an absolutely pitch-perfect, gobsmackingly hilarious spoof of the summer camp movies of the late '70s and early '80s. Many of the actors in the original film went on to become huge stars (Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler), so it should be considered a minor miracle that all of these people were wrangled back almost 15 years later to star in a prequel series for Netflix. If you haven't seen the original movie, you might want to stream it on Netflix before watching the show, but if you have seen it and love it like we do, you'll be over the moon with Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Praise Odin! We finally have a brutal and (mostly) historically-accurate show about Norse culture that would make Thor proud. Vikings takes us on a journey through Scandinavian/European history as Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a man who may or may not be a direct descendent of Odin himself, rises up the viking ranks and searches for new civilisations alongside his band of viking brothers. Best watched with a pint of mead in your hand.
Seasons on Netflix: 3
One of the funniest comedians to come out of Britain in years, Matt Berry (The Might Boosh, The IT Crowd, Snuff Box) is back with another pompous blowhard character that's entirely in his much-perfected wheelhouse. In Toast of London, Berry plays Steven Toast, an eccentric, washed-up actor whose antics off the stage are almost as insufferable as the ones on it (when he can actually find a worthwhile gig, that is). To make matters worse, Toast is surrounded by a number of comically-named characters who are just as aberrant as he is. Will Toast ever catch a break? A single episode of the show will probably be enough to answer that one...
Seasons on Netflix: 3
Like a cross between Modern Family and The Walking Dead (with a spattering of Dexter thrown in for good measure), Santa Clarita Diet is a hilariously gory Netflix Original series that sees suburban mum Sheila (Drew Barrymore) suddenly acquire an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Though shocked at first, Sheila's loyal husband Joel (Timothy Olyphant) and daughter Abby (Liv Hewson) are determined to keep this family together, even if it means covering up a number of murders...
Seasons on Netflix: 1
On the list of shows that were tragically cut down before their prime, Number 1 is Firefly. Number 2, however, is Freaks and Geeks, the show that served as a launching pad for some of our favourite stars in comedy today. Brash, mischievous and hysterical, James Franco, Jason Segel and Seth Rogen provide a perfect counter-balance for the tepid (and completely loveable) Linda Cardellini. The show scores the last spot on our list and in our hearts because at the end of the day we've all been Cardellini's character, Lindsay. We've all been picked on, called a nerd and genuinely loved something – whether that's cellphones, computers, televisions, whatever. And just when you think you'll never fit in, the right group of people somehow find their way into your life.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
After he had produced the perfect female lead in Buffy and before he was Hulk smashing with The Avengers, Joss Whedon created a short-run sci-fi series that has spawned not only a massive cult following but, quite astonishingly, a movie. The reason it was such an underground success was because Firefly takes the Star Wars framework of making space messy, where everything is a little rough around the edges – including the crew. It even has its own Han Solo in the form of Nathan Fillion's Malcolm Reynolds. Whedon's witty words permeate the whole of Firefly, which is not so much a space opera but a space rock opera.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
A truly opulent historical epic, The Crown is a majestic Netflix Original series that deals with Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) and her rise to the throne, starting in the 1940s and moving on to modern times. With a reported budget of £100 million, Netflix and Left Bank Pictures spared no expense to tell this story of royalty with as much detail and historical accuracy as possible. Though it might seem like a stuffy costume drama, the brilliant photography and incredibly sense of scale will leave you flabbergasted. Featuring terrific acting and wonderful direction from Peter Morgan (who directed the Oscar winning film, The Queen), The Crown is the perfect show for Downton Abbey fans who are looking for their next big fix.
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Before he was a global superstar, Will Smith was the frontman for the late '80s/early '90s hip hop duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. With a winning sense of personality and infectious hits like 'Parents Just Don't Understand', Smith took his performing talents and turned to acting by starring in the family sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Playing a fictionalised version of himself, Smith moves in with his stuffy high society Aunt and Uncle's family in the posh suburb of Bel-Air. Before long, his crazy persona turns the entire family's dynamic on its head, bringing a sense of much needed humour into their lives. A classic series with one of the best and most memorable theme songs of all time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is as fresh and funny now as it was 20-odd years ago. Now, sing it with us: "In West Philadelphia, born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days..."
Seasons on Netflix: 6
The best 40-inch TVs of 2017
The 40-inch TV size is an anomaly for most manufacturers. On one hand, they know it’s a great size for most folk’s homes. On the other, because TVs are becoming exponentially cheaper to produce, it just makes more sense to push people to a larger size.
The push for larger TVs can be frustrating if you’re looking for something smaller than 43-inches. Sure, they exist, but most of the major manufacturers like LG and Sony only offer one - maybe two - models in that range.
The good news for 40-inch fans is that there are still some manufacturers out there who aren’t ready to jump ship on the mid-size screens: Samsung, Vizio, Hisense, TCL and Panasonic are all equipped with at least a few panels that will blow you away at 40-inches.
To help you narrow down your search for a great 40-inch TV, we’ve done all the ground-work to find out everything you need to know about screens and display technology. What you’ll find below should not only help you pick out the 40-inch screen of your dreams, but also educate you on the modern audiovisual landscape. It’s a win-win.
What TVs does TechRadar recommend?Before we dive into specific TVs, let’s discuss what makes a good 40-inch screen.
If we had to narrow down all the factors, the most important things to look for is a great smart TV operating system that’ll help you stream shows and movies from Amazon, Netflix and YouTube; at least an FHD (Full-HD) panel, if not 4K; and how many inputs a TV has.
That sounds like a lot to take into account, I know, but I promise picking out a screen is as easy as can be. Let’s break it down one attribute at a time.
Ultra HD vs. Full HD: A common misconception in the TV industry is that you can’t see a difference between Full HD and Ultra HD on a screen smaller than 55 inches. Now, I’m not saying those people are flat-out wrong, but I can promise that if you take your time and really look at a picture - especially if that picture is using High Dynamic Range - you’ll see a difference.
To that end, I’d recommend picking out a TV with 4K Ultra-HD and HDR if you can find one. They’re a bit uncommon in this screen size because the cost might outweigh the benefits for someone shopping for an ultra-cheap TV, but if you’re serious about video, 4K is vital.
Operating system: It used to be that many of the TVs in the 40-inch range didn’t come with an operating system. These dumb TVs were incredibly cheap to make, and therefore cheap to buy, too. But there was a problem: As Netflix and YouTube became more and more popular, people wanted to stream those services on their TV without resorting to a streaming video device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Chromecast.
These days, it’s fairly common to find an operating system on a 40-inch TV. All but the most bare-bones of screens will have them. But what you’re looking for, ideally, is a well-maintained operating system like Roku TV, LG’s webOS or Samsung’s Tizen operating system. If you go with a TV that uses a proprietary operating system (basically an operating system exclusive to that one TV) you might have some serious issues down the road.
Inputs and outputs: I know, I know, this sounds boring. But trust me, this is something most folks don’t think about until they bring the TV home and get it all connected, only to realize their great new TV only has one HDMI port.
Having multiple HDMI ports (along with options for optical audio out and RCA connectors) will really allow you to connect most - if not all - of your devices. This will save you time in the long-run as you won’t have to get up and switch the cables around any time you want to change the input.
Phew! Got all that? Good.
Now that you know what to look for in a TV, here are a few screens that we think might be a good addition to your burgeoning home entertainment center.
Sitting at the top of our list is Samsung’s 40-inch MU7000. In the UK, it goes by the designation UE40MU7000T while in the US, it’s called UN40MU7000. We love this screen for so many reasons, not the least of which are its bright 4K HDR images and low price tag.
It’s not without its flaws, but no other 40-inch TV we’ve tested that sits around this price point is even close to the MU7000 - what it’s able to do with native 4K resolution content or, especially, content shot in HDR, is simply amazing.
If we’re being picky, High contrast scenes can look slightly grey, there aren’t as many color tones as you'd get with a more expensive 10-bit panel, and viewing angles are limited. But these concerns aren’t going to be fixed on a 40-inch screen. For the money, this is the best 40-inch screen money can buy.
Read the full review: Samsung MU7000 Series
This might seem a bit confusing - another Samsung TV that comes right after our top pick - but hang in there with us: The MU6300/MU6400 is part of Samsung’s 6-Series TVs - which, on the good, better, best scale, the MU6300 is good.
The UN40MU6300 (or UE40MU6400 for UK folks) offers good performance and value, but there’s definitely better out there - cough, the MU7000.
Between the two, there’s not a major difference - they both offer 4K HDR, and a smart OS - but the MU7000 has Tizen, Samsung’s licensed, well-upkept OS while the MU6300 has something a little less powerful.
If streaming isn’t high up on your list of must-have features and you don’t mind a drop in performance, you can save a bit of cash by going with this instead.
UK residents don’t know how good they have it when it comes to mid-size TVs. Not only do you have great Samsung screens, but Panasonic - one of the finest panel makers out there - also makes high caliber 40-inch screens at an affordable price. For example, check out the Panasonic TX-40EX600B.
The screen is new for 2017 and packs both 4K and HDR into its 40-inch panel.
While long time Pana owners might be a bit concerned not to see the trusty Firefox OS at the helm of the screen, don’t worry - My Home Screen 2.0 is almost the same thing, but developed entirely in-house by Panasonic.
Add to that three HDMI ports and you have a pretty fancy screen without a fancy price tag attached to it.
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, and you live Stateside, VIZIO’s D-Series offers great FHD visuals for next-to-nothing.
This year’s model to beat is the VIZIO D40f-E1 (a catchy name, I know). The TV offers a 120Hz effective refresh rate, full-array backlighting and a 200,000:1 contrast ratio.
If that all sounds like gobbledygook jargon, it’s OK. Basically the TV looks good, has a great contrast ratio and can keep up with the action if you’re watching a game of football on Sunday. It doesn’t look as good as our top picks, the Samsung MU7000 and MU6300, but considering that VIZIO’s screen usually costs less than $300, you get what you pay for.
A follow-up to 2015's excellent 40CX680B, the 40DX600 is Panasonic's best value 4K TV. Four pegs down from Panasonic's flagship DX900 range –five, if you count its OLED – the DX600 series claims a 4K Edge LED-backlit panel with adaptive backlight dimming, 800Hz scanning and Quad Core PRO processor for super-quick smart TV navigation.
It also has both a Firefox OS (now My Home Screen) and a Freeview Play catch-up TV app, as do all Panasonic TVs for 2016, which lend it a smart, usable interface to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime Instant Video.
Read the full review: Panasonic TX-40DX600
Look, we have nothing against Full HD. For some folks, Full HD is fine. They don’t want or need the spectacle of 4K HDR and can live without seeing shows and movies ooze color, flash light and be drenched in shadow.
If you’re not into that stuff, that’s fine.
If you find yourself in the “I don’t need 4K” camp, I’d like to introduce you to the TCL 40S305 - a FHD screen that makes up for its HD resolution with a killer operating system.
The biggest selling point of this screen (besides its crazy low price tag of $269) is its operating system. Far and away, Roku TV is the best smart TV platform we’ve ever used. Samsung and LG might have done an exceptional job improving their UIs over the years, but Roku TV is fast, responsive and packed to the gills with content - over 3,000 channels at last count. Not only does it have a ton of content, but that content is super easy to find thanks to its universal search feature that scans over 200 channels to find films and shows at their lowest possible price. Check and mate, other TV operating systems.
Have a recommendation for us? Send an email to Nick.Pino@Futurenet.com.
Apple finally fixed that annoying autocorrect bug
Considering Apple's penchant for giving its devices names like iPhone, iOS, iPad and iMovie, you'd think the letter "i" would be inviolate for Apple: something to keep pure; to protect at all costs.
But no, millions of iPhone users recently found themselves plagued with a strange bug that replaced most standalone uses of the lowercase "i" with a pound sign and a box with a question mark.
Today, fortunately, the madness ends with the iOS 11.1.1 patch, which "Fixes an issue with the keyboard auto-correct." The patch also fixes an issue in which some users (myself included) weren't able to activate the Siri voice assistant by calling out "Hey, Siri."
Fortunately, it's not a huge patch, so you should hop on that if it's been giving you some trouble.
Here's everything you need to know about iOS 11 iTypoPreviously iPhone users had managed to kinda, sorta fix the bug using a text replacement command under the Keyboard section of General settings. All you had to do was set it so that all standalone cases of "i" – i.e., when you're referring to yourself – automatically converted to a capital I.
Most of the time it worked, but sometimes it didn't. Sure, you could have just fixed it by using the Shift key to capitalize it every time, but where's the convenience in that?
There was no discernible rhyme or reason to the bug. Sometimes I found the error would show up on published Facebook posts, but wouldn't register when I attempted to fix it by editing the post.
Whatever. For now, at least, our brief personal nightmare is over.
I personally apparently use "Hey, Siri" more than many people, or at least it seems that way since I hadn't read about anyone else having the issue until I saw today's patch notes. I can confirm that this bug was equally annoying, and I felt as though I'd lost a friend. (I live alone out in the middle of nowhere, so cut me some slack here.)
Having downloaded the patch, I can confirm that it appears to have solved both issues.
Don't miss our iPhone X review!
The best Australian tech deals for November 2017
eBay's Christmas Gifting Frenzy. is still on, with plenty of tech to choose from, but there's always other bargains to be found, and we save you time and effort by scouring through the 'net to find you the best products with the juiciest price tags.
There's a Garmin running watch to be had for cheap, along with a JBL on-ear wireless headphones. And if you want to upgrade your TV to a 4K unit, have we got a bargain for you!
Here are Friday's deals:
New deals added Friday, November 10
Sony X8000E 49-inch 4K HDR TV ($1,198; down from $1,999): Looking for a 4K TV that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Head to Sony Australia’s website where you can get yourself the 49-inch X8000E 4K HDR TV for just $1,198, saving you over $800. The telly features a Triluminos Display, promising excellent colour and, of course, every image showcased in 4K detail.
JBL E55 over-ear wireless headphones ($183.20; down from $229): With Harman’s signature sound and the promise of up to 20 hours of battery, the JBL E55BT cans allow you to seamlessly switch between devices and enjoy your favourite tunes the way you want to. The headphones retail for $229, but until November 12 you can save 20% by heading to The Good Guys website and applying the code HPHONE20 at checkout to snag a pair of the JBLE55s for just $183.20.
Garmin Forerunner 235 running watch ($249; down from $469): This GPS-enabled running watch made it into our best running watch round-up, and for good reason too. There’s GPS and activity tracking for up to 9 days straight before needing a charge, good heart-rate insights, you can monitor your VO2 levels and ensure you don’t go overboard with your training by using information like aerobic Training Effect. It usually carries a premium price tag of $469, but Harvey Norman can save you $220, giving you the opportunity to get fit with the Garmin Forerunner 235 for just $249.
If nothing from today's selection tickled your fancy, check out these other TechRadar-recommended deals:
Headphones in all forms and colours – there are plenty of great bargains in our cheap headphone round-upGet your game on with this month's best PlayStation 4 Pro dealsShopping for a new laptop? These are the best Australian laptop dealsWilling to wait to find better bargains on all your favourite tech products? We'll bring you the best Australian deals in about a month on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Microsoft Surface Book Core i7 256GB 2-in-1 ($1,799; down from $2,804): Featuring a 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, a 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, this tablet/laptop hybrid has a detachable screen and carries enough of oomph factor to be premium. But here’s your chance to save big, thanks to a price drop on Microsoft’s eBay store, where this configuration of the Microsoft Surface Book is now available for $1,799, saving you well over $1,000 on the usual retail price of the device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 ($1,199.20; down from $1,499): Perhaps the best phablet in the market today, the Galaxy Note 8 is a success story after the debacle that was the exploding Note 7. With a 6.3-inch Infinity Display, 6GB of RAM to keep the device performing smoothly and a brilliant camera system, the Note 8 is big in every way. If you’ve been waiting to lay your hands on this handset, head to eBay, apply the code PREZZY at checkout and you can snag 20% off the actual retail price and get yourself a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Note 8 for just $1,199.20, saving you nearly $300 in the bargain. This offer ends November 16.
Bose SoundLink Micro ($135.20; down from $169): Want big sound from an unobtrusive speaker? You might want to consider the Bose SoundLink Micro. It’s Bose’s smallest speaker, ever, able to fit into the palm of your hand, yet has a soundscape that’s remarkably deep. Perhaps size truly does not matter. Until November 16, you can save 20% on this little Bluetooth speaker by heading to eBay and applying the code PREZZY at checkout. The Bose SoundLink Mini can be yours for just over $135.
Deals added Monday, November 6
Dell XPS 13 9360 Signature Edition laptop (from $1,199, down from $1,599): The Dell XPS 13 is an outstanding laptop, in fact you can see exactly how great we think it is in our XPS 13 review. This Signature Edition features a 13-inch QHD+ touchscreen display, 8GB of RAM, and upwards of 256GB of storage, and for a limited time you can save $400 on the mid-tier option, netting you an Intel Core i7-7500U upgrade, so grab the XPS 13 for only $1,199 while it lasts.
Xbox One S 1TB with CoD: WWI, Assassin's Creed Origins, and two free games ($369): If you’re wanting to score a new console but have been hanging out for the latest entries in the blockbuster Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed titles, then this deal is perfect. Along with 1TB Xbox One S model, you’ll score yourself the brand new Call of Duty WWII and Assassin’s Creed: Origins games, along with Rainbow Six Siege and a choice of game from a small selection. Head over to the Microsoft Store and grab yourself this awesome Xbox One S bundle for only $369.
Lenovo Yoga 370 2-in-1 ($1,299, down from $1,899): Ideal for people after both power and portability, the Yoga 370 exists in the perfect middle-ground between a tablet and notebook without skimping on power. The base model comes with 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM, and an Intel Core i5-7200U processor, but for a few extra dollars you can bump up all of these specs. If you buy it from Lenovo’s own store, you can get the Yoga 370 starting from $1,299, down from $1,899.
Deals added Friday, November 3
HTC U11 128GB (from $703, down from $999): Although the edge-sense “squeezeable” smartphone is somewhat of a novelty, the HTC U11 performs exceptionally well and has some serious power beneath the glossy, premium hood. This handset is already below the $999 store price tag on this eBay store, and with an extra 20% off using the code PIXELS, you’ll be able to grab the stellar HTC U11 in silver for only $703 or in blue for $719. Offer ends November 6.
Olympus E-M10 Mk II Single Lens Kit ($639, down from $799): With a compact and stylish body and coming kitted out with a 14-42mm lens, this interchangeable lens mirrorless camera in Olympus’ OM-D range is an excellent choice for prosumer photographers. You can read our E-M10 MK II review to find out just why we like it so much. For a limited time, you can grab this nifty Olympus Mirrorless kit for 20% off at the Good Guy’s eBay store, just use the code PAYOFF at checkout to bring the price down to $639. Hurry though, the offer expires November 6.
Google Home Mini ($63, down from $79): Considering how new the latest compact assistant-speaker from Google is, to be nabbing it a discount is quite rare. The perfect way to start your smart home collection, this little speaker will feed you nifty information when you ask it, and integrate with the rest of your smart devices. You can get the Home Mini in Charcoal or in Chalk for only $63 when you use the discount code PAYOFF at checkout. This offer will end November 6, so get in quick!
Dyson V6 Slim Handstick Vacuum ($237, down from $297): This is an excellent vacuum for people who want to get at those hard to reach places but don’t want to be lugging around a giant machine. Dyson is known for its attention to design and, as a result, will typically go for a pretty penny. Grab a bargain and save 20% on a Dyson V6 Slim by using the code PAYOFF at checkout, bringing the cost down to $237. Offer ends November 6.
Deals added Wednesday, November 1
Google Home smart speaker ($168.30; down from $199): Get help with planning your day or with the little things that need doing around the house, like switching off your smart lighting system. Google Home is here to help. Usually retailing at $199 apiece, you can score 15% off when shopping on Officeworks’ eBay store by applying the code PRESSIE at checkout, bringing the price of the Google Home down to $168.30. Time to start shopping for Christmas, but hurry as the sale ends November 2.
Bose QuietComfort QC35 II noise-cancelling headphones ($380; down from $499): The second iteration of the ever-popular QC35 noise-cancelling cans from Bose is an improvement on near perfection. With Google Assistant now integrated into the headphones, these will be the only cans you need to shut the world out. Grab a pair of the QC 35 II from eBay with the code PIXELS at checkout until November 6 for just $380. They’re available in both black and silver.
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth speaker ($373.15; down from $439): Fill the room with sound, or take your tunes with you wherever you go with Bose’s signature sound and up to 16 hours of battery life. Plus there’s 15% off on Myer’s eBay store, as long you use the code PRESSIE at checkout. So grab a premium Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth speaker in black for just over $373. You will need to get a wriggle on as the offer is only available until November 2.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Purifier fan heater ($679.15; down from $799): It’s the one fan to rule the seasons – keeping you cool when it’s hot and warming you up when it’s cold. It will even purify the air around you to keep you safe from allergens. There’s a two-year warranty from the manufacturer and it’s on sale on Dyson’s eBay store. Get the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Purifier fan for just over $679, saving yourself nearly $120 in the bargain by using the code PRESSIE at checkout. Offer ends November 2.
Deals added Monday, October 30
Lenovo ThinkPad E570 15-inch laptop (from $899): Designed for work and portability, Lenovo promises that this 15.6-inch laptop will meet every business need in terms of storage, memory, graphics and your budget. There’s 8GB of memory and a cool 256GB of storage available. The cheaper model is powered by Intel Core i5 processor and comes with a saving of $530 – meaning you can get the i5 ThinkPad E570 for just $899. If you’re after a bit more grunt under the hood, the i7 model is now $1,149, down from $1,779, and features the same storage and memory configurations in addition to a 2GB Nvidia GeForce GTX950M graphics card. This sale ends November 2.
Asus ROG G752VY 17-inch gaming laptop ($1,999; down from $3,599): With 16GB RAM, a 1TB HDD and a 256GB SSD for a heck of a lot of storage, and an Intel Core i7 CPU alongside Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics, this 17-inch gaming laptop promises to give you the edge you need. What makes this device pack a bigger punch is the $1,600 savings. Right now, the Asus Rog G752VY gaming laptop is available for just $1,999 on Asus’ website, down from $3,599.
Canon EOS M3 24MP mirrorless camera + 18-55mm lens ($500 after cashback): Featuring a 24Mp APS-C format sensor and an excellent user interface the Canon EOS M3 promises plenty of happy snapping, especially when you can save $150 thanks to a cashback offer from Canon. Purchase the Canon EOS M3 kit which includes an 18-55mm lens for $600 from Digital Camera Warehouse, then head over to Canon’s website to redeem the offer – meaning the camera kit is yours for $500.
iPhone X owners can now create 360-degree 'selfie scenes' with Apple Clips app
Image credit: Apple
Along with the fix for that annoying iOS 11 keyboard bug that's been going around, Apple today released a patch for its Clips app that allows iPhone X users to make so-called "Selfie Scenes."
The new feature takes advantage of the TrueDepth sensor array that's used for Face ID in order to let iPhone X users add 12 backgrounds to their selfies, as the sensors involved easily remove everything from the background and keep the subject – you – in the spotlight.
But it's not just made for photos. Think of Selfie Scenes as your own personal greenscreen. The feature goes beyond merely changing the background as it lets you move around that virtual "background" in 360 degrees, all while adding both sound effects and music that fit the setting.
It also stylizes your own image to fit the background, allowing you to, say, look like one of the light-blue holograms from Star Wars while you hang around in the Millennium Falcon.
It's a neat way of swapping out humdrum backgrounds for more interesting ones if you're keen to make a video. It's quite cool: so cool, in fact, that it's almost a given that apps like Snapchat and Instagram will soon follow up with their own takes on the technology.
Face the factsYou shouldn't expect perfection, though, as the TrueDepth's sensor is primarily meant to capture images of your face. As MacStories points out, that sometimes leads to Selfie Scenes "frequently cutting off parts of [your] head." It also apparently doesn't like certain hairstyles or accessories.
The new patch for Clips brings other changes as well, such as a redesigned interface that simplifies the formerly steep learning curve needed to use the app, along with effects that can make your video or photo selfie look as though it's a pencil sketch or a watercolor painting. You'll also get to plaster your selfies with stickers from Disney and Star Wars if that's your thing. Clips also now boasts iCloud support, which means you'll also be able to start a project on one iOS device and finish it on another.
You can use a lot of the latter features if you own a more recent iPhone than the 5S or a younger iPad than the iPad mini 2, but you'll only be able to use the Selfie Scenes if you're on the iPhone X. Even some of the stylistic elements are limited to the iPhone 7 and above owing to the beefy processor power they require. Still interested, though? You can download the Clips here.
(And last but not least, who wants to bet we're going to see a legal tussle over the app's name now that Google's GoPro-like smart camera will soon be out?)
Check out the competition - it's our Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review
SteamVR comes to Windows Mixed Reality devices next week
We first heard that users of Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality headsets would eventually be able to play SteamVR games back in August, and now, as Rolling Stone reports, that day is almost here.
The feature goes live on November 15, and it will make Microsoft's own entry into the crowded (and still largely unpopular) virtual reality arena more appealing by letting its users play standout VR titles like EVE: Valkyrie.
The newish Windows Mixed Reality headsets like the Samsung HMD Odyssey have been a fairly unappetizing option until now largely because of their scarcity of content. As of right now, there are only a few dozen apps available for Windows Mixed Reality on the Windows Store.
Split realityThe appeal of Microsoft's program lies in the way it embraces both virtual reality and augmented reality, although virtual reality remains the focus of most apps made by the platform by far.
Thanks to the emergence of technology such as Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore, much of augmented reality development in particular is shifting to mobile devices rather than clunky headsets.
Keep in mind that the project essentially remains a beta, which means that you'll still find a few bugs lurking while Microsoft and other developers iron out the kinks. If you have a compatible headset, you'll also need to have Windows 10 installed to access the SteamVR library.
Here's our best laptop list (because you know you need a new one)
LTE Advanced from T-Mobile is the next step to 5G connectivity
T-Mobile is forging ahead on the path to 5G by further rolling out an interim step in the form of Gigabit Class LTE. Delivered via the company's LTE Advanced network, T-Mobile announced today that it now counts more than 920 markets in the US with this speedier version of LTE.
In 430 of those markets, carrier aggregation, 4 x 4 MIMO – i.e. multiple data input and output streams at once – and 256 QAM tech have also been activated to deliver even greater speed boosts.
T-Mobile claims it now has more LTE Advanced markets than any other carrier, with several million Gigabit LTE-capable devices in customer hands. Even more Gigabit devices are due out next year, presumably the Galaxy S9 and the like.
Teaming up with chipmaker Qualcomm, T-Mobile announced the rollout at an event in San Jose, California earlier today. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Gigabit LTE modems in smartphones allow for LTE Advanced connectivity.
According to T-Mobile, LTE Advanced allows for double download speeds. Add in the three speed-boosting technologies listed above, and those speeds are doubled once more.
In several on-site demonstrations, the technology lived up to T-Mobile's claims, showcasing faster download speeds, quicker movie download times and snappier data transfers. The demonstrations pitted older smartphones against newer models, like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which house Qualcomm's Gigabit LTE modems.
Another demonstration showed off something T-Mobile and Qualcomm are keen to emphasize; that more devices with Gigabit LTE on the same network actually take up less bandwidth than older devices without the modems, thus allowing the network to perform better overall.
Gigabit Class LTE's impact on virtual reality was also demonstrated; Google Daydream View headsets with Gigabit LTE phones ran demos at 50 mbps. A Qualcomm representative told us these speeds might not be possible on older devices that lack the modems, and a user may experience stuttering or otherwise degraded visuals.
Notably, only Android devices with the Snapdragon 835 chipset are capable of connecting to T-Mobile's LTE Advanced network.
And while the demonstrations showed a marked speed boost thanks to Gigabit LTE, it's important to note that the demos were carried out on an in-house network inside a convention center. While a live environment, the network wasn't congested to the same level one would see in a real-world setting. Still, the boosts were impressive, and illustrated the promise of LTE Advanced and, eventually, 5G.
T-Mobile has been rolling out LTE Advanced technology since 2014, and undertook a greater push last year when it doubled its LTE Advanced footprint. It's not the only one in the LTE Advanced space, of course, as Verizon and AT&T are also working to deploy the next-gen LTE to their customers.
Not 5G ... yetT-Mobile's Mark McDiarmid was quick to point out that LTE Advanced is not 5G, and the carrier isn't going to refer to the network capacity as 5G. This comment garnered claps from the audience, as 5G is often misnomered.
However, T-Mobile and Qualcomm consider LTE Advanced to be the "bedrock of 5G," an important step on the path to the wider 5G rollout, which T-Mobile will begin to undertake in 2019 and make available nationwide by 2020.
What's more, LTE Advanced will serve customers when they aren't in a 5G network. Qualcomm's Pete Lancia noted that 5G won't roll out all at once, and LTE Advanced will take over when customers are no longer receiving 5G signals.
McDiarmid noted during a Q&A session that Gigabit LTE is about making maximum use of the spectrum T-Mobile already has.
"We have the spectrum, but now we've enabled Gigabit [LTE] on that spectrum," he said.
T-Mobile also announced it will launch License Assisted Access to customers sometime this year. LAA uses unlicensed spectrum on small cell networks to deliver another level of LTE on a denser network.
These are the best phones today – hopefully they'll work with LTE Advanced
The best 13-inch laptop 2017: the top 13-inch laptops we've reviewed
All of the best 13-inch laptops on the market strive to hit a perfect balance between high performance and high portability. And, you can be sure that the biggest laptop manufacturers are constantly hard at work trying to achieve this balance. This is great because all of this competition has made companies like Dell, Apple, Asus and more come out with some extremely innovative and beautiful devices – laptops that not only can handle whatever your workload may be, but also do it on the move.
Windows isn’t the default choice the way it once was either. Apple continues to make Microsoft sweat with macOS, and even Google is knocking at its door by continuously innovating and improving on its Chromebook line, even to the point where these ‘budget’ laptops are competing with top of the line Windows and macOS laptops.
So, no matter what you need your laptop to do, no matter what operating system you are attached to, you can be sure that at least one of the best 13-inch laptops will cater to your precise needs. What’s more, you can rest assured that every single product we’ve listed here has been reviewed (and scored highly) by TechRadar – meaning that they have been put through our gamut of laptop tests for battery life, performance and more. These truly are the best of the best.
Dell XPS 13Asus Zenbook Flip UX360HP Spectre x360Samsung Notebook 9Acer Aspire S 13Lenovo Yoga 91013-inch MacBook Air13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display
Dell has once again struck (rose) gold with the XPS 13, especially now that they feature 7th generation Intel Core CPUs. The beautiful design, lengthy battery life and even the SD card slot are still there, only now it’s souped up with improved internal components and a sleeker aesthetic reminiscent of the MacBook and HP Spectre lineups. What’s more, the full-size processor and 13.3-inch display are somehow packed (magic?) into an 11-inch frame made possible by Dell’s own nearly bezel-less InfinityEdge display technology.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
There’s a new entry to Asus’s Zenbook lineup with the UX360, featuring a lot of the same specs as its predecessor but with the flexibility of a 2-in-1 laptop. While the ability to bend over backwards may diminish the build quality somewhat, it allows for new levels of functionality for computer consumers who want a laptop and tablet all in one. Thanks to an all-day battery, the Zenbook Flip UX360 really can go with you for everything you do. And, with a wide variety of internal customization, you can deck out the Zenbook Flip UX360 for your own personal needs, saving you some cash or boosting its performance.
Read the full review: Asus Zenbook Flip UX360
The HP Spectre x360 is the laptop that you show to your parents. It’s beautifully well-crafted, featuring a chrome design that makes it every bit as cutting-edge on the outside as on the inside. With the option between a 7th-generation i5 or i7 Ultrabook-class CPU and a 1080p or 4K Display, HP allows for plenty of room for customization. It’s not underpowered, nor does its battery life suffer from overcompensation. In fact, in our own movie test, the HP Spectre x360 lasted a surprising 8 hours and 45 minutes. The only real catch is that, like a lot of its competitors, the Spectre x360 also lacks an SD card slot, opting instead for a pair of USB Type-C ports.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
Samsung may not have made much of a dent in the laptop scene with much more than its Tab Pro S convertible, but Samsung's follow-up to the 2012 Series 9 notebook doesn’t just feature impressive specs – it’s got a competitive price as well. Marketed as an Ultrabook, it's certainly disheartening to know the battery life lasts only five hours, but given its sleek and sexy design, it almost doesn't matter. What's more, with the Samsung Notebook 9, you won't have to deal with the bloatware that makes many other Microsoft the target of angry forum posts.
Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9
The Surface Laptop is Microsoft’s first stab at a 'traditional' laptop, if you can even call it that knowing full well that its PixelSense touchscreen and Alcantara keyboard are anything but conventional. Featuring a full stack of U-series 7th generation Intel Core i processors, the Surface Laptop beats out Apple’s 12-inch MacBook any day of the week, and for a lower starting price at that. Despite the ports and operating system being limited, the Surface Laptop is appealing for its laudable design, beautifully vivid screen and impressive performance.
Read the full review: Surface Laptop
The Lenovo Yoga 910 is all about second chances. It throws away many of the signature design traits of the previous model, the Yoga 900, in favor of a more pristine outward appearance and a heavy duty Intel Core i7 processor as well as the option of a 4K display. Lenovo also managed to squeeze a larger, nearly 14-inch screen into the same 13-inch chassis of the Yoga 900 without compromise. Not to mention, even with the implementation of USB-C ports, the Lenovo Yoga 910 doesn’t completely neglect USB Type-A, dragging the precious connection standard of the past along with it.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 910
In a market densely populated with slim-line laptops from a massive range of manufacturers, Apple's MacBook Air fights on admirably – though it started showing its age on the outside a long time ago. It has Intel's fifth-generation Core-series processors rather than the newest Skylake variants, but it's still a capable machine; even more so since Apple made 8GB of RAM standard across the line.
Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Air
The latest iteration of Apple’s seminal MacBook Pro series is here, and as you would expect it makes a number of notable improvements over last year’s offering. While it might not exactly feature the strongest battery life in the game (scoring under an hour less than last year’s offering), it does offer increased performance by way of a new CPU and faster RAM. Add that to Apple’s continued dedication to simplicity and beautiful design and you have a laptop that is sleek, portable and reliable.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2017)
Joe Osborne and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Could the Surface Book 2 be the next 13-inch laptop to make our list?
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