Why Apple probably won't be caught in the FANG meltdown

As a hardware company, Apple may stand out from the rest of the tech sector's dismal earnings season.

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T-Mobile and Sprint: How fewer competitors could increase competition

The merger of T-Mobile and Sprint could create a mightier maverick.

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Crypto start-up Coinbase hires Pershing's head of compliance

Leading U.S. cryptocurrency trading platform Coinbase is beefing up its compliance team as the crypto markets look to attract somewhat wary institutional investors.

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Steam game is removed after allegations of sneaky cryptocurrency mining

An indie game on Steam was allegedly using the host PC to run a cryptocurrency mining script for the developer’s benefit – not to mention attempting to scam punters with fake items copied from Team Fortress 2 – leading to some controversy concerning Valve’s policing of its online games store.

The game in question is Abstractism, and it was a simple platform-type affair where you guide a black square around a series of sparse looking levels, but it has since been removed from Steam.

That follows the aforementioned accusations of sneaky cryptocurrency mining taking place in the background, after some players noticed spikes in CPU (and GPU) usage on their PC, while some folks’ antivirus software flagged a number of the game’s files as malware.

If you don’t think that’s shady enough, the developer, Okalo Union, told those complaining about the heavy load on their processor that it was likely caused by using ‘high graphics settings’ – which is rather strange as this game’s graphics are simple black and white line drawings which wouldn’t stress a PC from the last century.

In the midst of an exchange of posts with a player, the developer even admitted that “Bitcoin is outdated, we currently use Abstractism to mine only Monero coins”, before going on to claim that the game doesn’t mine any cryptocurrency in the sentence after.

Fortress fakery

And as we mentioned at the outset, this developer was also reportedly trying to scam Steam denizens out of money by selling fake items for Team Fortress 2. One poor guy bought what he thought was a TF2 Australium Rocket Launcher, worth about $100 (around £75, AU$135) or so, when in fact it was an item made to look exactly like that weapon, but for the Abstractism game. And obviously in that respect it wasn’t worth anything.

When those investigating this buyer’s story went to the Steam store to try to find the offending fake item, the developer had removed it, so was clearly trying to cover their tracks.

Given the attempt to scam people with items like this, it’s hardly a major leap to believe the allegation that Abstractism was running a rogue crypto mining script.

At any rate, Valve has now dealt with the game and removed it from Steam, but this incident does highlight the fact that you have to tread carefully on the store, at least when it comes to less well-known developers.

And Abstractism was hanging around on Steam for some time, given the reports of those who were affected, who made their voices known in a number of negative reviews of the title. So it does throw some question marks over Valve’s policing of its store when it comes to blatantly dodgy games. And from the sound of the evidence presented here, they don’t come any more blatant than this platformer offering from Okalo Union.

• These are the best gaming PCs around

Via Eurogamer

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Huawei growth static despite smartphone success

The last 12 months may have seen Huawei cement its position as the world’s third biggest smartphone manufacturer and finally crack the UK market, but it wasn’t enough to give the Chinese firm a significant boost in growth.

For the first half of 2018 revenue rose 15 per cent to 325.7 billion Yuan (£36.3 billion), the same rate at which it grew last year.

However, the company isn’t too disappointed, stating that it expects to finish the year in a “strong financial position.”

•   Want to find out more about 5G? Check out our dedicated 5G hub!    

Huawei finances

It hasn’t broken down these figures any further, but it has enjoyed considerable success in the smartphone arena thanks to the critically acclaimed Huawei P20 flagship smartphone. According to Gartner, Huawei shifted 40 million handsets in Q1, giving it a 10.5 per cent share of the global market.

Meanwhile, it is one of the world’s biggest telecommunications network equipment manufacturers and will likely receive a boost from mobile operators rolling out 5G. Earlier this week, rival Nokia and T-Mobile reached a $3.5 billion ‘multi-year’ agreement for 5G equipment, indicative of the sums on offer.

However, it has struggled in some territories, most notably the US, due to perceived national security concerns. Huawei has continually denied such allegations and its products are used by several UK telcos, including BT.

Earlier this month a British government report found it could only offer “limited” assurance that Huawei kit was safe to use because of a lack of progress in resolving previous concerns, such as the safeguarding of its supply chain. Huawei said it is committed to addressing these issues.

•   Check out the best mobile deals for July 2018   

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Samsung confirms 'slow sales' for Galaxy S9 and a 'reasonable' price for Note 9

Google Daydream finally has a Chrome browser for VR

Google’s Daydream VR platform finally has a dedicated Android app for the Google Chrome browser.

The Daydream platform launched back in 2016, and has been the foundation for a host of both mobile-enabled and standalone VR headsets.

Now, anyone using a standalone Daydream headsets, like the Lenovo Mirage Solo will be able to install Chrome from the Play Store app. 

Those using a mobile VR product like the Daydream View, however, will need to update their Chrome app on their phone before it appears on the headset for use.

• Google Daydream news, features and everything you need to know

The fully-fledged app includes the ability to save bookmarks, navigate using voice search, and even hide your VR browser history in Incognito mode – if that’s something that’s important to you.

Daydreaming

Despite being what some might call the most obvious choice for a VR app on a Google-made headset, it’s taken just over 18 months for Google to bring its browser to the Daydream Play Store.

Current Daydream owners may be aware that they could already access the Chrome browser, but that it required opening Chrome on their smartphone before placing in the headset. The new app should hopefully make browsing the web in VR a slightly more practical experience.

• The best VR headset 2018: which headset offers the best bang for your buck?

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Samsung Galaxy Watch release date, price, news and leaks

Dixons Carphone breach may have been bigger than originally thought

Dixons Carphone has revealed that millions of its customers could have been affected by a major data breach.

The electronics retailer has said that up to ten million users might have been hit by the attack, revealed last month, with details such as names, addresses and email accounts all revealed.

However the company says that no payment cards or bank account information was leaked, and that so far there is no evidence of its customers being hit by fraud.

"Disappointed"

The news comes as Dixons Carphone continues its investigation into a major cyber-attack that hit the business last year, but was not made public until last month.

The attack, which took place back in July 2017, affected data from 5.9 million credit cards following a breach in one of the processing systems used by both Currys PC World and Dixons Travel stores.

Since then, Dixons Carphone has been working with both cybersecurity experts and the National Crime Agency to help safeguard it against further attacks. 

"Since our data security review uncovered last year's breach, we've been working around the clock to put it right," Dixons Carphone chief executive Alex Baldock said in a statement. 

"That's included closing off the unauthorised access, adding new security measures and launching an immediate investigation, which has allowed us to build a fuller understanding of the incident that we're updating on today."

"Again, we’re disappointed in having fallen short here, and very sorry for any distress we’ve caused our customers. I want to assure them that we remain fully committed to making their personal data safe with us.”

• The best antivirus software in July 2018

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Lenovo says it'll be the first to launch a 5G smartphone

Lenovo says it will be the first smartphone manufacturer to launch a 5G smartphone, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 chipset.

A VP for the firm, Chang Cheng, took to Chinese social media site Weibo to reveal the plans. 

No other detail about the handset was provided and Lenovo will have stiff competition from a number of rivals as they all try and push their 5G devices out towards the end of this year and into 2019.

December at the earliest?

The likelihood is though we won't see this device before December. That's because the Snapdragon 855 - that's said to be powering the handset - hasn't been officially launched yet.

Qualcomm is hosting its Snapdragon Summit during the first week of December where we expect the chip to be revealed. 

This would be earliest the phone would realistically be announced, and if Lenovo leaves it any later then it would be in danger of missing out on the world first. 

While 5G capabilities are likely to be heavily touted in smartphones launched from December onwards, it's unlikely you'll be able to take advantage of the new network generation right away. 

It will take carriers and those in charge of the mobile infrastructure a little while to get their services up and running, so initially 5G will be a future-proofing feature rather than something for the here and now. 

• What is 5G? Everything you need to know

Via PhoneArena & MySmartPrice

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SIM only deals: the best plans in July 2018

Oppo F9 Pro Teaser Out, Reveals Notch Display, VOOC Charging Support

The new VOOC charging promises a 2 hour talk time with only 5 minutes of charge.

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2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 is a coupe that isn't really a coupe - Roadshow

Its styling suggests a coupe, but now with seating for five, you can still fit most of the family in there.

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There's even more evidence the Samsung Galaxy Watch launch is happening soon

We know Samsung is readying a new smartwatch for release – even the company's own website has let the product slip – but a new certification offers further proof we'll be seeing it soon.

The new Samsung Galaxy Watch has just received its radio certification in Korea after previously getting its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) details in the US earlier this month.

This isn't particularly exciting news in terms of new features, design elements or otherwise, but it is further evidence the watch will be ready to launch in the coming weeks or, at most, months.

Piling on the evidence

There are a variety of events where Samsung may decide to launch the Galaxy Watch. One is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch in New York next week on August 9.

Samsung is also hosting a livestream for a new product on August 1, which may include either the Galaxy Tab S4 or perhaps the Samsung Galaxy Watch – though it may just be a teaser for the Note 9.

On top of that, Samsung will likely also be showing off some new products at IFA 2018 at the end of August, so it may be we hear about the new smartwatch at that event instead.

• Everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Watch

Via UberGizmo

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Time's running out on these superbly cheap Xbox Live Gold deals

There are just two days remaining to take advantage of these super cheap Xbox Live Gold deals. They really are the best prices we've seen so far this year on Xbox Live 12 month membership subscriptions. And it doesn't matter if you've got time left on your current sub as you can stack memberships.

Usually, this is where someone in the US or UK may feel let down as we tell you that only one country is getting a discount. Not today! There are super cheap Xbox Live Gold 12 month subscription price promotions going on at Microsoft in both the US and UK.

Microsoft has cut the prices for 12-month subs for a summer sale. But you'll not want to put it off much longer as the offer expires in eight days time. Take a look at the prices below along with links straight to the deal on Microsoft's site.

• Xbox Live Gold (12 months) - $59.99 now $39.99 at Microsoft
• Xbox Live Gold (12 months) - £39.99 now £26.50 at Microsoft

We've checked the best Xbox Live Gold membership deals at other stores online and this is easily the best around, especially at this time of year.

Do I need an Xbox Live Gold subscription?

As with past consoles in the Xbox lineup, the Xbox One or Xbox One X also require an Xbox Live Gold subscription in order to play games online. You also get a selection of free games as a part of your membership and there are Xbox One Gold member-exclusive discounts in the many sales on the Xbox Live store. All in all, it's well worth having, especially at today's discounted price.

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WhatsApp group calls are now live for Android and iOS

Up to four people can now chat at once using WhatsApp for Android and iOS. The new group call feature is rolling out to both platforms at the same time, and lets app users set up multi-way video or voice calls.

To use it, start a call with just one person, then tap the 'Add participants' button in the top-right to invite more friends. The new participant will receive a notification, and can choose whether to accept or decline.

You can only invite one new participant at a time, and you can't invite a fourth caller until the third has joined. Only the host can invite more people to join a call.

Speak easy

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced group calls for WhatsApp and Instagram (both of which are owned by the social media behemoth) at the F8 2018 developer conference in May. Zuckerberg said that people already make two billion minutes of voice and video calls on WhatsApp every day, and this new addition could add to that number. 

All WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted, and are engineered to work well even with a poor internet connection, which makes them particularly useful in countries with patchy mobile data coverage – including India, where the feature was trialled before its global launch.

• The best Android apps you can download today

Via The Verge

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Google mocks Microsoft and Apple in new Chromebook video

It looks like Google is in a fighting mood, as it’s just released a new video that attacks Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS operating systems, while claiming that Chromebooks are the only laptops you can rely on.

The video (which you can watch below) highlights a number of annoyances that people have complained about through the years when using laptops running Microsoft or Apple software.

These include numerous error messages, annoying pop-up windows and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.

Fighting words

According to Google, Chromebooks are free from all these issues, with its ChromeOS operating system relatively virus-free. It's also constantly updated, so you’re not bugged about downloading updates when you’re trying to work.

It’s certainly a provocative video, and one that may resonate with anyone who has been frustrated by Windows or macOS, but will it be enough to make people ditch their Windows laptops and MacBooks and switch to Chrome? That may take more work.

• If you want to change, check out our list of the best Chromebooks

Via Neowin

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Top Tech Conferences: The Ultimate B2B tech events and show guide for 2018

For information about adding your event to this list and featured listing opportunities please contact mike.moore@futurenet.com.

Love it or loathe it, events and conferences are often where wheelers and dealers in the world of technology meet to decide on the future of the industry.

Ironically, technology itself has accelerate the demise of some massive tech events (like Comdex) but the result is that the remaining ones are more focused, alive and bustling than ever before.

TechRadar Pro and ITProPortal have joined forces with the tech B2B PR industry to curate a list of national and international technology events, conferences and happenings.

2018 Future Leaders Forum

July 26th - 28th, Austin, TX

The Future Leaders Forum, presented by IEEE-USA, is a three-day event for young and mid-career professionals focused on leadership, empowerment and adapting to the changing structure of the modern workplace.

Why attend? Keynotes from Steve Sasson, inventor of the digital camera and Larry Hornbeck, Oscar winner and creator of DLP cinema technology, headline a group of over 30 trendsetting speakers. Learn to navigate and acquire the tools you need to become more agile and thrive in today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world.

Promo code EBXTENDED100 will save you $100 off registration.

Gartner Catalyst Conference

August 20th-23rd, San Diego

Catalyst Conference is the only multi-role event for technical professionals and is designed to help attendees execute their organisation’s key technology initiatives. 

Why attend? Understand the latest technology trends and master the skills that digital business transformation demands.

Open Source Summit North America

August 29th-31st, Vancouver

Open Source Summit is the premier open source technical conference in North America, gathering 2,000+ developers, operators and community leadership professionals to collaborate, share information and learn about the latest in open technologies, including Linux, containers, cloud computing and more.

Why attend?  Four events in one, Open Source Summit is a technical conference where 2,000+ developers, operators, and community leadership professionals convene to collaborate, share information and learn about the latest in open technologies, including Linux, containers, cloud computing and more.

Women in Technology Australia

September 6th-7th, Sydney 

Following a sell-out event in 2017, Women in Tech Australia is returning to Sydney with actionable insight and game changing content - speakers include Facebook, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Gumtree and many more. 

Why attend? Join 1,000 inspirational leaders and industry experts for two days of empowering keynotes, deep insight into tech trends & business strategies, technical classes and career development workshops - all the content and networking opportunities you need to maximise your career!

Intelligent Health

September 12th-13th, Basel

Intelligent Health is the world's first large-scale summit dedicated to AI in healthcare, featuring two jam-packed days of health tech goodness, from applied AI case studies, to announcements from the tech giants, to nitty-gritty coding workshops, and of course, passionate debate on ethics and AI4good in health. 

Why attend? The event will show presentations from the 100 brightest brains in healthcare and tech and host around 2000+ across the entire AI health ecosystem of pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech, health provision, clinicians, insurance, investment and science.

NGI Forum

September 13th, Porto

The Next Generation Internet (NGI) Forum is a one-day event where policymakers, researchers, innovators and industry will discuss how we design, build and refine the internet of tomorrow. The event will include specialist talks, open discussions and interactive working groups.

Why attend: Keynotes include internet founder Louis Pouzin, as well as leading experts from a variety of disciplines, including privacy and trust, decentralised data governance, discovery and identification, AI and more. Contribute to the dialogue on creating a human-focused next generation internet (NGI) for all.

The FutureTech Expo

September 14th-16th, Dallas

An in-depth look at some of the hottest areas in technology today, including Blockchain & Bitcoin, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security / Hacking, Quantum Computing, 3D Printing, and Virtual / Augmented Reality.

Why attend? Over 5,000 expected attendees, 70 top-notch speakers and 100+ exhibitors discussing the latest trends in the technology industry.

Women in Technology Dubai

September 17th-18th, Dubai

Following sell-out instalments in Europe, Australia and the USA, the world’s largest Women in Tech Event Series is coming to Dubai! Speakers include Twitter, souq.com, Sky News Arabia, Middle East Internet Group and many more. 

Why attend? Join 300+ inspirational leaders and industry experts for two days of empowering keynotes, deep insight into tech trends & business strategies, technical classes and career development workshops - all the content and networking opportunities you need to maximise your career!

Connected World Summit

September 25th-26th, London Printworks

Connected World unites over 2,500 industry leaders, tech innovators, decision makers and investors. Now in its 4th year, it has grown exponentially in content, technologies and audience size; with our original Connected Home and Cities tracks now complemented with disruptive subjects such as Blockchain, 5G and AI. 

Why attend? Hear from over 200 exclusive visionary speakers with implementation case studies and solutions presented exclusively at the show. 

Open Networking Summit EU

September 25-27th, Amsterdam

ONS Europe brings together business and technical leaders across enterprise, cloud and service providers to share learnings, highlight innovation and discuss the future of open networking and orchestration.

Why attend?  ONS is the largest and most inclusive Open Networking & Orchestration event in the world, bigger and better than ever before.

Hotel & Spa Tech Live

September 25th-26th, London

Hotel & Spa Tech Live is the UK’s premier event for the technology, systems, products, and services that are breaking new ground in the hotel and spa sector.

Why attend? As technology becomes more critical to the hospitality industries, Hotel & Spa Tech Live provides you with an unprecedented opportunity to find the very latest cutting-edge supplies designed to create a truly unforgettable experience for your customers, from the innovators behind these industry-transforming solutions.

Restaurant & Bar Tech Live

September 25th-26th, London

Restaurant & Bar Tech Live is Europe's largest exhibition dedicated to the emerging technology and services that are forming the future of restaurants and bars. The show provides a view into the dining of tomorrow and will offer restaurant and bar owners the opportunity to find the latest products, services, systems, and advancements from across the globe.

Why attend? Visitors will be able to see, test, and touch the technology that will transform the way they run their business, attract customers, and set themselves apart from the competition.

Business of Software Conference USA

October 1st-3rd, Boston

Now in its 12th year, this conference targets independent thinking software people who want to be part of very successful software businesses. 

Why attend?  The Conference is tightly curated, full of in-depth talks from very smart people - entrepreneurs and experts - and the attendees are some of the smartest people in the industry. 

IP Expo 2018

October 3rd-4th, London

Europe’s leading Enterprise IT and Digital Transformation event returns with a star-studded line-up and more networking opportunities than ever before.

Why attend? With six top IT events under one roof, 300+ exhibitors and 300+ free to attend seminar sessions, IP EXPO Europe is the must-attend IT event of the year for CIOs, heads of IT, security specialists, heads of insight and tech experts.

Women in Tech Scotland

October 10th, Glasgow

Following a sell-out event in 2017, Women in Tech Scotland is returning with actionable insight and game changing content! Speakers include Skyscanner, Sky, Microsoft and many more.  

Why attend? Join 400+ inspirational leaders and industry experts for two days of empowering keynotes, deep insight into tech trends & business strategies, technical classes and career development workshops - all the content and networking opportunities you need to maximise your career!

World Summit AI 2018

October 10-11th, Amsterdam

World Summit AI will gather the whole ecosystem, Enterprise, Startups, Investors and Deep Tech from every corner of the globe in Amsterdam for 2 days of knowledge-sharing and networking. From applied solutions for corporate and enterprise to the implications of Artificial Intelligence on society, including ethics and AI4good, World Summit AI will tackle head-on the most burning AI issues for 2018 and beyond.

Why attend? In 2017, the summit sold-out and brought together thousands of AI explorers, the most influential people in AI as speakers and all the big tech companies including Google, Facebook, IBM, Amazon, Intel, Uber and Apple. In 2018, we’re expecting over 4,500 attendees and 140 of the brightest brains on stage to tell you everything you need to know about AI.

Open FinTech Forum

October 10th-11th, New York

Focusing on the intersection of financial services and open source, Open FinTech Forum will provide CIOs and senior technologists guidance on building internal open source programs as well as an in-depth look at cutting-edge open source technologies, including AI, Blockchain/Distributed Ledger, Kubernetes/Containers, Quantum Computing, that can be leveraged to drive efficiencies and flexibility.

Why attend? Hear the latest news, views and opinions from some of the industry-leading minds.

Arm TechCon

October 16-18th, San Jose

Arm TechCon is the only comprehensive technology event that showcases the latest advances in Arm’s world-class architecture—from silicon design and software development to platform security and IoT solutions. 

Why attend? Join 4,000 like-minded engineers, architects, developers and product designers in an immersive, exciting three-day experience with Arm and its renowned ecosystem of leading companies in the embedded industry. 

Open Source Summit Europe

October 22nd-24th, Edinburgh

Open Source Summit is the premier open source technical conference in Europe, gathering 2,000+ developers, operators and community leadership professionals to collaborate, share information and learn about the latest in open technologies, including Linux, containers, cloud computing and more.

Why attend?  Four events in one, Open Source Summit is a technical conference where 2,000+ developers, operators, and community leadership professionals convene to collaborate, share information and learn about the latest in open technologies, including Linux, containers, cloud computing and more.

Big Data LDN

November 13th-14th, London

Big Data LDN is a free to attend conference and exhibition where delegates discuss the big questions and share ideas with forward-thinking peers and leading members of the Data community.

Why attend? Hear from 100+ expert speakers in 8 technical and business-led conference tracks, including real world use-cases and discuss your business requirements with 80+ leading technology vendors and consultants.

Infosecurity North America

November 14th-15th, New York

The Infosecurity conference comes to North America, featuring multiple theatres and content on the show floor to ensure that education is more readily available to all. 

Why attend? Infosecurity North America will provide end-user buyers with a focussed business event environment that facilitates valuable networking, immersive learning and leads the critical debate through cutting edge content.  

Women in Tech Dublin

November 15th, Dublin

Following sell-out instalments in London, San Francisco, Scotland, Sydney and Amsterdam, the world’s largest Women in Tech Event Series is coming to Ireland! Speakers include Hubspot, Facebook, MasterCard, Citi and many more. 

Why attend? Join 400+ inspirational leaders and industry experts for two days of empowering keynotes, deep insight into tech trends & business strategies, technical classes and career development workshops - all the content and networking opportunities you need to maximise your career!

European Women in Technology

November 28th-29th, Amsterdam

Following sell-out events in 2016 and 2017, European Women in Technology is returning to Amsterdam with actionable insight and game changing content! Speakers include Nokia, Pipedrive, Google, ASOS and many more. 

Why attend? Join 3,000+ inspirational leaders and industry experts for two days of empowering keynotes, deep insight into tech trends & business strategies, technical classes and career development workshops - all the content and networking opportunities you need to maximise your career! 

ICT 2018 Digital Assembly

December 4th-6th, Vienna

One of the biggest ICT conferences in Europe, this research and innovation event will focus on the European Union’s priorities in the digital transformation of society and industry. It is an opportunity for the people involved in this transformation to share their experience and vision of Europe in the digital age.

Why attend: Get the lowdown on the EU’s digital priorities now and moving forward. As well as the chance to meet key players in the EC, you’ll get the opportunity to network with more than 6,000 conference participants from 91 countries worldwide.

Hyperledger Global Forum

December 12th-15th, Basel, Switzerland

Developers, vendors, enterprise end-users, and enthusiasts of business blockchain technologies will converge in Basel, Switzerland December 12–15, 2018 for the inaugural Hyperledger Global Forum. 

Why attend? The first two days will feature a forum with keynotes, breakout sessions and a technical showcase. The following two days will feature hands-on tutorials, and workshop events, with the week culminating in a hackathon.

CES 2019

January 8th- 11th 2019, Las Vegas, USA

For 50 years, CES has been the launch pad for new innovation and technology that has changed the world. Held in Las Vegas every year, it is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies and where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.

Why attend? More than 3800 of the biggest tech firms exhibiting.

BETT 2019

January 24th-27th, London

Bett is the first industry show of the year in the education technology landscape, bringing together the global education community to celebrate, find inspiration and discuss the future of education, as well as the role technology and innovation plays in enabling all educators and learners to thrive.

Why attend? Over 850 leading companies, 103 exciting new edtech start ups and over 34,700 attendees (131 countries represented) will all be present.

Mobile World Congress 2019

February 25th - 28th Barcelona

The world's biggest mobile trade show marks another year in Barcelona with a stellar line-up of speakers and exhibitors.

Why attend? Over 2,300 exhibitors will gather in Barcelona to showcase the newest technologies and most innovative products available. Take your place among the companies that are shaping the connected future.

RSA Conference 2019

March 4th-8th, San Francisco

RSA Conference 2019returns to San Francisco - take this opportunity to learn about new approaches to info security, discover the latest technology and interact with top security leaders and pioneers.

Why attend?  Hands-on sessions, keynotes and informal gatherings allow you to tap into a smart, forward-thinking global community that will inspire and empower you. 

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What is blockchain? Everything you need to know

What is blockchain?

Like much of the technology world, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin still rely on some form of database that are able to track large volumes of transactions and keep them secure. The solution used by many of the world’s largest digital currencies is the blockchain. 

First implemented in 2009, the technology consists of 'blocks' that hold batches of timestamped transactions, with each block linked to the previous one through cryptography, thus forming a chain.

As the world becomes ever more smarter and inter-connected, cryptocurrencies have become an increasingly attractive proposition for growing markets that may not have traditional banking infrastructure. Several developing third-world nations have implemented blockchain-based national currencies, and the technology is also used by several major charity projects to help those without bank accounts.

However blockchain also offers the possibility of creating a fraud-proof system for transacting exchanges. This therefore gives it huge potential for use outside of the digital currency sphere, helping attract interest not just among traditional financial institutions, but in areas as diverse as manufacturing, food production and many more.

Blockchain - the latest news

30/07 - IBM bets big on blockchain app store - LedgerConnect system set to push blockchain services further than before...

25/07 - Blockchain company Tron buys BitTorrent - File sharers can rest easy...

24/07 - Google bets on blockchain for cloud - Google Cloud Platform now supports key backbone of blockchain technology...

18/07 - Mastercard targets major blockchain breakthrough - Card provider looks to patent technology aimed at making blockchain payments simpler and faster...

12/07 - Finney is the world's first $1,000 blockchain phone - Blockchain-powered Finney phone revealed by Sirin Labs ahead of launch...

11/07 - HTC Exodus: everything you need to know about the blockchain phone - HTC is launching a blockchain-powered phone, here's all the top facts...

10/07 - HTC reveals more on its blockchain phone - HTC Exodus will get early access later this year...

04/07 - MP calls for UK government to get behind blockchain - Eddie Hughes MP urges government to appoint Chief Blockchain Officer to gain support...

25/06 - Microsoft is re-launching its blockchain - Teaming up with banking giant EY to make blockchain a force for good...

18/06 - What is Hdac? The World Cup blockchain advert, decoded - We take a closer look at the World Cup’s most technology-friendly advert...

11/06 - UK could be set for first blockchain listing - London Stock Exchange listing could be a UK blockchain first

06/06 - The role of blockchain in GDPR compliance - Can blockchain be the key to helping your business conquer GDPR?

31/05 - GDPR compliance and Blockchain - How are two of the biggest technology issues of today linked?

29/05 - Blockchain could revolutionise retail: Deloitte - Deloitte report claims major changes could be made using blockchain...

23/05 - American Express: Why blockchain could save help save you from fraud - American Express technology head hints at more blockchain to come from the card provider...

16/05 - HTC is making a blockchain smartphone - HTC Exodus will feature beefed-up security protection designed for blockchain transactions...

14/05 - HSBC marks major blockchain landmark - World-first transaction using blockchain marks a crucial step forward... 

09/05 - Facebook launches new blockchain team - Blockchain team will be led by former Facebook Messenger head David Marcus...

08/05 - Report urges caution on the benefits of blockchain - Vast majority of companies reportedly still have no strategy when it comes to blockchain...

15/03 - Blockchain can 'speed up' payment settlement between telcos - Colt and PCCW hold trial of Blockchain for wholesale voice call payments...

06/02 - The best Bitcoin exchange of 2018 - It’s all about reputation, currency support and transaction fees...

27/01 - Here are 5 markets that blockchain will transform beyond recognition - From credit cards to loyalty schemes...

18/01 - 7 ways blockchain will change the legal industry forever - From smart contracts to the chain of custody...

17/01 - 6 things that prevent Blockchain from ruling the world - From energy wastage issues to worries about bulkiness...

16/01 - Here are the 10 sectors that blockchain will disrupt forever - From the obvious like banking, to the not-so-obvious…

26/08/2017 - Microsoft is making a blockchain that’s fit for business - Coco Framework aims to remove persistent stumbling blocks...

How does Blockchain work?

A blockchain system consists of two types of record, transactions and blocks. Transactions are simply the actions carried out in a particular period, these are stored together in a block.

What makes blockchain more unique is that each block contains the cryptographic hash of the previous one, thus forming a chain. What a cryptographic hash does is take the data from the previous block and transform it into a compact string. Since these strings are impossible to predict it means that any tampering with the chain is easily detected. 

This method means that blocks don’t need to have serial numbers, the hash allows them to be uniquely identified as well as verifying their integrity. Each block confirms the validity of the previous one right back to the so called ‘genesis block’ at the start of the chain.

The linking of blocks isn’t the only thing that keeps the chain secure, however. It’s also decentralised, each computer with the software installed has a copy of the blockchain which is constantly updated with new blocks. There is no centralised server holding the transactions and because each new block must meet the requirements of the chain nobody is able to overwrite previous transactions.

Other transaction requirements can be added to define what constitutes a valid entry. In Bitcoin for example a valid transaction has to be digitally signed, it has to spend one or more unspent outputs of previous transactions, and the sum of transaction outputs cannot exceed the sum of input.

What are some of the biggest blockchain databases?

Blockchain has exploded in popularity over the last few years, gaining backers throughout the technology and financial sectors.

Away from Bitcoin, which remains the most well-known and arguably most widely-used network, this has led to a number of alternative blockchains coming to the fore in recent times.

This includes R3, which is developing blockchain-esque technology that can be used by major banking institutions, and in May 2017 raised $107 million in funding from backers such as Intel, HSBC and Bank of America. 

Another major player is Hyperledger, an open-source cross-industry collaboration created by the Linux Foundation in order to popularise blockchain-based ledgers, with the first generation of its technology released in July 2017.

All the so-called ‘big four’ accounting firms have also said they are testing blockchain technologies, although so far only Ernst and Young have gone public with their technology, making a digital wallet available to all its Swiss employees.

IBM announced in March 2017 that it will be building its own ‘blockchain as a service’ offering based on Hyperledger, which will allow customers to build secure blockchain networks.

Earlier this year, the London Stock Exchange also revealed it was is set to start using blockchain to improve transparency for shareholding information among unlisted businesses, showing the impact the technology has had. 

How secure is blockchain?

Due to its advanced cryptographic protection systems, in theory, blockchain offers a far more secure experience than traditional banking.

The fact that the technology is decentralised, and cannot be retroactively altered or edited makes it ideal for financial transactions and the storing of important information.

Blockchain also benefits from being able to preserve the privacy of the user - however this has unfortunately made it increasingly popular as the payment method of choice for cyber criminals, as a Bitcoin network node doesn’t have to reveal the identity of the person making or receiving payments.

• What is Bitcoin? Everything you need to know

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The best Virgin broadband deals in July 2018

The best Vodafone broadband deals in July 2018

The best BT broadband deals in July 2018

The best business broadband deals in 2018

All prices are exclusive of VAT

When you're looking for the best business broadband service, the one you choose is about more than just price. You need fast, reliable internet, with expert support when it matters most.

But when it comes to the price, it's easy to be taken in by promises of market leading tariffs and discounted deals. That's where TechRadar comes in. So that you don't have to waste your time (and, therefore, your money) searching high and low for the cheapest plans, we've put in the hard yards to track down the cheapest business broadband deals in the UK today.

Our comparison chart features some of the most attractive business broadband packages currently available, with our choice of the best at the very top of the chat. With different options depending on whether you want the very fastest fibre optic broadband speeds, or simply the least impact to your bottom line. You can use the filters to narrow down the best broadband for your business.

Best broadband for your business

With businesses chasing every customer online, it's vital for your company to have a broadband service that can deliver the performance you need today, and handle your needs in the future.

Choosing a broadband service for your business may seem like child's play, with these services becoming almost a commodity. However, it is critical to carefully consider the service in use, since this can have a massive impact on performance, and ultimately on the profitability of your company.

Claire Sadler, head of marketing at BT Broadband's business division, advises: "Traditionally business-grade services are slightly more expensive, but that's because they include things such as greater levels of support - both during and outside of normal office hours and guaranteed fix times - as well as more consistent speeds where business traffic gets priority at peak times.

• ADSL vs fibre broadband: we explain the difference

"One other area to look at is whether it includes a free Wi-Fi connection outside of the office, which can enable staff to work effectively wherever they are - whether that's on a laptop, tablet or smartphone."

For business users of broadband services the service level agreement (SLA) is all-important, because the SLA governs how the broadband service will be supported. Richard Phillips, managing director of CUP Classic Cars, says: "As with anything these days, you need to do your homework and know what you need.

"Choose a reputable supplier that really understands your requirements and works with your business needs, so they can give you advice on the best service for you. You have to be comfortable with your supplier and know that problems are going to be resolved quickly should anything go wrong."

Need for more than just speed

Buying broadband services is more complex than simply choosing the fastest speed. Business broadband services also mean data management, backup and recovery, and of course email. Look closely at any services on your shortlist and ensure that they are not consumer grade, and are built with business users in mind.

Cost of course is a clear driver here but the devil is in the detail, as Andrew Ferguson, editor at thinkbroadband.com, says: "A good business connection should come with clear information on what speeds you can expect. So while cheap services will use the classic 'up to' marketing phrase, those services aimed at the business sector should talk about things like committed rate and burst speed. Do not be afraid to ask for explanation, though be wary of sales staff who trot out the line 'our consumer services are 50:1 contention and business is 20:1'... this sales person's patter is eight years out of date."

No discussion of business broadband would be complete without considering the impact that the cloud is now having. Small business users can clearly see the advantages that cloud-based services can offer. What is also vital is the connection that is available to the cloud, which is where a reliable, fast and robust broadband connection becomes essential.

David Barker, technical director of 4D Data Centres, says: "SMBs need to make a decision on what their immediate requirements are to meet the business's needs. Usually for a first connection this is a small office or sole trader, so a basic business ADSL line will suffice. But, if you are looking to grow your staff quickly or if you're planning on using cloud services for your day-to-day activities, then you might want to look at a faster connection such as fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) or even a leased line which can offer speeds from 10Mbps to 1Gbps and is usually able to scale the speed as your business grows."

Top tips for business broadband buyers

To ensure your business chooses the right broadband service for its needs, use the checklist below to help you define your needs, and then locate a broadband supplier that can become a trusted business partner:

1. Perform a data audit

Before choosing a broadband service, look at how your business uses the data it is creating, storing and analysing. This will give you a benchmark to use that will ensure the broadband service has the capacity to handle these data loads. Is your LAN or WAN set up to handle high speed broadband?

2. Connect to the backbone

Your internet service provider (ISP) can be connected to the internet in one of three ways. These are referred to as tiers 1, 2 and 3. Look for a host that has a tier 1 connection, since this means they have their own portion of the internet that they control. These are the most expensive, but the most reliable.

3. Look for better bandwidth

The speed and efficiency of your website depends on how much data your server can send and receive. This is the bandwidth. Look for a hosting service that has bandwidth utilisation of below 50% to avoid bottlenecks.

4. Study service level agreements (SLAs)

Any hosting service worth their salt should offer you one of these. Look closely at every clause so you don't get any nasty surprises. Most items should be open for negotiation.

5. Seek cloud optimisation

As small businesses increasingly use cloud-based services, look for a broadband supplier that is set up to manage a hybrid cloud storage approach to data management, so your small business can use on-site servers and cloud services together.

6. Embrace data services

As more businesses embrace the cloud and the flexibility that this offers for teleconferencing, VPNs (Virtual Private Network), VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and support so you can bring your own device (BYOD), choosing the right broadband service is more important than ever.

Phillips adds: "Don't think in the short term. Technology is changing so rapidly and now enables businesses to do all sorts of things that were unimaginable even five years ago - the internet is at the heart of that change. There is a wide range of options, but as with all things you need to buy the best you can afford, as you'll soon grow into the capacity, whether or not you think you currently need it."

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The best Sky broadband deals in July 2018

WhatsApp Finally Brings Group Video, Voice Calling Feature on Android and iOS

The new WhatsApp feature has been awaited by many since long.

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Honor Note 10 Launch Today: Here is What to Expect

Honor Note 10 is set to make its debut today as a successor to Honor's Note series after two years.

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Skechers Go Walk Revolution Ultra Review: A New Beginning For The Running Shoe Family

After years of design stagnation, Skechers has embarked on a mission of modernity with this shoe, and the results are impressive.

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Starbucks is reportedly teaming up with Alibaba to deliver coffee in China

The Seattle-based coffee chain will partner with Alibaba's food delivery unit, Ele.me, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Esports are booming and some investors are growing more bullish

Esports are growing and entering mainstream media. Now investors are getting bullish on the space.

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Cramer Remix: Panic could help investors catch a bargain

Jim Cramer breaks down how the collateral damage of Monday’s panic could create a prime buying opportunity.

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Tech stocks will regain losses, say financial advisors, so buy during the dip

Tech stocks are down, after the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed lower for three straight sessions. But some financial advisors say this should be seen as a buying opportunity.

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Cramer says NXP Semiconductors is a buy despite failed Qualcomm deal

Jim Cramer argues that NXP Semiconductors' prospects are still intact after Qualcomm dropped its bid for the chipmaker.

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Cramer flags the 'clear winners' of earnings season: AMD, Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet

Jim Cramer highlights the companies that wowed analysts and investors with their mid-2018 earnings results.

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Cramer: Facebook's 'collateral damage' could be a buying opportunity

Jim Cramer recommends picking through the stocks damaged by investors' panic around Facebook earnings for hidden potential.

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Tech stock tailspin wipes over $80 billion in value from top companies

Shares of nine of the 10 most valuable tech companies tumbled on Monday

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Jamie Dimon once talked to Jeff Bezos about taking a job at Amazon — here's why he decided not to

Dimon envisioned living on a houseboat like Tom Hanks' character in "Sleepless in Seattle" but the timing was bad.

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CBS board to seek outside counsel to investigate Les Moonves, but makes no decision about his role

The board met ahead of its quarterly earnings this week to discuss the allegations, detailed in a New Yorker article last Friday.

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'Les is history at CBS,' veteran media analyst predicts

The chances of Les Moonves remaining at the helm of CBS are slim, says Mediatech Capital's Porter Bibb.

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If tech falls apart, these two sectors could be the best alternatives

Should tech capsize, Nick Colas, co-founder of DataTrek Research, has looked at alternatives to the group and come up with two spots: financials and industrials. 

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Manager who sold Facebook in April: 'Don't see us being heavily invested in Facebook ever again.'

ETFs that invest in tech stocks have been hit hard after the Facebook stock decline and tech stock rollover, and one ETF focused on technology doesn't think it is time to buy the dip yet. Its largest holding right now is cash. 

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Google just promoted its top lawyer to run global affairs

As big tech companies face increased scrutiny at home and abroad, Google has promoted its general counsel Kent Walker to senior VP of global affairs. 

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Goldman Sachs: Don't let the Facebook blowup scare you out of tech stocks

"While FB's decline [last] week highlights the risk inherent in a narrow-breadth market, market performance in its wake supports our strategic preference for Technology and growth stocks," says David Kostin, Goldman's chief U.S. equity strategist.

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Cramer: AMD chief Lisa Su has 'caught and passed' Intel in gaming and other key growth areas

"Only Nvidia can get Advanced Micro a run for its money," CNBC's Jim Cramer says.

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Apple and the FANG stocks could lose at least a third of value, market watcher warns

Ahead of Apple earnings, one market watcher warns to stay away from what has been one of the hottest areas of the market this year.

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FANG index of tech stocks tumbles into correction territory, down more than 10% from June record

The NYSE FANG+ index is down more than 10 percent from its high last month. 

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Twitter shares lose over one-quarter of their value in two days as Wall Street worries about the social media company’s user growth

Wall Street firms are warning their clients to avoid Twitter shares after the company's second-quarter earnings report.

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AMD is leaving the rest of the chip stocks in the dust, but the move could fade

Shares of Advanced Miro Devices are on fire this year, but some traders and strategists are wary about stepping into the name after its hefty 91 percent rally.

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Democratic Sen. Warner has a new policy paper with proposals to regulate Big Tech companies

The policy paper included options such as GDPR-like legislation and increased military action in fighting cyber attacks.

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Tech stocks are dropping hard — again — as investors start to lose faith

The so-called FANG stocks fell Monday after disappointing earnings from two of the top five companies in the sector.

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Neymar, the World Cup's favorite flopper, explains his antics - CNET

The Brazilian player says in an ad that he's "not a brat," but he does sometimes exaggerate on the pitch. No duh.

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NASA finds 3D-printed houses we could use on Mars - CNET

The space agency's years-long competition to find a house suitable for Mars is up to its third and final phase.

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AI bot writes a pretty darn believable Taylor Swift song - CNET

Sing out, all you starry-eyed hipsters, a neural network is trying to recreate the singer's very personal lyrics.

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Nissan makes Rear Door Alert standard on Altima, Rogue, Sentra - Roadshow

Inspired by smelly lasagna (!), the tech is designed to help drivers avoid leaving a child in a hot car.

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Avengers: Infinity War now on Digital HD: Every way to watch - CNET

Big, bad Thanos is snapping his way to your living room.

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China’s drug rehab centers use VR to catch addicts who still want a fix - CNET

The system monitors eye movement, body heat and heart rate.

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Math shows Tom Cruise running on screen equals a successful movie - CNET

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Cruise has run over 24,000 feet on screen, and that has translated to box office gold.

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3D-printed guns: 9 states sue Trump administration for an emergency ban - CNET

Downloadable plans for untraceable guns are on the internet, again.

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Samsung's second quarter stung by soft smartphone sales - CNET

The company turns in its lowest profit growth in a year.

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Star Trek sound-effects master Douglas Grindstaff dies at 87 - CNET

Next time you hear a Tribble coo, a transporter materialize or a phaser blast, remember the man who made it happen.

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Sorry, Elon Musk: NASA says plans to terraform Mars won't work - CNET

Making Mars habitable has been a staple of science fiction, which is where scientists say it will have to stay.

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Uber discontinues its self-driving truck program - Roadshow

Ride-hailing startup plans refocus on self-driving car effort.

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Galaxy Note 9: All the rumors on specs, price, Aug. 24 sale date and Fortnite game - CNET

Samsung's next big phone will go head-to-head with the 2018 iPhone.

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MoviePass goes down again amid Mission: Impossible blackout, price hikes - CNET

If the film being blocked out didn't deter you last weekend, perhaps having to pay extra will.

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Killmonger would give Infinity War villain Thanos a fight - CNET

Now here's a clash of the baddies we'd like to see. Can this be one of Doctor Strange's 14 million futures?

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TSA's new scanners could mean leaving your laptop, liquids in carry-on - CNET

Three cheers for easier security checks.

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Whirlpool wants to give you another cooking option in the kitchen - CNET

The appliance manufacturer has received a patent for a device that enables you to cook food with a water bath.

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Halo Smart Labs is folding and your smart alarm smoke will soon turn dumb - CNET

The makers of the weather-sensing Halo+ Smoke Alarm have gone out of business, so your $130 smoke detector might soon lose its connection to the internet.

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Amazing scenes from the Overwatch League Grand Finals - CNET

The London Spitfire defeated the Philadelphia Fusion in the Overwatch League's first ever Grand Finals, in front of a crowd of 20,000 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center arena. Follow along to see what is was like to be among that crowd.

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20 ways Warner thinks the US could crack down on Big Tech - CNET

Suggestions include creating GDPR-like data protection laws and funding media literacy programs.

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Mercedes-AMG G65 recalled for high-speed rollovers in reverse - Roadshow

Don't attempt any J-turns until you've had this recall addressed.

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Note 9 could be cheaper and filled with copper pipes - CNET

A trio of Note 9 rumors purportedly show a cheaper price, a new cooling system made of copper, and another look at a wireless charging dock.

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Firefox will get a new icon again, because today's is too confining - CNET

Mozilla wants to hear what you think about some possible replacements.

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Sluggish Galaxy S9 Sales Hurt Samsung in Q2

The company has released the numbers for the quarter, and the company’s run of record profits has hit what is hopefully a temporary speed bump.

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The Android Go powered Nokia 2.1 releasing soon in the UAE

We knew the new Nokia 2.1 (2018) was coming soon, but now we know exactly when and how much it will cost you - at least in the UAE, where the phone is confirmed to be landing on August 8.

Sold across major retailers in the UAE, the Nokia 2 is powered by Android Oreo Go edition that has optimized for low spec phones with lower prices. The phone will cost you just 389 Dirhams in the UAE

Besides Android Go, the other highlight of the Nokia 2 (2018) is the large battery life. Equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, the new Nokia 2 is expected to last for two full days on a single charge. 

Nokia 2 (2018) specs

The Nokia 2.1 is powered by the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor with 1GB of RAM, 5.5-inch 720p screen, 8MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing snapper.

Like other Nokia handsets released in this year, expect premium craftsmanship and design. There’s only 8GB of built in storage but you do have a microSD card for additional space.

You’ll be able to grab the phone in three colors when it arrives August 8- Blue/Copper, Blue/Silver and Grey/Silver. 

• Not convinced? Then check out the best budget phones in the UAE

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TRAI Chief Continues to Face Fallout Over Aadhaar Tweet Row; His Phone Battery is The Latest Victim

The Aadhaar Authentication request OTPs being generated by unknown people is hampering the TRAI chief’s ability to use this phone.

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Xiaomi Redmi Y2 Flash Sale at 12 pm: Here is All You Need to Know

Xiaomi Redmi y2 is also going on sale today alongside the Honor 9N

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Honor 9N First Flash Sale Today on Flipkart With 'Buy One Get One' Offer And More

There is also a 'Buy One Get One' offer running on the Honor 9N.

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Twitter Hopes Academics Will be Able to Address Toxic Conversations on The Social Network

This comes after the social network purged fake accounts recently, and reported strong quarterly earnings.

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Smarter Smartphones on The Way as 80% of New Phones Will Have AI by 2023

The research also says that almost 50% of smartphones being sold now also have an artificial assistant built-in.

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Canon’s new PowerShot SX740 HS puts superzoom in your pocket

Canon has today announced the launch of the latest travel compact in its range, the PowerShot SX740 HS, replacing PowerShot SX730 HS that was released last year.

Like it predecessor, the SX740 HS comes packing a 40x optic zoom (equivalent to 24-960mm in 35mm terms) and a 20.3MP 1/2.3-type (6.17 x 4.55 mm) back-illuminated CMOS sensor. 

However, Canon has finally let go of its penchant for including just Full HD video capture in its cameras, adding 4K Ultra HD video capabilities to the SX740 HS, which includes a 4K time lapse mode, with both allowing frame grabs of about 8MP in size.

The new travel compact also features Canon’s powerful Digic 8 image processor for speedy autofocus and a continuous burst speed of up to 10fps.

ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 3200, with a maximum of ISO 1600 in auto mode, and shutter speeds range from 1/3200 second to 15 seconds.

Is that a camera in your pocket or…?

If you think a 40x zoom isn’t enough to take you closer to the action, then Canon’s ZoomPlus feature gives you 80x of digital zoom, but you’ll need to be prepared to sacrifice some image quality if you go beyond the reach of the optical zoom.

To keep things steady, however, Canon has added 5-axis image stabilization, which provides up to 3-stops of camera shake compensation.

The SX740 HS also shares the 3.0-inch tilting LCD display with its predecessor, which turns all the way around to face forward, making good use of the Self Portrait mode on the camera.

To make taking pictures quick and easy, the SX740 HS comes with a range of automatic settings, which include a Smart Auto shooting mode that has 29 scenes pre-programmed for auto detection.

An Hybrid Auto mode automatically creates a short movie with the day’s photos, while the Zoom Framing Assist adjusts the zoom or the focus to achieve the best composition.

There’s also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy transfer of images from camera to handheld device and a built-in flash that has a range from 50cm to between 2m and 4m, depending on the zoom position.

However, it does not support raw file capture.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS will be available from August in the US and the UK for $399.99 and £344.99, respectively. 

In Australia, though, the SX740 HS will go on sale in early September and the price will be “set at dealer discretion”. If the price of the SX730 HS is anything to go buy, we can expect the Australian price to be at over the AU$500 mark.

• Best travel camera 2018: 10 compact models perfect for your vacation
• Best bridge camera 2018: 10 cameras that pack huge zoom lenses

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Best hot tubs 2018: the top jacuzzis for the money

The best hot tub in 2018 can be enjoyed year-round and should seamlessly slip into your life like you plan to slip into a warm, jet-filled jacuzzi. From inflatable hot tubs ideal for small spaces to acrylic tubs meant for the great outdoors (your backyard), we have outlined our picks for most soothing at-home spa solutions based on value and the best price.

You know what's not soothing? Figuring out which are the top hot tub brands and finding the best deals. There's no Apple, Samsung, or other household names to make recommendations easy. Instead, it's niche hot tub companies like Canadian Spa, Bestway, Coleman and Essential that offer a variety of great pop-up and full-sized tub choices.

Pause your neck and back pain for just a minute, and get yourself ready for our full-treatment hydrotherapy research with this up-to-date hot tubs list for 2018. It's based on our aquatic expertise, diligent research, and soaking wet wrinkled skin.

Don't be fooled by the black-and-white color scheme of this hot tub – it's the gold standard of acrylic hot tubs from the experts at Canadian Spa. It has a six-person capacity, 44 adjustable stainless steel jets and, just to show off, multi-colored LED mood lighting along the perimeter of the tub.

This over-the-top hot tub gets better with luxury features like LED pop-up speakers for the built-in digital audio system, an aromatherapy canister for soothing scents and even a cascading waterfall. This hot tub includes a hardtop cover, filters, and curbside delivery from most stores.

They call Paris 'the city of lights', so this aptly named inflatable hot tub from Bestway of course lights up with underwater LEDs. You'll fall in love. There are seven different colors for relaxing and soothing effects, according to the manufacturer, and it comes with an RF remote for control. There are 87 bubble jets inside this jacuzzi, and while it may not be the easiest to set up, it's one of the best pop-up hot tubs you can buy for under $500 / £600 today.

Intex makes one of the most affordable pop-up jacuzzis you can buy in 2018, with a sturdy puncture-resistant three-ply laminated material that holds up better than the low price suggests. It includes 120 bubble jets and holds 210 gallons of water. There are built-in handles on the side, making it easy to carry and move around (when it's empty, of course). You can relax in two ways: by sitting in this spa and knowing you didn't spend a lot of money to buy it.

The new Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable AirJet Hot Tub bucks the trend of circular hot tubs in favor of a more square-shaped design, but it's able to provide 114 air jets to pamper you in relaxing heated water, up the the 104 degree maximum temperature. This four-seater Coleman hot tub is rather new, so reviews are scarce on it. However, you may also find it under the Bestway brand and an older version in circular form. However, the 2018 has more jets and is easy to set up. Buy this one instead.

This spa from Essential Hot Tubs is very different from the rest because it's molded from premium-quality granite resin. That means it's the most durable option in our buying guide and a good pick if you're willing to spend a lot of money on an above-ground jacuzzi. It has 20 powerful stainless steel jets, contoured seating for up to five people (although five is a more reasonable max), has a heat pump that plugs into a normal outlet, and holds 241 gallons of water. Reviews indicate that the hard resin base gives it better insulation than inflatable hot tubs, but the cover is harder to keep snapped in place. It's the best hot tub if you're willing to spend and have the extra space.

Intex makes it onto our best hot tub list with a larger, though more expensive entry. It's an inflatable jacuzzi so you can still get a good deal on it, and it holds up to six people and more water than most: up to 290Gal (1097L). That's why you're paying a slight premium. The setup is easy enough on this one, but heating the tub is slow going. Despite that, it remains one of the better hot tub buys in 2018.

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