DOJ wants T-Mobile, Sprint to create a new wireless competitor, report says - CNET

The two carriers are working to get their $26.5 billion merger approved.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2EUDHHx

NASA Plans to Send Equipment to Moon from Next Year in Preparation of Crewed Lunar Mission in 2024

The administration of President Donald Trump has accelerated the timetable for putting humans back on the Moon with 2024 the new target date - moved up by four years.

from Top Tech News- News18.com http://bit.ly/2wukcRr

Facial recognition tech coming to New York school district next week, report says - CNET

Aegis' suite of tools aims to protect schools from shootings, sex offenders and other dangers.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2KcDiDG

China Warns Canada Against Helping US in Extradition Case Involving Tech Giant Huawei

China and the US are currently embroiled in a trade dispute that is weighing heavily on global financial markets.

from Top Tech News- News18.com http://bit.ly/2EN5itZ

Department of Justice reportedly preparing Google antitrust investigation - CNET

Google's search and other businesses will be investigated, a report says.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2YZgStG

Mac Mini 2019: what we want to see

New Mac Pro release date, news and rumors

DOJ preparing antitrust probe of Google: Dow Jones

The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly planning to launch an antitrust investigation into Google.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2EO4o0a

Protest Against Zuckerberg's Chairmanship Sees Angry Emoji Float Above Facebook HQ

Facebook's prime agenda at today's annual general meeting has the looming theme of concerns regarding CEO Mark Zuckerberg's iron-fist hold on the company's practices and operational decisions.

from Top Tech News- News18.com http://bit.ly/30TTkbf

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Flipkart Offers a Unique 30-day Keep or Exchange Offer on Xiaomi Mi TVs

Buyers can exchange a Xiaomi TV within 30 days of its purchase at a 90 percent exchange value of the original price.

from Top Tech News- News18.com http://bit.ly/2WzorcV

E3 2019: How, when and where to watch the E3 Nintendo Direct live - CNET

Pokemon? Animal Crossing? Metroid Prime 4? What are we going to see at this year's E3 Nintendo Direct?

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2XiXDe7

5G speed tests hit another breakthrough, this time on Sprint with LG V50 phone - CNET

Sprint's 5G tests are impressive. They clocked less than half the speeds of CNET's tests on Verizon 5G, but coverage was broader and more consistent.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2QA6CoN

Mueller report update: What the special counsel said and how to read the doc for free - CNET

Robert Mueller spoke for the first time since submitting his report on Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Questions remain.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2EGGMdY

Pixar's Onward first trailer takes on elves, mermaids and raccoon unicorns - CNET

The urban-fantasy tale stars Chris Pratt, Tom Holland and Julia Louis Dreyfus.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2JOwexI

Greyhound Lines' UK owners are putting it up for sale, report says - Roadshow

People aren't going Greyhound like they used to, and the company's owners are feeling the pressure.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/30SIe6p

2020 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V get uncovered in Detroit - Roadshow

Caddy's replacements for the high-performance ATS-V and CTS-V have arrived.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2JN3Uvp

Don't worry, hotter Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V variants are on the way - Roadshow

Cadillac's executive chief engineer says "there will be different personas" with the company's V models.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2YW1sq3

Good Omens review: Gently devilish, heavenly fun on Amazon - CNET

Amazon unites David Tennant and Michael Sheen as it adapts Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's book.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2EKPWpJ

Newest US Navy submarine USS South Dakota: Inside the $2.6 billion nuclear-powered ship - CNET

Find out why the Virginia-class fast-attack sub has been called the "most modern submarine in the world"

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2W1GDri

Pet food delivery services you & your furry friends will love - CNET

Meow we're talkin'!

from CNET News https://cnet.co/3154OZQ

Amazon wants to buy Boost Mobile from Sprint and T-Mobile, report says - CNET

T-Mobile and Sprint may have to sell off Boost Mobile to push their merger through, which could pave the way for Amazon to become a wireless service provider.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2WwqM8x

Ford shows us the nose of its Mustang EV, and Bryan Cranston as a cyborg - Roadshow

The video is mostly just Ford cheerleading itself, but the peek at a possible schnoz for its forthcoming EV makes it worth a watch.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2Kn9x3d

Huawei wearables shipments quadruple in first quarter - CNET

Apple still has the highest wearables market share, but IDC says Huawei is gaining on it.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2I7glPp

Google holds firm on Chrome changes that may break ad blockers - CNET

However, enterprise users may be exempt from the tweaks.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2Z4yjcv

Amazon's Fire TV Cube gets closer to being a fully functioning Alexa speaker - CNET

The Fire TV Cube now supports calling, voice messaging and the Drop In feature.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2QC4v3N

Mark Zuckerberg's personal security chief accused of sexual harassment - CNET

Racist comments were also made about Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan, Business Insider reports.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2QDyiJh

Moto Z4: Release date and specs for the $500 5G ready phone - CNET

Motorola's newest phone is not the rumored Razr.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2JOwe0G

Uber posts mixed results in its first quarter as a public company - CNET

Revenue is slightly up, but the ride-hailing company still posts more than a $1 billion loss.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2Xha3mE

Alphabet's Loon is providing internet access to Peru's earthquake victims - CNET

The internet balloons provided service to affected areas within 48 hours.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2WzL0hE

Facebook was examining fake media policy right before Pelosi video, report says - CNET

Facebook had set up a working group to form policy on manipulated media right before the doctored Pelosi video hit, a report says.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2Z5hnmb

Ford's F-150 XLT trim can now be had with a diesel engine - Roadshow

The Blue Oval is democratizing its diesel after customer feedback showed the error of its ways.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2Wvk8iV

Is this our first glimpse of macOS 10.15’s Music and TV apps?

We expect Apple to officially show off macOS 10.15 – the upcoming version of its operating system for Mac and MacBook computers – at its WWDC 2019 event on June 3, and screenshots have emerged that appear to show off the new Music and TV apps that are being rumored to debut with the update.

We’ve been hearing for a while that Apple is planning to break up its iTunes software into separate apps, and these screenshots – if real – show how those apps will look.

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Previous rumors suggested that the macOS 10.15 Music app would basically be iTunes – with a similar interface and built on the same code – and these screenshots back that up, with both the Music and TV apps having user interfaces that look a lot like iTunes, with a colored sidebar and a media player at the top.

Familiarity breeds contempt

Having the two new apps look – and we assume behave – so similarly to iTunes will at least make them easy to use, as anyone familiar with iTunes will be able to find their way around the apps without any problem.

According to the screenshots, the Music app in macOS 10.15 will be able to sync to a user’s iPhone, iPad and iPod, much like iTunes, with the devices appearing in the sidebar.

The search bar has been slightly moved, and now resides in the sidebar, and from there you can search your own local music library, as well as Apple’s Music streaming service – which is a feature included in iTunes.

The TV app lets you browse shows by genre in the sidebar, while along the top are options for ‘Watch Now’, ‘Movies’, ‘TV Shows’, ‘Kids’ and ‘Library’.

However, the similarities with iTunes may disappoint anyone who was hoping Apple would take this opportunity to do something more innovative with the new apps.

For example, many of us were hoping the Music and TV apps would be based on Apple’s Marzipan tech, which allows apps to run on both iOS devices like iPhones, and on macOS computers.

Instead, if these images (which were published by 9to5Mac, which received them from an anonymous source) are genuine, it looks like Apple is playing it safe with these new apps.

•  These are the best Macs of 2019

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/30WX3ov

The security challenges faced by open banking

How Google Maps’ new feature could save you from a speeding ticket

If you use Google Maps to help you navigate while driving, you may have noticed a rather useful feature has been missing all these years: speed limit warnings and radar location notifications that let you know when you're approaching a speed camera.

Now, after running tests in the US, Google's rolling out speed limit warnings to the popular navigation app in 40 countries. 

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The rollout will be coming to Google Maps on both Android and iOS devices, as Google confirmed to TechCrunch. Now speed limit signs will appear in the bottom corner of the Maps display, while icons indicating the presence of speed cameras will appear on the roads themselves.

About time

The introduction of speed limit warnings to Google Maps has been a long time coming, especially when you consider that Google already brought the feature to navigation app Waze in 2016. 

The new feature will likely make Maps a more realistic competitor to navigation apps and standalone GPS systems from the likes of Garmin and TomTom.

According to Engadget, speed limit warnings will be available in the following countries: "Australia, Brazil, US, Canada, UK, India, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe".

The rollout of course doesn't include countries where this kind of tech is illegal like France, Switzerland, and Germany. In France, for example, "police are allowed to check your mobile phone for illegal apps and can levy steep fines and even confiscate your vehicle if they find them". 

So, best to just keep an eye on your speed the old fashioned way if you're planning a road trip through Western Europe.

• How Waze on the 2019 Ford Edge trumps every other navigation app

Via Engadget

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2Wevfxb

What is 5G? Everything you need to know

Giro d'Italia 2019: live stream how to watch the last few cycling stages from anywhere

Through the Italian countryside and up and down the mountains, the riders are tirelessly making their way to the final stretches of the 2019 Giro d'Italia. Pitting the top road riders in the world, we're no closer to really knowing who will take home the glory. But at least with our help, you can get a 2019 Giro d'Italia live stream from absolutely anywhere you are.

In its 102nd year, the Giro is still as tough as ever with a mighty 21 stages covering 3,518.5 kilometres in just 23 days of riding. If that doesn't make your knees ache to read, they will at the three time trials, the five high difficulty stages and the mighty summit finishes.

At the time of writing, the advantage is with Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz of the Movistar Team, as he leads from Slovenian Primoz Roglic and Italy's very own Vincenzo Nibali. As far as surprises go, last year's narrowly defeated Simon Yates is still quite a way off the pace (although making up some time in the last few stages), and Tom Dumoulin has pulled out altogether after he injured his knee in a crash.

Last year saw the UK's Chris Froome win the Giro d'Italia with Dumoulin and Miguel Ángel López not far behind. It was Froome's climbing wins that set him in good stead for the overall victory after summiting both Zoncolan and the Jafferau as winner. The latter was stunning with a 3-minute lead win after an 80km solo lead.

So how can you enjoy all the tarmac-eating action? Read on to find out as we tell you the best options to live stream the Giro d'Italia. And the best bit is it's possible to do so absolutely free from some locations.

Get a Giro d'Italia live stream from outside your country

If you're desperate to watch every stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling but you're away from home and the coverage is geo-blocked, then you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster Ts&Cs, of course). You may be surprised how simple it is to do.

Live stream the Giro d'Italia for free

Good news...the Giro d'Italia is being shown absolutely free of charge.

Bad news...that's only the case in Italy.

This year the Italian broadcaster Rai is going to share the Giro d'Italia event coverage in Italy for free. It's the only broadcaster we've found that's live streaming all the action without a subscription of some kind. And Rai also has an Android and Apple app for watching on your tablet or phone instead. 

Yup, that means you can stream all the wheel spinning goodness on whatever device you're using, all on RaiSport +. The catch? Well, all the commentary will be in Italian of course! But below we've listed the major broadcasters in English speaking countries.

How to watch the Giro d'Italia: UK live stream

For UK residents the Giro d'Italia will get the Eurosport treatment. That means Eurosport 1, which is available in lots of broadcast and streaming forms, should make watching the racing simple. Eurosport is available with basic Sky TV packages or with a Eurosport Player monthly (£9.99) or annual pass (£39.99).

How to watch the Giro d'Italia: Australia live stream

This year all you lucky Australians will get the Eurosport coverage but only if you're a Foxtel subscriber. An HD package that includes sports, drama and entertainment should set you back about AU$58 per month on a one year contract.

How to watch the Giro d'Italia: US live stream

The Giro d'Italia 2019 will get coverage on good old Fubo.TV which means you can enjoy the cycling from multiple locations. Fubo is a sports focused streaming TV solution that lets you subscribe for what you want and stop when you're done – ideal for this event.

Since this is app powered and delivered over the internet, you can watch it on lots of different devices. including smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs and streaming boxes. That means wherever you are you shouldn't miss the action.

How to watch the Giro d'Italia: Canada live stream

Canadians will be able to get in on the Giro d'Italia 2019 action much in the same way as their US neighbours can. That means Fubo.TV access in Canada where the events will be streamed to whatever device you're using. Simples. 

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/3088DNe

The first Apple foldable could resemble the Samsung Galaxy Fold

Pixel 4 screen protectors highlight the possible design of the phone

Anthem won't be at EA's E3 show, despite Cataclysm update

Sci-fi looter shooter Anthem's long-awaited Cataclysm content update will be unveiled today, with a livestream on both Twitch and Mixer – as publisher EA reveals the game will not be part of the company's E3 2019 showcase.

The news will accompany the 1.2.0 update for the game, which (as developer BioWare previously stated) focusses on "bug fixes, stability, and game flow" rather than new gameplay moments.

1.2.0 delivers "under the hood content you won't see right away, but is setting things up for a future update, the Cataclysm," according to BioWare.

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Cataclysm is (or at least, was) set to be a huge moment for Anthem, setting the stage for the game as a service's long-term ongoing content plans. The time-sensitive update would offer "massive, world-changing events" and the "most ambitious and challenging content" for high-level, endgame players to take part in. Tougher enemies, raging storms and "new mysteries" are all set to be part of the Cataclysm. 

We'll be sure to update you with the precise details as soon as they're revealed in the livestream, which will play on both Twitch and Mixer at 3pm Central Time today.

A cataclysmic year

But is it too little, too late for BioWare's Anthem? Publisher EA appears to already be giving the game the cold shoulder – at least insofar as its big E3 showcase plans are concerned.

The company will be flaunting its wares in LA over a three-hour conference and livestream extravaganza, set to include titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Apex Legends, Battlefield V, FIFA 20, Madden NFL 20 and the ageing The Sims 4. 

But Anthem, once poised to be the company's big ongoing live-game concern, looks conspicuously absent, with new shooter poster child Apex Legends instead taking the limelight.

It's to a degree understandable from EA – Anthem was poorly received, plagued with bugs and lacking content at launch, while failing to nail the loot-shoot-repeat loop that the game's genre requires.

Anthem may be getting some solo time dedicated to it today, but it's definitely the black sheep of the EA family at present.

• Check out our full Anthem review

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2YZ0j0L

Windows 10 preview introduces a ton of new features for Your Phone

England vs South Africa live stream: how to watch today's Cricket World Cup 2019 match from anywhere

So here it is...the once-every-four-years Cricket World Cup has arrived on English shores. And the host nation gets the whole thing kicked off in the curtain raiser today against another of the pre-tournament favourites. If you want to know how to get an England vs South Africa live stream - regardless of where you are in the world - you've landed on the right web page.

On home turf, England are usually dominant and the bookies have them as overall favourites for the whole tournament. Their batting line-up is looking especially strong, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root all looking in scarily good form coming into this match.

That's particularly bad news for a South Africa bowling attack that has been impacted by injuries to seamers Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. It will be on captain Faf du Plessis to rally his troops and get the likes of Hashim Amla, David Miller and Quinton de Kock firing on all cylinders.

This is by no means an easy one to call and both teams will be desperate to make an early mark on the 2019 Cricket World Cup at The Oval. What is straightforward however, is getting an England vs South Africa live stream. Continue reading to see how to watch from just about anywhere on Earth.

• Discover how to live stream every single Cricket World Cup game

Watch a Cricket World Cup 2019 live stream from outside your country

Watching in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US or India? We've got all the details you need about the broadcaster in your country further down this page.

But if you're away from your home country today, the minute you try to watch your domestic broadcast you'll discover that you can't because of geo-blocking. That's annoying, but by using a VPN you can watch it anyway without reverting to some dodgy, illegal feed you've dug out online.

How to stream England vs South Africa live in the UK 

How to watch England vs South Africa: live stream in Australia

How to watch England vs South Africa: New Zealand live stream 

How to stream 2019 Cricket World Cup online in India

How to watch England vs South Africa: US live stream 

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2EIaRd8

Why human oversight will be essential to the next generation of automated data anaytics

A Nokia smartphone for life

With 2.71bn of us around the world owning a smartphone, it seems like we’re fully embracing the mobile age. But, with such a vast and growing device ecosystem, not all of us are ready or willing to fully embrace the fast hardware upgrade cycle. Why? Because we’re either not interested in buying the latest tech yearly, or we’re looking to minimise waste and be more sustainable, or we simply want a smartphone that we can keep for a while without worrying about it becoming obsolete. So, what if we want a smartphone that not only lasts but remains reliable and up-to-date as time goes by? Is there a way you can be sure that you’re investing in the future, while reducing tech waste and making sure your device stays fresh for longer? 

The smartphone ownership paradigm is shifting from the latest specs and hardware to actual device experience over time. We’re more aware than ever about this and with our unique Nokia smartphone promise, we’re making sure you don’t need to worry about what the future holds. Every Nokia smartphone is guaranteed to receive 2 years of OS upgrades, ensuring you benefit from all the latest software features meaning your phone experience will keep getting better over time. 

Choosing a smartphone that can stand its ground in the face of increasing cyber security threats is important too. We already know viruses pose a real threat to smartphones and it’s natural that we want our data to be handled responsibly. Surprisingly, more than half of Android devices are running a version of Android older than two years, meaning they face potential vulnerabilities through lack of updates. With our promise to deliver the latest version of Android and 3 years of monthly security updates for each and every smartphone, we’re making sure you can enjoy your device with complete peace of mind. 

Over the past two years Nokia phones have received over 300 security updates, and with almost the entire portfolio now running the latest Android 9 Pie, we have delivered updates almost twice as fast as any other manufacturer. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our phones. This goes far beyond our reputation for hard-wearing devices with incredible battery life. It’s about ensuring the experience keeps getting better, so you can avoid the-latest-smartphone-must-have-FOMO whilst enjoying all the latest software features and most secure updates on a simply great phone.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2QGIvF7

Apple, Google and WhatsApp condemn GCHQ proposal to eavesdrop on encrypted messages

In an open letter to GCHQ, 47 signatories including Apple, Google and WhatsApp have jointly urged the U.K. cybersecurity agency to abandon its plans for a so-called "ghost protocol."

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2JOGZQj

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EE launches UK's first 5G network in six cities

Mobile carrier EE has launched the UK's first 5G network in six cities, ushering in a new era of connectivity for not only our smartphones, but a whole host of smart devices.

EE's 5G network has been switched on in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester, but you won't just need to live in one of these locations to benefit from 5G.

You'll also need a 5G compatible phone and a 5G mobile contract to access the fifth generation of network technology.

At launch, EE offers four 5G handsets, with the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, LG V50 ThinQ 5G, OnePlus 7 Pro 5G and Oppo Reno 5G in the range.

There is also a premium to pay, with EE's 5G contracts more expensive than its 4G plans.

Faster, more reliable internet

5G is billed to deliver a much faster and more reliable internet connection to your smartphone, allowing you to download apps, games, movies and music in a flash.

The speed should be far superior to what you get with 4G, although it will be dependent on a number of factors, including how close you are to a 5G mast.

At the time of writing it's not clear how much of the launch cities are covered by EE's 5G network, but we'll be getting a handset today to put it to the test.

For those disappointed by the limited roll-out across the country, there's some good news, as EE promises to bring its 5G network to a further 10 locations by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Vodafone will join the 5G future on July 3 in seven locations, with a total of 19 locations connected before the year is out.

• 5G in the UK: everything you need to know

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2wtFU84

Amazon announces Echo Show 5 smart display in India for Rs 8,999

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Face Shareholders Vote Amid Pressure of Stepping Down

At the Facebook Annual General Meeting today, Zuckerberg's position as the chairman of Facebook will be put to test, although it is unlikely that he will lose control of his company.

from Top Tech News- News18.com http://bit.ly/2EHWxl1

Oppo's Reno 5G brings top data speeds and an impressive 10x zoom to Australia

After Oppo launched its Reno 5G smartphone in Europe last month, the Chinese tech giant is bringing its new future-ready flagship Down Under, alongside its 4G sibling, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom.

As the latter’s name may imply, one of the star features shared by the two new Oppo handsets is the capability to perform a 10x hybrid optical zoom using a combination of the phones’ 48MP primary lens, 13MP periscope telephoto lens, 8MP wide angle lens, and dual optical image stabilisation.

Another part of the Reno range’s charm is its notch-free face, which allows for an impressive 93.1% screen-to-body ratio. It performs this clever trick with a similar gimmick found in the company’s previous Find X flagship – a pop-up selfie camera.

• Hands on: Oppo Reno 10x Zoom review

If you opt for the pricier 5G handset, naturally, you’ll be one of the first in the country able to experience the breakneck speeds (more than a Gigabit per second) promised by the new network standard, however, only Telstra's 5G network is currently operable.

This puts it squarely up against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, which landed in Australia earlier this week, although the Korean company’s contender is currently only available with Telstra plans and hasn’t been given concrete details for an outright handset release.

• Samsung Galaxy S10 5G available in Australia

Pricing and availability

The Oppo Reno 5G is available to pre-order from May 31 for a price of $1,499, and will officially land on sale on June 11. As an added bonus, you’ll also score a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 noise-cancelling headphones valued at $499.95 via redemption – but only while stocks last.

The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is also available from June 11 for a cost of $1,199, and – similar to its 5G sibling – comes with the ability to redeem a pair of Bose SoundSport Free wireless earphones valued at $299.95 (also while stocks last).

• What is 5G? Everything you need to know

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2I7F8TH

From Dissecting Frogs to Understanding The Human Brain, AR is The Tool of Choice For Designmate

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Designmate is the fact that 70 percent of its 400 strong workforce is differently abled.

from Top Tech News- News18.com http://bit.ly/2WvTRB0

We’re giving away 10 Kodak Printomatic cameras - CNET

We joined forces with TV Guide and ET to give away ten of this instant print cameras to our readers. This giveaway ends June 9, 2019.

from CNET News https://cnet.co/2JLb1on

TikTok owner ByteDance is a $75 billion Chinese tech giant — here's what you need to know about it

ByteDance owns viral social media apps like TikTok and news aggregators like Toutiao in China. It's now looking to expand its reach into new areas like smartphones.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2IaXSlj

Twilio takes advantage of 760% surge in stock price to raise more capital

Twilio is looking to raise as much as $750 million in a share offering.

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Jeff Bezos's elite Amazon 'S-team' just got a new addition -- here's a full rundown of who's on it

DeSantis' promotion is a big stamp of approval by Bezos and Amazon's leadership team, signifying his rise in the ranks.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2EKkk3M

Google bans apps that let users buy marijuana

Alphabet's Google on Wednesday banned apps on its app store that facilitate the sale of marijuana or related products, as part of a change to its content policy.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2Qztcxz

Read Tesla CEO Elon Musk's latest email urging employees to improve vehicle deliveries

On Wednesday, a new email from Tesla CEO Elon Musk to all employees asked them to focus on making end-of-quarter deliveries better than they have been, and called for new meetings with delivery teams every two days "to understand what's needed."

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2WtXdEt

Pelosi: Fake video shows Facebook were 'willing enablers' of Russian election interference

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Facebook were "willing enablers of the Russian interference" in 2016 election after the social network declined to take down a doctored video that appeared to show her stumbling while speaking.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2Mhd59t

Boost Mobile founder says a US-Huawei truce would benefit American consumers

The U.S. and Huawei should work out their differences in the interest of the consumer, Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton tells CNBC.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2wtW3KO

Forget Mueller: Our pants are still down on election security, and Facebook can't save us

Blaming Facebook, focusing on the Mueller-Barr feud, impeachment talk and debating obstruction of justice and impeachment mean we're still not talking about election security. Look out, 2020.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2QA9KAX

Apple launched a website to prove the App Store isn't a monopoly

The site, launched on Wednesday, is a response to parties that have each accused Apple of favoring its own apps over third-party apps.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2EF4IOO

Bain Capital is raising a $1 billion tech fund for buyouts and late-stage investments

Private equity firm Bain Capital is raising a $1 billion fund for midmarket technology buyouts and late-stage minority investments.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2HMJmkN

Lending start-up SoFi closes $500 million funding round, led by Qatar

SoFi closed a $500 million funding round Wednesday led by Qatar Investment Authority.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2XdXYie

Amazon will soon let you ask Alexa to delete your voice recordings — here's how

Amazon has been criticized for how it handles voice recording and transcripts.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2HIYCim

NYC subway riders can soon use Apple Pay to enter stations

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will kick off its contactless payment pilot on May 31 as it gets ready to phase out MetroCards.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2KdTapd

'Don't say we didn't warn you': A phrase from China signals the trade war could get even worse

The biggest Chinese newspaper made a warning to the U.S. by using a history-laden phrase.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2EHkIjh

Amazon just launched its cheapest Echo with a screen

Amazon announced the Echo Show 5 on Wednesday for $89.99.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2QxlyE6

Tesla is rejiggering its Fremont factory to build the Model Y SUV and a Model S refresh

Employees say Tesla is paving the way to start Model Y production in Fremont. It is also working on a new Model S refresh.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2WqiD5B

Microsoft hasn't given up on its ads business even though Facebook and Google are dominating

LinkedIn's Drawbridge deal shows a continuing effort to expand Microsoft's relatively small advertising business.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2I4lWpL

Huawei USA suggests the company could be open to 'mitigation measures' in US dispute

Huawei seeks a summary judgment in hopes of avoiding a full-blown trial in a lawsuit the Chinese telecom giant filed against the U.S. in the March.

from Tech https://cnb.cx/2I3KWxr

Best Android phones in Australia: the top handsets to buy in 2019

Asus Zenfone 6 could launch in India on June 16

Announced just two weeks back, Asus Zenfone 6 is a flagship phone with a different take on mechanized cameras. It features a flippable camera that doubles up as a front-facing snapper. It certainly looks very geeky as we mentioned in our first impressions of the Zenfone 6. Now, according to some sources who told this to us on grounds of anonymity, the latest Asus flagship is making its way to India on June 16. Do note, however, this date hasn't been confirmed by Asus just yet and could change in the interim. 

However, a mid-June release date was already speculated earlier and it seems highly possible that the company finally makes it latest flagship available to the masses.

Asus Zenfone 6 specifications

Asus Zenfone 6 features a 6.4-inch Full HD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) IPS display which is topped with Gorilla Glass 6. The screen supports the full range of DCI-P3 colour gamut as well as HDR10, making it a great display to consume content.

The chassis is aluminum, but the rear panel is largely glass with an added layer of Gorilla Glass 6. There's a fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone. The flip camera module is made from liquid metal and contains a stepper motor along with a bunch of sensors.

Being a flagship, the phone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 640 GPU to back up the graphics side of things. This is paired with 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage and 8GB RAM/256GB storage. The phone's storage can be expanded via microSD card by upto 256GB.

The flip camera consists of a primary 48MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and an ultrawide 13MP camera with f/2.4 aperture. The cameras are capable of shooting at 4K 60fps with features like auto panorama among others.

Asus Zenfone 6 has a 5,000mAh battery which supports 18W fast charging and should last for more than a day on a single charge and moderate usage.

• Also Read: Amazon Alexa's voice-command history is now much easier to delete

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/30SntI5

Amazon Alexa's voice-command history is now much easier to delete

The Canon EOS 7D DSLR line has reportedly been scrapped

Rumors of a new 32MP APS-C Canon DSLR have been rife lately, with many hoping the camera manufacturer would finally revive its aging – and very popular – EOS 7D line. After all, it’s been over four years since the 7D Mark II was launched.

However, anyone hoping to see this popular line resurrected should probably prepare for disappointment as Canon Rumors is reporting that the 7D Mark II is the last of its kind. 

According to the report, Canon is ending the 7D series in favor of a mirrorless EOS R snapper, much like how the EOS RP takes over from where the full-frame 6D Mark II leaves off. 

Cause for concern or excitement?

Canon Rumors has been informed that some “dealers and distributors are a bit worried about what Canon has in store for the replacement to the popular EOS 7D Mark II, as those buyers also buy lenses”.

Canon Rumors also adds “there’s more to come with the RF mount that has yet to be revealed to the world,” so there's a strong possibility that Canon could already have a new APS-C crop sensor mirrorless camera in the pipeline to join the EOS M range.

The rumored 32MP DSLR might then replace the three-year-old EOS 80D as the new Canon EOS 90D. This camera is believed to launch in August this year, with dual DIGIC 8 processors, 4K video capabilities, 10fps burst speed and dual SD card slots amongst its speculated specs.

• Best beginner DSRLs
• Best enthusiast DSLR cameras
• 10 top mirrorless models to suit every budget

Limiting the DSLR choice

Despite launching the EOS R line, Canon has stated that it plans to continue supporting its DSLR range. In support of that statement, the company launched the Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D (called the EOS 200 Mark II in some markets) in April this year, but the mid-range and pro-level DSLRs haven’t seen a refresh since the 6D Mark II. However, there are whispers of an EOS 1D X Mark III launching in 2019 but, like all rumors, we’d suggest you take this news with a pinch of salt.

Instead, there are many more rumors of high resolution mirrorless snappers being developed by Canon, including a 63MP full-frame EOS R body that could potentially replace the 50MP EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R professional-level cameras.

With speculation rife about more mirrorless cameras incoming, Canon seems to be pushing its customer base towards the EOS R and M lines. For Canon DSLR users, though, that would mean spending money on a lens adapter to continue using their current lenses or investing heavily in a brand-new kit. How this change will go down with Canon’s DSLR fans remains to be seen.

• The 10 best DSLRs to buy in 2019

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2JOlEXd

Gmail's 'confidential' messages feature rolls out to G Suite users next month

iOS 12.4 release date and all iOS 12 features explained

The iOS 12.4 release date is expected next Monday, and we're also going over the iOS 12.3 release dates to fill you in on what has changed in the latest version of Apple's iPhone and iPad operating system.

We're also here to provide a full iOS 12 features list from first September to today – right before the iOS 13 beta changes all up again at the Apple WWDC 2019 keynote. 

iOS 12.3 will remain the latest stable version of the mobile operating system, unless Apple launched iOS 12.4, but that release date is still officially unknown. We just highly suspect iOS 12.4 will launch on Monday.

New to iOS 12.3 is the redesigned Apple TV app (making way for Apple TV Plus) and some behind-the-scenes bug tweaks, and before that iOS 12.2 gave us the Apple News Plus subscriptions and four additional Animoji.

We've seen 70 new emojis, eSIM support and Group FaceTime in iOS 12.1 at the iPad Pro 11 launch last October. These are all stopgaps between last September's iOS 12 and the next major numbered revision, and a way to solve any iOS 12 problems, like that FaceTime glitch earlier this year. 

Apple's iOS releases have made its software stable and competitive in 2019 in the wake of the Google Android Q beta and increasingly great Google Pixel 3 camera. With iPhone sales still falling, that's increasingly important.

Downloading iOS 12.3 right now or wondering if it's worth it? Here's everything that's gone into the software revision. Also, be sure to note our updated best iPhone guide (the new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR are at the top of the line) or, if you're waiting, our iPhone 11 leaks page.

What's the difference between the latest phones showcasing iOS? Watch our handy explainer to find out:

iOS 12.4 release date on Monday, June 3

• iOS 12.4 beta 3 is now available for registered app developers
• No reported changes, but we anticipate an Apple Card tie-in

The Apple Card is coming soon, and it may be ushered in with the iOS 12.4 update. So far no changes have been reported in the beta software, even though Apple is up to iOS 12.4 beta 3 for developers as of today.

When is the iOS 12.4 release date? While no one knows for sure, we anticipate that it'll be at the WWDC 2019 keynote on Monday, June 3. Of course, the iOS 12.4 update will immediately be overshadowed by iOS 13 a few minutes later.

iOS 12.3 offers minor changes

• Apple TV Plus app debuted with iOS 12.3 at the end of April
• Minor bug fixes also accompany this minor update

Before iOS 12.4, we had a very minor iOS 12.3 update that solely focused on Apple TV. It changed up the layout and threw in some new 'Apple TV Channels' that so far include streaming extras HBO, Showtime and Starz in the US, in case you want to subscribe through the iOS ecosystem instead of into it separately.

Under-the-hood are fixes minor, but annoying iOS 12 bugs, specifically if you were having trouble with VoLTE calls and iMessage filters.

iOS 12.2 update features list

• Apple News+ subscription for 300 magazines and newspapers
• Four new Animoji masks Shark, Giraffe, Owl, and Warthog
• Very minor Control Center design tweaks

Apple gave us something we didn't expect from the iOS 12.2 beta: Apple News+, an enhanced version of the Apple News app that includes magazine and newspapers.

Apple News+ access includes access to over 300 publications, but requires iOS 12.2 and a $9.99 per month fee (good news, you can share it with your entire family). The first month of access is free, so Apple is hoping to lure iPhone, iPad and Mac users in like it did with Apple Music. 

The other big change to iOS 12.2 is the addition of four new Animoji:

• Shark
• Giraffe
• Owl
• Warthog

With these four, there are now a total of 24 Animoji, not counting all of the customizable Memoji characters you can make.

As of iOS 12.2, you can ask Siri to play videos from your iOS device on your Apple TV, according to Apple's official release dates. 

Most of the other minor design changes happen within Control Center. For example, you'll notice that the Screen Mirroring button is no longer represented by a triangle with a floating rectangular box on top of it. It now shows two rectangles overlapping each other. It makes a lot more sense.

More useful is the fact that the Apple TV shortcut button in Control Center leads to a virtual remote that takes up the entire length of the screen. That's helpful if you have an Apple TV or Apple TV 4K, or have an AirPlay 2 compatible 4KTV and lost your remote.

iOS 12.1 and iOS 12.1.4

• 70+ new emoji – good news for redheads, curly-haired and bald folks
• Group FaceTime for up to 32 users is part of the iOS 12.1 beta
• Adjust photo background blur (bokeh) in real time (not just afterward)
• eSIM support menus are live in the beta – but carrier support is needed
• iOS 12.1.4 is mostly focused on bug fixes, including the Group FaceTime eavesdropping vulnerability

While the newest iOS 12.1.4 update is the stable version you should download, the last time we got front-facing features was with iOS 12.1. It launched on October 30, the same day the iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 were unveiled.

There are four important iOS 12.1 changes:

70+ new emoji
On October 2, Apple announced that more than 70 new emoji were launching with the iOS 12.1 developer beta 2. Get ready for red, gray and curly hair options, as well as bald people, according to Apple's official press release. Softballs, skateboards, and frisbees are here for alternative sports, while new animal and food emojis include kangaroos, lobsters (sometimes a food, always an animal) bagels, and cupcakes.

Group FaceTime
First, Group FaceTime for up to 32 users is here. To test it out, however, you're going to have to pair up with people who have iOS 12.1, so tell them to upgrade.

Portrait Mode bokeh effects
Second, Apple has improved the bokeh (background blur) feature in portrait mode on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Before you could only adjust the blur after a picture was taken. Now, with iOS 12.1, you can also adjust the blur in real time, as you're snapping a photo. This helps you better frame your portrait photos.

eSIM support – kind of
Third, eSIM iPhone support is live with the proper setup menus. But there's a catch for setting up the simulated dual-SIM – you'll have to wait for your carrier to start supporting the feature, which may happen on the official iOS 12.1 release date.

iOS 12.1 fixes bugs
Fourth, the iOS 12.1 release notes indicate that you're in for some bug fixes. That's very good news if you're experiencing problems. Apple's updates usually remedy the issue, however, you may have to wait until iOS 12.2 in order to fix the iPhone XS and XS Max charging issues.

The top iOS 12 features

1. iOS 12 makes your old iPhone and iPad faster

• Older iPhones are 40% to 70% faster at certain tasks
• Apple's looking to put the problematic iOS 11 behind it

iOS 12 focuses on reliability and performance with this update, and it supports all of the same iPhones and iPads that iOS 11 worked with.

Apple highlights the iPhone 6 Plus, specifically, saying iOS 12 makes this phone 40% faster at launching apps, 70% faster at launching the camera app, and 50% faster at displaying the keyboard. Keyboard typing and other routine features on older iPhones can slow down with every new iOS update, and Apple is looking to change these pain points with iOS 12.

This makes your existing iPhone and iPad more reliable, and your older devices can be used by family members, or will be more sellable – they don't have to sit in a drawer because they're too slow.

2. Grouped notifications

• Grouped notification on iOS 12 clean up individual notifications mess
• Smartly grouped by app, topic, thread
• You can clear a whole group of notifications with a single swipe

Grouped notifications are a part of iOS 12. This is a small, but very important tweak (maybe the most important in the iOS 12 update) because it changes the lock screen alerts you see each and every day. 

It binds together notifications by message threads and topics, making it easier to see everything at a glance. Right now, individual notifications in the morning are a big pain to check as they pile up.

3. Memoji and changes to Animoji

• Personalized 'Memoji' to look like you or 'the real you'
• Four new Animoji masks: Ghost, Koala, Tiger and T-Rex
• Animoji and Memoji clips last 30 seconds (up to 10 seconds)
• Tongue and wink detection for iOS 12 masks

Memoji is a customizable mask that can look like you – or the real you, according to Apple. It still resides in Messages. You can select hairstyles, eye color and accessories like earrings and sunglasses.

Like Animoji, this is a feature for newer iPhones in the X lineup as it requires Apple's TrueDepth front-facing camera.

Animoji is expanded, not just with new masks, but with tongue detection and wink detection. Ghost, Koala, Tiger, and T-Rex will be joining the cast of Animoji masks.

4. Automatically enter those pesky security codes

Two-factor authentication is great, except the annoying task of entering six-digital security codes sent to you via text feels like a chore. iOS 12 fixes this issue.

As soon as a security code is sent to your device as a text, it'll automatically pop up within the suggested words in the keyboard interface. All you have to do is tap it. It makes life just a little easier when you're locked out of Dropbox.

5. iOS 12 allows for more than one Face ID face

Face ID on iOS 12 supports more than one face within the Setting menu labeled 'Face ID & Passcode.' Look for the 'Set up an Alternative Appearance' sub-menu to add a second look.

This is helpful for two reasons: You can either allow a partner to have access to your iPhone or iPad with Face ID, or you can add your alter ego to make sure Face ID unlocks your phone no matter what you look like today, tomorrow or the next day.

6. Siri Shortcuts can find your lost keys, more

• Siri Shortcuts allows you to assign phrases to tasks
• 'I lost my keys' can ring your Tile tracker to find keys
• 'Heading home' sends ETA notification to roommate, sets thermostat and fan, and brings up the fastest route via Apple Maps
• Gallery and library full of pre-configured Siri Shortcuts

Siri is smarter. If you set up Siri Shortcuts, a brand new app, It‘ll know that “I lost my keys” means to ring your Tile tracker. 

Sure, Tile is a handy gadget, but getting to the slow app is a pain when you've lost your keys. An integrated Siri is a game-changer for both Tile and our peace of mind.

Siri Shortcuts go far beyond this example. Apple allows for all sorts of formulas. The app can suggests coffee orders from the place you always order from, and nudge you to message contacts to tell them you're running late. 

There's also Kayak-based flight information you can call up via voice. By pressing the add to Siri button, you can then say “Travel plans” and Siri will read back information such as your hotel address.

Apple's IFTTT-like Siri Shortcuts app launched alongside the final iOS 12 software. However, not all shortcuts will be found in the new app. Some companies, like the aforementioned Tile, will host shortcuts within their own app, so look out for that.

7. Group FaceTime (now launching later)

• Group FaceTime for up to 32 people with dynamic UI
• Can use Animoji and Memoji in FaceTime
• Won't launch with the final software on day one

Group FaceTime is coming to iOS 12 with up to 32 participants, and you go directly from a group chat to a group FaceTime in the Messages app.

Update: Apple has delayed the launch of iOS 12 Group Notifications, according to release notes indicating that it'll come out this 'fall'. To us, that sounds like an iOS 12.1 launch – like Apple Pay, Apple Cash, AirPlay 2 and other features didn't make it live on day one in previous operating system updates.

People can drop in and drop out at any time. The interface is filled with tiles that can expand, and 'the roster' along the bottom for everyone else in the Group FaceTime chat. When people start to speak, their window gets bigger, even if they're in the bottom roster of participants. It works on iPhone, iPad and Mac, and you can even answer on the Apple Watch and HomePod with just audio.

Animoji is coming to FaceTime and Group FaceTime. You'll of course need to update to iOS 12 and an iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or an iPhone XR to make that magic happen.

8. Screen time – using your iPhone less

• Reports give a weekly activity summary on how you use iOS 12
• Breakdown: ranks app usage, highest phone pick up times (and what app draws you in first), and apps that send you the most notifications
• Set self-imposed time limits via reminders and temporary app blocking
• Limit kids time in apps by category or individual apps via Family Sharing

Screen time is Apple's way of limiting your iPhone usage – calculating how much time you're spending on apps, which apps you use the most, and which apps are sending you the most notifications. Screen time doesn't lie.

For those without self-control, Apple has created app limits. You can set your own limit, with a notification letting you know when time is almost up. A 'Time is up' message will display when you've reached your self-imposed-Siri-assisted limit.

Parents can create limits for kids with Allowances, time-of-day-based downtime controls, and category controls. Education and essential message apps can also be greenlit thanks to an always-allowed settings. 

The best part? Setting limits for your kids uses Family Sharing, so you can manage it all remotely from your parental device – no need to get hold of your 12-year-old kid's phone to execute on these new iOS 12 controls.

9. Do Not Disturb goes visual in iOS 12

• Do Not Disturb during bedtime to hide visual display of notifications
• It offers a clean lock screen with only a reminder than DND mode is on

Apple has expanding its Do Not Disturb capabilities with a cleaner 'Do Not Disturb During Bedtime' mode. It'll silence not just the notification delivery sounds, but also the visual notifications clutter that can distract you when you're trying to sleep.

The lock screen remains clear until you unlock your iPhone in the morning. You can allow certain apps to break through, just like with DND mode right now. Apple refers to these as critical alerts, and they're opt-in.

We really like the solo DND notification hanging out on the lock screen. It's peaceful without distracting visual clutter at night and it reminds us that DND mode is on. All notched iPhones don't have the DND icon at the top, so it was always hard to tell before iOS 12.

10. Instant Tuning for axing notifications

• Instant Tuning to send future notifications silently or turn them off
• Siri can suggest which notifications to silence based on usage

Instant Tuning is an iOS 12 feature you'll love if you've ever gotten a notification from an app you always seem to dismiss (HQ trivia, breaking news alerts, etc), but don't have time to turn off future notifications in the many submenus of Settings. Apple is allowing you to control individual app notification profiles right from the lockscreen, without making you leave what you're doing.

Deliver Quietly is an option within Instant Tuning, and it'll allow you to choose to have notifications delivered silently Notification Center by default so you’re not interrupted by alerts on the lockscreen. It's a nice in between option.

Siri helps clean up your messy lock screen with notification delivery suggestions based on how you interact with notifications. Siri will understand which notifications it should deliver prominently and which ones to send to Notification Center. It's like iOS 12's version of 'clean up your desktop' system nudges.

11. New 'Measure' app and USDZ file format

• New USDZ file type dedicated at augmented reality
• Measure app replaces your old-fashioned measuring tape

'Measure' is getting its own AR app. It uses the iPhone's and iPad's sensors to measure objects in front of you, including suitcases, as shown in the first iOS 12 demo. All it takes it just tap-and-drag along the edges of the object on the screen. 

It also automatically detects the approximate dimensions of a photo – we've used it to buy a photo frame when we couldn't find the old-fashioned tape measure. iOS 12 to the rescue.

For AR developers, Apple has created a new file type called 'USDZ.' The company worked on USDZ with Pixar, and Adobe is supporting it, too. The file format can be shared across FIles, Mail, Messages and Safari. This is an important step forward for developers working on AR apps.

12. Apple News, Stocks, Voice Memos and CarPlay

• Apple News: new Browse tab and sidebar navigation
• Stocks: robust chart design and stock news integration
• Voice memos: easier menus, iCloud support, on iPad (finally)
• CarPlay: third-party app support, like Google News and Waze

Apps are indeed getting updates with iOS 12, starting with Apple News. There’s a new Browse tab and a sidebar for better navigation. Stocks is finally being rebuilt with a helpful news design, complete with charts and Apple news headline integrated into into stocks. The top stories will be business news curated by Apple News editors.

Voice Memos has come to iPad (as well as macOS), and it’ll get iCloud support, long overdue changes. Now you won't have to AirDrop conversations between devices in order to listen back. It'll also be easier to assign names to voice clips thanks to an overhauled Voice Memos redesign.

Apple Books is the new name for iBooks, allowing you to pick up reading where you left off and a new store interface to browse buy ebooks and audio books.

CarPlay now support third-party applications, with Waze and Google Maps appearing on-screen. Apple didn’t call out the Google-owned apps by name, but they were there on the screen. This was a major highlight of iOS 12.

13. Some NFC features work even with a dead battery

Apple delivers a clever trick with NFC, allowing you to use a metro pass or student ID in the Wallet app, even if your iPhone has a depleted battery.

Express Cards with power reserve ensures you're not stranded outside of a train station or a dorm room because there's still some low-level power in your phone. This is one of our biggest fears for users who routinely rly on NFC. 

Apple solves this, and though there's not enough power to give you visual feedback, when you touch your dead iPhone to an NFC-equipped terminal and you'll get a haptic response. And like magic, it works.

Just don't expect this new feature to work with Apple Pay. That requires Face ID, so you're going to have to possess a powered-on smartphone for that to work. 

14. Closing apps in multitasking mode is easier

For 12 and 13, iOS 12 fixes some irksome features we hated about iOS 11. They're the kind of problems only first-year iPhone X users will know about.

Closing open app windows in iOS 12 is easier. All you have to do is slide up on an open app to dismiss it from the multitasking menu. iOS 11 had us press down on the app until a bunch of red close icons appeared over top of each app, and then to tap those little red icons to dismiss the app. That was unpleasant.

15. Accidental screenshots are less common

Whenever we picked up our iPhone X, we'd always press the volume up and power button accidentally, which is the new 'take a screenshot' button combination on iPhone X. Apple has disabled this action whenever the phone screen is off. Our iOS 12 Photos app is no longer going to be filled with errant screenshots on the daily.

16. ARKit 2 and multiplayer gaming

• ARKit 2 allows for 'shared experiences' for AR multiplayer
• Lego, Fender, Adobe and Pixar are all working on AR with Apple

iOS 12 cements Apple as a leader in augmented reality (AR) with the arrival of groundbreaking multiplayer capabilities it calls Shared Experiences in ARKit 2.

These multi-user virtual environments allow for multiplayer gaming and experiences through iPhones and iPads. iOS 12 creates a more collaborative (and competitive) way of experiencing AR. 

Lego demoed a four-player game at WWDC in June, pledging that it was in when it came to Apple's “creative play possibilities.” Players were involved in building up an AR town. It was like The Sims was reimagined for the future.

ARKit 2 opens up AR to hundreds of millions of users, according to Apple, and that makes iOS 12 the broadest AR platform in the world. We got a taste of AR last year, but multi-user virtual environments bring more advanced tools and gameplay.

17. Camera app changes

Smart DHR is reserved for the A12 chip-equipped iPhone XS and iPhone XR phones, but iOS 12 also tweaks the default camera app on older devices with new tricks.

First, the Portrait Lighting mode (on newer iPhones with dual-lens cameras) looks more natural. The software will be able to define crisper edges by more effectively separating a person from a background scene. Apple is also allowing third-party apps to use the software to separate the foreground and background.

Second, it's the end of an era for our how to scan a QR code from your iPhone and iPad guide. The default camera in iOS 12 makes QR code reading automatic.

Third, while not part of the camera app, RAW photos can be imported and managed on an iPhone and iPad, with the bonus ability of editing RAW photos on an iPad Pro.

18. Photos app is now smarter with iOS 12

• Betters search and a new 'For you' tab
• Suggestions on who to share photo collections with
• Share back suggestions nudge friends to send their photos

The Photos app expands its search capabilities in an effort to compete with Google Photos. It recognizes photos by event now and indexes them accordingly. Apple says it takes into account over four million events, citing the Aspen Ideas Festival as a very niche example. 

This lets you search by event without any thankless manual tagging. Searching by event joins other smart suggestions, including filtering by people, places, and relative dates (searching via Siri works with all of these and is quite handy in our experience). 

The iOS 12 Photos search capabilities have also been broadened to let you use multiple search terms at once. Seeking "dog, animal" should weed out all of your gourmet hotdog results (this is a real problem we just tested at TechRadar).

A new tab 'For you' is a part of the iOS 12 Photos app, and it's filled with personalized suggestions on how to improve and share your pictures. Sharing has gotten smarter, letting you share at full-resolution and suggesting who to share these photos with.

Share back suggestions is a neat feature that lets you send photos to a friend, and it uses machine learning to poke them to send photos they took to you. Bonus: iOS 12’s photo sharing features uses iMessage's end-to-end encryption.

19. iPad switches to iPhone-like gestures

It's confusing owning both an iPad and a new iPhone X right now because returning to the home screen and opening Control Center are executed by different gestures.

The iPad takes cues from the iPhone X with the iOS 12 update: swipe up from the bottom to return home and check Control Center by pulling down from the top right-hand corner.

This may be a prelude to the iPad Pro 2018 that's rumored to include Apple's TrueDepth camera for Face ID, Animoji, and Memoji.

20. Siri translates new languages, learns motorsport scores

• Siri can now translate over 40 language pairs
• Motorsports scores, schedules and stats knowledge
• Food and celebrity facts knowledge expanded upon
• Password search now part of Siri's duties in iOS 12

Try asking Siri to translate something into Spanish. It works, and with iOS 12 it'll be even more robust with over 40 language pairs to aid your international travels.

So far, Siri will translate English (US) into Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. We really hope Siri will be able to translate foreign words into English. That may have to wait for iOS 13.

Siri will also learn the language of motorsports, per se. Asking for Formula One and NASCAR information will have Siri recite live standings, schedule, roster and stat info.

Food knowledge and celebrity facts are also part the Siri update. Right now, asking "How healthy is fish" gives a smatter of search results and requires opening up Siri. In the future, a specific answers about food will come from the USDA database, citing calories, vitamins, and how healthy the food is overall.

Password hunting is now within Siri's grasp, letting you search any saved passwords, according to Apple. This applies to both apps and websites.

21. Pinpoints 911 calls in the US

You won't have to worry about reciting your exact location when calling 911 in the US thanks to iOS 12. It'll pinpoint your whereabouts during emergency calls.

Apple says it'll "automatically and securely" share your iPhone location with first responders, but only with them and only during such emergencies. It's an effort to reduce response time, yet maintain your privacy.

22. iOS 12 compatibility

• Compatible with iPhone 5S, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air and newer
• 11 iPhones, 10 iPads, 1 iPod touch – the broadest iOS update yet 

iOS 12 will run on all devices that have its 64-bit chipset. It'll work on the iPhone 5S and newer, while the iPad Air and iPad mini 2 are the oldest iPads that are compatible with iOS 12. 

That's means this update is supporting 11 different iPhones, 10 different iPads, and the sole iPod touch 6th generation, still clinging to life. It’s the broadest support for a software update Apple has ever offered, and this is one of the biggest advantages Apple has over Android phones.

23. Weather app warns unhealthy air quality

Apple's official weather app contains new messaging that indicates air quality in cities. This is where Sunny, Cloudy, and Partly Cloudy messaging usually sits. iOS 12 puts it in a spot where you'll see it more regularly, as opposed to a separate air quality app.

The forecast New York City as of writing this, for example, tells us that the area has 'Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups'. People with asthma therefore may want to stay indoors.

When did iOS 12 launch?

• June 4 – Developer beta launched (to paid Apple Developers)
• June 25 – iOS 12 public beta launched (it's free)
• September 17 – the final iOS 12 software (still free)

iOS 12 released on Monday, September 17 following the iPhone XS launch event, where Apple announced the official launch date. You can now download it.

There were actually three phases to the iOS 12 launch: one for developers, one for public beta testers, and one final version launching in mid-September.

First, the developer beta launched at WWDC and got more frequent refreshes, but it was early software. You have to be a registered Apple developer, which costs $99 for the annual membership. It's for people who like to tinker with Xcode and make apps.

Second, iOS 12 public beta launched on June 25 and was completely free. It was less problematic than the developer beta. The downside? It was always one step behind what the developers have access to.

Third, the final software, meant for everyone, launched on September 17. There's no need to jump through hoops to enroll in a beta. iOS 12 is now here in its final form, right in time for the iPhone XS release date.

That's a wrap for new iOS 12 features. 

The two biggest highlights were Grouped notifications and Group FaceTime with Memoji. Of course, Group FaceTime is not due to launch just yet, which means an inevitable iOS 12.1 and more updates for us to write about.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://bit.ly/2WgPHdj

PlayStation Plus June 2019: all the free PS4 games you can get this month

How the OnePlus 7 Pro launch in New York ushered in a new smartphone era

The OnePlus 7 Pro takes the “never settle” formula of past OnePlus devices and goes even further. It brings a powerful three-camera system, a super-smoother 90Hz display at a sharp QHD+ resolution, and delivers top-level speeds all while keeping the price down to just $669. Here’s all that the OnePlus 7 Pro has to offer.

A top-notch display without the notch 

The OnePlus 7 Pro’s display is truly special. It’s not just sharp, but also smooth. With a QHD+ resolution AMOLED panel, its visuals are crisp and offer high contrast. But, thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are also incredibly smooth for a new level of responsiveness. All that, and there’s not notch at the top of the screen to cut into the viewing experience — it’s all screen.

Triple cameras for extra flexibility

The OnePlus 7 Pro has a camera for every occasion. The new three-sensor system offers focal lengths ranging from 16mm to 78mm, giving you the flexibility you need to get that exact picture. It can take ultra-wide photos, high-res standard photos, or even zoom in 3x for powerful close-ups without any of the typical quality reduction you’d get from digital zoom. And, the cameras can work together for advanced background blurring effects in still images.

A pop-up selfie camera just when you need it

The OnePlus 7 Pro pulled off the all-screen display by hiding the front-facing camera inside the phone body. When you want to take a selfie, the 16MP front-facing camera slides up from the top of the phone in half a second. Some might worry about its durability, but OnePlus has tested its survival. It can 49 pounds pulling down on it and it can pop out 150 times a day for five years — OnePlus says it’s good for 300,000 times — without breaking. It even knows when the phone is falling and automatically retracts.

OnePlus 7 Pro is built for speed

When we mentioned that the OnePlus 7 Pro was speedy, we didn’t just mean its display. It comes with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset for some of the fastest performance from an Android smartphone. The octa-core processor that offers up to 45% faster performance and 20% less power drain than the earlier generation chipset.

Ensuring your phone can keep running all its apps smoothly, the OnePlus 7 Pro also comes with up to 12GB of RAM to allow up to 64 apps to run simultaneously. Say goodbye to apps needing to reload when you switch back and forth between them.

Your apps, videos, and files will load quickly, too, thanks to the new UFS 3.0 storage standard. Reading and writing to the drive is sped up by up to 79%. So, get ready for every single thing to feel that much snappier.

A battery that’s slow to drain and quick to charge

All of this is powered by the largest battery ever in a OnePlus smartphone. The 4,000mAh cell will last all day. And when you’re going extra hard and need a top up, Warp Charge 3.0 is ready and waiting.

Warp Charge is now faster than ever before, and charging speeds are up 38% over previous OnePlus devices. Now, you only need to charge for 20 minutes to get a 50% charge!

The OnePlus 7 Pro has a lot of screen and a lot of power, so it’s naturally got a lot of battery. It packs a 4,000mAh battery to last through the whole day with ease. And, when the battery does get low, all it takes is a few minutes to pump plenty of life back into it.

The phone uses the new Warp Charge 30 technology. In just 20 minutes, Warp Charge 30 can recharge the OnePlus 7 Pro up to 50%. So, if you ever forget to charge overnight, you can plug it during breakfast or a morning shower and know you’re good for the day.

All that and still a low price

While all the specs of the OnePlus 7 Pro may sound like what you’d find in a $1,000 phone, OnePlus isn’t charging nearly that much. OnePlus 7 Pro models start at just $669 and max out at only $749.

The OnePlus 7 Pro comes in Nebula Blue and Mirror Gray with an Almond color coming in June. Here’s the breakdown of the different models and prices:

You can get the OnePlus 7 Pro at OnePlus.com and in T-Mobile stores throughout the US. T-Mobile is the only carrier offering the OnePlus 7 Pro, and it has a 0% down, 0% interest deal on offer for customers.

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Getting warmer: Jaguar Land Rover's new steering wheel uses heat to guide you

Jaguar Land Rover has come up with a novel solution to the problem of distracted drivers: a 'sensory' steering wheel that changes temperature to tell you when it's time to turn.

Heated steering wheels have been around for years, making driving in winter a much more pleasant experience, and JLR's wheel uses the same technology, rapidly heating and cooling to provide an alternative to on-screen directions that allows you to keep your eyes on the road.

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Whereas some of JLR's recent innovations have been a little wacky (self-driving pods with googly eyes come to mind), the sensory steering wheel (created in partnership with Glasgow University) is a practical solution to a serious problem.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, distracted driving is responsible for 10% of fatal car accidents in the US, and there's a danger that modern cars (which are sometimes fitted with huge infotainment screens in preparation for fully autonomous driving) could worsen the problem.

A new direction

Spoken directions aren't helpful in noisy situations, and JLR's research has found that making the wheel vibrate can be too attention-grabbing.

"Research has shown people readily understand the heating and cooling dynamics to denote directions and the subtlety of temperature change can be perfect for certain feedback that doesn’t require a more intrusive audio or vibration-based cue," said Alexandros Mouzakitis, Jaguar Land Rover electrical research senior manager.

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Microsoft details 'Modern OS,' its vision for a future operating system

At Computex 2019, major tech companies are showing off their newest products and  visions for the future of computing. Microsoft is also sharing its vision for the future in a blog post that highlights the path forward for the future of Windows 10 – or another operating system (OS) entirely.

Microsoft noted many features that would need to be central to what it calls "Modern OS." One quality-of-life feature is seamless updates for the OS, which would automatically download and install in the background. They wouldn't require any interruption to users, as past Microsoft updates have required a system restart and usually entail a lengthy installation process.

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The tech giant also wants the OS to be secure by default, with key aspects of the computer walled in. It would keep the OS, applications and compute components separate from one another to defend against attacks. 

This is particularly important, as these devices would also be always connected, whether that's through Wi-Fi or a cellular 5G connection.

That constant connection the the internet is important, because many experiences will be powered by cloud computing servers. Microsoft sees its servers as a tool to not only support the cloud as most of us know it today, effectively online storage, but as an added resource for computing power. 

With artificial intelligence (AI) backing these cloud-connected experiences, Microsoft believes the Modern OS would help users get things done and keep organized. The connections between devices would also be important, as phones, laptops and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices would also be linked, sharing data between one another.

A mouse and keyboard would be less important in the Modern OS, as it would be "multi-sense." This means it would accept voice, touch, gaze and pen input just as well as more traditional inputs.

Microsoft also wants the Modern OS to be more adaptable to conform to the different visions of manufacturers. Many system makers have shown off imaginative new designs for computers, and the new OS would need to adapt to new features, like secondary screens above the keyboard or foldable displays. 

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Borderlands 3: release date, news and trailers for the next Borderlands game

The Elder Scrolls 6: release date, news and rumors

Bethesda granted the wishes of Elder Scrolls fans everywhere when studio boss Todd Howard confirmed at E3 2018 that the developer is working on the highly-anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6.

Although we only got a glimpse at a short teaser trailer, rumors immediately started about where the latest Elder Scrolls title will be set, when it will release and when we will hear more. 

So we've gathered and assessed all the news and rumors about The Elder Scrolls 6 in this handy guide. Here's everything you need to know.

[Update: The Redfall trademark dispute, which had the potential to effect the development of The Elder Scrolls 6, has now come to an end. Read on to find out more.]

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The highly anticipated sequel to the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• When can I play it? Not soon
• What can I play it on? PC is a safe bet, as well as the latest console generations

Elder Scrolls 6 release date – when can I play it?

We might as well get the bad news out of the way first – you’re not likely to be playing The Elder Scrolls 6 any time soon. The good news, however, is that it’s been confirmed you will be able to...eventually. 

The game was confirmed during Bethesda's E3 2018 conference but nothing more than a logo was given. We don't even have a subtitle or a release year. Todd Howard said that the game will be coming after Starfield, the company's next big IP. That means Elder Scrolls 6 could be years away.

In addition, Youtuber SkullziTV (via GamesRadar) has been looking into the challenges Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax faces with regards to the Redfall trademark it has applied for. According to SkullziTV, if the two parties don't come to an agreement, we won't be seeing any mentions of Redfall (aka the rumored name of the upcoming Elder Scrolls game) until at least 2021.

Elder Scrolls 6 trailer – when can I watch it?

The only footage we have of Elder Scrolls 6 is a very short clip of the game's logo. Other than that, you might be waiting a while to see more. 

Here's the announcement trailer:

Elder Scrolls 6 rumors

The trademark dispute has been resolved

ZeniMax Media's dispute with Bookbreeze over the trademark of Redfall has now been resolved. Bethesda's parent company had attempted to trademark the name back in 2018 leading fans to believe that The Elder Scrolls 6 could finally have a name. Redfall is also, however, the name of a science fiction series published by Bookbreeze so the claim was naturally contested in February 2019.

The resolution is reported (via Gamasutra) as being amicable and "mutually beneficial" for both parties but it remains confidential. If Redfall is to be a focus for The Elder Scrolls 6, which isn't confirmed, progress can now continue to the relief of anxious fans.

It may be called the Elder Scrolls 6: Redfall

Bethesda may have trademarked the name for the Elder Scrolls 6. According to a report by Newsweek, ZeniMax Media (Bethesda's parent company) filed a new trademark for 'Redfall' which the company stated was for a 'computer game software for use with computers and video game consoles'. 

It's nothing solid, but there's a slim chance the new Elder Scrolls will be called Elder Scrolls 6: Redfall. Redditors are speculating the name is linked to the Redfall location in Tamriel or to the Redguard race in Elder Scrolls, however Bethesda has not confirmed or denied anything.

Elder Scrolls 6 news

Elder Scrolls 6 likely won't be appearing at E3

Although Elder Scrolls 6 was a big highlight of E3 2018, it won’t be making any kind of appearance at Bethesda’s E3 2019 conference. During a PAX East Panel celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Elder Scrolls franchise, when asked about Elder Scrolls 6 and some of the new tech being used in its development, Todd Howard said that Bethesda's highly anticipated titles Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield (which is slated for release first) are "going to be a long time! It’s not something we’re going to be talking about, either of those games, at E3 this year, and so patience, please”. 

Of course, talking about the game in any detail and showing another teasing trailer to round off the show (maybe one confirming that pesky name) are different things and we're sure fans will hold onto some hope of another nod, no matter how small, during the conference this year. 

Photogrammetry technology will be used

In that 25th anniversary panel which dashed the E3 dreams of so many, Bethesda did at the very least give fans a glimpse of some of the technology that will be used in the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. We got a peek at the use of photogrammetry which involves scanning real-life objects and environments to bring them into the game in detailed 3D. The technology will make its first outing in Starfield before the latest iteration is used for Elder Scrolls. 

Skyrim Grandma will be making an appearance

Speaking of photogrammetry, beloved YouTube star and Skyrim player Shirley Curry, known as Skyrim Grandma by her fans, has announced on Twitter that she’ll be making an appearance in the Elder Scrolls 6. In the above 25th Anniversary video we even got a glimpse of what could well be her character being created using the latest photogrammetry technology.

Redfall trademark dispute 

While fans wait with bated breath for more news on The Elder Scrolls 6, a legal battle between Bethesda's parent company ZeniMaz Media and BookBreeze.com has potentially been putting a spanner in the works. But an agreement might be on the horizon.

This legal battle has been going on for a while, with Bookbreeze.com (aka author Jay Falconer) disputing ZeniMax filing a new trademark for 'Redfall', which the company stated was for "computer game software for use with computers and video game consoles". 

In other words, it's possible that this could be the name of the upcoming Elder Scrolls 6 game – due to the Redfall location in Tamriel, or the Redguard race in Elder Scrolls.

However Falconer claims that he has already developed a brand under the Redfall name and, according to a blog post, is disputing ZeniMax's filing "to protect what I feel is my ownership of the brand, and to protect my right to sell books (print, ebook, and audiobook) and the movie/film rights". 

"I want all of you to know I'm not trying to stop the game nor am I trying to get any money from the game. I want nothing from the game at all," Falconer wrote. "I’m only trying to protect my ability to keep selling my books. This is simply a dispute over a trademark name. Nothing more. It’s not a cash grab – I want nothing from them and it should in no way hold up any game.

"With that said, we can avoid the USPTO all together and find a no-cost resolution once all parties have a conversation. We just need to have that conversation. I’m ready and willing and open to whatever resolution makes sense."

However, as spotted by our sister site GamesRadar, an agreement may be in the works. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Redfall trademark application documents state that ZeniMax has requested the dates to be pushed back a month as the “parties are engaged in settlement discussions”.

According to GamesRadar's research, those settlement discussions are likely being used to avoid a long trademark dispute, which would prevent us hearing any more information about The Elder Scrolls 6's official title until 2021.

According to GamesRadar, settlement discussions could mean one of three things:

• Both parties agree to enter into a coexistence agreement, which allows them both to use the Redfall name (ZeniMax would have to pay out to Falconer).
• ZeniMax withdraws the application but enters into a license agreement (paying a fee) to Falconer.
• ZeniMax pays a one-off sum for Falconer to withdraw his opposition.

Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase dated and confirmed

Bethesda's E3 2019 showcase kicks off at 5.30pm PDT on Sunday 9 June, with the horror shooter Doom Eternal confirmed to appear. Having been teased at last year's show, could we also see The Elder Scrolls VI make an appearance? There's a fair chance, especially if this year's E3 coincides with the reveal of the PS5 and Xbox Two – we'd be shocked if the Skyrim follow-up wasn't being aimed at next-gen consoles.

Elder Scrolls VI goes official

Bethesda is a busy studio: not only is it working on a brand new IP, Starfield, it's also continuing to develop for Elder Scrolls Online and it's taking on the long commitment of Fallout 76. And that's only in its main RPG franchises. It's still got plenty going on elsewhere with mobile games, Dishonored, Prey and others.

Thanks to Todd Howard, we know Bethesda is working on two huge new titles simultaneously, though their developments are staggered. 

We now know that one of them is the Elder Scrolls 6.

Having returned to Skyrim after some time away, Howard compared it to seeing an old friend from high school, adding that the time away had given him the chance to see Skyrim as a gamer for the first time. 

This, to us, would be the perfect time to start applying this new perspective to the next title in the series. 

At the very least we can say we know it won’t just be called Elder Scrolls 6. There’s going to be a colon and another word to round the title off if previous releases are anything to go by. 

Where will Elder Scrolls 6 be set?

We’re also willing to bet that like all the other games in the series it’s going to be set in the continent of Tamriel, the map of which is below.

Previous games have taken us to Highrock, Hammerfell, Morrowind, Cyrodil, and Skyrim. Valenwood, Elsweyr and Black Marsh are the biggest places left to explore. Though there’s still much of Morrowind left to explore, we imagine much of that will be covered in the upcoming Elder Scrolls Online title. 

So, Valenwood, Elsweyr or Black Marsh. Which looks most likely? Rumors online are heavily pointing towards Black Marsh, the home of the world’s reptilian Argonian race. 

There isn’t actually any solid reason for this rumor, but its swampy marshlands and network of islands would make for an interesting geographic change for the series, though it’s a geography that would leave itself open to comparison with the Witcher 3.  It’s probably the region of Tamriel that we know the least about so Bethesda would have plenty of room to be creative.

That said, Elsweyr would also be an interesting geography change with its dry plains and harsh badlands that the Khajit call home. 

It would certainly be nice to find out more about the culture of either the Khajit or the Argonians so both of these extremely different settings have an understandable appeal to fans.

There is, however, weight to a rumor that Elder Scrolls 6 could be set in Valenwood. Valenwood is the home of the Bosmer and it’s an area of Tamriel that Bethesda hasn’t explored much. 

The rumor that the game will be set here is based on a reported internal Bethesda memo from all the way back in 2014. In this memo, Bethesda employees were reportedly wanted against using the terms Fallout: Nuka World, Elder Scrolls VI or Project Greenheart.

Though it was initially believed to be a fake, Fallout: Nuka World ended up being a big DLC release for Fallout 4 which gives slightly more weight to rumor that Project Greenheart is in fact the codename for the next Elder Scrolls title. The fact that Greenheart is a city in the verdant region of Valenwood makes this even more interesting. 

Forest and jungle settings are hard to get right in games and it’d be really interesting to see Bethesda get creative with the part of Tamriel that’s said to have rejected civilization and embraced the wilderness. 

It's hard to tell from the short E3 clip we have of the game but our first impression is that the game world looks a lot more like Valenwood or Elsweyr than Black Marsh.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Todd Howard confirmed the team has settled on the location - but he won't tell us where yet. 

What features can we expect?

Homebuilding

A feature that we’re fairly certain will be included in the game to some degree is house building or town creation. Skyrim introduced the idea of designing and maintaining a homestead with its Hearthfire DLC, which Fallout 4 expanded upon with the introduction of its settlement mechanic and the Elder Scrolls online built upon again with its Homestead DLC. This leads neatly into a further expansion of such features in the next Elder Scrolls title as it felt not-quite-finished in Fallout. 

It would be a feature that would actually fit in particularly well with the rumored Valenwood setting, if it involved the player adapting to the wilderness in the way the resident Bosmer have with their treetop cities. In a similar way the player used debris and junk to craft their settlement in Fallout, they could use their natural environment to do so in Elder Scrolls in a nice contrast.

A whole new story

In a recent interview with Gamespot, Todd Howard said that Bethesda is looking into how exactly it tells stories in its games.

Howard noted that Skyrim and Fallout 4 take slightly different approaches to stories, with Skyrim leaving things more open to the player’s vision and Fallout guiding them more firmly through a story

Now he says the studio are looking how to “tell a better story in an open world.”  He said “each of our games we've had successes and failures and if you ask us internally, we have new ideas that we want to explore in the future because we feel like we haven't really cracked it yet the way we think it could be.”

Being aware of the differences between Skyrim and Fallout’s approaches to storytelling and the fact that both have positives and negatives suggests that the next Elder Scrolls title could strike some kind of balance between giving the player completely free reign and telling a story around their character. 

It’s hard to deny that The Witcher 3 has had a massive impact on what players expect in terms of including an engaging story in an open world game. 

Though we don’t in any way want Bethesda to just churn out a Witcher copy (we’re not sure it’d be possible anyway) it does put a certain amount of pressure on Bethesda when it comes to achieving high-quality environmental and quest-based story telling. 

Something we don’t expect to see, though, is multiplayer. Skyrim certainly doesn’t suffer from a lack of multiplayer and it wouldn’t really make all that much sense to incorporate any online multiplayer gameplay with the Elder Scrolls Online still rolling along. 

Virtual reality

It's not a certainty by any means but the fact that Bethesda released a full VR experience for Skyrim means it's not out of the question.

What would we like to see?

Well, something we’d like to see and fully expect to see is improved graphics and reduced bugginess. The remastered version of Skyrim showed just how far things have come visually since the game’s first release so we fully expect any title following on from it to be of that standard if not much higher, depending on how far away the game is.

There’s actually a fairly good chance that the game could be created using an entirely new game engine – after it created an entirely new engine for Skyrim we don’t think it’s unlikely Bethesda will do the same for Elder Scrolls 6 and any Fallout sequels. 

The Bethesda game studio in Montreal is currently looking to hire an engine programmer so it’s well worth watching this space. 

(Image credits: Bethesda)

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