Tech News 2018: March 2020

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

There is a Massive Surge in Online Sales of Groceries And Computers Because of COVID-19

Fitness equipment and computers have seen 55 percent and 40 percent boosts in online sales respectively while online grocery shopping category has seen a 100 percent increase.

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Xiaomi Had a Great 2019 With Mi TV And Lifestyle Products Complementing Strong Smartphone Sales

The Beijing-headquartered electronic conglomerate's adjusted net profit was 11.5 billion Chinese Yuan, up 34.8 per cent Year-over-Year for the calendar year that ended December 31.

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Google Launches New COVID-19 Website For India: Helpline Data, Safety Tips And More

The website will contain information such as key helpline numbers, content about symptoms, protective measures, known treatments, and the latest global and Indian statistics.

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Make no Mistake, Zoom is a Cool Video Chat App But is NOT Encrypted The Way You Expect

If you need to discuss sensitive matters with collegues, remember, conservations on Zoom are not end-to-end encrypted.

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Popular Weather App Dark Sky is Now Owned by Apple, And That is Bad News For Android Users

The Dark Sky app, apart from radar maps and hyperlocal weather forecasting, also has animated forecast maps, minute-by-minute predictions, Apple Watch app and a time machine feature that details weather changes at a location and predictions for the future.

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Turkmenistan fights COVID-19 by banning the word 'coronavirus' - CNET

The word, and wearing masks in public, is now reportedly illegal.

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Coronavirus study finds 'surprising' link between infection and loss of smell - CNET

Harvard scientists suggest COVID-19 might cause loss of smell by damaging a particular set of cells in the nose.

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James Corden's Homefest: Watch BTS, Billie Eilish, John Legend and more - CNET

Catch all the performances from Corden's Monday primetime special, livestreamed from his garage.

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Apple Watch 6 rumors: Sleep tracking, blood oxygen levels and an Apple Watch for kids - CNET

Every rumor we've heard about Apple's 2020 Apple Watch.

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The cheapest active VR headset could be the perfect remote working tool

It’s been three years since Royole, a little known Chinese company, wowed crowds in Las Vegas with its groundbreaking all-in-one virtual reality (VR) headset, the Royole Moon.

The device has some great features that could make it the perfect tool for remote working, and it's currently on clearance sale for just over USD 390 at AliExpress (roughly GBP 315/AUD 640).

Two advanced AMOLED displays combine to produce a gigantic virtual 800-inch curved screen. The Moon displays content in Full HD 1080p resolution, at over 3,000 pixels per inch, with an ultra-high contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a blisteringly fast image response rate of 60Hz.

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The Royale Moon features active noise cancellation, reducing external sound by 92% (or 22dB) and isolating wearers from their surroundings. This means users can wholly immerse themselves in a presentation, working document or video without distraction - although this could be a little daunting for claustrophobic individuals.

The headset supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI connection from smartphones, game consoles, PCs, laptops and more. It also comes with 2GB of memory and 32GB storage to save your favorite movies, videos, images, and audio directly to the device.

As for the caveats, the headset unfortunately runs on a proprietary fork of Android, as opposed to a stock version. Its battery pack is convenient enough but leans on a microUSB port to charge, and there’s also no microSD slot for additional memory.

Here's our list of the best online collaboration software available

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Tiger King: 9 things you didn't know about Netflix's insane hit show - CNET

Joe's singing, John's missing teeth, Carole's missing husband: All the things you might have missed.

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Tiger King inspires call for new information on Carole Baskin's missing husband - CNET

Sheriff Chad Chronister is getting six tips a day, but nothing credible yet.

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Google Doodle honors Jean Macnamara, Australian polio doctor - CNET

Her work helped lead to development of a vaccine for the virus, which often resulted in paralysis and even death among children.

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Get fit in isolation with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and save AU$150

Fitness is being promoted everywhere from social media to news articles, and for good reason – exercise promotes healthy habits and is extremely beneficial for your mental health. If you’re wanting to jump on the bandwagon (or have already), you can track all those calories you’ve burnt with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and save a cool AU$150 all in one go!

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the latest addition to Samsung's Tizen watch range - it’s slimmer, lighter, and arguably more comfortable than its predecessor and includes a rotating digital bezel.

This quality smartwatch features a stunning 1.2-inch 360 x 360 display and is smaller compared to a lot of other smart-wearables out there, making it less clunky and more stylish.

In addition to this, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 sports top-end fitness features with 39 workout modes, a heart rate and ECG sensor, and a health app with stress and sleep monitoring.

With the discount applied, this is an incredible deal on a top-of-the-line smartwatch that’s sure to keep you on track so you can smash your fitness goals. You can grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 in either Black or Rose gold directly from Microsoft until April 19.

Best smartwatch 2020: the top wearables you can buy today

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered out now on PS4

Yesterday, we reported on a leak which stated that a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 remaster was on the eve of release, and that has now been proven entirely accurate, with the game now officially available to download from the PlayStation Network.

While the game is only available on PS4 for the time being, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered will also arrive on PC and Xbox One on April 30.

Predictably, the remaster boasts a number of visual enhancements, such as HDR support and resolutions of up to 4K on consoles, while the PC version will be fully optimized, offering uncapped framerates and ultra-wide monitor support.

"No Russian."

As the name would suggest, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered will only include the single-player portion of the beloved game. Thankfully, that means the inclusion of such classic missions as 'Cliffhanger', 'Takedown', and the highly controversial 'No Russian'.

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Of course, multiplayer enthusiasts haven't been left entirely in the cold – those who purchase the game will also receive the Underwater Demo Team Classic Ghost Bundle for immediate use with the current Call of Duty: Modern Warfare game and the free (and standalone) Call of Duty: Warzone battle royale mode.

The bundle includes a new UDT Ghost Operator skin, two weapon blueprints, a weapon charm, new finishing move, voice quip, animated calling card, emblem and two Battle Pass tier skips.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered has been priced at $19.99 (£19.99 / AU$35,95). You can check out the action-packed PS4 trailer below.

How to download and play Call of Duty: Warzone

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Apple buys Dark Sky weather app and shuts down the Android version

Dark Sky for iOS is one of the most popular weather apps available, and Apple has clearly taken notice, because now the tech giant has officially acquired the “hyperlocal” weather app.

Compared with other contenders in the same category, Dark Sky is noted for having more granular detail on the weather at a user’s actual location, offering “down-to-the-minute forecasts” via a pleasing user interface.

News of the acquisition was announced via a blog post from the app developers which also outlined the key changes that the purchase will bring. Most notably among them will be the discontinuation of the Android and Wear OS version of the Dark Sky apps.

“The app will no longer be available for download. Service to existing users and subscribers will continue until July 1, 2020, at which point the app will be shut down. Subscribers who are still active at that time will receive a refund.”

For those looking for an alternative, try out these Android weather apps

That same July 1, 2020 cutoff applies to weather forecasts, maps and embeds from the Dark Sky website, which will be shut down on that date.

Along with the death of the Android app, Dark Sky’s API (application programming interface) will no longer be available for others to use, meaning that other popular apps like Carrot Weather that rely on the API will have to find an alternative solution, although they’ll be given until the end of 2021 to do so.

For those currently using the iOS app, “there will be no changes at this time”, according to Dark Sky, so you can continue to purchase the app via the iOS app store.

With that said, it’s very possible we could see Apple’s own weather app get a makeover at some point down the line given how well-received Dark Sky’s user interface and hyperlocal capabilities are, so here's hoping.

Not keen on paying? Check out these free iPhone weather app alternatives

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China won't sit and watch Huawei get 'slaughtered,' exec says as US reportedly preps new sanctions

"The Chinese government would not sit there and watch Huawei being slaughtered. I believe there would be counter-measures," Eric Xu, rotating chairman at Huawei, told CNBC, amid reports the U.S. was preparing new restrictions against the tech giant.

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Netflix Party is a good idea, but doesn't always work in real life - CNET

Commentary: Maybe there's a reason Netflix Party didn't become popular until now.

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Galaxy S20 Ultra takes great photos in the dark thanks to pixel binning - CNET

It's smart to take 12-megapixel photos with a 108-megapixel camera.

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New Fitbit Charge 4 fitness tracker adds GPS but keeps the same design - CNET

The updated tracker is Fitbit's first GPS wearable since the Ionic, and is similar to the current Charge 3.

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Modern Warfare 2 campaign gets a remaster - CNET

Call of Duty fans can purchase the remastered version starting Tuesday, first on the PS4.

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Watch classic MLB games every night on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter - CNET

With the baseball season on hold, check out the #MLBAtHome game of the night.

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Start-ups cut nearly 4,000 jobs in March as coronavirus impact ripples through tech

The layoffs, compiled by CNBC based on media reports, spanned more than 40 companies that have collectively raised nearly $15 billion.

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Monday, March 30, 2020

WWE WrestleMania 2020: How to watch, start times, full card and WWE Network - CNET

WrestleMania takes place over two nights this year, Saturday and Sunday.

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Airtel Prepaid Users Get Extended Validity And Additional Talktime; 80 Million Users Benefit

Airtel says they will also credit Rs 10 to the accounts of each of these 80 million users so that they can make calls and send messages. They say these measures will particularly benefit migrant workers and daily wage earners who may have been impacted due to the nationwide lockdown to combat COVID-19

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2021 Genesis G80 is bursting with style and tech - Roadshow

Genesis' new sedan gets a pair of turbocharged engines.

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This is the cheapest Ryzen PC workstation on the market

At less than USD300, including delivery from Aliexpress (which delivers globally), this desktop PC from Chinese manufacturer Ipason is probably the most affordable Ryzen-based workstation on the market - and it can double as a gaming PC too.

Based on the Ryzen 3 2200G APU, it can trounce Intel Core i3-800T CPUs usually found in devices at this price. Its CPU benchmark (6840 points) is achieved using four cores clocked at up to 3.7GHz and more than 6MB cache.

Its Radeon Vega 8 Graphics offers eight graphics cores clocked at up to 1.1GHz and delivers one of the best graphics performances from an integrated video subsystem. Ipason claims that it should offer the same experience as an Nvidia Geforce GT1030 discrete GPU.

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As expected, it comes with a mATX motherboard, which means connectivity options are limited. It features an HDMI port, six USB connectors, an Ethernet LAN plug and three audio inputs. There is, however, room for expansion thanks to the generously-sized casing (available in black or white).

Add in 8GB of memory (sadly, single RAM module) and a 120GB SSD and you've got a fairly decent base unit.

Note, the bundle lacks a keyboard and a mouse, which could prove more challenging to procure due to the current global pandemic.

We've compiled a list of the best business desktops available

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Secretlab's excellent Omega gaming chair is massively discounted

Governments around the world are asking everyone to stay indoors to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, and Australia is no different. With lockdown laws in place, and many of us now either working from home, or having more time on our hands indoors, we find ourselves in need of a good home office setup or a more comfortable gaming arena.

Secretlab, the maker behind our favourite gaming chair, is helping with a stay-at-home sale.

You can score up to AU$150 off selected gaming chairs from the 2018 Series, which includes one of our top recommendations, the Secretlab Omega. It’s a chair that’s got numerous customisation options and sturdy construction with premium materials.

There are plenty of adjustable tweaks you can make to get this chair feeling just right, from the angle of the backrest to the position of the armrests, and almost every conceivable adjustment in between.

You can tailor the look of your chair with a number of upholstery options to choose from at checkout, including pleather (polyurethane leather), fabric and genuine leather, though the price will vary depending on which you opt for.

To truly save a packet, Secretlab’s 2018 collection is seeing the biggest price drop. The genuine leather options have the deepest discount and are now down to AU$849, while the pleather choices are available for as low as AU$434.

While it’s not as big a discount as mentioned above, Secretlab’s 2020 version of the Titan is AU$30 off, bringing the pleather option down to AU$569 – nothing to be sniffed at for a choice gaming chair. Alternatively, you can go for another one of our top picks from the 2020 range – the Secretlab Omega in pleather for AU$519.

You’ll need to hurry if you want to spend the coming weeks in comfort, as this sale ends on April 2. Check out savings on the full 2020 range or the 2018 range from Secretlab.

Best gaming mouse

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Tiger King on Netflix: 9 things you didn't know about this weirdly addictive show - CNET

Time to let the cat out of the bag about Joe's singing, John's missing teeth, Carole's missing husband, and more.

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Netflix's Tiger King sparks new call for information on Carole Baskin's missing husband - CNET

Carole Baskin's husband Jon "Donald" Lewis disappeared in 1997 and hasn't been heard from since.

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Our new reality as coronavirus sends the world online - CNET

Weddings, funerals, classes, choral rehearsals, church services, senate votes. COVID-19 has made almost everything virtual.

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Xbox Series X release date, specs, design and launch titles for the next Xbox

Xbox Series X is the next-generation Xbox. Previously known by its codename 'Xbox Project Scarlett', the Xbox Series X was officially revealed at The Game Awards 2019 with a trailer that showed off the next Xbox in all its glory.

So far we know when the next Xbox will release, its official name and a couple of the console's launch titles, as well as information on backwards compatibility and how cross-gen game ownership will work under the new 'Smart Delivery' initiative. We also know it will have a slightly redesigned controller that should be more accessible, and offer 1TB SSD upgrades from Seagate.

From what we've seen so far, it looks like the Xbox Series X will sport a blockier style that's similar to that of a small gaming PC. More importantly, we now know what's inside the console thanks to Microsoft giving us the Series X's full specs and can say for sure that the new Xbox is going to be an absolute powerhouse.

But Xbox Series X will not be the only next-generation hardware on offer from Microsoft. The company has confirmed that the next-generation family of consoles will be called 'Xbox' and that 'Series X' is just one of the consoles within that family that's likely to include a cheaper disc-drive free version as well.

So what exactly has Microsoft got to offer? How will it compare to the PS5? Let's break down everything we know about the Xbox Series X.

What is it? Xbox Series X will be the next-gen Xbox console
Xbox Series X release date: "Holiday 2020" - so between October and December
What can I play on it? Halo Infinite and Hellblade 2, while all previous generations of Xbox console games will be covered by backwards compatibility.
What will the Xbox Series X cost? No prices yet, and we're not expecting it to be cheap. But Microsoft has said it won't be making the same pricing mistakes as last generation so perhaps we'll be pleasantly surprised.
Will Xbox Series X have VR? Microsoft has confirmed Xbox Series X won't have VR at launch, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer saying the company is waiting until Xbox VR is a "no-brainer".
Will coronavirus delay the Xbox Series X release? There have been rumors this could happen. We don't think that'll be the case and Microsoft is still citing the same release window.

Xbox Series X

Microsoft has given the release window of "Holiday 2020" - which means we'll likely see the Xbox Series X release between October and December this year.

However, it's possible that the release date will be November 26, 2020 (AKA Thanksgiving in the US). An image stating the Xbox Series X is "coming Thanksgiving 2020" (shown above) appeared on a number of product pages around the world briefly before being reverted back to to the previously announced Holiday 2020 release window.

A Microsoft spokesperson responded to TechRadar to clarify, saying "An Xbox product page in some regions inaccurately listed the launch date for Xbox Series X as Thanksgiving 2020. We are committed to launching Holiday 2020.”

No, the PS5 and Xbox Series X probably won't be delayed by coronavirus

Xbox Series X

Microsoft won't be pinned down on an Xbox Series X price point quite yet – unsurprisingly, given what a sore spot the price of the Xbox One was for fans. At launch, the original Xbox One cost a whopping $499 / £429 / AU$599, which was quickly reduced when Microsoft realized people weren't forking out.

Microsoft has at the very least promised that it's learned from this pricing mistake, with Phil Spencer stating that this time "we will not be out of position on power or price.” That doesn't mean that the console will be cheap, mind you, it just means the price point will be better aligned with the console's power and the price points of the competition.

After all, Jason Ronald, director of the Xbox platform, gave only a vague reassurance when speaking to Windows Central, saying that Microsoft knew "what reasonable price points are for a console and kind of what customers expect about that".

When it comes to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, players see 'affordable price' as the most important factor, according to a Twitter poll by Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon. Boon asked Twitter users what the most important thing was for them when it comes to next-gen consoles. The poll received a total of 50,295 responses, with a 37.5% majority of users saying 'affordable price' was the most important factor. 'Plays last-gen games' (AKA backwards compatibility) came second with 30%, 'better graphics' received 19.2% of votes, while 'exclusive games' was the least important with just 13.2% of votes.

It's worth noting that a Twitter poll isn't exactly reflective of the overall player base, especially as it's unlikely younger players will be on the platform. So, while this poll can be useful as a steer, the reality is likely to be a lot more complex. Regardless, we expect price to be a key factor in whether players pick up a PS5 or Xbox Series X - even if it's not the most important.

Price will at least in part be determined by the cost of the components going into the console: Xbox Scarlett is going to be a lot more powerful than either the Xbox One S or Xbox One X, and that will likely mean we're looking at an even higher price tag on any bundles and Xbox Series X pre-orders.

CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT) 7nm
GPU: 12 TFLOPs, 52 CUs at 1.825GHz, Custom RDNA 2
Memory: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 1TB custom NVMe SSD
Optical drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
120 fps support
Potential 8K resolutions
Ray-tracing technology
Variable Rate Shading for more stable frame rates
Compatible with Xbox One accessories

We now know what Xbox Series X looks like and what it's packing under the hood, and it's going to be an absolute beast of a console.The next Xbox's gaming PC design is pretty apt, considering the next-gen console's internal hardware is comparable to one - so make sure you check out our Xbox Series X spec analysis.

Microsoft has finally revealed the Xbox Series X specifications in full, leaving no one in doubt about how powerful its next-generation games console will be.

The folks over at Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry got a close look at the hardware, and alongside Microsoft have announced the hardware that will be powering the Xbox Series X.

According to Digital Foundry, the specs confirm that the Xbox Series X will indeed be twice as powerful as the Xbox Once X… in practise.

Digital Foundry saw an unoptimized version of Gears 5 running on the Xbox Series X running at the equivalent of ‘Ultra’ graphics settings on PC, and it comes with enhanced shadows and ray tracing. Where the cut scenes ran at 30FPS on the Xbox One X, Digital Foundry reported that on the Xbox Series X, it runs at a ‘flawless’ 60FPS. Also, this is an early port – on release we should see even better results.

As expected, the Xbox Series X processor is built into a custom Project Scarlett SoC (System on Chip), which uses an enhanced version of TSMC’s 7nm process. That seven nanometers is important. The smaller the process, the more efficient the chip can be. That means it can provide more performance for less power.

Making sure the chip inside a games console can perform well without using lots of power (and getting hot) is incredibly important.

The processor is a customised AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores and 16 threads, with a peak speed of 3.8GHz, and a base speed of 3.6GHz.

As Digital Foundry reveals, these frequencies aren’t completely locked, which suggests the Xbox Series X could adjust the power of the CPU based on workload and thermals. So, if you’re playing a game that needs a lot of processing power, the Xbox Series X can give its CPU a boost, and then slow it down when you don’t need it.

Meanwhile, the GPU of the Xbox Series X is revealed at a custom design with 12 teraflops of compute performance, with 3328 shaders allocated to 52 compute units, and runs at a locked 1,825 MHz. Interestingly, there’s no boost clocks for the GPU. It will always run at that speed.

It also uses AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, and offers ray tracing for photo-realistic lighting.

What does this mean in the real world? It seems the Xbox Series X will have the graphical power acquirement to a gaming PC with an Nvidia RTX 2080 graphics card. So, a very capable device indeed, but maybe not able to compete with the most powerful gaming PCs.

The Xbox Series X also gets 16GB of GDDR6 memory – an upgrade from the Xbox One X’s 12GB GDDR5.

That won’t all be used in games, however. Games will get a total of 13.5GB – 10GB of GPU optimal memory and 3.5GB of standard memory, while the remaining 2.5GB is reserved for the operating system.

The faster GDDR6 memory should also offer a big leap in performance. Match that with a super-fast NVMe SSD, and the Xbox Series X should feel very spritely when used.

There’s still a lot of questions over what kind of performance we can expect from the Xbox Series X, but this is by far the best look at the hardware we’ve seen.

Microsoft is aiming to get Xbox Series X games to run at 60 FPS in 4K, calling the challenge a "design goal". The console will support up to 120 FPS too.

Despite 4K being the aim, Microsoft has said the Xbox Series X has 8K capability. Phil Spencer even changed his Twitter profile photo to (what appeared to be) a picture of the next-gen Xbox Series X's processor. It said 'Project Scarlett' on it, and was marked with '8K' (pictured above), suggesting Microsoft plans on doing more than simply talking the talk when it comes to 8K.

The Xbox Series X will also feature Variable Rate Shading, which prioritizes effects on different in-game characters and objects for a "more stable frame rate and higher resolution", according to Microsoft.

Not only will games look better, they could be bigger. In an interview with PCGamesN, Samsung revealed that it's talking with Microsoft and pushing the gaming behemoth to adopt ultrawide support for the Xbox Series X.

The Xbox Series X will make good use of having an SSD – a 'Quick Resume' feature for the console will let you "almost instantly" continue with multiple games, without the need to sit through load screens.

Microsoft also aims to improve latency through features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). According to Microsoft, "ALLM allows Xbox One and Xbox Series X to automatically set the connected display to its lowest latency mode". While "VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate, maintaining smooth visuals without tearing". These features aim to minimize lag and make gaming more responsive.

If you're less bothered about the specs and more concerned about whether you can still play physical games on the next Xbox, then you'll be pleased to know that Xbox Series X has a physical disc drive.

Microsoft has also confirmed that all your current Xbox One accessories will work with Xbox Series X, including existing controllers and headsets. But we'd doubt that also includes the ill-fated Kinect motion tracker.

That means that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will be forward compatible with Series X, but Microsoft is also launching a next-generation wireless controller to accompany the new console.

But don't expect the Xbox Series X to launch with VR support as, according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer, Microsoft is waiting until VR on Xbox becomes a "no brainer". However, right now, the company doesn't see the feature as "so important" on its next-gen hardware.

Can your TV show off Xbox Series X's jump in power? Read our guide to getting ready to upgrade your TV for Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X has a completely different design to its predecessors. For a start, the next-gen console has an upright tower design - similar to that of a gaming PC. However, Microsoft has confirmed Series X can sit horizontally or vertically.

From what we seen in the Series X reveal trailer, the console is black with slightly indented cooling vent on the top (with what seems to be a green light inside). The Xbox logo sits small on the top left hand corner of the console and there's still a disc drive - which is placed vertically on the left hand side also.

Windows Central estimates the console is 31cm x 16cm x 16cm, making it a tall cuboid. The Xbox One measures 30cm x 24cm x 6cm, making the Series X considerably larger (volume wise) than its predecessor.

Unfortunately we haven't officially seen the back of the console yet so really we're taking the Series X on 'face value'. But, thanks to leaked photos that surfaced online, we may have some idea of the next-gen console's ports.

Shared on forum site Neogaf, the photos seem to show a prototype of the next Xbox console, which will likely have been shared with devs working on titles for the Xbox Series X.

The image below shows off the rear vents of the console, as well as ports for USB, HDMI, S/PDIF, power and Ethernet. There's also a mystery port of some sort (but we'll come back to that). While, the second leaked image shows a single USB port on the front of the console. Will this be the console's final design? It's unlikely and, like any leaked information, we're treating these images with suitable skepticism.

Xbox Series X

While these images have been circling for a while now, we still weren't entirely sure what that mystery port was - until now. Thurrott claims that sources "familiar with the company's plans" have identified the port as being for storage expansion.

Microsoft hasn't confirmed it this is the case, but we wouldn't be surprised if it was seeing as external storage was supported with the Xbox One - but whether we see it included in the final Series X product is still uncertain.

Microsoft is releasing an Xbox Series X controller to accompany its next generation console. The new Xbox Wireless Controller will apparently be more accessible to everyone, as Microsoft has made an effort to refine the size and shape.

This shouldn't be too surprising to anyone that's been following the tech giant, as it's been making waves for accessibility in gaming for a while now with products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Along with enhanced accessibility, we'll also be getting a dedicated share button (finally) that will let you share screenshots and videos with your friends.

Microsoft has also revealed that it is optimizing latency in the "player-to-console pipeline" starting with our Xbox Wireless Controller, through a new feature called Dynamic Latency input. According to the company, this feature "synchronizes input immediately with what is displayed", making controls "more precise and responsive".

However, apart from these details, we don't know exactly what other new features the new Xbox Wireless Controller will boast quite yet.

Xbox Series X controller: everything we know so far about the next Xbox gamepad

Xbox Series X

During the Xbox Series X's official reveal, Phil Spencer said Series X games will be "more lifelike, immersive and surprising" and that the Xbox Series X will "lead us into the future of gaming". He also stated that 15 Xbox Game Studios are building a huge next-generation library that includes Hellblade II: Senua's Saga and Halo Infinite.

Not a Halo fan? Don't worry, Xbox Series X will be capable of four generations of backwards compatibility - with the feature available from launch. That means the Series X will be able to play existing Xbox One games, including backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. These games will apparently get more consistent frame rates, quicker load times and "improved resolution and visual fidelity", without requiring additional work from developers. Xbox One accessories will also be backwards compatible.

Not only is Microsoft doubling down on backwards compatibility, but the company is also introducing a new system called Smart Delivery to the Series X that, in some respects, could be seen as forwards compatibility.

With the Xbox Series X, Smart Delivery will seemingly ensure that you have the right version of a game, no matter which Xbox console you’ve bought it on. So, for instance, if you were to buy a cross-generation game on the Xbox One, you’ll have a souped-up version waiting for you as soon as you fire up the more-powerful Xbox Series X. Microsoft’s first-party titles will offer this by default, but it’s a feature that will be optional for third-party developers and publishers.

In addition, Microsoft will avoid siloing by taking a cross-generation approach to its first-party games. Talking to Stevivor, Phil Spencer said Microsoft wants to create a console that utilizes Xbox Play Anywhere so you can move seamlessly between devices: "Our goal for our first-party games is that your entitlements will be cross-generation and your Achievements will move effectively with your save game because that’s where they stand.”

As far as third-parties are concerned, we already have confirmation that a remake of THQ Nordic's cult classic Gothic, Gollum, WRC 9, Dying Light 2, Cyberpunk 2077 and Outriders will land on Xbox Series X. In addition, Ubisoft has confirmed that Watch Dogs: Legion, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Gods and Monsters are all coming to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 - with a new Assassin's Creed and Far Cry also rumored to be coming to the platforms. We also know Rainbow Six Siege will be available on Xbox Series X and PS5 from launch.

In addition, not only has EA has said that Battlefield 6 will be coming to Xbox Series X, but the company has sung the praises of the incoming next-generation machines during an investor call.

"The power of the new consoles is gonna be substantially greater than existing consoles," said EA CFO Blake Jorgensen. "We can do a lot more [with PS5 and Xbox Series X]. Things we’re doing will blow people’s minds."

There's plenty to look forward to and now that next generation announcements are coming in, we'll be holding our breath waiting for updates from other publishers.

Xbox Series X

It seems, at least for now, that game developers are more interested in creating games for the PS5 than Series X.

That's according to GDC's State of the Game Industry 2020 survey, which surveyed 4,000 game developers on a variety of industry topics ahead of GDC 2020 in March. And, of course, the next-gen consoles were top of the agenda.

When asked which platform they planned to launch their next project on, 23% of those surveyed said the PlayStation 5, while 17% said the Xbox Series X and 19% said the Nintendo Switch.

When it comes to the platform devs are most intrigued by, the PS5 once again leads the pack when it comes to consoles, with 38%, but the Switch only just behind on 37%. Again, the Xbox Series X is seriously lagging behind, piquing the interest of just 25% of devs.

The survey also revealed that 10% of developers are currently working on a game for the next-gen consoles.

While there's more interest in the PS5 now, Microsoft could potentially shift the scale as it reveals more details on Series X. Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass is also gathering more and more steam, bringing players (and devs) back to the Xbox platform.

We're also hoping that, by the time Series X launches, Microsoft's game-streaming service Project xCloud may be out of public testing and we should hopefully be able to enjoy Series X games on-the-go.

For those who aren't quite sold on upgrading to Series X quite yet, but still want to check out the best upcoming games, Microsoft has stated that there won't be Xbox Series X exclusive games for at least a year and, for the foreseeable future, new games are planned to work across the Xbox family of devices. That means you'll still be able to play them on Xbox One.

In an interview with MCV, head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, has said that as “content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices.” The plan is that “if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we’re committed to them with content.”

Xbox Series X games: all the games confirmed and expected on the next Xbox
Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Now: which is the best game subscription service?

Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X will not be the only console in Microsoft's next generation lineup.

While we were all pretty excited when Microsoft unveiled the next Xbox (formerly known as Xbox Project Scarlett) at the Game Awards 2019, it appears that the upcoming console's name isn't quite what we thought - and it will belong to a family.

While we assumed that the next generation console is called 'Xbox Series X', Microsoft has clarified that, in fact, the family of consoles will be called 'Xbox' and that 'Series X' is just one of the consoles within the family. We know, it's a bit confusing.

Speaking to Business Insider after the reveal, a Microsoft representative tried to clear up any potential confusion.

"The name we're carrying forward to the next generation is simply Xbox," the representative told Business Insider. "And at The Game Awards you saw that name come to life through the Xbox Series X."

"Similar to what fans have seen with previous generations, the name 'Xbox Series X' allows room for additional consoles in the future," the representative continued.

This clarification from Microsoft serves to further fuel rumors that another next generation Xbox console is on the way.

Rumors have circulated for some time about a lower-cost next-gen Xbox console that would sit just below the high-end Xbox Series X.

The most solid information on this (so far) had come from a report by Kotaku’s Jason Schreier, who claims there is indeed a lower-specced console in the works from Microsoft that will still play all the next-gen games.

Project Lockhart will be disc-less console - a trait that it will carry forward from the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition - but Kotaku's sources believe it will be substantially more powerful than Microsoft’s current disc-less box, and will come with both a solid-state hard drive and a faster CPU than any current game console.

The report goes on to say that Microsoft told developers to shoot for a 1440p resolution and 60 frames-per-second frame rate with Project Lockhart and 4K/60 with Project Scarlett, and those same developers have likened the performance of the lower-end console to the PS4 Pro.

It seems Project Lockhart will primarily see use as a digital gateway for both Microsoft’s game-streaming service, Project xCloud, and its Xbox Game Pass service. From what we know, it will sit below Series X and be a less powerful - but more affordable - option.

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What your Zoom background says about you - CNET

Astrology is old news. Thanks to Zoom, we have an entirely new way to deduce someone's entire personality.

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Amazon fires warehouse worker who led Staten Island strike for more coronavirus protection

Amazon said it fired Chris Smalls for 'violating social distancing guidelines and putting the safety of others at risk.'

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Canon EOS R5 likely to launch April 20

Canon fans have a lot to look forward to in April, with the camera maker announcing a major live stream event to be held on April 20 at 1pm EDT (that would be 6pm on the same date in the UK and April 21 at 3am AEST in Australia).

There's no mention of what the event is for exactly, except to say it's to "[introduce] new products and technologies". We're hoping that would include the highly anticipated EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless flagship and it's much-rumored entry-level EOS R6 sibling.

This announcement comes less than 24 hours after online publication Canon Rumors reported that the company was not planning on delaying the launch of both mirrorless cameras.

What makes it even more exciting is that the company has managed to work through these challenging times, despite reports that Canon would delay either the launch of the cameras or the their shipping date after the spread of the Covid-19 virus led to the temporary closure of some of Canon's Japanese factories.

However, Canon USA has listed the live stream event under the 'Professional Video Solutions' section of its website, which could imply the manufacturer might reveal new broadcast and cinema equipment – i.e. the products Canon would have announced at the canceled 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Don't take our word for it though – we're just speculating and eagerly awaiting the reveal on April 20, be it a new cinema shooter or the 8K marvel that is the EOS R5 that we got to ogle at recently.

The best Canon cameras in 2020: top 10 shooters in Canon's stable

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Airbnb to pay hosts $250 million to cover coronavirus cancellations - CNET

The company has also created a $10 million relief fund for its "superhosts."

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Stuck at home? Use iPhone Photos to relive memories and view live photos - CNET

Commentary: Your phone is filled with tiny delights just waiting for you to discover them.

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Amazon workers in Staten Island protest coronavirus working conditions - CNET

Employee discontent is growing louder over Amazon's handling of worker health during the pandemic.

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Tokyo 2020 Olympics will now take place in July 2021, due to coronavirus - CNET

The International Olympic Committee has announced new dates for the Olympics in 2021.

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Trump administration may attempt again to roll back fuel economy standards - Roadshow

The federal government wants to cut the mandated 5% annual increase in economy down to just 1.5%.

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OnePlus to announce OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, April 14 - CNET

The 5G-enabled flagship phones will be announced by an online event.

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Two GM plants will build ventilators, masks to help fight COVID-19 pandemic - Roadshow

A plant in Indiana will build the ventilators, while a previously closed plant in Michigan will manufacture surgical masks.

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Detroit Auto Show canceled as FEMA declares TCF Center a COVID-19 field hospital - Roadshow

The TCF Center, home of Detroit's North American International Auto Show, is getting repurposed.

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HQ Trivia returns after February shutdown - CNET

The app-based quiz came back Sunday evening after being rescued by an unnamed investor, The Wall Street Journal reported.

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iRacing: How to build the best PC - Roadshow

iRacing is blowing up in a big way, but before you load up your cart with components, read what the professionals recommend.

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Self-isolation entertainment guide: best Australian movie & TV streaming services

As the looming threat of Covid-19 intensifies, many Australians have rightfully taken the government's advice onboard by practising self-isolation and social distancing in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Whether you're staying home under self-imposed lockdown or under a doctor-ordered state of quarantine, self-isolation can be quite boring – particularly if you're usually a very outgoing person.

Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to keep yourself entertained while stuck inside your home. With that in mind, we've taken the liberty of putting together a helpful guide on how to keep yourself entertained during self-isolation.

Read on to learn more about how you can stave off boredom via Australia's available streaming services during this especially trying time in our history.

Australian movie & TV streaming services

For most people, being stuck at home will be a less-than-ideal situation. That said, it does present the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the TV shows and movies you haven't gotten around to. In fact, you could even choose to re-watch the ones you loved.

Thankfully, Australia has a number of excellent streaming services on offer which will allow you to watch (almost) anything your heart desires without having to leave your couch.

Netflix
The most popular option is Netflix, which offers a never-ending supply of original shows and movies from around the world, along with constantly-changing licensed content. Pricing starts at AU$9.99 per month for the entry-level tier (one screen in standard definition), all the way up to $19.99 for the full Ultra HD package with four simultaneous streams. Unfortunately, Netflix no longer offers a free-trial period. That said, we can't imagine you'll have difficulty finding something to watch on the service. Here here to sign up to Netflix. Here's how to watch Netflix with friends while self isolating.

Stan
Similar to Netflix in its pricing tiers, Australia's first major streaming service Stan starts at AU$10 per month for its one SD stream, followed by AU$14 per month for two HD streams and AU$17 per month for four 4K streams. It too offers original content, along with a large selection of first-run international shows that aren't available to stream elsewhere – though not quite as many as Netflix. That said, it does have a vast back catalogue of classic shows like Friends, Seinfeld and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If that sounds good, you can sign up for Stan's free 30-day trial from its website.

Disney Plus
The newest streaming service to hit the Australian scene, Disney Plus offers an incredible back catalogue of the Mouse House's TV shows and movies – we're talking everything from the Mickey Mouse's original appearance in Steamboat Willy, all the way to modern Marvel blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame. Disney Plus has already started showing original content, such as the much-loved Star Wars series The Mandalorian, and you can expect plenty more in the near future. For a flat fee of only AU$8.99 per month for everything it has to offer, we highly recommend you sign up to Disney Plus for a free 7-day trial.

Amazon Prime Video
Included with every subscription to Amazon Prime, this streaming service offers a growing library of Amazon Original shows and movies, along with access to a countless number classic shows and movies. Of course, an Amazon Prime subscription much more than just another streaming service – for a flat fee of AU$6.99 per month, you'll get a number of additional bonuses for shopping on Amazon Australia. These include access to Prime Reading, Prime Music and Twitch Prime, free two-day delivery on domestic purchases, early access to discounts and deals, huge savings on Amazon Prime Day and more – all things that will come in handy during your home quarantine period. Here's where you can sign up for Amazon Prime in Australia.

Foxtel Now
While it's far more expensive than competing streaming services, particularly if you want to opt for every package on offer, Foxtel Now does offer many shows and movies that aren't available to stream anywhere else. For instance, the only place to stream HBO's extensive catalogue, including the likes of Game of Thrones and Westworld, is via Foxtel Now. Luckily, you can get started from only AU$25 per month (following a 10-day free trial) for mandatory Pop and Lifestyle packages, and if you're willing to spend more additional packages you can also access a huge selection of movies, sports and much more.

Apple TV Plus
While Apple's new subscription-based video streaming service is unable to compete with the likes of Netflix and Disney Plus when it comes to the size of its content library, it makes up for it by offering a very high quality shows from big-name talent across the board. At only AU$7.99 per month after 7-day trial, it's also fairly inexpensive, and if you happen to have bought a major Apple product recently, such as an iPhone or iPad, you will receive 12-months of Apple TV Plus for the fantastic price of 'free'.

Kayo Sports
Are you a sports nut? Well, you're going to love Kayo Sports – a streaming service dedicated to all things running, kicking, throwing, racing, jumping and... you get the idea. With Kayo, you get almost everything sports-related that's available on Foxtel for less than half the price. The Kayo Sports Basic Package provides two simultaneous streams for only AU$25 per month, while for AU$35 per month, you can sign up to the Kayo Sports Premium Package, which provides three simultaneous streams. Best of all, there are no lock-in contracts and you can try before you buy with a free 14-day trial.

10 All Access
The local Australian version of America's CBS All Access streaming service, 10 All Access offers a growing number of premium television shows (including originals) as soon as they're released. We're talking complete and up-to-date shows like The Bachelor, NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, Masterchef Australia, Survivor and Neighbours, along with exclusive originals like The Twilight Zone. You can even watch some before they've premiered on Network 10, and with the added bonus of absolutely no ads. Additionally, the services a live streaming 24/7 news service in the world-renowned CBSN, all for AU$9.99 per month. Join now and get your first month free.

Tubi
Trying to save money during these uncertain times? Tubi just might be the service for you. Relatively new to the Australian streaming landscape, the ad-supported Tubi is 100% free and offers an enormous number of C-grade movies and shows, cult classics and trashy gems, along with a selection of honest-to-goodness mainstream films from years gone by. All you need is a Facebook or Gmail account to login with and you're good-to-go. Of course, you will have to suffer the occasional pre-film 30-second advertisement, but you won't see any more ads for the remainder of the film or show you're watching. Check out Tubi for free right now.

Of course, there are also a large number of free streaming and catch-up services which offer ad-supported content. These include apps from all the major Australian networks, such as 7Plus, 9Now, SBS On Demand, ABC iview and 10play.

As for the rest of the paid streaming services we've covered, you'll find several comprehensive guides to the best shows and films they offer below.

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Could the Redmi K30 Pro Possibly Launch in India as the Poco F2

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Need Groceries That You Saw Your Neighbour Hoard? Meet Nextdoor, an App Just for That

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Your Online Privacy May be Completely Over, Thanks to Coronavirus Tracker Apps

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Indian Smartphone Market to Face Weak Demand Rather Than Supply Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

It is predicted that more than supply issues, demand is likely to be low particularly during the April-August 2020 period.

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Sunday, March 29, 2020

UAE TRA adds new communication tools to its growing list to support remote work

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the UAE has added new communication tools to support remote working and learning.

The new tools, to be offered in coordination with the telecom operators - Etisalat and Du – until further notice are Google Hangouts Meet, Cisco Webex, Avaya Spaces, BlueJeans and Slack.

The telecom operators recently provided access to remote learning applications (Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, Blackboard and Zoom) on the fixed network and Microsoft Teams, Blackboard and Zoom on the mobile network.

TRA said that they will review and update the list of available applications from time to time.

Moreover, the authority has extended the validity of all wireless authorisations of hospitals and medical centres across the country to support the precautionary measures taken by the UAE health sector in the current circumstances.

Hussein Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of Education, said that the launch of the remote learning initiative is extremely important is it enables seamless continuity of the country’s education curriculum and enhances the concept of lifelong learning.

Jyoti Lalchandani, Vice-President and Regional Managing Director for research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), said that when working from home is quite a common phenomenon in many countries for many years as commute times are quite significant, it has been a tradition, so far, to go to the office in the region.

However, he said that a number of companies in the UAE have adopted a work from home policy.

“All the infrastructure capabilities are available right now but there will be an adjustment period and we have to get used to it but time will tell, in terms of productivity and net gains. Remote working is going to increase sustainably and it is going to put a lot of pressure on IT departments to provide the level of support for remote workers and greater investment in remote-working applications,” he said.

As governments and industries become comfortable by working from home, he said the phenomenon is going to become the new norm.

Broadening boundaries of enterprises

“Now, we are seeing an integration of online learning into the school campus, which means that there will be some form of online teaching to start to penetrate the sector,” Jay Srage, CEO of technology advisory services company Centrigent and head of operations and lecturer at Michigan Ross Business School, said.

Leila Serhan, Public Sector Director for Microsoft UAE, said that they are working with education institutions across UAE’s public and private sectors to empower them with tools such as Microsoft Teams, making remote teaching and learning easier.

Savio Tovar Dias, Senior Director for Sales Engineering at Avaya, said that technology can help combat the spread of Coronavirus as people are living in an interesting world at the moment for the last two or three months and it is impacting businesses in all ways such as travels, meetings and face-to-face meetings have been curtailed.

“As many exhibitions and events have been cancelled, remote working and video conferencing will gain traction and it broadens the boundaries of an enterprise for various reasons,” he said.

However, he said that communicating over phone or video is never the same or replicates face-to-face meetings in any shape or form but some elements can bring together to help and deliver a more effective remote collaboration.

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PM CARES Relief Fund: Here is How You Can Contribute to Combat The COVID Pandemic

PhonePe says they will contribute Rs 10 for every Indian who donates to the PMCARES Fund via the PhonePe App using UPI. Paytm has said that they are aiming to contribute Rs 500 Crore to the PM CARES Fund. These are just some examples.

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OnePlus 8: Fresh Renders Reveal New ‘Interstellar Glow’ Colour Variant

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Best movies on Amazon Prime Video: top films to watch in Australia right now

UPDATE: Quentin Tarantino's latest masterpiece Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood has landed on Amazon Prime Video. Find out more about it on page 6!

When it comes to streaming media, Australians now have access to an incredible wealth of video content that can be instantly viewed with only a few screen taps or button presses – something that's become incredibly welcome as we stay home in self isolation.

Start your 30-day Amazon Prime free trial right now

Much like Netflix, Stan and Foxtel Now, Amazon Prime Video has a huge selection of movies on offer, with something for absolutely everybody. The problem is, the sheer amount of titles in the service's content library can be a little overwhelming for those who want to jump in and start watching immediately.

Couch-friendly noms delivered: Sign up to Uber Eats and get AU$10 off with code FUTUREATS20

If you're sick of browsing endlessly, you've come to the right place – we've done the job for you, selecting a number of fantastic films (as well as some delightfully trashy ones) for every occasion, so all you have to do is sit back and start your viewing odyssey.

Competing service Disney Plus has landed in Australia – sign up here

Most of the films on this list, which has been curated by TechRadar editors, are backed up with ratings from IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes – so that you don't have to sift through the muck. That said, if you want to switch your brain off and get stuck into some cheesy, low-brow entertainment, we've got that stuff, too.

We'll keep this best-of list up to date with the latest movies that are must-watch, so make sure you keep checking back to see all the great stuff that's been added.

Self-isolation entertainment guide: best Aussie movie & TV streaming services

We're obsessed with science fiction and high tech futuristic worlds here at TechRadar. Here are our picks for the best science fiction movies currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Bumblebee

For anyone who's suffered through the last few Transformers films, the prospect of sitting through yet another robot-on-robot smash-fest seems like a journey best avoided. However, the spin-off film Bumblebee, starring everyone's favourite yellow Autobot, is actually a wonderful coming of age story about a teenage girl (Hailee Steinfeld) who befriends a giant robot. If you think that premise sounds more than a bit like the classic animated film The Iron Giant, you'd be right (and really, how could that possibly be a bad thing?) Directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings), Bumblebee offers a lot more warmth than Michael Bay's chaotic efforts, and you'll be pleased to know that the film's action scenes are also much easier to follow, thanks to steadier camera work and simpler robot designs that are much closer to the original cartoons and toys.

IMDB Rating: 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

Watch Bumblebee on Amazon Prime Video right now

Jurassic Park

One of director Steven Spielberg's finest crowdpleasers, Jurassic Park is an undisputed classic. Based on Michael Crichton's novel of the same name, Jurassic Park imagines a world in which dinosaurs have been brought back to life through the magic of cloning from prehistoric DNA. Dr. Hammond (Richard Attenborough) invites his grandchildren, his lawyer, two dinosaur experts (Sam Neill and Laura Dern) and a mathematician (Jeff Goldblum) to experience his extraordinary theme park before it opens to the general public. Of course, things don't go smoothly, and before long several aggressive dinos are on the loose and on the hunt. Featuring revolutionary visual effects that still hold up after 25 years, Jurassic Park is a heart-pounding cinematic triumph.

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Salyut-7

This big-budget Russian space movie tells the true story of a properly dramatic mission to rescue a damaged space station, lest it fall to Earth upon the heads of the innocent, or, worse, be captured by the Americans and returned to Earth to study advanced Russian space technology.

A grizzled veteran cosmonaut is paired with a younger engineering genius and sent to the unoccupied station, which includes an exciting Interstellar-style 'match rotation with the out of control station and dock with it' sequence. From there, it's a claustrophobic race against time and uncooperative machinery as they try to bring the station back to life. Everything goes wrong, badly, and the ride is part gripping action and part engineering ingenuity.

Most of the drama is set inside the cramped station, offset by the obligatory cuts to ground control where the supportive Cosmonaut chief battles the government man who thinks the whole mission is folly.

It's truly the Russian Apollo 13, with all the tension of catastrophic equipment failures in confined spaces set against technically incredible sets and effects. It's truly beautiful to watch -- all the space sequences are state of the art -- and aside from some minor red flag waving, is played with a very straight technical arrow.

IMDB Rating: 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Serenity

The theatrical conclusion to the beloved (yet short-lived) television series Firefly, Serenity tied off the various loose ends left behind after Joss Whedon's space cowboy show was axed. Led by Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), the crew of the Serenity cargo ship are known for engaging various smuggling adventures and shady dealings across the galaxy.

However, trouble comes looking for them in the form of an assassin (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who's after River (Summer Glau), a gifted telepath and one of the crew's members. Like a cross between Star Wars (particularly the Han Solo parts) and Cowboy Bebop, Serenity is a crowd-pleasing sci-fi actioner with plenty of heart.

IMDB Rating: 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

War of the Worlds

Tom Cruise will do anything to protect his family from a full-scale alien invasion in War of the Worlds, director Steven Spielberg's adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic science fiction novel. Spielberg, known to be a master of suspense, ratchets up the tension to near unbearable levels in the film, with numerous dread-filled set pieces on offer that rival anything from his illustrious filmography (that includes Jaws, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan).

Using imagery inspired by the 9/11 attacks (the invading Tripods blast humans into white ashes) and Hurricane Katrina (desperate people turn violent against each other in an attempt to survive their horrific circumstances), War of the Worlds is a far cry from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

IMDB Rating: 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 75%

Men in Black

Fresh off the success of the global phenomenon Independence Day, Will Smith went straight back to work on another sci-fi film about aliens, albeit one with a much lighter tone and an emphasis on comedy.

Starring alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Smith led Men in Black to huge dollars at the box office, leading to two more films and an upcoming reboot starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson.

The original film, however, is still the best, offering great mix of comedy and genre-based hijinx, similar to the likes of Ghostbusters. Now go and watch it, lest Big Willy let his noisy cricket get wicked on ya.

IMDB Rating: 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

Need some kid-friendly entertainment that will keep the young ones entertained? Here are some of the best family movies that Amazon Prime Video is currently streaming. Don't worry – all of these picks are child friendly.

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Disney Plus may boast just about every other film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it won't be offering Sony's standalone Spider-Man movies anytime soon. Enter Amazon Prime Video, a service which not only offers Spidey's latest adventure, Spider-Man: Far From Home, but also its predecessor Spider-Man: Homecoming, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, both entries in the lacklustre Amazing Spider-Man series and the Academy Award-winning animated masterpiece, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Simply put, Prime Video has basically become the web-slinger's streaming home in Australia. As the MCU's first film post-Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home manages to simultaneously bring the action back down to Earth while raising the bar in terms of spectacle. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) just wants to enjoy his school trip to Europe in peace, and maybe even confess his feelings to M.J. (Zendaya). However, the destructive arrival of creatures known as Elementals forces him to don his Spider-Man suit and join forces with Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal), an enigmatic figure who's said to be a hero from another Earth. If you've ever read a Spider-Man comic in your life, you'll probably know how that plays out, but regardless of this, Spider-Man: Far From Home might just be Spidey's best live-action film to date.

IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

A legitimate contender for best Spider-Man film to date, the computer animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse defied all odds with its success (it was a global smash and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film earlier this year), namely the fact that it exists totally outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and introduces a new Spidey in Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore). Sporting an entirely-original pop-art aesthetic and hip-hop edge that makes most other superhero movies feel bland and safe by comparison, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse feels entirely fresh from the outset. That said, while the film deals in multiple realities and alternate universe versions of ol' webhead, Into the Spider-Verse never forgets the core appeal of Spider-Man, which is that there's a hero in all of all so long as we accept the responsibility.

IMDB Rating: 8.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

The Karate Kid

One of the most beloved family films of the '80s, The Karate Kid tells the story of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a teenager who moves from New Jersey to California and finds himself the target of bullies at his new school. Turns out these bullies all train at the local Cobra Kai martial arts school under a brutal teacher. During one beating, Daniel is rescued by the handyman from his building, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), who then vows to train the boy in the Okinawan art of Karate so that he can compete against his tormenters at an upcoming tournament. An uplifting story anchored by the heartwarming friendship that develops between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid is true classic for young and old.

IMDB Rating: 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Before Phil Lord and Chris Miller hit it big directing The LEGO Movie, the duo released Cloudy wth a Chance of Meatballs, a surprisingly hilarious, clever and visually inventive animated kids film that even grown-ups can enjoy. In an effort to save his struggling community, wacky scientist Flint (Bill Hader) invents a machine that can turn water into food. While the machine is initially a success, it somehow ends up in the atmosphere, causing endless amounts of food to rain down on the city, causing all sorts of chaos in the process.

IMDB Rating: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

Despicable Me

Love them or hate them, kids (and possibly your mum) can't get enough of these crazy Minions, so why get the family together to watch the first movie in the enormously successful Despicable Me franchise? This animated film stars Steve Carrell as the voice of Gru, a criminal mastermind with an army of Minions to do his bidding for him (if only he could get them to pay attention). Things change, however, when Gru meets three orphaned girls who see him as a father figure. Will the girls (and the Minions) be able to melt this grump's miserable heart?

IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 81%

How to Train Your Dragon

One of the best animated films of the last decade, How to Train Your Dragon surprised everyone with its tale of a young Viking boy who defies his village's dragon hunting ways to become the very first dragon rider. When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) stumbles upon an injured Night Fury, the rarest and most-feared dragon in existence, he manages to befriend the creature (which he adorably names 'Toothless'), eventually teaching his family a valuable lesson in the process. Packed with incredible action and adventure, How to Train Your Dragon is a classic that can be enjoyed by both young and old.

IMDB Rating: 81%, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

From suspenseful scares to gruesome gore flicks, Amazon Prime Video has an excellent selection of horror films. Easily eclipsing its streaming competition when it comes to classic fright flicks, browsing Prime's selection is like stepping back in time and into the horror section of your local video store. On top of this, you also have access to some great recent scary movies. Here are some of the best horror movies on Amazon Prime Video.

Brightburn

Superman is known as the world's greatest superhero, but what if a similarly powerful alien child (Jackson A. Dunn) had landed on our planet who wasn't so heroic? What if he was, in fact, super evil? That's the premise behind Brightburn, a horror thriller produced by Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. Seriously, can you think of anything more terrifying than an invincible psychotic child with super strength, super speed, heat vision and the ability to fly? Just imagine how the kid will react when he discovers his adoptive parents (Elizabeth Banks and David Denman) have been lying to him about where he came from for his entire life. Dark and violent, Brightburn is not for the squeamish.

IMDB Rating: 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
Watch Brightburn on Amazon Prime Video

Overlord

Hugely underrated upon its recent release, the J.J Abrams-produced horror film Overlord is sure to garner a cult following in the years to come thanks to its tension-filled atmosphere, amazing practical effects and WWII-setting, which is relatively unique when it comes to horror films. Feeling like a live-action adaptation of Wolfenstein with a dash of Re-animator, Overlord isn't afraid to go for broke when it comes to gore – no wonder it earned an R18+ rating in Australia. The film follows a group of paratroopers as they attempt to destroy a radio tower on the eve of D-Day. Unfortunately, that tower is situated atop a castle that's behind enemy lines – onw which the Nazis have been using to re-animate the corpses of local villagers, turning them into super soldiers. Expect all bloody hell to break loose.

IMDB Rating: 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Watch Overlord on Amazon Prime Video

Zombie Flesh Eaters

One of the most entertaining (and stomach-turning) zombie films ever made, 'godfather of gore' Lucio Fulci's classic Zombie Flesh Eaters (aka Zombie/Zombi 2) has landed on Amazon Prime Video and is a must-see for horror fans. Originally marketed in Italy as a sequel to George A. Romero's seminal Dawn of the Dead (even though it has nothing to do with that film), Zombie Flesh Eaters' take on the well-worn sub-genre is inspired by the zombies in voodoo mythology, which has an entirely different flavour to The Walking Dead-style shambling creatures. The film sees a reporter set off on a trip to the Caribbean to track down a woman's missing father – a mad doctor who's been experimenting on island corpses and raising them from the dead. On their way to the island, the pair hitch a boat ride from a holidaying couple, leading to the most iconic scene in the film, in which a topless scuba diver comes into contact with an underwater zombie, who then proceeds to tussle with a real shark (pictured). Bursting at the seams with eye-popping gore and gross zombie makeup effects, Zombie Flesh Eaters is a trashy grindhouse classic.

IMDB Rating: 6.9
Watch Zombie Flesh Eaters on Amazon Prime Video

Lords of Chaos

Inspired by the real-life horrific crimes that took place in Norway during the early '90s in the name of 'true Norwegian Black Metal', Lords of Chaos is a shockingly violent (and occasionally fictionalised) story filled with arson and murder. It follows the deadly rivalry between Euronymous (Rory Culkin), lead singer of the pioneering black metal band Mayhem, and Kristian 'Varg' Vikernes (Emory Cohen), mastermind behind the infamous musical act Burzum, as the two attempt to outdo each other in an effort to prove who is most evil. This sets off a spate of church burnings across Norway, eventually leading to acts of unspeakable murder. Trust us when we say that Lords of Chaos is one of the most violent films you're ever likely to see – the film deals in animal cruelty, suicide and murder and these acts are depicted in incredibly realistic and explicit detail. However, if you're a true crime fanatic and a metal-head, you owe it to yourself to watch Lords of Chaos (if you do so without looking away).

IMDB Rating: 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
Watch Lords of Chaos on Amazon Prime Video right now

Suspiria (2018)

Remaking Dario Argento's undisputed horror masterpiece Suspiria was never going to be an easy task for director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), but to his credit, the new version is about as far removed from the original as a remake can get without taking a new name. The film still deals with a dancing academy that's run by a coven of witches, but aside from that one sentence premise, the 2018 version takes off in an entirely different direction. Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) plays a very different version of Susie Bannion, who arrives at the academy as a new student in both versions of Suspiria, and she's joined by Tilda Swinton, who excels as two separate characters. Ultimately, this Amazon-produced take on Suspiria is a love it or hate it affair – it lacks the effective scares, brilliant music and vibrant cinematography of the original, opting instead to lean into its 1970s Berlin setting to provide extensive mood and backstory during its two and a half hour running time. If that sounds like your jam, you may find yourself appreciating this remake.

IMDB Rating: 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
Watch Suspiria now on Amazon Prime Video

A Quiet Place

One of the best scary movies of the last few years, A Quiet Place sees its characters pursued by blind creatures that hunt solely by sound. The only way this young family, led by John Krasinski (Jack Ryan) and Emily Blunt (Sicario), will have any hope for survival is to remain completely silent at all times. Krasinski, who also writes and directs the film, builds tension with a masterful sense of suspense – every tiny creak or noise could lead to the characters' deaths, forcing the audience to also sit in silence and play close attention. A Quiet Place is the kind of horror film that will have you on the edge of your seat for its entire running time.

IMDB Rating: 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

The House on Sorority Row

One of the more highly-regarded slasher movies from the sub-genre's golden era (1978-1984), The House on Sorority Row sees a group of sorority sisters stalked by a murderous maniac in a court jester's outfit after one of their pranks goes horribly wrong. Delivering everything you'd expect from a good slasher, including a high body count, shocking kills and a sexed-up young cast, The House on Sorority Row still manages to keep you guessing about the killer's identity until the very end. Just make sure you steer clear of the mediocre 2009 remake.

IMDB Rating: 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 56%

Society

Likely to be the most bizarre horror movie to grace this list, Society is a body-horror / melt film unlike any other. California teenager Bill (Billy Warlock) senses that something is not quite right with his wealthy family, and he's right: it turns out they're actually part of an orgy cult for the rich elite in Beverly Hills, and we wish that were the most shocking discovery made by Bill throughout Society's running time! With some truly disgusting (and mind-blowing) practical gore effects from the great Screaming Mad George (Re-Animator 2, Predator), Society is the kind of horror film that has to be seen to be believed. Not for the squeamish!

IMDB Rating: 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 55%

I Know What You Did Last Summer

While celebrating their high school graduation, a group of teenagers (including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe) accidentally run over a man in the middle of the night. Convinced their lives will be over if anyone finds out about this incident, most of the group makes a pact to dump the body and pretend it never happened. Of course, this is a slasher movie, so that's easier said than done! Exactly one year after that fateful night, a hook-wielding killer shows up and begins to terrorise each member of the group, and now it's up to Julie (Love Hewitt) to uncover the killer's identity before it's too late. Like most teen horror movies, critics weren't so kind to I Know What You Did Last Summer upon initial release (it was unfavourably compared to Scream, which shared the same screenwriter), but it remains a favourite for '90s kids to this day thanks to its potent scares and intriguing mystery.

IMDB Rating: 5.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 36%

We love a good thriller, which is why we've narrowed down some of the best ones that are now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. These films will have you on the edge of your seat in suspense, so sit back, try to relax, and enjoy.

No Country For Old Men

Javier Bardem won an Oscar for essentially playing the human personification of death in No Country For Old Men, a taut thriller from the Coen brothers (The Big Lebowski, Fargo). Every single moment that Bardem is on-screen is filled with dread, as he leaves a trail of bodies across Texas in search of a missing bag of cartel money, which is in the possession of Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin). Can the local sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) catch up to Llewelyn before his pursuer reaches him? A film that's as bleak and unsettling as the Cormac McCarthy novel that it's based on, No Country For Old Men will surely haunt you for years to come.

IMDB Rating: 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Switchback

Without question, the '90s was a true golden era for serial killer thrillers, with films like The Silence of the Lambs, Se7en and Copycat being particularly memorable. However, there were a number of worthwhile gems released during this time that managed to slip through the cracks, with Switchback being one film that's particularly underrated (especially by critics). Frank LaCrosse (Dennis Quaid) is an FBI agent on the trail of a vicious serial killer. Things become personal for LaCrosse when the killer kidnaps his son. Meanwhile, a young medical school dropout (Jared Leto) hitches a ride with a local drifter (Danny Glover) across the American Southwest. As they travel across snowy Colorado, more dead bodies seem to pile up in their wake. How long before they pair crosses paths with LaCrosse? And will he find his boy before it's too late? Also stars R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket), Ted Levine (The Silence of the Lambs) and William Fichtner (The Dark Knight).

IMDB Rating: 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 32%

Munich

Though he's established a rabid fan base due to the success of blockbuster films like Jurassic Park, Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark, director Steven Spielberg is arguably at his best when tackling more grown up fare – films like Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan can attest to that. However, there is one film in particular that is arguably the most complex and adult of his entire career, and that film is Munich. Based on the real-life tragedy that occurred during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, in which the entire Israeli team was taken hostage and then massacred by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September, the film sheds light on Israel's secret retaliation missions. Allegedly, these black ops saw undercover Mossad agents (played here by the likes of Eric Bana, Daniel Craig and Ciarán Hinds) track down and assassinate the men believed responsible in a rather public manner. Rather than take sides in the still ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Spielberg questions the cost of vengeance on the conscience and soul of an entire country, asking whether it ultimately achieves anything other than more bloodshed. A riveting film that does not shy away from the story's more harrowing aspects.

IMDB Rating: 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%

Collateral

Tom Cruise plays totally against type in Collateral, a fantastic thriller from visionary director Michael Mann (Heat, Miami Vice). Cruise plays Vincent, a ruthless hitman with silver hair who forces cabbie Max (Jamie Foxx) to be his personal chauffeur for the night as he travels around Los Angeles taking out targets. Can Max make it out of this situation alive? Or will he end up as Vincent's final victim? Using special digital cameras to capture LA at night in all its gritty glory, Mann achieves a sense of realism that makes you feel like you're right there with the characters. Packed with action and suspense, Collateral is an immaculately crafted thriller which shows a much scarier side of Cruise than we're used to seeing.

IMDB Rating: 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

We're serious cinephiles here at at TechRadar. It's not all about Marvel around here – we enjoy a good tear-jerker, too. There are many serious drama films streaming on Amazon Prime Video right now – here are some of the best ones.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

A film that caught many off-guard upon its release, Quentin Tarantino's opus Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood forgoes any sort of plot in favour of presenting a day (or two, more accurately) in the life of three characters in 'Tinseltown' during 1969. These are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), an old TV star who feels left behind by Hollywood's rapidly-changing idea of what a 'leading man' is, Rick's stuntman and best bud Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), and Rick's famous next-door neighbour, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) – best known for being brutally murdered by The Manson Family in real-life. While the film is essentially a drama about the end of an era, it's also bloody hilarious, with the central friendship between Rick and Cliff proving to be an absolute delight. And while you may think you know where this story is headed, particularly when it comes to Tate, you should know that Tarantino is a filmmaker who is unburdened by the concept of historical accuracy (see Inglourious Basterds) – you just might be surprised by how this tale plays out.

IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Watch Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood on Amazon Prime Video right now

Green Book

Winner of the Best Picture award at the 2019 Academy Awards, Green Book tells the true story of African American pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his 1962 tour of the American south alongside his white driver and bodyguard, Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen). Despite being highly educated and well to do, Shirley is forced to contend with the incredibly racist reality of the period, finding himself unwelcome almost everywhere he goes. In fact, the Green Book of the title is a reference to The Negro Motorist Green Book by Victor Hugo Green – an annual guidebook for African American travellers which explained where they could and couldn't go at the time. Sure, the idea that an accomplished black artist must prove himself to be a perfect human being so that he can eventually win the respect of his white chauffeur is mawkish to the extreme, but Green Book is nevertheless a well made and acted film that will tug at your heartstrings... by force if it has to.

IMDB Rating: 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Watch Green Book on Amazon Prime Video right now

Heat

Like movies featuring cops chasing robbers? What about stoic professional criminals in sharp grey suits? Well, you're likely to absolutely adore Heat, a film from acclaimed director Michael Mann (Collateral, Manhunter). As the first film to put Robert De Niro and Al Pacino on screen together (The Godfather Part II doesn't count), Heat is understandably renowned for its powerhouse performances. De Niro plays Neil McCauley, a career criminal whose string of high-profile bank and armoured car robberies across Los Angeles has placed him square in the sights of Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino). One way or another, the pair's cat and mouse chase will come to an end – the only question is which man will be left standing once it's all over? Also featuring Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, Tom Sizemore and Natalie Portman (among many others), Heat is a must-watch crime film classic.

IMDB Rating: 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

The Godfather & The Godfather Part II

Two of the greatest films of all time, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather and The Godfather Part II are now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The first film charts the rise of Micheal Corleone (Al Pacino), a war hero who takes control of his family's crime dynasty following an attempt on the life of his father, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Its follow-up, The Godfather Part II, simultaneously acts as a prequel and sequel, showing us how a young Vito (Robert De Niro) came into power, while also continuing Michael's story from the first film. Both films swept the Oscars in their respective years, and it's not hard to see why – The Godfather and The Godfather Part II are undisputed masterpieces, each telling grand, ambitious stories that deal with big themes on an epic canvas. You'd be hard-pressed to find two finer examples of the power of cinema.

The Godfather: IMDB Rating: 9.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
The Godfather Part II: IMDB Rating: 9.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

The Social Network

Perhaps the best film ever made about the tech industry, The Social Network tells the story of the early days of Facebook, with a mesmerising Jesse Eisenberg playing the company's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and Andrew Garfield starring as its co-founder, Eduardo Saverin. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) is known for his fast-talking, witty characters, and he truly outdoes himself here, providing Eisenberg with more snappy verbal barbs than the real Zuckerberg is likely capable of (no Sweet Baby Ray's or smoked brisket discussions to be found here). That said, it all adds up to an immensely gripping film directed with clockwork-like precision by visionary auteur, David Fincher (Zodiac, Fight Club). Throw in some impressive supporting turns from Justin Timberlake (as Napster founder Sean Parker) and Armie Hammer (playing both of the Winklevoss twins), and you have an honest-to-goodness classic.

IMDB Rating: 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Taxi Driver

Few films in the history of cinema are as powerful as Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Taxi Driver. Made in the mid '70s, back when New York was a rougher, dirtier place, the film practically oozes a scuzzy, neon-bathed atmosphere all of its own. Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a troubled, lonely Vietnam vet who takes a gig driving a cab because he just can't sleep at night. Though he's disgusted with the Big Apple's sleazy, vice-filled ways, Travis can't seem to stay away from its seedier areas, picking up questionable fares in bad neighbourhoods and frequenting scummy porno theatres in an effort to cure his insomnia. After a failed attempt to start a normal relationship with political campaign worker Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), Travis meets a 12-year-old prostitute named Iris (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to run away from her despicable pimp, Sport (Harvey Keitel). With his revulsion pushed over the edge, Travis stocks up on firearms and channels his immense anger and hatred into a mission to save Iris from her tragic circumstances. Fantastically directed and acted, and featuring the late, great Bernard Hermann's haunting final score, Taxi Driver is a film that every lover of cinema needs to see.

IMDB Rating: 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

Need a good laugh? Amazon Prime Video has some wonderful comedies on offer, with a bit of something for everyone. From the light-hearted, to the pitch black, you're guaranteed to find some laughs below.

Long Shot

After quitting his job as a journalist for an underground political publication, Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) attempts to cheer himself up at a party only to reconnect with his former babysitter Charlotte Fields (Charlize Theron) – now the US secretary of state and a real contender for the presidency. Charlotte offers the hot-headed Fred a job as her speech writer, and while the two initially butt heads, it's not long before the pair start falling for each other. Unfortunately, their relationship is made complicated by Charlotte's political aspirations, forcing the pair to figure out what's more important – their feelings or the public's perception. Sure, it all sounds very serious, but Long Shot is actually quite hilarious and occasionally profane (it's a Seth Rogen movie, after all). One of the best comedies of 2019, Long Shot works well off the back of Rogen and Theron's surprisingly convincing chemistry.

IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Watch Long Shot on Amazon Prime Video right now

Hot Rod

Before they exploded onto the scene with their comedic hip-hop group The Lonely Island, Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer released Hot Rod, a hilarious comedy starring Samberg as a talentless stuntman named Rod who believes his birth father was Evel Knievel's back-up. In order to raise money for his stepfather's operation, Rod teams up with his stepbrother (Taccone) and friends (Bill Hader, Danny McBride and Isla Fisher) to host a huge stunt that would see him attempt to jump over 12 buses on a moped. Quirky, quotable and filled with off-the-wall moments (including an incredible montage set to John Farnham's 'You're the Voice'), Hot Rod is a comedy cult classic that was completely misunderstood by critics at the time of its release, but will only grow in popularity as the years tick over. Cool beans? Cool beans.

IMDB Rating: 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 40%

The Big Lebowski

One of the Coen Brothers' finest (and funniest) films, The Big Lebowski has continued to grow in popularity since its 1998 release. Jeff Bridges stars as 'The Dude', a laid-back hippie who lives his life without a care in the world – that is, until a case of mistaken identity finds him embroiled noirish mystery involving a rich guy's missing trophy wife, misplaced money, shady pornographers, scissor-happy nihilists and a stolen rug (it really tied the room together). On top of this, The Dude's crazy bowling partner Walter (John Goodman) forces himself into the situation, making everything worse as a result. Surprising and endlessly quotable, The Big Lebowski is a bonafide classic – but that's just, like, our opinion, man.

IMDB Rating: 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 82%

Hot Fuzz

Following the success of their classic rom-zom-com, Shaun of the Dead, director Edgar Wright, star and writer Simon Pegg and co-star Nick Frost teamed up once again to bring their hilarious sensibilities to the buddy-cop movie genre with Hot Fuzz. London super-cop Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is involuntarily transferred to a village in the English countryside for making his superiors look bad by comparison. There, he teams up with dim-witted (but well-meaning) cop Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) and together, the pair uncover a murder conspiracy. If films like Point Break and Bad Boys II are in constant rotation at your place, you absolutely owe it to yourself to grab a Cornetto and watch Hot Fuzz.

IMDB Rating: 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Airplane!

The spoof comedy that started it all, Airplane! is the kind of film that throws out so many gags per minute, that you won't even notice when one falls flat. A pitch-perfect send-up of the Airport disaster movies of the 1970s, Airplane! works because its performers play their roles completely seriously, as if they're oblivious to the immense silliness all around them. If you love deadpan comedy of The Naked Gun and Top Secret!, which were both made by the same people, you'll love Airplane!

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

In the mood for some high-octane entertainment? These are some of the most action-packed movies now streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Australia. Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of every one of the brawny movies listed below.

Top Gun

If you feel the need, the need for speed, then look no further than Top Gun, the classic fighter pilot action film that made Tom Cruise a megastar. Cruise plays the hotshot pilot Maverick, who must remove the chip from his shoulder that's holding him back from being the ace pilot he's destined to be. Featuring an amazing '80s soundtrack and incredible jet fighter scenes, Top Gun is adrenaline-junkie's dream. Watch it before the upcoming sequel, which is in production right now!

IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 54%

Mission: Impossible — Fallout

The latest (and arguably greatest) entry in the Mission: Impossible series sees star Tom Cruise perform his most incredible stunts to date! In Fallout, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team (Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg) must infiltrate a terrorist group called The Apostles in order to retrieve three stolen plutonium cores before they fall into the hands of a mysterious extremist known only by the pseudonym John Lark. With the IMF having bungled its first attempt at getting the plutonium back, the CIA appoints August Walker (Henry Cavill) to shadow Hunt and his team, but can he be trusted? To make matters more complicated, MI6 agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) has also returned with her own mission which clashes with Hunt's. A truly exceptional blockbuster that's packed with non-stop action and suspense, it will be very difficult for director Christopher McQuarrie to top Mission: Impossible — Fallout in its already-announced back-to-back sequels.

IMDB Rating: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Watch Mission: Impossible — Fallout on Amazon Prime Video right now

The Indiana Jones Saga (1-4)

One of the most beloved film franchises of all time (particularly if you pretend the fourth entry doesn't exist) Steven Spielberg and George Lucas' Indiana Jones movies strike the perfect balance between sweeping adventure and historical intrigue. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is a charming archeology professor who spends his time away from campus embroiled in globe-trotting escapades in search of priceless artefacts. Moving from one death-defying chase to another, Indy must fend off an assortment of villains, from power-crazed Nazis to ancient cults. Thankfully, with the help of some friends and his trusty bullwhip, Indiana always manages to save the day. Required viewing for any film fan.

Raiders of the Lost Ark: IMDB: 8.5, RT: 95%
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: IMDB: 7.6, RT: 85%
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: IMDB: 8.2, RT: 88%
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: IMDB: 6.2, RT: 78%

Lionheart (a.k.a. Wrong Bet)

When Foreign Legion soldier Lyon (Jean-Claude Van Damme) receives word that his troubled brother has been brutally burned alive, he goes A.W.O.L. in an attempt to visit him and his family in America. Unfortunately, his brother dies, leaving his wife and young daughter on the verge of homelessness. Now, Lyon must secretly fight as an underground street brawler in order to provide for his dead brother's family. One of Van Damme's earlier efforts, Lionheart sits comfortably alongside his other classic fight flicks, Bloodsport and Kickboxer. Featuring excellent fight scenes and a surprising amount of melodrama, Lionheart is JCVD at his very best.

IMDB Rating: 6.1

Mission: Impossible (1-4)

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to binge watch the first four Mission: Impossible movies in an effort to witness the escalating lunacy of Tom Cruise as he undertakes death-defying stunts for our amusement! This spy series has gone from strength to strength over the years (well, so long as you don't include M:I-2), with the series' fourth entry, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (pictured) being a particular highlight. We recommend starting with the fantastic first entry, which shows just how much the franchise has changed over the last 20 years.

Watch Mission: Impossible 1-4 now on Amazon Prime Video

The Bourne Saga (1-4)

Proving there's no shortage of intense spy action on Amazon Prime Video, the first four Bourne films are now available to stream. Starting with The Bourne Identity, the film tells the story of an amnesiac named Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) who quickly discovers that he's a lethal government assassin before setting off on a quest to discover his true identity. Over the next two instalments, Bourne will take the fight to this creators even further, in an effort to holds those responsible accountable for all the deaths they've caused. In the series fourth entry, The Bourne Legacy, we meet a new superspy named Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) and learn more about the Black Ops program that creates machine-like killers for the government.

Watch The Bourne Saga (1-4) now on Amazon Prime Video

Bay Boys I & II

Bad Boys, notable for kicking off the cinematic careers of both Michael Bay and Will Smith, is a stylish, action-packed buddy cop movie in which a pair of detectives (Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence) must take down a murderous drug kingpin. Bad Boys II is like the first film times ten, with Bay dialling up the action scenes, style and running time to ludicrous new heights. Violent, profane and legitimately funny, Bad Boys I & II are must-see films for action fans, even if they were absolutely hated by critics.

Bad Boys: IMDB Rating: 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
Bad Boys II: IMDB Rating: 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 22%

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