via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://bit.ly/3G9t3Jp

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://bit.ly/3o7CZwW

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://bit.ly/3o8wGJL

The iPad mini (2022) might actually end up being the iPad mini (2023) or beyond, as we’re not yet certain that it will land this year. You could also think of it as the iPad mini 7 then, as it will be the seventh model in the range, while one leak suggests it could land as the iPad mini Pro.

Whatever name you call it though and whenever it lands, we’re already starting to hear some rumors about it, and you’ll find those below, along with our thoughts on the likely release date and price.

Then further down we’ve included a list of things we want from Apple’s next compact slate, in order to make it even better than the iPad mini (2021).

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next small iPad
• When is it out? Possibly late 2022, or maybe even later
• How much will it cost? Maybe slightly over $499 / £479 / AU$749

iPad mini (2022) release date and price

There’s not much news on when the iPad mini (2022) might launch, but one source claimed in November 2021 that Samsung Display had already shipped a display sample to Apple for the slate, which suggests it could well arrive in 2022.

If it does, then September 2022 is when we’ll most likely see it, as the iPad mini (2021) arrived in September 2021. That also means it might launch alongside the iPhone 14.

That said, this isn’t a tablet range that Apple refreshes every year, so since we already received an iPad mini in 2021, there’s a chance that we’ll be waiting until 2023 or later.

As for the price, one source claims that the iPad mini (2022) will be slightly more expensive than the iPad mini (2021), which starts at $499 / £479 / AU$749. But we wouldn’t think Apple would push the price up by much.

The iPad mini (2022) might cost slightly more than the iPad mini (2021) (Image credit: TechRadar)

News and leaks

So far there’s only really been one iPad mini (2022) leak, but it’s a big one, detailing many of the possible specs.

Apparently, the tablet will have an 8.3-inch 120Hz screen, an A15 Bionic chipset (like the current model, though with a slightly higher 3.23GHz clock speed), 4GB of RAM, and a starting capacity of 128GB, up from 64GB on the current model.

However, as there aren’t any leaks corroborating any of this yet, and as the source doesn’t yet have a track record, we’d take this with a pinch of salt.

What we want to see

The iPad mini (2021) is a great slate, but with the following changes the iPad mini (2022) would be far better still.

1. Better battery life

In our review we found that the iPad mini (2021)’s battery life was solid but not special. It would last around 8 hours with intensive use, and potentially even less when the Apple Pencil was added to the equation.

The size of the slate may be a limiting factor here as there might simply not be space for a much bigger battery, but the fact is that the likes of the iPad Pro 11 (2021) offer better life, so we’d like Apple to try and make some improvements here for the iPad mini (2022).

2. More power

The iPad mini (2021) isn’t exactly lacking in power. After all, it has the same chipset as the iPhone 13. But it only has 4GB of RAM, and while its chipset is good, it’s no match for the M1 in the latest iPad Pro models.

This is of course a balance for Apple – supercharge the iPad mini too much and the price will inevitably go up, but we imagine there must be a market for a powerful slate with a small screen, so we’d like to see Apple lean into that for the next model, even if it also launches a less powerful version.

3. A stylus in the box

We'd like the next iPad mini to come with an Apple Pencil (Image credit: TechRadar)

The Apple Pencil is an important accessory for the iPad mini, with the 2021 model even having a connector and charger for it on the right edge of the slate, yet the Apple Pencil doesn’t actually come with the tablet.

Instead, you have to buy it separately, and at quite a high cost. This isn’t so surprising when you consider that none of Apple’s tablets come with a stylus in the box, but the need to buy one makes the overall price of the iPad mini (2021) much less appealing.

Plus, some rival slates such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 do come with a stylus included, so we’d love to see Apple do the same for the iPad mini (2022).

4. Face ID

Despite sporting a reasonably modern design (with no home button) the iPad mini (2021) still relies on a fingerprint scanner – one built into the power button on the top edge.

This isn’t a terrible option, but we’d love to see Apple add Face ID for the iPad mini (2022). If it can keep the fingerprint scanner as well so users have options then all the better, but that’s unlikely to happen.

5. mmWave support

The iPad mini (2021) optionally comes with 5G support, but what it doesn’t have is mmWave support. This is a high frequency form of 5G that offers far higher download speeds, and it’s perhaps not that surprising that it isn’t supported, as most countries have little to no mmWave infrastructure, and even in the US it’s very limited.

But support for it would be handy for those areas that do have it, and it would help future-proof the slate, as mmWave coverage is likely to improve over time. So we want to see this offered by the iPad mini (2022).

• Check out the best iPad apps

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://bit.ly/3o8wGJL

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://bit.ly/3uaOMOL

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3AF5NBV

The second of the Australian Open Men's semi-finals takes place today at the Rod Laver Arena court in a repeat performance from last year. Tsitsipas vs Medvedev worked out in favour of the Russian last time around but can the Greek exact his revenge in 2022? Here's how to watch a Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Daniil Medvedev live stream wherever you are - including ways to see the match absolutely FREE.

• Watch Tsitsipas vs Medvedev free on 9Now (may require a VPN)

Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream

Dates: Friday, January 28

Time (estimated):  7.30pm AEDT / 8.30am GMT / 3.30am ET / 12.30am PT

Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia

FREE live stream: 9Now (AU)

Global live streams: ESPN via Sling TV or FREE FuboTV trial / ESPN Plus (US) | TSN (CA) | Discovery+ (UK) | Sky Sport (NZ)

Watch anywhere: Try ExpressVPN 100% risk-free

No.2 seed Medvedev had to battle with all his might to keep his title dream on track in the last round, saving a match point in his marathon five-set win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. Tsitsipas meanwhile notched up his first straight-sets victory of the campaign, with an at-times effortless last-8 display against Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.

Medvedev leads the head-to-heads with Tsitsipas, 6-2 , however the world no.4 Greek won their last meeting at 2021 Roland Garros in three sets.

For added spice, these two players have a track record of acrimony after a never-reconciled war of words at the Miami Open in 2018, so there could be fireworks in store.

Watch all the drama unfold by following a Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream at the Australian Open 2022.

• More can't-miss sport: how to watch an NFL live stream for the playoffs

How to watch Tsitsipas vs Medvedev: live stream Australian Open 2022 for FREE Down Under

The estimated start time for Tsitsipas vs Medvedev is 7.30pm AEDT.

Aussie tennis fans can tune in without paying a penny thanks to Channel 9 and 9Gem, which are FREE to watch. 

That means you can also fire up a Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream on the 9Now streaming service, which is completely free to use too, and compatible with most smart devices.

If you're currently out of Australia but want a slice of that free coverage, you'll need to get yourself a VPN as per the instructions above.

How to live stream Tsitsipas vs Medvedev from outside your country

For broadcast and streaming details in more tennis-mad countries like the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand, just scroll down the page - everything you need to know is there, including estimated start times and broadcast details.

But if you try to watch your domestic coverage from anywhere outside your home country, you'll soon find a problem - geo-blocking. That's where the broadcaster prevents you from watching your usual feed from abroad. It's a common problem for sports fans all over the world. 

By downloading and installing a VPN, you can effectively trick your computer into thinking that it's back at home.

Use a VPN to watch Tsitsipas vs Medvedev from anywhere

ExpressVPN - get the world's best VPN
We've put all the major VPNs through their paces and we rate ExpressVPN as our top pick, thanks to its speed, ease of use and strong security features. It's also compatible with just about any streaming device out there, including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as Android and Apple mobiles.

Sign up for an annual plan now and get an extra 3 months absolutely FREE. And if you change your mind within the first 30 days, let them know and they'll give you your money back without a quibble.

- Try ExpressVPN 100% risk-free for 30 days

Once you have it, you simply need to turn your VPN on, select a server in a country that's showing the game and go to the relevant streaming service's site or app - easy!

US: Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream

Tennis fans based in the US have a late night ahead, as the estimated start time for Tsitsipas vs Medvedev is 3.30am ET / 12.30am PT on Thursday night/Friday morning. 

ESPN Plus is the best place to watch Tsitsipas vs Medvedev in the US.

ESPN+ only costs $6.99 per month and allows you to watch online as well as via its suite of apps for mobile, tablet, laptop and most other smart devices. It's $69.99 for 12 months if you're happy to commit for the year.

Your other option is to get ESPN+ as part of the Disney Bundle which includes Disney+ and Hulu too. The Disney bundle is only $13.99 per month.

More ways to live stream Australian Open 2022

The Australian Open is also being televised by ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN3, but the coverage is less comprehensive and it's hard to tell which matches will be featured ahead of time. 

You can use cable-cutting services Sling TV or FuboTV to access the ESPN TV channels. Both offer free trials.

CAN: Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream

Those timings also apply in Canada, where tennis fans may have a late night in store. Tsitsipas vs Medvedev is expected to start at around 3.30am ET / 12.30am PT on Thursday night / Friday morning. 

In Canada, you can watch Tsitsipas vs Medvedev on TSN for English-language coverage, and RDS for French-language coverage. 

If you get them as part of your cable deal, then you'll just be able to log in with the details of your provider and get access to an Australian Open live stream. 

If you don't have cable, then you can subscribe to TSN or RDS on a streaming-only basis from CA$7.99 a day or (much better value) $19.99 a month.

If you decide to subscribe or already have, remember you can take your favorite sports streaming service with you wherever you go - just try our No. 1 overall rated VPN 100% risk-free for 30-days and follow the instructions above.

UK: Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream

For tennis fans in the UK, the estimated start time for Tsitsipas vs Medvedev is 8.30am GMT on Friday morning. 

Tsitsipas vs Medvedev is being shown on streaming service Discovery+, which you can subscribe to for £6.99 per month or £59.99 per year. Better still, there's a 7-day FREE trial for new users.

The platform is brimming with live sports, including big events like the Winter Olympics, snooker and Formula E, and lots of niche and extreme stuff too, such as snowboarding, swimming, and canoeing.

If you’re out of the UK but still want to tune in, make sure you install a VPN so you can continue accessing UK streaming services from anywhere.

NZ: Tsitsipas vs Medvedev live stream

Live Aussie Open coverage in New Zealand comes courtesy of Sky Sport, which is available as part of a range of pay TV packages. 

The estimated start time for Tsitsipas vs Medvedev is 9.30pm NZDT on Friday evening.

Sky Sport subscribers can watch online using the country's Sky Go service, while cord-cutters and anyone else can try the Sky Sport Now streaming-only platform - where a weekly pass costs $19.99, and a monthly pass costs $39.99 after a 7-day free trial.

Anyone in New Zealand from abroad or vice-versa can use the VPN route outlined earlier to access their preferred coverage just like they would at home.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3AF5NBV

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3432HMa

From the comic brains behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street comes this highly entertaining murder mystery whose comedy cast will tickle your funny bone…to death!  It looks like a lot of fun, and we explain below how to watch The Afterparty online with a subscription to Apple TV Plus.

Watch The Afterparty online

Premiere date: Friday, January 28

New episodes: every Friday at 12am midnight PT / 3am ET / 8am BST

Cast: Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Dave Franco, Ben Schwartz, Zoë Chao, Ilana Glazer, Jamie Demetriou, Ike Barinholtz.

Watch now: stream The Afterparty on Apple TV Plus for $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$7.99 per month.

The 8-part series kicks off when obnoxious megastar Xavier (Dave Franco) plummets to his death from his clifftop mansion while hosting an epic high school reunion. Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) arrives to question the guests - all of whom recall events leading up to the murder in uniquely varied ways.

As each episode explores a different character’s perspective, it accords with a genre that reflects their personality. Chelsea (Broad City’s Ilana Glazer) remembers the evening in the fashion of a paranoid thriller. Brett (Blockers’ star Barinholtz) sees himself as the kick-ass hero of his own action movie, while musical theatre lover Yasper (Ben Schwartz) repeatedly bursts into song and dance.

It’s an electric lineup that guarantees lots of laughs, in addition to clever twists and action-packed thrills. So, keep reading below as we break down how to watch The Afterparty online and stream all 8-episodes when you subscribe to Apple TV Plus.

• Also on Apple TV Plus: watch The Shrink Next Door

---

How to watch The Afterparty online from anywhere

The first three episodes of this highly anticipated whodunit become available worldwide on Apple TV Plus from Friday, January 28. There are 8 episodes in total, with the remaining 5 arriving on the platform weekly at around 12am PT / 3am ET every Friday.

Offering a raft of exclusive movies, documentaries and kids shows, with most offered in glorious 4K and HDR, the service will currently set you back $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$7.99 per month, making the Apple TV Plus cost incredibly affordable. Better still, you'll be able to benefit from a 7-day Apple TV Plus free trial if you're new to the service.

Where is Apple TV Plus available?

Now available in over 100 countries, including the United States, the UK, mainland Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India, Apple TV Plus is the iPhone maker's very own exclusive streaming service.

You can sign up and watch Apple TV Plus content through Apple’s TV app, which, somewhat unsurprisingly, is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac computers, some supported third-party smart TVs from Samsung, LG and Sony, in addition to Roku and Fire TV devices, plus PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles.

Alternatively, you could also watch Apple TV Plus on a browser like Google Chrome.

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

What else should I know about Apple TV Plus?

While Apple's answer to Netflix has a comparatively tiny library of films and shows to get stuck into – just over 100 and counting – what's available is top-notch, well-produced fare with little in the way of filler.

The Morning Show was the calling card for Apple TV Plus at launch, costing $15 million per episode. It was complemented by the epic sci-fi drama See starring Jason Momoa, space drama For All Mankind, and period comedy Dickinson.

Of course, the service's breakout hit has been the Jason Sudeikis comedy Ted Lasso, following the titular American football coach hired to manage a Premier League football team. It's earned an army of fans and a impressive amount of awards attention, netting 20 Primetime Emmy nominations in 2021 – a record for a freshman series. 

The small but great library is set to grow at a steady pace. Apple TV Plus looks to have a pretty strong-looking upcoming schedule of new exclusive content.

Dystopian thriller TV series Severance, starring Community's Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette, will offer a darkly comic twist on achieving work-life balance when it arrives on the platform on February 18, while on March 11 Samuel L. Jackson takes the lead in The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, playing the dementia-addled Ptolemy whose young caregiver discovers a potential treatment to recover his memories.

And finally, due to be released "sometime in 2022" is Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon , which promises a 'large-scale Western' featuring Hollywood big guns Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

Read more:

• How to get Apple TV Plus on Roku
• Read our Apple TV Plus review
• Want something else to watch? Why not try out HBO Max

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3432HMa

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3u20YS7

There wasn’t much about the Samsung Galaxy S22 range that we didn’t have a good idea about at this point, and now there’s even less, as a huge leak has revealed just about every detail of these phones.

Coming from WinFuture, this covers a whole lot of ground that we already know, but it fills in some gaps too, and generally reiterates a lot of rumors, further suggesting that they’re accurate.

So then, all three phones apparently use a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the US and an Exynos 2200 in Europe. They’re also all said to run Android 12, have 120Hz refresh rates, use tough Gorilla Glass Victus to protect their screens, and to be IP68 certified for water and dust resistance.

As for what differs, the standard Samsung Galaxy S22 apparently has a 6.1-inch 1080 x 2340 AMOLED screen with a brightness of up to 1500 nits, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus supposedly ups the size to 6.6 inches and the brightness to 1750 nits. From there, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra ups the size to 6.8 inches and the resolution to 1440 x 3080.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is also said to be the only one of the three with a curved screen, and its refresh rate can apparently drop as low as 1Hz, while the other two have a minimum of 10Hz.

All three phones apparently have at least 8GB of RAM and a choice of 128GB or 256GB of storage, but the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is said to additionally have configurations with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

As for the battery, there’s apparently a 3,700mAh one in the Samsung Galaxy S22, a 4,500mAh one in the Galaxy S22 Plus, and a 5,000mAh one in the S22 Ultra. Colors for the two cheaper models are said to include black, white, pink gold and green, while for the Ultra the choice is apparently between black, white, burgundy and green.

Image 1 of 3

The Samsung Galaxy S22 (Image credit: WinFuture)

Image 2 of 3

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus (Image credit: WinFuture)

Image 3 of 3

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (Image credit: WinFuture)

On to the camera, and the setup is identical across the Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy S22 Plus, with both phones apparently having a 50MP f/1.8 main snapper, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide one (with a 120-degree field of view), and a 10MP telephoto one with 3x optical zoom. Around the front there’s supposedly a 10MP f/2.2 camera.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra on the other hand is listed as having the same ultra-wide but a 108MP f/1.8 main camera, a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto (with 3x optical zoom), and a 10MP f/4.9 telephoto (with 10x optical zoom), along with a 40MP f/2.2 camera on the front.

Dimensions and weight apparently come in at 146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and 167g for the Galaxy S22, 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.64mm and 195g for the S22 Plus, and 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm and 227g for the S22 Ultra.

We also have pricing in euros here, but it lines up with an earlier leak, with the Samsung Galaxy S22 apparently starting at €849, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus at €1,049, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra at €1,249.

We haven’t included conversions here as those are the same European starting prices as the Samsung Galaxy S21 range, meaning the prices elsewhere will probably be much the same too.

For reference, that means around $799 / £769 / AU$1,249 for the S22, $999 / £949 / AU$1,549 for the S22 Plus, and $1,199 / £1,149 / AU$1,849 for the S22 Ultra. Though the Galaxy S21 Ultra came with more RAM for that price than you’re apparently getting here, at 12GB rather than 8GB.

Finally, this source also includes supposedly official images, some of which you can see above. These entirely line up with what we’ve seen before, complete with an S Pen stylus for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

We’d still take all of this with a pinch of salt, but with most of these details having now leaked repeatedly they’re likely accurate.

---

Analysis: a big February 9 event with nothing to reveal

Samsung has confirmed that it’s holding a big launch event on February 9 where we’re fully expecting to see the Samsung Galaxy S22 range, yet as you’ve probably gathered by now it’s unlikely to include much that we haven’t seen or heard already.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 range is also expected to be announced here, but that’s been leaked almost as extensively, so again, surprises will probably be minimal.

Still, at least we’ll be one step closer to actually having these devices in our hands and being able to really put them to the test.

• These are the best Samsung phones

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3u20YS7

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/35imUxQ

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3G7g0YW

Opera has announced that the gaming variant of its web browser, Opera GX, will also be available to download directly from the Epic Games Store, from today (January 27).

You can download the browser through this link, with this being the first web browser that's available to download on Epic's storefront.

Opera GX is similar to how the regular Opera browser works, but with exclusive features that are tailored to gamers. GX Control can limit the amount of RAM that the browser can use, alongside similar features for Wi-FI or CPU speeds.

Downloading the web browser from Epic Games will be useful if you have a PC that's just for gaming and nothing else, but it also raises the question of whether other gaming browsers are coming to help fill this need as well.

---

Analysis: it was always heading to this

Having Opera GX and your previously-purchased games, ready to download in one will be a great help for many, especially if you have had to wipe your Gaming PC, and you want to quickly re-download what you had installed before.

It was inevitable that we'd eventually see Opera's gaming browser on a gaming storefront, and it could lead to features from Epic appearing on Opera GX in time, such as downloading games or chatting to your friends through an Epic Games messenger client.

Annette de Freitas, Head of Business Development at Opera Gaming, explained, "At Opera, our mission is to create superior products that people choose to use and install." Freitas continues. "This mission has led to the development of Opera GX, the browser of choice for gamers, who decide to make it default for its superior features, look and feel. Opera GX is the perfect fit for the Epic Games Store because of this shared passion to create choice and enable a community of gamers."

(Image credit: Opera)

There's the possibility that other vendors in this space, such as Apple, Mozilla, and Microsoft may be looking into a gaming variant of Safari, Firefox, and Edge, but we suspect this is a space that Opera will have on its own for the foreseeable.

When you factor in the other apps that are built into Opera GX such as Twitch and Discord, alongside being able to sync up your RGB to the web browser, it makes sense in the grand scheme of your gaming.

You may feel as though other web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Firefox will do the job for browsing sites and downloading files.

But if you either have a hard drive partition that's focused solely on gaming, or a Gaming PC, it makes sense to have a web browser that tries to solve the same need.

• Our pick of the best web browsers for 2022

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/35imUxQ

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 is the next affordable OnePlus phone that we're expecting to see, and if leaks are right this successor to the OnePlus Nord CE could land as soon as February 11.

We have a good idea of what to expect from it too, with specs and renders all having leaked as well, and you'll find all of that below.

One thing we're slightly less clear on is the name, as while the latest leaks refer to this phone as the OnePlus Nord CE 2, earlier ones call it the OnePlus Nord 2 CE.

Whatever it lands as though, you'll find everything there is to know about this phone below, and as soon as we hear more we'll update this article, so check back soon if you want to stay in the loop.

• Best OnePlus phones of 2022: these are the top new and older OnePlus handsets

Cut to the chase 

• What is it? The successor to the OnePlus Nord CE
• When is it out? Possibly February 11
• How much will it cost? Possibly around £275 / $375 / AU$520

OnePlus Nord CE 2 release date and price 

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 could land on February 11. This date comes from leaker Max Jambor, and it lines up with previous leaks, as we'd already heard that it would apparently land in the first few months of 2022. The source of that claim followed it up by saying that the Nord CE 2 wouldn't land before February.

The phone has also been spotted on India’s BIS certification platform, which is something that typically happens quite close to launch.

However, while it's reportedly landing in the UK and India, it probably won't hit the US according to current reports, but that's no surprise as the original OnePlus Nord CE didn't either. Australia isn't on the cards either, as OnePlus doesn't have a presence there.

As for price, the only leak there points to it ranging between Rs 24,000 and Rs 28,000 in India. That converts to between £235 / $320 / AU$445 and £275 / $375 / AU$520. However, even if this leak is accurate conversions won't be, and again we're not expecting to actually see the Nord CE 2 in the US or Australia.

For reference, the original OnePlus Nord CE started at £299 / Rs 24,999 (around $420, AU$550), so we might see a similar price again.

OnePlus Nord CE 2 design and display

Thanks to leaks and rumors, we have a fair bit of information about the OnePlus Nord CE 2. The phone - which is apparently codenamed 'Ivan' -  will supposedly have a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Though we've only heard this from one source so far, so we'd take it with a pinch of salt.

We've also seen unofficial renders showing the possible design, which you can see one of below. These include a flat display with slim bezels, a punch-hole camera in the top left corner, and a triple-lens camera on the back.

You can also make out a 3.5mm headphone port in some of the images, but there's no visible fingerprint scanner, suggesting it's probably built into the screen. The phone is shown in grey, but other colors are likely to be offered too.

(Image credit: Yogesh Brar / 91Mobiles)

There's no alert slider here, and the source additionally claims that the back is glass while the frame is plastic.

OnePlus Nord CE 2 specs and features

Leaker Yogesh Brar has shared various possible OnePlus Nord CE 2 specs, including that it apparently has 5G, a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, between 6GB and 12GB of RAM, a choice of 128GB or 256GB of storage, stereo speakers, and that it will run OxygenOS 12 overlaid on top of Android 12.

Interestingly, the phone will also supposedly have a microSD card slot, which isn't something the company has offered on other recent handsets.

The camera meanwhile apparently includes a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide snapper, and a 2MP macro one, while around the front there's said to be a 16MP camera.

Finally, they claim that the OnePlus Nord CE 2 has a 4,500mAh battery with 65W charging. While there aren't any red flags here, since this all comes from just one source we'd take it with a pinch of salt.

That said, a second source has at least suggested the phone will have a triple-lens camera, with the image in the tweet below matching the design seen in the render above.

pic.twitter.com/BfPk6fjK4QJanuary 25, 2022

See more

What we want to see 

Below we've listed three things that we really want from the OnePlus Nord CE 2, to make it the best budget OnePlus possible.

1. A slick, bug-free user experience

With the Nord CE 2, we want the slick software experience that OnePlus devices from the past have been known for, but the company has struggled a bit with software updates recently.

As a result of bugs, it had to pause the rollout of OxygenOS 12 to its flagship devices, so we hope that the version of the software found on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 is bug free, and that any software updates are too.

2. Better camera performance

The OnePlus Nord CE doesn't have great cameras (Image credit: Truls Steinung)

The first-gen Nord CE had quite a few issues including an average camera, and it didn’t even have IP certification to protect the phone from dust and water. However, these are among the top features that many users want in their phones.

Some phones in a similar price range have got excellent camera performance, and this is what we hope for from the Nord CE 2 as well.

3. An affordable price

Last but not the least, many affordable phones still have fairly high-end builds, but with the original Nord CE, OnePlus cut corners with the materials used.

We’d love to see an all-glass premium-looking OnePlus Nord CE 2 at an affordable price, and it could be the perfect device to remind users of the truly affordable flagships that OnePlus used to offer.

• Check out the 10 best upcoming phones

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3G7g0YW

BT is hiring more than 600 graduates and apprentices as part of its intake this September and is recruiting for roles across all divisions.

There are positions available in engineering, customer service, applied research and cybersecurity, and will help the telco develop its services for consumers and businesses, and expand its 5G network around the UK.

The company says it is one of the largest employers of apprentices in the private sector, recruiting more than 2,000 people to its schemes in the past three years. At any one time, there are around 4,000 BT staff working towards their qualifications.

BT Birmingham

The roles are spread out across several locations, including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee, Glasgow, Ipswich, London and Manchester, in line with BT’s transformation programme. The firm is establishing regional ‘state of the art’ hubs across the UK, believing that this will allow it to get closer to customers and respond to their needs more rapidly.

Where appropriate, the company will adopt ‘smart working’ practices where individuals choose how they spend their time between home and work.

Read More

> BT to create 1,000 jobs at new Birmingham hub

> BT opens new London HQ in Aldgate

> BT is planning mid-contract price rises to target inflation

“BT is at the heart of the UK’s digital economy and as one of the largest employers of graduates and apprentices in the UK, we offer unparalleled development opportunities,” declared Debbie White, Chief Human Resources Officer, BT Group.

“Despite the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to recruit and attract brilliant people into our business. The combination of our hybrid working approach and our state-of-the-art offices makes BT a great place for new joiners to learn new skills and capabilities, collaborate with colleagues and bring innovative thinking to drive growth across our business and deliver for all of our customers. It’s a very exciting time to join BT.”

In addition to its 5G rollout, BT is also working to bring full fibre to 25 million homes and businesses by 2026.

• If you're thinking of changing provider then here are the best broadband deals around today

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3AA0YtL

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3AA0YtL

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3rlXkj4

The global Redmi Note 11 launch is taking place today. You can follow along with our live blog here for all the latest information ahead of, during, and after the 4am PT / 7am ET / 12pm GMT / 10.30pm ACT event.

The Redmi Note 11, a new generation of affordable Xiaomi phones which debuted in China in October 2021, is getting a global launch at the end of January. The company has confirmed this, and now January 26 is circled in our calendar.

The Redmi devices aren't the big flashy mobiles Xiaomi is known for - the Xiaomi 12 is the latest premium mobile that's taking the world by storm at the moment - but the devices are affordable and dependable handsets that are incredibly popular thanks to their large screens and often-impressive specs.

In China, the Redmi Note 11 launched alongside a Pro and Pro Plus model, each with better features than the last.

When they launch, the Redmi Note 11 phones could continue that trend, as they have some impressive aspects like their big batteries, fast charging and high-res cameras.

It's not definite that they will come out worldwide, but if they do, here's what you can expect from them.

Release date and price

(Image credit: Redmi Note 11)

After being launched in China in October 2021 and India in November that year (as the Note 11T), the Redmi Note 11 series is launching globally on January 26, so it won't be long until we see the devices elsewhere.

We wouldn't expect the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus to launch globally though - this kind of top-top phone doesn't always see the light of day in other regions. The India launch didn't bring an equivalent, for example.

So how much could the Redmi phones cost? Well, we can look at older models for an idea. The Redmi Note 10 5G cost $250 / £209 (around AU$380) for its 128GB model (it actually had a 64GB version too, but the Note 11 doesn't, so it's not a good point of comparison).

The cost of the Redmi Note 10 Pro meanwhile was $299 / £269 (roughly AU$390) for 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, so we could see the Note 11 Pro go for around this much.

Design and display

(Image credit: Redmi )

If the Redmi Note 11 has one weak point, it could be the display: it's a 6.6-inch LCD screen with a 1080 x 2400 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The LCD tech and relatively low refresh rate compared to lots of contemporaries, could put potential buyers off the phone.

That's not the case with the Note 11 Pro and Pro Plus though with their 6.67-inch, Super AMOLED displays, which have the same resolution as the Note 11 but 120Hz refresh rates. They also support HDR10 and have a high max brightness of 1200 nits, so in almost all regards, the screens look better than the one on the standard device.

Aside from the displays, the three Redmi Note 11 phones look near-identical. They have an interesting design change from previous Redmi phones in that the edges are completely flat, like on recent iPhones but unlike most other smartphones on the market.

The design similarities are most noticeable on the camera bump, as all three devices have the same-looking module with one large and three small lenses - while the standard Note 11 actually only has two smaller lenses, you wouldn't be able to tell to look at it, with a dark spot that looks like a lens from a distance.

All the phones are IP53 rated against dust and moisture, and they all have a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for unlocking the device.

The Redmi Note 11 comes in black, blue or green, and while the Pro and Pro Plus also get a purple option, the top-end model doesn't come in blue.

Cameras and battery life

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

In what is quickly becoming a theme for the Redmi Note 11 family, the base device offers quite a different package compared to the Pro and Pro Plus models, and that's the case with the cameras as well as the display.

The Redmi Note 11 has a 50MP main camera joined by an 8MP ultra-wide, and that's it - there are only two rear cameras. While that might not seem like a lot, Redmi phones (and other budget mobiles for that matter) often get lumped with 2MP depth-sensing or macro snappers that don't do much, so we don't imagine the Note 11 will present a camera downgrade over its predecessors despite having fewer lenses.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro and Pro Plus get better snappers though, with a 108MP main camera joined by the same 8MP ultra-wide, and also a 2MP telemacro camera. That lens is slightly different to a typical macro one, and we saw it used in a few 2021 Xiaomi phones, though it was previously paired with a 5MP sensor.

This lens is great at taking close-up pictures of small objects, like plants or tiny items of food.

All three phones have a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies, which is housed in a 'punch-hole' cut-out at the center-top of the display.

Now onto the batteries, and this is one of the few instances where the Pro and Pro Plus have different specs.

The standard Redmi Note 11 has a big 5,000mAh power pack, but it only charges at 33W, which is a little slow compared to competing budget phones and the other Note 11s.

The Note 11 Pro gets an even larger 5,160mAh battery, which is one of the biggest we've seen in a Redmi phone, and its powering speed is pretty nifty too at 67W. But the real charging beast is the Note 11 Pro Plus, with 120W powering, and Xiaomi says this will power the battery in just 15 minutes.

The downside? The battery is smaller as a result, at just 4,500mAh, so it likely won't last quite as long as the Note 11 Pro.

Performance, specs and software

(Image credit: Redmi)

All three Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 phones use chipsets from MediaTek, not Qualcomm - the latter company is the biggest processor maker for smartphones, and previous Redmi devices have used its tech, but not the new ones.

The Note 11 uses the Dimensity 810, while the Note 11 Pro and Pro Plus use the Dimensity 920 - they're all mid-rangers, and while we've not tested the 810, we've used the 920.

In our experience, it was totally fit for purpose, though not quite the most powerful chip in the whole wide world. Saying that, these are budget phones, so middling processing power is still great, though we'll have to test them out to be sure.

In China, each phone has 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage (the Note 11 also has a 4GB of RAM option, but only with 128GB of storage). Redmi doesn't always offer exactly the same configurations between regions though, so we'll wait to see what models launch in different regions.

When the Redmi Note 11 family debuted in China, they used Android 11, as the newer Android 12 wasn't really being used at that point. In 2022, we've seen a fair few mobiles launch with the newest build of Google's operating system, so when they get global launches it's possible they'll get it too.

They'll also have MIUI laid over the top - that's Xiaomi's Android fork, and we've previously liked the wide range of customization features it offers, but found it a little buggy too.

At the Redmi Note 11 launch, the brand made a point to highlight that the speakers were tuned by audio brand Harman Kardon, which should make audio sound great played out loud. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack if you prefer your music played through wired headphones, and of course Bluetooth is a feature for people who want to use wireless cans.

• What are Xiaomi phones? Our guide

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3rlXkj4

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3rRvATB

So the Redmi Note 11 global launch is finally here: after launches in China and India last year, Xiaomi’s new cheap phones are finally getting unveiled for other regions in the world.

Xiaomi has made a surprisingly big song and dance about its new mobiles, more so than it has done for previous generations of Redmi handsets, with more teases and hints than we’re used to seeing. 

So we’re expecting big things from these new Xiaomi phones, especially given how our Redmi Note 10 Pro review is one of the most positive reviews we’ve given to a budget phone.

The Redmi Note 11 launch kicks off at 4am PT / 7am ET / 12pm GMT / 10.30pm ACT, so it’s only at a reasonable time in the UK out of those regions, but since Xiaomi doesn’t sell its phones in the US we don’t recommend waking early to see phones you won’t even be able to buy.

You can easily watch the Xiaomi phone launch from loads of social media platforms, most easily via Twitter broadcast here.

On this page, we’ll be live blogging our thoughts and analysis before, during and after the mobile launch, so keep a tab open with this page so you can keep checking back to see what’s new or important over the course of the day.

Make sure to watch #RedmiNote11Series global launch at 20:00 (GMT+8) on January 26th!Let's #RiseToTheChallenge together! https://t.co/zNiVMHZBWIJanuary 21, 2022

See more

• These are the best Xiaomi phones so far

Welcome to our Redmi Note 11 live blog - if this is the only post you can see, it's because we've only just kicked off this page. Stay tuned for more very soon.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3rRvATB

via TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/32wRL8W

If you’re in the mood for a staycation but want something a little bit different, we’ve discovered something that might take the cake for a one-of-a-kind hotel stay. Rove Hotels in Dubai has created a unique gaming hotel room in two of its properties – Downtown Dubai and at Dubai Parks and Resorts. For anyone who wants to enjoy the creature comforts of a hotel mixed in with all-night gaming, this is the room to go for.

The room is styled with neon light fixtures and some gaming decals on the walls, to make it as gamer-friendly as possible. There’s a double bed for relaxing back on in front of the TV, and you can easily connect your laptop to the TV with a handy HDMI port that’s by the bed – perfect for binging Netflix or YouTube, or even wirelessly casting from your Android phone.

(Image credit: Rove Hotel)

Of course, the thing that will attract the most attention sits patiently in the corner – a full PC gaming setup that is guaranteed to give you some serious envy. Decked out in a range of Razer accessories (including the chair), you’re bound to spend as much time as possible on this heavy-duty gaming setup than actually sleeping.

Powering it all is a beast of a PC, equipped with an Intel Core i7-11700K CPU, 16GB RAM, Windows 10 Pro, EVGA Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU, Asus Z590P Prime Motherboard, Samsung 980 Pro SSD 256GB, and a 2TB HDD filled with games. You’ve also got a whole host of Razer accessories and peripherals, including Razer Huntsman V2 Analog gaming keyboard, Razer Viper 8KHz gaming mouse + full desk mousepad, BlackShark V2 headset, Razer Seiren Mini streaming microphone, Kiyo Pro camera, and a Razer gaming chair. Rounding it all off are two AOC 27″ displays with 144Hz refresh rate, which are perfect for gaming on.

The inclusion of the microphone and camera means that you can actually log on to your own Twitch or other stream service account and stream directly from the gaming room, uninterrupted. There sadly isn’t a ring light to make your camera image better, and we would have certainly liked to see an Elgato Stream Deck included to make it easier to change scenes and trigger effects. But even if you’re not streaming at all and just playing with friends, this PC can handle anything you throw at it.

Sadly, for non-PC players there’s not much love here. While there is a PS5 in the lobby that you can park yourself in front of for a while, there are no consoles available to rent in the room, unless of course you bring your own. So if you’re a PC gamer looking for some quiet time to yourself to play games in peace, then this is exactly the hotel room you should be checking in to.

Room rates start from AED 550 for Rove Downtown and AED 349 for Rove At The Park – details at rovehotels.com

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/32wRL8W

The Google Pixel 6a is now expected to be landing in May 2022 (that's according to a leak a few days ago) and another report shares with us some of the specs we can expect on the upcoming smartphone.

According to leaker @Shadow_Leak on Twitter, the Google Pixel 6a's specs will include a 6.2-inch 60Hz display, a Google Tensor chipset and 30W fast charging.

Take all of this information with a pinch of salt as we've yet to see this source predict any smartphone related leaks, but @Shadow_Leak did previous provide accurate information on the Microsft Surface Pro 8 ahead of its reveal.

The leak says we'll see a 4,800mAh battery in the smartphone, 128GB of storage, the choice of either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and Android 12 software.

It also says we'll see two rear cameras with a 12.2MP IMX363 main camera and a 12MP IMX386 ultra-wide angle, while the front will see an 8MP IMX355 selfie camera. We've heard very similar to that before in a leak from other sources.

The below tweet shows you the full details from the source, but note that the poster used a follow-up tweet to correct themselves that it's a 6.2-inch 60Hz display rather than 120Hz.

Google Pixel 6a Scheduled for Q2 2022.Specs-6.2" 120Hz OLED Straight Display-Tensor GS101 Chipset Same as 6/6Pro-6GB/8GB RAM-128GB Storage-4800mAh + 30W Charging-12.2MP(IMX363)+12MP(IMX386) Ultra Wide Angle Rear Camera-8MP(IMX355) Selfie-Android 12-8.7mm ThickJanuary 23, 2022

See more

---

Analysis: The internal changes matter here

The Google Pixel 5a had limited availability (it was just in the US and Japan), so there's likely a lot of appetite around the globe for a cheaper Pixel handset. That's especially true when the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are among the most expensive phones right now.

If you own a Pixel 5a, these changes will sound slim, with a similar spec list to what we saw on 2021's device. The biggest changes are likely to be internal, and that's because Google is reportedly using its new Tensor chip.

If this leak - and others - prove to be accurate, the Pixel 6a will be running the same chipset as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. That was the company's big change for the Pixel 6 series, so it makes sense it wants to bring it to its whole range.

That said, we've often seen far less powerful processors included in the cheaper Pixel series. This will mark the first time we've seen the same chipset in the flagship and the cheaper alternative.

• Everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 6a

Via NotebookCheck

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/345y2hd

The Batman was almost as long as Zack Snyder's Justice League, according to a new report regarding the movie's runtime.

Per The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision newsletter, audiences may have had to sit through another lengthy DCEU film, with The Batman originally clocking in at a whopping four hours.

According to THR, Warner Bros. held test screenings to gauge viewers' opinions on a rough cut of the superhero flick and the movie's runtime. Last week, however, we reported that The Batman's final cut weighed in at two hours 55 minutes. Clearly, then, audiences (and potentially Warner Bros' executives) felt that a four-hour Batman film was too long.

If The Batman had retained its initial four-hour runtime, it would have joined Zack Snyder's Justice League – aka The Snyder Cut – in being one of the longest superhero movies of all time. The Snyder Cut clocked in at four hours and two minutes upon release in March 2021, so The Batman wouldn't have been far behind.

Regardless, we don't have much longer to wait for The Batman to finally land in theaters. The next DCEU movie will be released exclusively in cinemas on March 4.

---

Analysis: could we get a director's cut of The Batman?

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Studios)

Unsurprisingly, THR's report raises questions about the possibility of The Batman receiving a director's cut – The Reeves Cut, if you will, given that The Batman's director is Matt Reeves.

Batman, DC Comics and general movie fans would surely be interested in seeing the content that was removed from The Batman's final cut. After all, The Batman is one of the most eagerly anticipated movies of 2022. If it's as good as we hope it'll be, then, we'd certainly like to immerse ourselves in an extra hour's worth of its story.

If film aficionados want Warner Bros. to release The Reeves Cut, it wouldn't be the first time that this has happened. The Snyder Cut is the obvious example – its release only coming after a fervent, four-year fan campaign following the poor reception that the 2017 theatrical cut received.

DC fans have also called on Warner Bros. to release The Ayer Cut – director David Ayer's original vision for his 2016 Suicide Squad movie. In July 2021, Ayer officially distanced himself from Suicide Squad's theatrical cut. And, despite the attempts of Ayers and fans to persuade Warner Bros. to release The Ayer Cut, the studio has confirmed it won't do so.

So, could The Reeves Cut be released? It's very unlikely. Movie studios regularly conduct test screenings of their upcoming films to determine how audiences react to their character arcs, story threads, visuals (if they're completed) and more. The Batman's rough four-hour cut, then, is likely to have been used as a barometer to see what resonated with fans from a narrative perspective. Scenes that didn't get a good reaction would probably have been removed from the film's final cut.

In short: don't expect The Reeves Cut to be released in theaters. Sure, deleted scenes are sure to be included on the movie's Blu-ray and DVD versions when they're eventually released, but you can file The Reeves Cut's release under 'won't happen'.

• The Flash: everything we know so far

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3nVfKpT

Amazon has slashed 30% off the price of the iRobot Roomba J7+ robot vacuum, reducing it from $849.00 to just $599.00 – a record-low for the robovac, which is self-emptying. (Not in the US? Scroll down for the best robot vacuum deals in your region.) 

The best robot vacuums let you outsource the chore of floor cleaning completely, allowing you to put your feet up. However, they can be a costly purchase, so a good robot vacuum deal is always welcome. 

The iRobot Roomba J7+ is the brand’s latest robot vacuum and uses artificial intelligence to detect and identify obstacles, such as a charging cable left on the floor or a sock that’s escaped on its journey from the laundry basket to the washing machine. The robot vacuum will navigate around these obstacles to ensure your floors are still vacuumed and the obstacle doesn’t end up tangled in the brush roller.

 Today's best Roomba robot vacuum deals in the US 

iRobot Roomba J7+ robot vacuum: $849.00 $599.99 at Amazon
Save $250 - Amazon has knocked 30% off the cost of this Roomba robot vacuum cleaner, which can map your home and lets you specify which rooms you want cleaned, and when. This is a new record-low price for the Roomba J7+ beating even the prices we saw on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, we don’t know how long the discount will last, so you’ll want to move fast to be sure of snapping up this robot vacuum deal. 

iRobot Roomba J7 robot vacuum: $649.99 $399.99 at Amazon
Save $250 - You can also save 39% on the cost of the standard version of the Roomba J7. This model doesn’t come with the self-emptying base station, so you will need to empty its dust canister yourself. However, just like the J7+, this is a record-low price for iRobot’s latest robot vacuum and we don’t know how long the deal will last, so don’t hesitate in snapping it up.  

The iRobot Roomba J7+ is the brand’s mid-range robot vacuum, which sits below the iRobot Roomba S9+. While it doesn’t offer the same level of suction power as its older sibling, it’s the smartest robovac the brand has produced to date. The Roomba J7 uses your phone’s location to identify when you’ve gone out, and only then starts cleaning, so it won’t interrupt you while you’re at home.  

The robot vacuum will return to its charging base when the battery needs topping up and is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can use your voice to control it as well as the app on your smartphone. 

More robot vacuum deals

 You can see all of today’s best robot vacuum deals in your region below 

• Love a curry and stew? Then check out the best Instant Pot deals available right now 

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3FT1cgA