Hacked home cams used to livestream police raids in swatting attacks

The FBI issues an alert saying offenders have sometimes spoken to police via breached smart devices.

New FAA Rules Clear Delivery Drones for Takeoff

Final rules governing unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, have been released by the Federal Aviation Administration. The move is expected to open the door for delivery of consumer packages by air. The rules establish minimum standards for safety so drones can fly over populated areas and at night under certain conditions.

Study Finds Best US Mobile Internet Connectivity in Northeast

Eight of the top 10 states for mobile Internet coverage are in the Northeast, according to an analysis released by consumer product and services comparison website WhistleOut. However, the best mobile Internet coverage isn't in a state at all -- but in the District of Columbia. To rank the states, 75 percent of the score was based on median mobile download speeds and 25 percent by 5G coverage.

Mobile roaming: What will happen to charges after Brexit?

Will Britons be able to use their mobile phones in Europe after Brexit transition, without paying extra?

Put Your Gift Cards to Use With These After-Christmas Sales

Got some new cash to spend? Some of our favorite gadgets and gizmos we've tested and recommend are still discounted.

Extreme E: Lewis Hamilton helping make racing environmentally friendly

Lewis Hamilton isn't just the world's most successful F1 driver, he's also a key backer of a new off-road electric vehicle racing series called Extreme E.

SolarWinds: Hacked firm issues urgent security fix

Flaws in its Orion software left companies such as Deloitte and Intel exposed to cyber-attacks.

Report of 2024 Apple Car Sparks Mixed Reactions

Since 2014, when Apple first set out to design its own vehicle, the company has engaged in automotive research and development collectively under the name "Project Titan." A report that Apple now is readying its own self-driving car for release in 2024 is being met with a healthy dose of skepticism by some analysts.

5 Ways to Monitor Your Blood Pressure Wherever You Are

These portable devices can send results to your phone—and help you keep track of your health.

Super Last-Minute Gift Ideas—and Excuses—for Procrastinators

If your Christmas tree is missing a present, or you can't celebrate IRL, these gifts will keep you on the nice list.

'Yes, people have Zoom fatigue but it's not our fault'

Zoom director Aparna Bawa says video conferencing can tire people out, but her firm isn't to blame.

15 Gifts for PlayStation Lovers

Or for yourself, because we all deserve a little treat.

Robot Lawyer Faces Legal Troubles of Its Own

An Illinois consumer says that on Sept. 26 he received a number of text messages on his cellphone from a company named DoNotPay, Inc., attempting to solicit his business. The messages allegedly urged him to sign up for the DoNotPay app, a service chatbot that its maker bills as "The World's First Robot Lawyer."

US cyber-attack: US energy department confirms it was hit by Sunburst hack

The department is responsible for managing nuclear weapons, but said their security was not affected.

How to Pick the Right Roku for Your TV

The company has a dizzying array of streaming sticks, boxes, TVs, and speakers to choose from, but don’t worry—these are the ones to buy.

14 Excellent Gifts for Xbox Gamers

Whether your giftee has the Series X, S, or Xbox One, here are a few extras they might like.

Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Issue Safe Gaming Manifesto

The Big Three makers of video gaming hardware have announced a united front to make online gaming safe for all their players. "We can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal, and so we will each continue investing in, evolving, and amplifying our approaches to user safety," stated Dave McCarthy, Microsoft's corporate vice president for Xbox operations.

Breathe Easy—We Found the Best Air Purifiers

We tested standard and HEPA models to find the right one for your home.

The 14 Best Google Assistant Speakers for Your Home

From smart displays to portable boomboxes, Google's smart voice assistant comes in all shapes and sizes. Here are our favorites.

Subway customers receive 'malware' emails

UK consumers say they are receiving fraudulent emails, apparently from the sandwich chain's brand.

Keanu Reaves on Cyberpunk 2077 and 2021 optimism

The actor tells BBC Sounds podcast Press X To Continue about his role in Cyberpunk 2077.

Media and tech firms join forces to tackle harmful Covid vaccine myths

A coalition of news and tech companies join forces to tackle harmful Covid vaccine misinformation.

Contact-Tracing Apps Flop in the US

Americans seem to have little interest in using contact-tracing applications used to identify people who have come into contact with a person infected with COVID-19. Adoption rates in areas using an app based on technology introduced by Google and Apple six months ago are higher, but even in the most successful of those states -- Connecticut -- only about 20 percent of residents have chosen to activate the software.

Get a Better Picture With Our Favorite Webcams

Videoconferencing cameras have been in high demand since the pandemic began. We’ve narrowed down our favorites.

Among Us: What makes this online game so popular?

The online multiplayer game has seen downloads soar in the last few months, BBC Click finds out more.

14 Boozy Gift Ideas for the Amateur Bartender

From growlers to glassware, these are our favorite picks for beer, wine, or cocktail connoisseurs.

13 Piping-Hot Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers

We all know someone who puts a little too much time into their morning brew. Here's how to shop for them.

Spoil Your Cat Over the Holidays With Our Favorite Gear

Between litter boxes, beds, scratchers, and trees, cats require a lot of supplies. These are our favorites.

Facebook's Digital Currency Renamed Diem

Libra, the digital currency announced by Facebook last year, is getting a new name. Libra will now be Diem. The new name will reenforce the currency project's independence, according to a statement released by the Libra Association, which is also changing its name. From now on it will be the Diem Association.

Double Your Laptop’s Screen Size With a Portable Monitor

The Vissles-M is an excellent and easy-to-use touchscreen monitor that sits next to your computer, embiggening your WFH workspace.

Tech Gift Ideas to Help Tackle Your Holiday Shopping List

Today is Cyber Monday, which doesn't mean as much this year because the related sales have been going on for much of November as retailers try to bring in every available dollar they can. This week, let's look at some of the best deals or products that stand out as game changers in their segment.

These Are the Very Best Laptop Deals for Cyber Monday

We scoured the web to find the best deals on notebooks, Chromebooks, external monitors, and more.

The Absolute Best Black Friday Deals Online This Weekend

Stay at home! Here are the very best discounts we’ve found in every category and at all the major retailers.

Manchester United will not say if they have received ransom demands over cyber attack

Manchester United will not say if they have received ransom demands over the cyber attack on the club last week that forced them to shut down their systems.

The Absolute Best Black Friday Deals Online

Stay at home this weekend! Here are the very best discounts we’ve found in every category and at all the major retailers.

Cho Ju-bin: 40 years jail for South Korean chatroom sex abuse group leader

South Korean Cho Ju-bin ran a group which blackmailed girls into sharing sexual videos.

Phone addiction not driven by notifications, study finds

Users check their phones automatically, like a smoker would light a cigarette, research suggests.

Snap's Spotlight Ups Ante on TikTok With $1M Daily Fund for Top Videos

Spotlight, a new short video service launched by Snap on Monday, is set to take on the leaders in the space. Moreover, it has pledged to prime the creative engines of Snapchatters making videos by divvying up a daily pool of US$1 million for the day's best content. Many Snapchatters will earn each day, and those who create the top Snaps will earn the most for their creativity.

The Best Hybrid Mid-Range SUV Might Surprise You

When we decided on a plug-in hybrid, after a lot of research it narrowed down to three with the right balance of performance and efficiency. Those were the Audi Q5 e, the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid, and the Volvo XC60 Recharge. Let's walk through what we ended up with, and why, because it wasn't at all what we expected.

iPhone 12, Pixel 5 and Mate 40 Pro cameras put to the test

BBC Click puts four of the latest phones - including the iPhone 12 and Pixel 5 - to the test.

Trump Twitter ‘hack’: Dutch police question researcher

A security researcher claims he accessed Donald Trump's Twitter account by guessing his password.

Student Inventor Wins Prize for Breast Cancer Screening Device

A 23-year-old biomedical engineering student is one of two first-place winners in the 2020 James Dyson Award. Her invention aims to help women around the world afford the cost of early testing for breast cancer. Judit Giró Benet captured the $35,000 cash prize for developing The Blue Box, an at-home reusable breast cancer screening device. Her mother's diagnosis of breast cancer inspired Benet to find an affordable and effective screening mechanism.

ComparetheMarket fined £17.9m over competition law breach

Contracts meant getting the best home insurance deals was not as "simples" as its adverts suggest.

New Internet Protocol Aims to Give Users Control of Their Digital Identities

The @ Company wants to give you a more secure and human-centric Internet built on providing you with true ownership and control of your personal data. To that end, the company has launched an app built on its new privacy protocol. This new standard will attempt to change how online vendors and companies wheel and deal with the personal information of billions of Internet users.

Apple's New MacBook Air With M1 Is a Huge Leap Forward

Ditching Intel has removed the shackles from the $999 laptop, unleashing a force to be reckoned with.

Apple's M1 ARM Pivot: A Step Into the Reality Distortion Field

Last week Apple announced a partial pivot away from x86 to ARM with one of those claims so outrageous it could have only come from Apple. The company claimed its new ARM-based PCs would outperform 98 percent of those already in the market. No proof points, no material examples, no listed benchmarks. Just "trust us," this processor optimized for smartphones is magically better than processors designed to run PCs.

I Bricked My Computer With a BIOS Update. But There's Hope!

My slip-up could have meant the end of my PC. I managed to squirrel my way out of trouble, but the real lesson here is: Don't be me.

Desperate Gamers Camp Out in the Pandemic for $700 GPUs

Months after the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080's launch, the lines at brick-and-mortar stores across the country can still wrap around the block.

Robot mimics human eye contact and other tech news

BBC Click’s Omar Mehtab looks at some of the best technology news stories.

Apple Takes Chipset Matters Into Its Own Hands

Apple pulled the wraps off its first computer models based on its new Apple Silicon chip at an online event aired Tuesday. The Mac Air, Mac Mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro are all being refreshed with the company's new ARM-based M1 chip. The move is the beginning of a transition, expected to take two years, away from Intel chips and to Apple Silicon. ARM processors, which are primarily used in mobile devices, are known for prolonging battery life.

Social Media Upstart Parler Tops App Store Charts

A social media platform that bills itself as a "non-biased, free speech" alternative to outfits like Twitter and Facebook has seen a surge in interest in its mobile app over the last week that culminated Sunday in it becoming the top free app at the Apple App Store. According to Fox Business, the Parler app has been downloaded 310,000 times in the last week alone.

China's Singles Day: 3m people, 4,000 planes and cargo ships

The world's biggest 24-hour online shopping event requires a monumental effort to deliver all the goods.

Apple puts iPhone supplier on probation for labour violations

Students on a work-study programme at Pegatron were made to work overtime and night shifts, Apple says.

China sends 'world's first 6G' test satellite into orbit

The satellite is meant to trial new technology expected to be many times faster than 5G.

PS5 v Xbox Series X: Who will win the next-gen console race?

Newsbeat's gaming reporter Steffan Powell previews the upcoming new gaming consoles.

The Pros and Cons of Dedicated Internet Access

Although DIA can have a steep price tag and some installation complexity, most companies will opt for a dedicated connection at offices or data centers with mission-critical operations. Let's explore the benefits of a DIA circuit, as well as some potential considerations and drawbacks, to help determine if dedicated Internet is something your business should consider.

WhatsApp lets messages vanish after seven days

The disappearing messages option will erase chats from phone of both sender and recipient.

Jack Ma's Ant Group: World's biggest market debut suspended

The mega listing of China's Ant Group suspended in Shanghai and Hong Kong at eleventh hour.

Twitter hides Trump mail voting tweet ahead of polling day

Hours before polls open, Twitter hides president's tweet on mail-in voting and Supreme Court.

6 Great Couches You Can Buy Online—and 1 to Avoid (2020)

These are the best sofa's we've tested at WIRED (so far). If being cooped up has made you rethink your furniture, these might help refresh your space.

How I talk to the victims of conspiracy theories

The BBC's specialist disinformation reporter explains how to help people who've fallen down the rabbit hole.

How social media is preparing for US election chaos

Social media companies are making plans in case of unrest after election day.

Getting too many texts? Blame the election

Every election campaign uses more sophisticated tech, but the text message still cuts through.

Zoom Beefs Up User Security With End-To-End Encryption

Zoom gave its users a big security upgrade Monday when it rolled out end-to-end encryption for its online meetings network. E2EE puts control of the keys for scrambling data in the hands of meeting organizers. Before the E2EE rollout, encryption was done on Zoom's servers, where someone with access to those servers could intercept the data. When used correctly, E2EE can make it difficult for even the best-resourced intelligence agencies to eavesdrop on communication.

The Backbone One Takes iPhone Gaming to New Levels

This iPhone controller and its app are so immersive and well designed, I forgot I was playing on my phone.

The Chromecast With Google TV Is a Welcome Streaming Upgrade

The newest Chromecast comes with a remote and has Google TV built in—which makes it way easier to navigate a sea of streaming apps.

The 15 Best Wireless Headphones for Everyone

These cans and earbuds sound like a million bucks, even if you're on a budget.

The iPhone 12 Finally Gets Magnets Right

Motorola’s Moto Mods failed to pull off a long-lasting smartphone trend. But Apple’s MagSafe series looks like it might actually stick.

How the Google Antitrust Case Trickles Down Onto Your Phone

This week, we examine the possible implications of the US government’s complaint against Google, and how it could impact consumer technology.

Fabric responds to temperature changes and other news

BBC Click’s Jen Copestake looks at some of the best technology news stories of the week.

Former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive to revamp Airbnb

The British designer, who led the team behind the iPhone, will help give the brand a makeover.

Snapchat hits nearly 250m daily users

The 'forgotten social network' sees shares surge after its latest user numbers.

3 Great Gaming Chairs for Any Budget (2020)

With high backrests and generous adjustability, these thrones ease the physical strain of epic Doom Eternal sessions while also improving your WFH setup.

12 Best Wireless Earbuds WIRED Has Tried (2020)

Wirefree earbuds, true wireless earbuds, fully wireless earbuds, completely wireless earbuds—no matter what you call them, if you’re ready to cut the cord between your ears, these are the best buds we've tested.

How smart devices are exploited for domestic abuse

Two women explain how their partners turned internet-connected gadgets into a means of control.

Twitter changes policy after Biden article block

Twitter said links to content containing hacked material would now be labelled, rather than removed.

Next-Gen Gaming Is an Environmental Nightmare

Console waste plus energy-hungry cloud gaming equals the worst of both worlds for sustainability.

The Big Tech Regulation Rigamarole

The Big Tech companies have arguably done what they want over the years, arousing consumer anger and distrust, and numerous complaints by privacy and consumer rights groups. That includes cocking a snook at governments. While all of the Big Tech firms have been hit with multimillion-dollar fines at one time or another, many argue that's a drop in the bucket for companies that rake in billions of dollars annually.

Do Everything Faster With These Keyboard Tricks

Wanna see me cut and paste a large block of text without formatting? Wanna see me do it again?

Microsoft Squelches Trickbot Ransomware Network

An outlaw online network that's been used to infect millions of computers with ransomware has been disrupted by Microsoft. The company announced Monday that, together with telecommunications providers around the world, it was able to cut off the infrastructure used by the Trickbot botnet so it could no longer be used to initiate new infections or activate ransomware already planted on computer systems.

The 7 Best Turntables for Your Vinyl Collection (2020)

Looking for fresh indoor hobbies? Why not start a record collection? Here are our favorite entry-level turntables to help you enjoy analog audio at home.

Virtual puppets promise glitch-free video calls

Nvidia says its AI-powered method can facilitate video calls on very slow internet connections.

Robots Are Stringing Together These Adidas Running Shoes

The brand’s new Strung technology uses a robot to place thousands of individual threads across a sneaker’s upper.

US Army trials augmented reality goggles for dogs

The goggles could let handlers direct their dogs from a safe distance, the army says.

Drones for Hire Take to the Sky

Drones are now commonly used for aerial photography and videography, to cover live events, deliver small items, and to survey dangerous places and situations. While some companies maintain their own drone force, others prefer to outsource their use of drones to service providers that deal with the regulatory and legal issues that crop up with the commercial use of UAVs.

GlaxoSmithKline tells staff to turn off Covid app at work

The company tells BBC News the app is not needed because its workplaces are Covid-secure.

HP Takes Us One Step Closer to a Virtual Tomorrow

We're moving at an impressive rate to create virtual worlds, but we have missed several critical elements. Now HP has taken a considerable step to usher us to a future where we really can mostly exist in a virtual, rather than real, office environment; and not only get more done, but be safer as well.

The Best Menstrual Products (2020): Period Underwear, Cups, Pads, Etc

If you’re spending more time at home, here are some budget- and eco-friendly products—like a cup, period underwear, or reusable pads—to explore.

The Best Roller Skates (2020): Helmets, Protection, and More

Recently jumped on the skating craze? If you're confused about what gear to get, our recommendations on skaters, helmets, and more can help.

Lumen Metabolism Tracker Review

Breathe into it and the Lumen will tell you how well you're burning fat, and how to eat healthier.

Controversial Plan Urges DoD to Recruit Tech Pros to WFH

The United States Defense Innovation Board has recommended that the Pentagon hire civilians to work from home who can handle classified information as a way of attracting people with technology expertise. The individuals sought "will have technical degrees and/or highly specialized skills in digital technologies and innovation needed across the U.S. Department of Defense," which is undergoing digital transformation.

Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G: Price, Specs, Release Date

Unlike competitors' more experimental phones, Google's new flagship doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles—but it's more affordable than its predecessor. It's joined by an even cheaper Pixel 4A 5G.

Facebook Merges DMs for Instagram and Messenger

A new update allows for cross-platform messaging for the first time within the Facebook family of apps.

Nokia clinches 5G deal with BT to replace Huawei in EE network

The Finnish firm will become the largest provider of base stations and antennas to EE's network.

Police told not to download NHS Covid-19 app

National Police Chiefs Council says officers should not install contact-tracing app on work phones.

The Best Smart Light Bulbs (2020): Ambient Lighting, Kits, Color, and More

They're the easiest way to start building a smarter home. From Ikea and Philips Hue kits to ambient lighting, here are our favorites.

The 9 Best Travel Bags: Carry-On Luggage, Duffel, Budget (2020)

A rolling carry-on is perfect for more than just flying. Whether going by air, road, or rail, here is our favorite luggage.

Cybersecurity Conundrum: Who's Responsible for Securing IoT Networks?

Surely spurred by the work-from-home necessities of 2020, people have connected a multitude of non-business devices to their corporate networks, making it progressively difficult to implement cybersecurity because every device is a potential weak point. So, who will ultimately be responsible for cybersecurity of an IoT network?

NHS Covid-19 app: How England and Wales' contact-tracing service works

The app will tell you to self-isolate or be tested or warn of an elevated local risk level.

Nvidia + Arm Will Dramatically Change the Technology Landscape

Nvidia last week announced they are buying Arm, which will result in some exciting changes. This merger will open up opportunities for the company to create new, innovative, and compelling products across the technology ecosystem. Let's talk about that this week, and we'll close with my product of the week -- a new business class notebook from HP, the EliteBook 840 G7.

The tech putting the beef into Australian cattle farming

Why Australia's huge farms are increasingly relying on technology to monitor their livestock.

The 6 Best Laptop Stands (2020): Adjustable, Portable, and More

Help your back and posture by raising your computer screen up to eye level.

The 5 Best Cheap Phone Plans (2020): Alternatives to the Big Carriers

If you’re a Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T subscriber, these networks may save you a lot of money each month.

The Nintendo 3DS' Surprisingly Social Legacy

Nintendo just discontinued the iconic portable game console, but the real 3DS was the friends we made along the way.

How to Break Out of Your Social Media Echo Chamber

Platforms like Facebook are designed to profit from humans' confirmation bias. Here's how to restore balance to your feed.

Tech Job Market Hot for the Near Future

Computer systems design and related services added 13,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's August jobs report. IT employment in July was up by more than 203,000 positions since the COVID-19 outbreak; and there were more than 235,000 job postings by U.S. employers, according to the Computing Technology Industry Association.

‘You get fully submerged’ - Taser training in VR

The virtual worlds helping to train and sharpen the skills of a UK police force.

Microsoft Surface Duo: Rethinking the Smartphone

For many of us a phone should predominantly be a way to communicate and aid productivity, as opposed to being a device of distractions. Though we communicate far differently these days, and the apps we use to communicate seem to prefer larger screens. This brings us to Microsoft's Surface Duo, which has twin screens and is very different from the foldable phones with which it will compete.

A passenger drone hotel and other technology news

BBC Click's Jen Copestake looks at some of the best technology news stories.

France gives online firms one hour to pull 'terrorist' content

Websites will have just one hour to pull content reported by police, or face huge fines.

Coronavirus: Tesla stand-off eases as officials reach deal

The boss of the electric carmaker had defied shutdown orders to reopen the firm's factory.

Coronavirus: Musk defies orders and reopens Tesla's California plant

The boss of the electric carmaker said he would be on the assembly line with other Tesla workers.

Apps and sites to help cope with the stress of lockdown

BBC Click finds the mental health sites and wellness apps which may help during the pandemic.

8 Best Keyboards for Gaming (And a Little Work, Too)

Whether you're looking to boost your productivity or battle royale stats, these are the best mechanical keyboards for the job.

10 Best Wireless Earbuds WIRED Has Tried (True Wireless)

True wireless earbuds, fully wireless earbuds, completely wireless earbuds—No matter what you call them, if you’re ready to cut the cord between your ears, these are the best buds WIRED has tested.

Coronavirus: 'Plandemic' virus conspiracy video spreads across social media

A slickly-produced "documentary" has exploded across social media, pedalling medical misinformation.

Oculus Quest Production Stymied by Pandemic

The next generation of Oculus Quest virtual reality headsets is in the works, but pandemic-related product development and supply chain problems may delay market arrival. Oculus reportedly has multiple potential Quest successors on the drawing board. Smaller, lighter versions with a faster image refresh rate for more realistic rendering are in the advanced testing stage, but Facebook may have to wait until 2021 to start shipping them because of COVID-19. The models being tested reportedly are 10-15 percent smaller and weigh about a pound.

Best Amazon Devices Deals (May 2020): Kindles, Fire Tablets, Echo Speakers

It's a good time to buy if you're in the market for a new Kindle, Fire Tablet, or Alexa-powered Echo Speaker.

YouTube signs exclusive deal with PewDiPie

The popular video maker has been at the centre of controversy over anti-Semitic posts he made in the past.

Coronavirus: Far-right spreads Covid-19 'infodemic' on Facebook

An investigation details how extremists are trying to exploit the pandemic via the social network.

Love Bug's creator tracked down to repair shop in Manila

Two decades after the world's first major computer virus, an author finds the perpetrator in Manila.

Apple Considers a Face ID Workaround for Users Wearing Masks

Your iPhone can’t read your face if half of it is covered. While the new iOS 13.5 update won't fix that, it's likely to make logging in less of a nuisance.

How to Fix Your Phone or Tablet's Broken Screen

Cracked or broken mobile device screens can be costly to fix, but a few inexpensive do-it-yourself strategies can eliminate a repair shop visit and salvage your tablet or phone. It is relatively easy and cheap to replace the glass on a phone once you get the hang of it. Tablets are a bit more involved because of the larger size and added components. Tools might require an additional monetary outlay. It is first things first when it comes to fixing cracks on a smartphone's screen. Often, the actual screen is not cracked at all.

Extreme E teams will have one woman and one man driving

Extreme E teams will field one female and one male driver during races when the new climate aware racing series begins in 2021.

Ad Makers Use Deepfakes to 'Refresh' Old Content

With measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 putting a chokehold on their filming capabilities, advertising agencies are enhancing old content with new tech, including deepfakes. Deepfakes typically blend one person's likeness, or parts thereof, with the image of another person. For example, a recent commercial for State Farm insurance blended the mouth of 2020 ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne over the image of 1998 Mayne to make it appear as if the younger Mayne was predicting events in 2020.

HP's COVID-19 Response: There Should Be an Award for This

Some of the troubling reports of corporate responses to COVID-19 include forced work in unsafe areas, not enough -- or any -- protection gear, massive layoffs and furloughs, and the sense that a critical mass of well-paid CEOs and politicians don't get that many people live paycheck to paycheck. There are exceptions though. HP stands out for moving aggressively to protect not only its employees' lives but also their quality of life. HP generally knew what was going on when the virus outbreak was just starting.

9 Best Running Socks (2020): Compression, Moisture-Wicking, and More

Leave the cotton behind in favor of technical fabrics and constructions that help you pile on the miles.

16 Best Couch Co-Op Games (2020): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch

These are some of the best local cooperative multiplayer games for 2 - 4 players—split screen fun for every gaming system.

The Best iPhone SE Deals (2020): And Should You Buy It?

The cheapest iPhone is back and just as powerful as its much pricier siblings. Here's where you can score great discounts on it.

Coronavirus: People-tracking wristbands tested to enforce lockdown

Several nations are testing people-tracking wristbands to make sure citizens stay at home.

How to Grieve and Support Others During a Pandemic

What can you do for a friend when you can't give them a hug? We talked to some experts to find out.

Facebook Gaming Powers Ahead With Live Streaming

Facebook has launched a free standalone app for creating and watching live video game play on Android devices. Some 700 million users already engage in gaming on the platform, but with its dedicated app Facebook is locking horns with the leaders in the market -- Amazon, Google and Microsoft. "Live streaming was a growth opportunity before the pandemic came along, and it's going to be a growth opportunity long after the pandemic has passed," observed Michael Goodman, director for digital media at Strategy Analytics.

Cosmos: Possible Worlds Fires Up Hopes and Dreams

Humans may be wanderers by nature, but in the year 2020, with planet Earth overrun by a pandemic, most human activity has come to a shocking halt. Perhaps one of the best things for a wandering race stuck at home is an opportunity to look outward -- to thought-travel into the boundless universe and dream of possibilities so grand and sweeping that they boomerang back from the far reaches of time and space to shower our poor struggling planet with hope. That's the experience Cosmos: Possible Worlds offers.

Why You Should Buy a Cheap Gaming Mouse

Using a mouse or a trackpad for a long period of time is going to give you carpal tunnel or mouse shoulder. Why not invest in gamer-approved peripherals?

Coronavirus lockdown: Laptops offered for online school lessons at home

Pupils studying at home will have online lessons and disadvantaged teenagers can borrow computers.

Coronavirus: AI steps up in battle against Covid-19

How machine learning is crunching data to search for drugs that could alleviate or cure Covid-19.

Coronavirus: German and Australian tracing apps 'ready in weeks'

Italy, Germany and Australia all announce progress on their tracing apps for the population.

Apple Offers 'Good Enough' iPhone SE at Attractive Price

Apple has introduced the second-gen iPhone SE, based on its A13 Bionic processor. The phone has the best single-camera system in an iPhone, according to the company. "I'd pay attention to the cameras," said Ramon Llamas, research director at IDC. "Apple insists that its iPhones have best-in-class cameras, and at the price points that the SE is shooting for, I'd be curious about the comparisons you could make." The device is offered in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions. Pricing begins at $399.

Burger King 'plant-based' Whopper tweets banned

Ads suggested the burger, which is cooked alongside meat, is suitable for vegans, the watchdog says.

Coronavirus: 20 suspected phone mast attacks over Easter

Industry body says conspiracy theories linking 5G to the pandemic are baseless and risking lives.

Coronavirus: UK confirms plan for its own contact tracing app

App will send yellow and red alerts to those who have come into contact with a suspected carrier.

Coronavirus: Churches live-stream to reach worshipers

With mass gatherings banned, some churches are providing online services to reach people.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake: 'This is not just for the players of the original'

The original 1997 game sold more than 12 million copies and a 2020 remake has just been released.

From the Moon to the Earth: Changing Perspectives

On July 20, 1969, Commander Neil Armstrong descended from the lunar module to become the first human to ever step on the surface of the Moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," he famously said. More than 50 years later, the next Moon landings are being prepared with the goal of landing the first woman on the Moon by 2024. This shows that we are still eager to explore the unknown and grasp the mysteries of the vast, wonderful universe. However, space exploration also puts the value of planet Earth in perspective.

Disney Plus racks up 50m subscribers in five months

Disney's new video streaming service almost doubles its subscription base during coronavirus lockdowns.

Steam Remote Play Together: Setup Guide and Best Games to Try

Steam lets you run local multiplayer videogames over the internet, allowing you to play with friends even when they’re not next to you.

Coronavirus: 'Reading about virus online makes me anxious'

Parents are urged to consider their children's mental health as they are kept indoors.

Airbnb hosts defy lockdown laws with 'Covid-19 retreats'

Government criticises "dangerous and irresponsible" listings of coronavirus isolation properties.

7 Best Pizza Ovens (2020): Outdoor, Indoor, Gas, and Wood

You want pizza? After months of testing, we picked our favorite portable pizza ovens for backyards, countertops, or camping.

Coronavirus: 'Not smart' memo shows Amazon's union stance

The firm's lawyer says his comments were personal, spoken out of emotional frustration.

11 Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online (2020): Memory Foam, Hybrid, and More

We tried dozens of bed-in-a-box mattresses. These are the best (and worst) we found.

Apple Buys Dark Sky in an Android Worst-Case Scenario

The best, most beautiful weather app is about to be an iOS exclusive.

Coronavirus: Zoom under increased scrutiny as popularity soars

The New York attorney general has written to the videoconferencing company about its security measures.

Living in the COVID-19 World: TV Hosts Struggle at Home

Being stuck at home gives us all way too much time to think, and many of us are burning through online content very rapidly. One of the things that's become painfully apparent is that TV shows that used to have live audiences -- like The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight -- have become almost unwatchable. In the context of the COVID-19 virus and our sudden need to view events remotely, coming up with ways to make audiences feel engaged has never been more critical. With today's technology, why not create virtual audiences?

Coronavirus: Mercedes F1 to make breathing aid

Thousands of the devices, which deliver oxygen to the lungs without needing a ventilator, could be made.

Upright Go 2 Review: A Posture Trainer That Works

Maybe a tiny vibrating device can remind you to sit up straight once and for all.

Coronavirus lockdown: Clubbers go online for music

With the coronavirus lockdown bringing normal nightlife to an end, some enterprising DJs are going online.

How to Get Your Data-Cap Fees Waived During the Pandemic

Verizon and AT&T will drop mobile data overage charges for customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus. 

Coronavirus: Tracking app aims for one million downloads

Experts warn people to be careful about other apps that claim to do the same.

Coronavirus: Millions yet to receive UK government's Covid-19 text

Vodafone has yet to deliver all the text messages urging the public to stay indoors when possible.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Thoughts From the Stay-at-Home Front

Steps can be taken to mitigate the threat of spreading the coronavirus to folks who are sheltering at home. For example, in many cases delivery drivers don't seem to have any protection, and if it's necessary to sign for something, customers are expected to touch a stylus or a screen that has been used by others. Drivers should be practicing social distancing, setting down packages at least six feet away instead of handing them to customers. Despite precautions, it's likely that someone in any given "isolated" home has or will get the virus.

UK coronavirus app 'must respect privacy rights'

Health chiefs are asked to be more open about plans for an app to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Step-by-step guide: How to video call your family

This guide will show you how to make and receive video calls on a variety of devices.

Coronavirus: The school of Mum and Dad

There are plenty of online resources to help children keep learning while schools are closed.

Loss Prevention 101: Future-Proofing Your Network Begins With Resilience

Critical server outages cost businesses an average of $300,000 hourly, with many cases exceeding $5 million. As network demands increase and maximum uptime becomes a necessity, it is crucial to implement the proper processes and systems to ensure organizations constantly are able to mitigate the threat of outages. A host of factors can cause network or system downtime, from ISP carrier problems to power cuts and simple human errors. Additionally, network infrastructures are becoming more complicated.

Crowdsourcing App Takes Aim at COVID-19

Researchers into the COVID-19 virus have a new source of distributed computing power: crowdsourcing. Usually crowdsourcing involves information or opinion gathering, but in this case it involves computing power. By installing the Folding@home software program, anyone with a computer, gaming console, or even some phones and compute cycles to spare can contribute to the work of coronavirus researchers around the world. Folding@home is a distributed computing project from Stanford University's Pande Lab.

Apple iPad Pro and MacBook Air (2020): Specs, Features, Price

A new iPad Pro is in town as well as a refreshed MacBook Air. There's Lidar tech, better keyboards, and perhaps most importantly, a trackpad.

Carphone Warehouse to close all standalone stores at cost of 2,900 jobs

The move, which is not related to the coronavirus outbreak, will lead to 531 shops being shut.

Coronavirus: PM urges industry to help make NHS ventilators

Boris Johnson is to ask engineering firms to shift production lines to build the life-saving equipment.

Apple's WWDC annual showcase cancelled in favour of online event

The Worldwide Developers Conference is often where new hardware and software products are announced.

Game-playing robot admits mistakes, plus other news

BBC Click’s Kitty Knowles looks at some of the best technology news stories of the week.

How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

No Purell? No problem! When disinfecting gel sells out everywhere, you can just make some yourself with stuff you (maybe) already have at home.

Google tells staff to work home due to coronavirus

Parent company Alphabet is the latest tech firm to make such a move as the outbreak spreads in the US.

Coronavirus: UK tactics defended as cases expected to rise

England's deputy chief medical officer says a "balanced response" could see further measures follow.

The 6 Best Projectors (2020): BenQ, Epson, Vava, and More

A tiny portable presenter or a theater-quality behemoth? You'll always have a great movie night with any of our picks.

The app keeping Friday night dinners alive

Millennials have been called 'the loneliest generation' - but one app is trying to tackle that problem for young Jews.

Cupcakes, creams and cocktails: Have we reached 'peak pod'?

Everything from cakes to face cream is available in single-use pods. Have we reached peak pod?

New TCL Foldable Phone Concepts Are Weird but Exciting

The zany designs might not make it to market, but the company is determined to launch an affordable foldable soon.

Rave: Screw Kleenex. You Should Be Carrying a Handkerchief

Disposable tissues aren't sustainable, comfortable, or as versatile as their handkerchief counterparts.

Money for iPhone Users, Cell Service From Space, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

Apple Might Owe You $25 for Slowing Down Your iPhone

Cupertino insists it did nothing wrong when it throttled aging handsets. But the decision will cost Apple hundreds of millions in payouts.

Bike Friday Haul-A-Day Review: A Lightweight, Affordable Ride

This slim, small cargo bike is a great pick for families on a budget.

Online Altruists Are Making Reddit More Accessible

To help Redditors with visual impairments, volunteers are writing elaborate transcriptions of memes and images across the site. 

Could deepfakes be used to train office workers?

A consultancy that makes business training videos is advertising for a "deepfake expert".

Best Pet Camera (2020): Petcube, Furbo, and More

These cameras let you check up on your dog or cat—and feed them treats—over the internet.

Toy Fair 2020 Madness: Mega-Pikachu, Beanie Baby Fashion, and More

We had so much fun at Toy Fair 2020 this past weekend, we had to show you some more photos of the zany scene.

Etika mural becomes Pokemon Go spot in tribute to YouTuber

A New York City mural to deceased YouTuber Etika becomes a point of interest in video game Pokemon Go.

Xbox Series X Details: Features, Processor, and More

Microsoft shed a little light on its next-generation console, including the ability to suspend and quickly resume multiple games at once. 

Wales considers online GCSE exams

The new head of Wales' exam watchdog believes "significantly more" tests could be sat online.

How lake gases are powering homes in Rwanda

Methane is being extracted from Lake Kivu in Rwanda to generate electricity.

The Best Snow Gear (2020): Ski Jackets, Goggles, and More

From snowboard bindings to the best balaclava we've ever tested, here is our favorite ski and snowboard equipment.

Robots gain lessons in hot dogs and other tech news

BBC Click’s Paul Carter looks at some of the best technology news stories of the week.

Extortion Artists Prey on AdSense Users

A new extortion scheme targets users of Google's AdSense program. The scam threatens to flood a website with bogus traffic until Google suspends the site's AdSense account, unless the owner pays $5,000 in bitcoin to stop the attack, security blogger Brian Krebs reported. The grifters appear to be exploiting a click-fraud crackdown Google launched last summer. The case sounds like a classic threat of sabotage, where an actor attempts to trigger an enforcement action against a publisher by sending invalid traffic to their inventory, Google said.

Facebook expresses 'deep concern' after Singapore orders page block

Facebook said it was "legally compelled" to block access to a page under new "fake news" laws.

Why your new work colleague could be a robot

Better sight, better hands and more intelligence are allowing robots to take on more and more jobs.

HQ Trivia: Quiz app ends with drunken broadcast after 'running out of money'

A buyout collapsed, leading to the app closing and a presenter paying for final game's $5 prize.

Why the world needs 'Instagrans'

A new generation of influencers are making their mark on social media.

ACLU Blasts Clearview's Facial Recognition Accuracy Claims

The American Civil Liberties Union has leveled criticisms against facial recognition tool developer Clearview for making misleading claims about the accuracy of its product. Clearview apparently has been telling law enforcement agencies that its technology underwent accuracy testing modeled on the ACLU's 2018 test of Amazon's Rekognition facial recognition tool. For that test, the ACLU simulated the way law enforcement used it in the field, matching photos of all 535 members of the U.S. Congress against its database.

Consumer contract changes 'could save customers money'

Internet, pay-TV and phone customers will now be offered the best deals when their contracts end.

Samsung Scores With 5G Galaxy S20's Camera Specs, New Z Flip

Samsung refreshed its Galaxy smartphone line, introduced a new foldable phone, and upgraded its wireless earbuds offering at its Unpacked event in San Francisco. Its three new flagship phones are all 5G ready. The S20 is priced at $999, while the S20 Plus will sell for $1,199, and the S20 Ultra for $1,399. The S20 is smallest of the trio, with a 6.2-inch display. The Plus' display is 6.7 inches and the Ultra's is 6.9 inches. All the units have three cameras -- wide angle, ultrawide and telephoto -- and the Plus and Ultra have a fourth for AR.

Razr Reviews Raise $1500 Durability Question

Motorola's new foldable Razr phone has been garnering mediocre notices from early reviewers, who tended to find its performance underwhelming for a phone priced at $1,500. Still, it does have personality, which can go a long way in the smartphone market, noted Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research. "We've reached an era where phones are incredibly personal. That's why I think you're going to find a bunch of people who like the Razr. It's radically different from all the other phones that are out there."

Turn Your Ikea Frekvens Gear Into a Boombox—or a Chicken

The new collection, a collaboration with Teenage Engineering, has its own set of 3D-printable accessories.

Nebia by Moen Review: A Showerhead That Made Me Really Cold

Not even a luxury, high-tech showerhead can make me turn on the mist setting in the middle of winter.

'You're a good dog': Robo-pup helps people with dementia

The robot is used as part of a live animal therapy treatment to help encourage emotional attachment.

Portl's 'holoportation booth' lets users beam-in live and life-sized

The projection display is able to show pre-recorded video or live images broadcast from another location.

Americans Are Split On Online Dating—but Swipe More Than Ever

A new survey backs assumptions with data: Like IRL romance, finding a match on the web is a mixed bag. And yes, women get lots of unwanted dick pics.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Maps, AI, Ads, and Ambient Navigation

On Google Maps' 15th anniversary, the CEO underscores the importance of machine learning, while downplaying Google's dominance in advertising.

Watch Trump Give the 2020 State of the Union

President Trump will deliver his third address before Congress Tuesday, on the eve of the Senate's scheduled vote on impeachment.

Petrol and diesel car sales ban brought forward to 2035

The government plans to bring changes forward by five years to help the UK reach climate targets.

NFL: How tablets are speeding up American football

Insiders say the tempo of games has become faster and there is more emphasis on player skill.

5 Best Password Managers of 2020: 1Password, Bitwarden, and More

Keep your logins under lock and key. We picked our favorites for PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and web browser.

Tech's Role in Addressing Coronavirus and Other Potential Pandemics

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus a global health emergency in recognition that the disease risk no longer is confined to China. United Nations member countries may decide to close their borders, cancel flights, implement special screenings at airports, or take other steps in response to the notice. U.S. health officials earlier this week announced they would fast-track work on a coronavirus vaccine, with the goal to have an early-stage trial within three months. That timeline is considered optimistic.

Censorship claims emerge as TikTok gets political in India

A TikTok influencer says his videos on Hindu-Muslim unity have triggered censorship on the app.

DoubleTake App Turns Your iPhone Into a Multi-Cam Studio

A new iPhone app allows you to capture two high-quality video streams simultaneously from any of the mobile device's cameras. Called "DoubleTake," the free software is produced by FiLMiC, which also makes a pro style video capture and editing app for the iPhone. With DoubleTake, you can shoot two 1080p video streams at the same time, in either landscape or portrait mode, using any of the cameras in an iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, Xs Max, Xs or Xr. To make choosing a camera easier, the app contains a camera picker view.

10 Best Android Phones You Can Buy (New, Unlocked, Cheap)

Wonder what the absolute best Android phone is right now? We have the answer, and some alternatives from Google, OnePlus, Samsung, LG, Moto, and more.

Is Icahn Attempting a Hostile Takeover of HP? Figuring Out the Backstory

When it comes to any merger, you often can't trust the reason the firms are merging, particularly if financial rather than operational managers are driving the process. When it comes to hostile takeovers, you can bet you are being misled, because the rhetoric will address synergy and the power of the two firms together, but the folks driving the effort know the more likely goal is to destroy the acquired company. Carl Icahn, who is one of the most feared corporate raiders in the world -- possibly the most feared -- is behind this one.

Houdini Power Air Houdi Review: An Environmentally-Friendly Hoodie

This hoodie, which sheds much fewer microplastic fibers, makes me feel bad about wearing any other hoodie.

The Best Running Gear (2020): Shoes, Clothes, Accessories

Whether you’re running in warm weather or in the rain, we have the gear for you, including shoes, socks, and more.

Saudi Hack of Bezos' Phone Shines Bright Light on Security Challenges

A digital forensic analysis conducted by business advisory firm FTI Consulting concludes with "medium to high confidence" that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' smartphone was hacked through a malicious file sent from the WhatsApp account of Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. The malware was in an MP4 file attached to a WhatsApp message. UN special rapporteurs released technical elements of the report. "It makes you wonder how many other U.S. citizens are being spied on," said tech analyst Rob Enderle.

Grabbing the Cybersecurity and Privacy Problems by the Horns: ECT News Roundtable, Episode 3

Cybersecurity and privacy threats aren't confined to the tech world. They've cast their pall on the world in general. Computer viruses, malware and data leaks have become commonplace, personal privacy has become a bad joke, and cyberwar looms like a virtual mushroom cloud. What sometimes gets lost in the gloom are the many ways security professionals have been working to shore up cyberdefenses and rebuild some semblance of personal privacy. ECT News Network's roundtable of technology insiders recently discussed some of that progress.

FBI 'persuaded Apple to halt iCloud encryption'

Apple was reportedly working on the encryption feature two years ago but the FBI objected.

GM's Cruise unveils its first driverless vehicle

The launch comes six months after Cruise delayed its self-driving vehicle service in San Francisco.

Dyson's New Task Light Is Easy on the Eyes

The sleek, internet-connected lamp uses real-time data to illuminate your workspace and protect your precious peepers from strain.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review: A Nod to the Era of Film Cameras

Fujifilm's latest X-Pro leans into its eccentricities, bringing film-era aesthetics to the digital present.

Cybersecurity 2020: A Perilous Landscape

Cybersecurity risks for 2020 stretch far beyond the alarming spike in ransomware. In addition to the daily concerns of malware, stolen data and the cost of recovering from a network intrusion, there is the very real danger of nefarious actors using cyberattacks to interfere with the 2020 U.S. general election. Today, every company that has a computer or any connected devices or software should see itself as a "tech company." Every individual with a smart TV, virtual assistant or other IoT device could be at risk as well.

The Best Gaming Mouse for Every Kind of Player (2020)

Whether you're into esports or casual fragging, these are the best corded and wireless gaming mice we've tested at a variety of price points.

Social media data needed for 'harm' research, say doctors

Research on data could help to protect children, a report says - but critics say privacy should be a priority.

Apple, DoJ Grapple Over Cracking Terrorist's iPhones

Apple and the DoJ are at it again. This time it's over cracking a brace of iPhones owned by the Saudi Air Force cadet who killed three sailors in a shooting spree last month at the naval air station in Pensacola, Florida. At a news conference to announce the findings of an investigation into the Pensacola incident, U.S. Attorney General William Barr called out Apple for refusing to help the FBI recover data on the phones owned by the cadet. Barr's comments provoked Apple to issue a statement of its own on the subject.

Pre-teen girls 'tricked into sex acts on webcams'

Tens of thousands of 11- to 13-year-olds are being tricked into performing sex acts, data suggests.

The Most Important Autonomous Car Announcement at CES

CES is the show I look forward to returning from, and the primary reason is that getting around Las Vegas during the event is a nightmare. One evening I wanted to go to the In-N-Out Burger place, and even though it was only a mile or two from my hotel, the traffic was so bad that I doubted I'd make there and back before midnight -- and it was only 6 p.m. CES would benefit either from Elon Musk's Boring Company or from aggressive use of autonomous technology so that the traffic could be better optimized.