We recently witnessed the teardown experts over at iFixit give Apple’s new MacBooks very poor 1/10 scores for ‘repairability’, but Microsoft has gone one worse than that, with its new Surface Laptop being marked 0/10 in terms of how friendly it is – or rather isn’t – to repair.
In fact, things are that bad with Microsoft’s new notebook, iFixit said that “if we could give it a -1 out of 10, we would”. Harsh stuff, indeed.
Much like the new MacBooks, one of the reasons the Surface Laptop fares so badly is the heavy use of glue in the machine – iFixit describes it as a “glue-filled monstrosity”, in fact.
And also as with Apple’s notebooks, the main components – processor, memory, storage – are all soldered to the motherboard. And indeed it’s a hell of a task to even open the Surface Laptop, with the teardown experts saying that the notebook can’t actually be opened without ‘destroying’ it, more or less.
Battery blues
They further concluded that the battery is difficult, and moreover dangerous, to replace – it took no less than 10 steps to remove – and that this is an all-round terrible machine for anybody who wants to repair the thing. And needless to say, you can forget about upgrades.
So while this notebook may well be a very smart-looking piece of hardware externally, that beauty is only skin deep, and if you literally delve beneath the Surface, things go distinctly pear-shaped.
Traditionally, Microsoft’s hybrids have never fared particularly well when it comes to iFixit’s repairability ratings, but sinking below the MacBook and hitting a big fat zero is clearly a new low.
It’s a shame that at least a little more thought doesn’t go into the internal design of modern laptops like these, but if they’re not really made to be opened at all, as is the case here, and tinkering or upgrading is not a concern, it’s hardly surprising to see. The ‘if it breaks, buy a new one’ philosophy doesn’t exactly hurt sales figures, either.
As we saw last week, the Surface Laptop (and new Surface Pro) are now available to buy.
Lenovo India has launched its budget offering, the Moto C Plus today in India. The smartphone was unveiled earlier in international markets on May 15 alongside the Moto C.
E-commerce giant Flipkart has partnered with Lenovo to sell the smartphone exclusively on the online platform. It will be available for purchase starting Tuesday, i.e June 20 at 12 Noon. Priced at Rs 6,999, the smartphone will compete with the likes of Redmi 4A and Samsung Z3.
The entry-level smartphone runs on stock Android 7.0 Nougat and supports dual SIM 4G. It is powered by a 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6737 quad-core processor coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of inbuilt storage. Moreover, the company offers a dedicated slot for microSD card that supports up to 32GB of expansion.
It has a 5-inch IPS display with HD (720p) resolution. On the camera front, it offers an 8MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture and 1.12 micron pixels on the back. Front has a 2MP front-facing camera similar to Moto C. The Moto C Plus houses a removable 4000mAH battery, which is bundled with a rapid charger inside the box.
Moto C Plus is solely made up of decent quality plastic and comes with a removable back, making it a durable choice for a budget smartphone. It measures 144×72.3×10 mm and weighs 162 grams. The smartphone comes in black, white and gold colour variants.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, FM and micro-USB.
Launch offers
Those who buy Moto C Plus on the first day of its sale will get an extra 20% off on Flipkart fashion. They can also buy the Pulse Max headsets at just Rs. 749, which normally sells at 2500. Moreover, each buyer will get Jio Prime subscription for free with additional 30GB data.
UPDATE: Twin Peaks is back! David Lynch's television masterpiece has returned after 25 years to baffle old and new audiences alike. Exclusive to Stan, new episodes of Twin Peaks will be arriving every Monday – read the next slide to find out more about it!
Anyone who's used the streaming service Stan knows that there's a veritable smorgasbord of great content available to stream at any given moment, which can make the decision of what to watch an overwhelming prospect.
This is why we've created the TechRadar guide to the greatest TV shows on Stan right now (in no particular order). We'll keep this best TV show list constantly updated with the latest television shows that you should be watching and also tell you why.
From Executive Producer Jim Carrey comes I'm Dying Up Here, a new dramedy series that follows a group of sardonic Los Angeles comedians in the '70s, all of which are hoping to get their big break, maybe even landing a couch spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Funny and quick-witted, yet sad and thoughtful, the show offers a glimpse into the struggle and dedication that goes into pursuing a career in stand-up comedy. As you'd expect from a Showtime series, the show does not shy away from the sex, drugs and hard-living lifestyles of its characters. Get on board this one early, because these kinds of shows have a tendency of not sticking around too long.
Seasons on Stan: 1
Sure, the original Twin Peaks series has been on this list for quite some time, so you may be asking yourself why the much-hyped series return would warrant its own entry. Those who have seen the first episodes of the 2017 version however, can certainly attest to this being an entirely different animal indeed. Darker and more twisted than before, the new Twin Peaks eschews the soap opera stylings of the '90s version in favour of something more akin to co-creator David Lynch's cinematic accomplishments. Prone to long stretches without dialogue and numerous trip-out sequences, this Twin Peaks recalls Lynch's own films Lost Highway, Inland Empire and even his feature-length debut, Eraserhead. Of course, Lynch has also stated that his polarising Twin Peaks follow-up, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, is the key to understanding this new series, so that may offer some insight into what this new show is attempting to do. Both the original TV series and its cinematic sequel are available to stream on Stan, so you may want to catch up on those before jumping straight into this mind-bending revival. The new Twin Peaks is bound to divide audiences once again, but the only way you'll only know which side you fall on is to take the plunge into this tenebrous abyss.
Seasons on Stan: 1
This wild series from Rob Thomas, the man behind Veronica Mars, has an absolutely unique premise – after having been turned into a zombie, Olivia "Liv" Moore (get it? Live more?) takes on a job at a morgue. With no control over her hunger, Liv takes starts eating the brains of murder victims, only to discover that this gives her a look into the final moments of the victims' lives. Now, her boss is encouraging her to eat brains, so that she can use her new-found powers to solve crimes (see? I told you this crazy show was unique). Based on a Vertigo comic, iZombie is one of the coolest new shows of year. Best of all, each new episode of the show is fast-tracked on Stan, with Season 3 having just kicked off in all its ghoulish glory.
Seasons on Stan: 3
One of the most successful and critically-acclaimed shows of all time, Breaking Bad follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high-school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with cancer. With death on the horizon, Walter assumes the alter-ego Heisenberg and puts his chemistry knowledge to use in the production of crystal meth, with help from his drug dealing ex-student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). How far will Walter go to provide for his family, and will they even be around when all is said and done? Truly, one of the most riveting television shows to ever hit the small screen, Breaking Bad is essential viewing.
Seasons on Stan: 5
Possibly the most gorgeously grotesque show on television (American Horror Story doesn’t even come close), Hannibal follows the world’s most famous cannibal psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), as he attempts to evade discovery by his friends, FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and FBI director Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne). Fans of serial killer thrillers owe it to themselves to check out Hannibal, as the show manages to be even more horrifying than the Thomas Harris novels and films it’s based on. It also happens to be the best-looking show currently on the air, with an operatic flair that puts most films to shame.
Seasons on Stan: 2
Due to the immense success of his previous show, Breaking Bad, creator Vince Gilligan was given the opportunity to create this prequel spin-off series set six years prior. The show follows the fan favourite character Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) and the events of his life which led him to become the delightfully crooked lawyer we know and love. Similar in style and tone to Breaking Bad (though not quite as grim), Better Call Saul is a welcome continuation of a beloved franchise. Expect to see lots of familiar faces as the show progresses.
Seasons on Stan: 2
Following the exploits of a particularly low-rent community college, Community is a geeky, pop-culture obsessed delight. Community’s homaging of all things movies, television and video games is spot on and incredibly realised, due to top notch direction, writing and performances. Best of all, the entire series is available on Stan, with new episodes appearing on the service as soon as they air in the United States.
Seasons on Stan: 6
Based on the terrific Stephen King novel of the same name, 11.22.63 is the story of Jake (James Franco), a high school teacher who is tasked with travelling back in time to prevent the assassination of JFK, thus preventing the Vietnam War from ever happening. Jake arrives 3 years before that fateful day and he'll need all that time to unravel the mystery and make sure he takes out the right target. Produced by JJ Abrams and with heavy involvement from King, 11.22.63 is a riveting thriller that will have you counting the days between each fast-tracked episode.
Seasons on Stan: 1
A western series set in the modern day, Justified sees tough-as-nails U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) return to his hometown of Kentucky to dole out some seriously old-school justice. He’ll also have to deal with his old acquaintance Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), a petty criminal posing as a white supremacist who may or may not get a chance to turn his life around. Seriously good stuff.
Seasons on Stan: 6
We all fell in love with Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Joey and Phoebe during the ’90s, and now we can revisit every single one of their hilarious antics exclusively on Stan! Completely remastered in HD and presented in widescreen, this is the definitive way to watch all 10 seasons of Friends – quite frankly, the fact that we’re able to watch a ’90s sitcom in this kind of quality is astounding. We wish all our favourite shows from yesteryear were treated with this kind of loving attention. Your move, Seinfeld!
Seasons on Stan: 10
Before he was the showrunner for Marvel’s Daredevil, Steven DeKnight worked on the gratuitously violent and sexual series Spartacus. At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there’s nothing more to the show than meat-headed beefcakes fighting and screwing in a 300-aping manner, but there’s so much more going on – we follow Spartacus (the late Andy Whitfield and his replacement, Liam McIntyre) as he is taken into slavery and forced to do cruel and unimaginable things in the gladiatorial arena, just waiting for the day that he can finally get his revenge on slave-owners Batiatus (John Hannah) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). All of this culminates in one of the most satisfying season finales in recent memory. Be warned – this show is filled with grotesque violence and an immense amount of sex and nudity. It’s like Game of Thrones times ten.
Series on Stan: 4
If you’re a devoted fan of the Evil Dead series of films, then Ash vs Evil Dead is enough to warrant a Stan subscription all on its own. Bruce Campbell returns as Ash, the heroic jackass who keeps letting ‘Deadite’ demons into the world, only to have to violently dispatch them with his trusty boomstick and chainsaw hand. Director Sam Raimi also returns, directing the visually spectacular pilot and producing with his partner since the beginning, Robert Tapert. Just as hilarious and gory as the movies that preceded it, Ash vs Evil Dead does not disappoint in the slightest.
Series on Stan: 1
Perhaps the greatest sitcom ever made, Seinfeld has finally made its way onto Stan in its entirety. Not only that, the “show about nothing” has been completely remastered, presented here in both widescreen and high definition – not bad for a sitcom from the early ’90s! A revolutionary series that took a few seasons to initially catch on with audiences, Seinfeld follows a group eccentric and self-absorbed friends from New York who relentlessly pick apart the people they meet and the situations they happen to find themselves in – all in the observational style of comedy that made comedian and star Jerry Seinfeld famous in the first place . Featuring enough classic characters to give The Simpsons a run for its money, Seinfeld is required viewing for comedy fans.
Seasons on Stan: 9
From creators Steve and Nancy Carell comes Angie Tribeca, a hilarious spoof comedy series that parodies modern cop procedural shows like CSI, Law and Order and NCIS with a nodding wink to Police Squad, The Naked Gun and Loaded Weapon 1. Rashida Jones is particularly fantastic as the titular detective, though the show is also filled with celebrity cameos, including Bill Murray and James Franco. Some may find the constant stream of goofy (and somewhat predictable) jokes a little overbearing, but if you long for the return of this kind of thing, you’ll have an absolute blast with Angie Tribeca.
Seasons on Stan: 2
The CW has done a terrific job with its DC Comics properties, kicking off its own small screen DC Universe with the popular series Arrow. In the five years since that series came to be, the North American network has brought a number of interconnected DC shows into its stable, including Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow. However, we’d argue that the strongest show in its impressive lineup is The Flash – it absolutely nails the Scarlet Speedster in a way that even the upcoming big screen version of the character looks unable to top. We put this down to Grant Gustin’s incredibly charming and likeable performance as the fastest man alive, as well as the terrific ensemble cast that joins him on his adventures every week. Funny, dramatic, action-packed and filled with terrific visual effects work, The Flash is the best DC Comics show currently on television.
Seasons on Stan: 2
A fantastic reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, the series Sherlock brings world's most famous detective (played magnificently by Benedict Cumberbatch) to modern-day London where he solves crimes with his friend, Watson (Martin Freeman). Cumberbatch plays Sherlock with a borderline personality disorder, maybe even reaching into the realm of Asperger’s Syndrome. When combined with Watson's more grounded influence, the pair become an inseparable crime-solving duo. Exclusive to Stan, Sherlock is now in its fourth and final season, each consisting of three movie-length episodes. If you love these characters or British mystery shows in general, Sherlock is required viewing.
Seasons on Stan: 4
One of the most classic and mind-blowing television shows of all time, Twin Peaks redefined the general public's perception of what a television drama was supposed to be like. Creator David Lynch presented the world with a standard murder mystery scenario, which would go on to become more bizarre and out there with every episode. When popular high school student Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) is found murdered, FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) arrives in the town of Twin Peaks with two agendas – to find out who killed her, and to eat some damn fine cherry pie. Peppered with a range of eccentric characters, Twin Peaks is one-of-a-kind. Also, with the new Twin Peaks reboot currently streaming on Stan, now's as good a time as any to get yourself caught up.
Seasons on Stan: 2
Those who’ve seen the Oscar-winning film Black Swan know just how cutthroat the world of professional ballet can be, with the immense pressure placed on dancers and the constant backstabbing that takes place. Flesh and Bone explores similar territory, following an incredibly talented ballerina named Claire (Sarah Hay) who at first seems uptight and sexually repressed, but is actually hiding some seriously dark secrets some deep emotional problems. Created by Moira Walley-Beckett (producer of Breaking Bad) and with direction from David Michôd (Animal Kingdom), Flesh and Bone is a beautiful, tragic and shocking show that is worth your time.
Seasons on Stan: 1
HBO’s western series Deadwood was devastatingly cancelled before its time, but thankfully we can relive the show’s harsh and brutal world on Stan in its entirety. Ex-lawman Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant, clearly loving his status as a modern day western hero) arrives in the lawless town of Deadwood to start a hardware business and provide for his dead brother’s family. Before long, the crime and corruption of this town, headed by bar owner Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), forces Bullock back into the life he tried so desperately to leave behind. Deadwood is an utterly fantastic show.
Seasons on Stan: 3
A cop show with a difference, The Shield follows a tactical strike team headed by Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) that is as violent and corrupt as the street gangs it faces on a daily basis. Set in the fictional Los Angeles district of Farmington, Mackey and his crew (which includes Justified’s Walton Goggins) must cover their tracks so that their ghastly exploits aren’t discovered by detectives Claudette (CCH Pounder) and Dutch (Jay Karnes). Somewhat of a precursor to the show Sons of Anarchy, which also deals with gangs in a fictional Californian town, stars many of the same people and is also written by Kurt Sutter, The Shield is hard-hitting drama at its finest.
Seasons on Stan: 7
If you were ever worried that a TV version of the hit Australian slasher series Wolf Creek would pull its punches, you can take those fears and bury them in the desert – within its opening minutes, Mick Taylor (menacingly played to perfection by John Jarratt) has already decimated a vacationing family (including a child). The incident leaves a survivor in Eve (Lucy Fry), sending her on an ill-advised quest for vengeance. Featuring gloriously high production values and a great cast of supporting characters, Wolf Creek is sure to take horror fans on a spine-tingling trip through the darkest reaches of the Australian Outback. Just make sure to turn around and head in the opposite direction if you see Mick coming your way…
Seasons on Stan: 1
It’s safe to assume that if you’re reading this website, you’re quite tech-savvy, so you’d probably have an intimate knowledge of what it’s like to deal with computer illiterate people. The IT Crowd understands this frustration in a way that only those who’ve actually lived it can – and it’s absolutely bloody hilarious. The show follows the misadventures of tech support officers Jen (Katherine Parkinson), Roy (Chris O’Dowd) and Moss (Richard Ayoade), both in the office and out in the real world – spurred on in part by their eccentric boss, Douglas Reynholm (Matt Berry). It’s like a geeky, British version of Seinfeld.
Seasons on Stan: 4
With a hilarious partnership that began on the old sketch comedy series Mad TV, bi-racial comedy duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele shot to superstardom with their own Comedy Central series, Key and Peele. Tackling a range of issues including relationships, race and celebrity, Key and Peele will leave no stone unturned in their quest to make you laugh uncontrollably. Featuring brilliant impersonations, observations and characterisations, Key and Peele is essential viewing for fans of sketch comedy.
Seasons on Stan: 1
If you’re in your early thirties, chances are that Dawson’s Creek played a significant part in your high school years. Whether you identified with these impossibly good-looking and verbose supposed teenagers, or you just had the hots for Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holmes), Jen (Michelle Williams) or Pacey (Joshua Jackson), Dawson’s Creek was surprisingly compelling viewing for a teenage melodrama. Relive your youth by watching Dawson’s Creek in its entirety on Stan.
Seasons on Stan: 6
Based on the Academy Award-winning film by the Coen Bros., Fargo is a show which has no right being as great as it is. Simultaneously expanding the world introduced in the film and creating a new story of its own, Fargo is a beautifully self-contained season of television that features terrific performances from Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo and Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard. Season 2 is also on the way, and will concern itself with a completely different story set during The Reagan Administration.
Seasons on Stan: 1
Another show that was taken from us far too soon, Party Down is a comedy about group of out-of-work actors (and one hard science fiction writer) who are forced to take on jobs at a catering service. Each episode takes place at a different party, furthering the characters' relationships in the process. Featuring hilarious turns from Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr, Ken Marino and Jane Lynch, Party Down is most certainly the kind of show that deserves to be rediscovered on Stan.
Seasons on Stan: 2
Following on from director Shane Meadows' semi-autobiographical masterpiece This is England (also available to stream on Stan), This is England '86 and '88 see all of the film's cast members return to continue their characters' stories in the longer format of television. With the whole skinhead scene left behind them, Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), Woody (Joseph Gilgun) and Lol (Vicky McLure) each try to find their place in the world, all to the backdrop of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Fans of the film will love these two follow-up shows, and if you haven't seen the movie they're based on, we highly recommend that, too. So far, only This is England '86 and '88 are available on Stan, though we expect that the third and final series, This is England '90, will eventually make its way to the service.
Seasons on Stan: 2
Taking a page out of Netflix's successful playbook, Stan opted to produce its own original series this year in No Activity, a hilarious improvisational cop show in which almost nothing at all happens. Patrick Brammall and Darren Gilshenan play two detectives on stakeout who pass the time with oddball observations and banter. That's pretty much the entire gist of the series, though there is an overarching story in there, too. Highly recommended, Stan's first original series is a wonderfully inventive and funny show.
Seasons on Stan: 1
Before they hit the big time with Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright made a splash with Spaced, a hilarious comedy series about a man (Pegg) and woman (Jessica Hynes) who pretend to be a professional couple in order to get a good deal on a flat. Not only would they have to keep up the facade, but they'd also have to deal with their crazy new neighbours. Filled with geeky references and the kind of quick-fire humour that made Pegg, Frost and Wright famous, Spaced is a delightful series that many people of a certain age will immediately empathise with.
Whether it’s snug in your tower of power’s PCI Express slot or soldered to the inside of your laptop, the discrete graphics card, or GPU, is an integral component when it comes to PC gaming. Without it, you’re given no other choice but to rely on weaker integrated graphics solutions from Intel and AMD.
A graphics card doesn’t even need to take up a ton of space. With Nvidia’s cutting-edge Max-Q tech, for instance, you’ll soon be able to run games in 4K at acceptable frame rates in a laptop measuring in at under an inch thick. However, you have to be willing to pay a lot more for high power in a compact form factor, as evidenced by the Asus ROG Zephyrus.
Pretty soon, the best graphics cards will get even better, due in part to AMD’s renewed interest in high-end components with the anticipated arrival of Radeon RX Vega. But, even so, there are still plenty of great offerings from AMD and Nvidia you can buy right now. In fact, we’ve detailed our pick of the three top graphics cards, spanning all budgets, below.
If we’re being honest, the GTX 1080 Ti is exactly what the Titan X Pascal should have been. Thanks to its 11GB of GDDR5X VRAM, the 1080 Ti is wildly more capable than the GTX 1080 proper without costing an arm and a leg. Performance-wise, the GTX 1080 Ti can’t compete with dual-wielding 1080s, but it is cheaper and it does support a larger pool of games than two lesser cards with SLI. Aside from the mysterious absence of a DVI port, the GTX 1080 Ti is indistinguishable looks-wise from any of the other Pascal-series GPUs. Take a gander inside, however, and you’ll notice a sophisticated cooling system needed to keep all of your games running smoothly in resolutions up to 4K.
More of a souped-up version of last year’s Radeon RX 480 than a brand-new graphics card, the Radeon RX 580 takes the Polaris architecture and amps it up to new levels of performance at the same affordable price point. Although it clings to the same 8GB of GDDR5 memory as the RX 480, there are still clear cut performance upgrades in tow. The boost clock, for instance, is now up to 1,441MHz, which you can compare to the 1,266MHz boost of the 480. It still struggles to maintain a consistent 30+ frames per second (fps) running most triple-A titles in 4K, but for 1080p and 1440p gaming, the AMD Radeon RX 580 rules even harder than its predecessor.
Like the GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti from Nvidia, the RX 460 runs cheap. Versions of it can be had from XFX, Powercolor, Sapphire and other aftermarket card makers who have all sought out to accomplish the same task of producing a value GPU that can effortlessly run just about every game in your Steam library, so long as you don’t mind parting with the prospect of running The Witcher 3 at 60 fps on Ultra graphics settings. Capable and energy efficient, drawing all of its power straight from the motherboard without any 6- or 8-pin connectors required, the RX 460 is worth the money if you plan on spending a lot of time playing MOBA and RTS games. Otherwise, you’re better off saving for one of the other best graphics cards above.
The best cheap tablet in 2017 makes on-the-go computing easier, and keeps the price inexpensive. They're thin-and-light in all ways, with many under $200.
We compiled a list of cheap tablets, and the hard cut-off for this budget-based buying guide is $300. But don't worry, most of them are $200 or less.
You can find big names here, too. Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo and even Apple have affordable options with flavors that come in Android Nougat and iOS 10.
While the top-tier best tablet in the US got a shake-up three times over from the iPad Pro 10.5, New iPad 9.7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, this list also benefits from hand-me-downs and tablet price drops.
Here are the best cheap tablets you can buy this year.
This list is dominated by Android tablet options, but there’s only one iOS 10 device affordable enough for this list: the iPad mini 2.
The “mini” line of iPads takes the best components introduced in previous iPads and shrinks them down. In the case of the iPad mini 2, it’s built with the power found inside of the iPad Air and iPhone 5S.
It isn’t the most affordable tablet option here, but if you cling to Apple’s ecosystem, this is a fine entry point. For your money, the more recent iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 doesn’t provide enough of an argument, other than Touch ID, to warrant the step-up in cost.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2016) is the best tablet you can get at the price. That alone secures it a recommendation.
This is not a technological upgrade over the last Fire HD 8, but it takes the last version’s most important bits and lowers the price significantly by degrading a few of the less important parts.
If you’re a true gadget lover, you might want to consider spending a bit more on something with a better screen and more flexible software. However, if you’re happy to fit yourself into the Amazon system and can put up with the budget parts, this is an excellent buy.
Nvidia’s tablet is, in many ways, not like other tablets. It’s made by a manufacturer who deals almost exclusively in computer graphics, it can run Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and it can play full-fledged PC titles. Oh, and it’s actually pretty affordable.
The Shield Tablet K1 offers a zippy Android experience with tons of graphical prowess (go figure.) What’s better, the design is super slick and, again, the GeForce Now software integration is the stand-out feature, allowing you can play games from your Nvidia-stocked PC.
For those who are in love with Samsung's lineup of Galaxy smartphones, this is the tablet for you. The most affordable variant in the Tab S line comes with an 8.4" inch screen, but houses the same powerful specs as its 10.5" counterpart.
When it was introduced it 2014, we called it "serious competition" to Apple's iPad Air 2, and the claim still stands. The Galaxy Tab S might not have the polished aesthetic found in the Galaxy Tab S2, but being a bit outdated makes this an excellent tablet for those with less cash on hand.
The Huawei MediaPad M3 is a tablet with lots of admirable qualities. High screen resolution, ultra-low weight and speakers that go loud enough to become an anti-social menace in some situations earn a big thumbs-up.
It should be known that we encountered some issues with keeping a steady framerate during intensive games. The casual games everyone gets obsessed with for weeks at a time run fine, but those with console-like graphics tend to struggle to an extent that’s quite rare for a tablet of this quality.
You’ll need to think carefully about whether this is going to be an issue for you before choosing the Huawei MediaPad M3 over, say, the iPad mini 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab S, or any of these other fine options.
Amazon’s super-affordable Fire tablet is best suited for first-time tablet owners. It’s also a perfect fit for parents looking for strong parental controls, or for those already highly invested in the wider Amazon ecosystem.
Even if you’re just looking for an extra tablet to have around the space, the Fire is a relatively easy sell.
But for the wider public, if a premium build and a fat stack of features is what you’re after, you won’t find it here.
Betting on a gimmick is never a good idea when it comes to technology. But Dell’s Venue 8 7000 claim to be the world’s ‘thinnest tablet’ at 6mm doesn’t come at the compromise of a good tablet experience.
Dell has been at the helm of some fantastic products as of late, such as the XPS 13. And the Venue 8 7000 borrows some of that brilliance with a head-turning aluminum design, a vibrant display and room-filling stereo speakers.
Windows on a tablet might be best experienced on the Surface Pro 4, but not everyone has that type of cash. Thankfully, Lenovo’s Yoga Tablet 2 offers the full Windows 10 experience in all of its glory at a bargain price.
This isn’t like other tablets. And as such, you might have noticed the massive, cylindrical area hanging off its edge. It seems like such an addition would work against the rulebook of what makes a tablet gorgeous, but in doing so, it allows for big benefits you can’t find elsewhere, like incredible battery life and booming sound performance.
While a bit outdated (and no longer sold by Google,) the Asus-made Nexus 7 is the cheapest gateway to a stock Android experience. The most recent version from 2013 might not hold a candle to the pencil-thin designs brought on by today’s best tablets, but it does one thing that many of them cannot: run Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Only the 2013 model can run the latest and greatest Android OS, so make sure you avoid the 2012 version while shopping. It’s easy to tell the difference between the two: The one to buy has a rear-facing camera (the 2012 version only has a front-facing camera) and a headphone jack on the top.
Asus’ ZenPad S 8.0 is a tablet focused on value, but you wouldn’t guess as much by looking at it. This 8″ slate covers a lot of ground for its asking price, and even goes as far as providing a good-looking, sturdy build and handy features, like a microSD slot and 10-hour battery life.
This is an easy choice if you consume a lot of content and want to look good doing so, but don’t want to completely shell out your laptop budget on a tablet.
UPDATE: We've got a number of new and impressive titles on our list of the best 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays on the market, including John Wick: Chapter 2, Passengers and Trolls – read on to find out why they made the cut!
There's no denying the importance of 4K Ultra HD and high-dynamic-range (HDR) when it comes to the future of home entertainment. Offering incredible visual clarity, sensational colour reproduction and vastly improved contrast, these technologies give people at home the opportunity to experience films the way they were meant to be seen.
If you've made the leap and purchased a 4K/HDR-ready television, chances are that you're hungry for content that will show off just what your bleeding-edge setup is capable of. Add new audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X into the mix, and what you have is a home theatre system that rivals your local multiplex.
Though streaming services like Netflix have plenty of original 4K content ready to stream at a moment's notice, there still isn't a lot of variety when it comes to actual movies. While it was reported back in April that Netflix will take advantage of your new TV's HDR support this year, several months have passed and only the Netflix Originals Marco Polo, Marvel's Daredevil and The Ridiculous Six have been made available in HDR – hey, one out of three ain't bad!
Many pundits have been quick to praise digital and streaming as the future of home cinema, but it will be a long while before these services can offer the variety that physical media can. Simply put, if you truly want to watch films in the highest quality possible, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is still the best format on offer.
That said, not all 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays are created equal – source materials, digital intermediates, upscaling, digital noise reduction and more can all affect the quality of a 4K Blu-ray's finished product.
With that in mind, we've put together a list of the best and most-impressive 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movies currently available for purchase. Each of the discs on this list, regardless of how good the films contained on them are, can be considered 'reference quality' and we've thoroughly tested each to ensure they're really worthy of our recommendation. Best of all, every 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc is region free, so anyone with a 4K Blu-ray player can enjoy these films.
Read on to find out which discs have made the cut!
Deadpool
Speaking on the recent 4K Blu-ray release of his film, Deadpool, director Tim Miller told TechRadar that “the Ultra HD is f***ing amazing in the level of detail.” Having thoroughly inspected the disc for ourselves, we absolutely have to agree. Shot at 3K on the Arri Alexa camera and then finished at 4K, Deadpool’s Ultra HD Blu-ray closely resembles the film’s theatrical presentation, only with the added bonus of HDR – which is exclusive to the film’s home release.
Immediately evident from first viewing, Deadpool at 4K offers a much greater level of visual detail than the film’s regular Blu-ray. By far the film’s most eye-popping element, Deadpool’s suit shows more fine detail in its fabric and stitching, and the wider colour gamut offered by HDR makes the costume’s various shades of red not only stand out more, but also blend together more naturally. As with most CGI and green screen-heavy films, the added resolution gives the film a slightly-heightened vibe, one that seems fully intended by its filmmakers. The film’s fully computer-generated character, Colossus, also looks better, with HDR allowing for improved specular lighting on the character’s reflective metal body.
Add to this a punchy and immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and Deadpool becomes one of the format’s first must-own discs.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 108 minutes
X-Men: Apocalypse
X-Men: Apocalypse was originally captured at 6K in the Redcode RAW format, which offers filmmakers an increased level of post-production control, making it perfect for HDR post processing. Finished on a 4K digital intermediate, X-Men: Apocalypse comes to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with no loss to visual fidelity whatsoever. A visual effects showcase if ever there was one, the end result, pardon the pun, is x-traordinary.
From its Ancient Egypt opening through to its apocalyptic finale, X-Men: Apocalypse dazzles in Ultra HD. Costumes and makeup benefit greatly from the added resolution afforded by format, opening our eyes to the incredible work that goes into their creation. There’s an immediately noticeable increase in detail, as well as an added depth of texture.
As you would expect from a movie in which characters frequently shoot beams of energy from their hands/eyes/sceptres, lighting effects are a particular highlight here. Increased contrast and a wider colour gamut mean that light blooming appears much more natural, avoiding the usual blocky-glow that plagues images with a lower colour depth. It’s also an extremely colourful movie, with numerous blue and purple characters on its roster. Thanks to HDR, and the added colour gradations that it offers, characters show much more individual detail on screen. Without question, this Ultra HD Blu-ray is the preferred way to experience X-Men: Apocalypse.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.35:1, Runtime: 144 minutes
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition
As director Zack Snyder typically shoots on 35mm film stock, his films can be scanned at 4K without any real loss in visual fidelity. With Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Snyder also opted to capture certain sections of the movie with 4K digital cameras, and on 70mm film stock using Panavision 65 cameras. The film was then finished on a 4K digital intermediate, which makes its Ultra HD Blu-ray release pretty close to what most people would’ve seen at their local multiplex (if not what they might have seen at IMAX and 70mm screenings).
Admittedly, the movie itself is quite grim, dark and muted in its presentation, but that doesn’t stop its 4K Blu-ray from being super impressive – the disc’s added resolution and colour depth mean that Batman v Superman looks as good as it possibly can at home. HDR support allows for tremendous contrast and vivid colours (when they do appear). Fire in particular, looks vibrant and lifelike, achieving a level of brightness that makes it look even more incandescent. Everything else on screen has finer definition, allowing you to really appreciate the detailed texture of Batman’s suit, for instance.
If you’re a fan of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is a no-brainer – along with its inclusion of the more brutal and violent director’s cut, the disc is also a testament to how 4K and HDR can improve the overall viewing experience.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 182 minutes
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Much like Batman v Superman, The Amazing Spider-Man was shot on 35mm film and later scanned and transferred to a 4K digital intermediate. Whatever you may think of the film itself, its Ultra HD presentation here is utterly sublime. Vibrant and colourful throughout, TASM2 especially shines during its effects-heavy set pieces.
Watching Spidey swing through New York on sunny days is a real treat – the film’s beautiful blue skies really pop on this transfer, presumably aided by some HDR tinkering. The red and blue of Spider-Man’s costume shimmers in the sunlight in a realistic manner, and the added resolution makes the spandex’s rippling in the wind much more noticeable.
The real standout though, is the villainous character of Electro. With his translucent blue skin, constantly changing shades and pulsing with electricity, Electro’s presence throughout the film is a real show-stopper. The scene in which he reveals his new form in the middle of Times Square, surrounded by the area’s huge electronic billboards, is one of the most dynamic scenes I’ve personally witnessed on a television screen. Thanks to HDR, the scene’s many colourful lights emit a more naturalistic light bloom that never shows signs of bleeding into the background.
Best of all, this Ultra HD presentation of the film manages to achieve all of this without losing its filmic appearance. A truly exceptional disc.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 142 minutes
Passengers
Shot at a resolution of 6.5K and then finished with with a 4K digital intermediate, Passengers soars on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. An ideal candidate for demonstration purposes, the format allows the viewer to truly absorb the impeccable craftsmanship that went into the film's exception production design and special effects work. Taking place entirely on an enormous spacecraft. Passengers offers ample opportunities for glorious space gazing and futuristic interior design.
There are times in this 4K presentation when the photographic clarity of the film is so high and lifelike, it almost feels like you're watching a play. Other times, the digital photography is so clean and sharp, that it gives the film an unreal quality, almost like it's partly animated. Of course, this is completely intentional and only serves to make Passengers look even more astounding on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Of course, the film's HDR colours contrast level keep everything in check.
Skin tones are remarkably true to life, and while the film's stars come across a little too beautiful at times (seriously, no one can look that great at all times) Passengers is exactly the kind of film that the 4K Ultra HD format was made for. It's a showcase for gorgeous people hanging out on stunning sets doing remarkable things with the help of magnificent visual effects.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 116 minutes
Lucy
Arriving on Ultra HD Blu-ray with an absolutely stunning transfer sourced from a 4K digital intermediate, Lucy demonstrates the strengths of the format by showcasing immense fine detail, exceptionally-realistic skin tones and textures, and truly-dynamic colour reproduction throughout.
From the film's opening scene, which features Lucy the primate in a prehistoric setting, this presentation solidifies its place as one of the format's best reference-quality discs. The detail in the hominid's face and fur is utterly astounding, as are the colours and textures in its surrounding habitat.
As was mentioned earlier, skin tones and textures are also incredible on Lucy's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, looking supremely lifelike at all times. Seriously, if you can find pores and imperfections on the face of someone as beautiful as Scarlett Johansson, you know you've reached an unparalleled level of clarity.
Likewise, as the film starts to veer into true science-fiction territory, the disc continues to shine, displaying vibrant HDR-enhanced colours and terrific contrast. Even if you only has a passing admiration for Luc Besson's trippy action film, you owe it to yourself to check out Lucy on 4K Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 89 minutes
Oblivion
As a science-fiction film with a very sleek and minimalistic art design, Oblivion makes an ideal candidate for the added resolution of 4K. Though the transfer was taken from a 2K digital intermediate (common with visual effects-driven films), Oblivion looks sharp and clean, if not immediately mind-blowing.
With that said, as the film enters its darker scenes, the impressive colour gamut and contrast afforded by the film’s HDR grading give the film a real sense of depth and vibrancy, particularly in the film’s indoor drone shootout sequence. Bloom lighting and sparks from the scene’s many explosions burn white-hot, showcasing the brilliant brightness that 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is capable of. Likewise, close-up shots of the drones show a wonderful level of detail.
Though the film has a mostly washed-out grey and blue tone, skin tones appear quite naturalistic and at times appear to be the most vibrant thing on screen. Facial textures also excel, showing fine details like pores and individual hairs in Tom Cruise’s five o’clock shadow. Grime, cuts and bruises also look benefit from the format’s added clarity.
Giving the film a visual uptick in every category over the standard Blu-ray edition, for fans, this is by far the best way to experience Oblivion.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 125 minutes
Pacific Rim
Just like an enormous Kaiju, a new reference-quality disc has emerged, stomping all over your Blu-ray collection to proclaim itself the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray reference disc to beat – say hello to Guillermo del Toro’s film, Pacific Rim.
Though the film was finished on a 2K digital intermediate, much like Star Trek Into Darkness, this does not stop Pacific Rim from looking utterly sensational on Ultra HD Blu-ray. Shot in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, your entire television screen will be used to display the film’s many giant robot vs monster set pieces.
Thanks to some HDR tinkering, the film’s colours and contrast now look even better than they did when the film was in theatres. Witness the rainswept battle that opens the film to see how good its vivid colours look against the inky blacks of a night-time sky. The added resolution afforded by 4K Blu-ray makes the rain look more detailed and realistic. Sparks that fly within the Jaeger cockpit are also more clearly defined and burn hotter than ever before.
Though the entire film is a showstopper, anyone that has seen Pacific Rim will know that its mid-film Hong Kong monster battle is the best-looking section of the film, and believe us when we say that it has never looked better than it does on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. The city’s neon-soaked skyline radiates with beautiful and realistic bloom lighting, making the best of the film’s high-dynamic-range upgrade.
Even if you already own Pacific Rim on 3D Blu-ray, you owe it to yourself to see how incredible the film can look on 4K Ultra HD. This is absolutely a reference quality disc.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 1.85:1, Runtime: 131 minutes
Independence Day: Resurgence
Sourced from a true 4K digital intermediate, Independence Day: Resurgence roars onto 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray without losing any detail whatsoever – in fact, the film’s presentation is improved by the inclusion of HDR (that said, the ultimate way to watch a film of this magnitude will always be on the biggest cinema screen possible).
A much darker and gloomier picture than its predecessor, Independence Day: Resurgence features many scenes surrounded by inky blacks that would look exceptional on an OLED display. Unfortunately, we didn’t have access to one for testing purposes, so we can only say that the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray’s increased contrast and vivid colours make Independence Day: Resurgence look fantastic on any HDR-compatible TV.
Its various scenes of computer-assisted citywide destruction unfurl on screen with an extreme level of visual clarity and detail, acting as a showcase of what the 4K format is capable of. Many times, the film’s turquoise alien tech takes centre stage, glowing with a naturalistic light bloom that never shows obvious signs of colour gradation (see the film’s opening scene to see how well light fades into darkness).
If you’re a fan of the film, there’s no better way to watch Independence Day: Resurgence than on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 120 minutes
Chappie
Director Neill Blomkamp (District 9) is known for his knack for seamlessly blending science fiction elements into everyday scenarios, offering a uniquely down-to-earth view of a world filled with robots and aliens. His latest film, Chappie, is no exception. Set mostly around the slums of Johannesburg, Chappie’s mostly daytime action allows this 4K HDR presentation to really pop.
Shot by Redcode RAW (5K) cameras and finished on a 4K digital intermediate, Chappie’s 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray practically mirrors what was shown in theatres, only with HDR providing improved contrast and more naturalistic colours. The detail in the titular robot character is astonishing, with the steely greys and blues of his frame making the orange highlights of his arm and antenna stand out even more. You can also see details in Chappie’s dirty, scratched body that just weren’t visible on the film’s regular Blu-ray. Best of all, the expressive LED lights on Chappie’s face now show much finer detail, making the character seem even more like a real world object, and not just a marvel of computer-generated wizardry.
Though the film can be quite grimy at times, it’s got a lively, vibrant undercurrent to it, employing a Day-Go style thanks to Chappie’s co-stars, the rap-rave group Die Antwoord. The group brings its signature art style to the film’s costumes and set design, all of which looks fantastic when aided by HDR’s wider colour gamut. Now, bring on District 9 and Elysium in 4K!
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 120 minutes
Star Trek
Though it’s been ‘upconverted’ from a 2K digital intermediate (which is what you likely saw in theatres upon release), J.J. Abrams’ first Star Trek movie looks absolutely wonderful on 4K Blu-ray – the release actually lends some weight to argument that Ultra HD discs don’t need to come from a true 4K source in order to impress.
Director J.J. Abrams’ may be guilty of relying a little heavily on his ‘lens flare’ technique on both of his Star Trek films, but the effect looks better than ever here thanks to HDR’s increased colour gamut and contrast levels. Light blooms looks completely natural, avoiding harsh shade transitions entirely. Elsewhere, the Ultra HD Blu-ray offers amazing detail when it comes to facial textures on the film’s many creatures and alien races – Eric Bana’s Romulan character Nero looks especially good, with the disc’s increased resolution showing just how great the film’s Oscar-winning make-up and facial prosthetics are.
While Star Trek’s Ultra HD Blu-ray disc may be outclassed by its sequel’s truly (inter)stellar 4K release (listed below), this is by far the best way to experience J.J.’s first voyage on the USS Enterprise at home.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, 1.78:1, Runtime: 132 minutes
Star Trek Into Darkness
When it comes to the visual quality, the Ultra HD Blu-ray for Star Trek Into Darkness is absolutely mind-blowing – we’d even go as far as calling it the most impressive 4K release on this list. With over 30 minutes of the film shot in the IMAX format, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness cuts back and forth between a traditional 2.40:1 letterbox presentation for its non-showy scenes, and the more vision-encompassing 1.78:1 aspect ratio for the film’s spectacle-driven moments (this presentation is exclusive to the film’s Ultra HD release). Though the film looks great throughout (despite being sourced from the film’s 2K digital intermediate), the level of detail displayed in these IMAX scenes is absolutely astonishing.
From its very first scene (pictured above), in which Kirk and Bones are chased through a vibrant red forest by the primitive Nibiru tribe, Star Trek Into Darkness will make an instant believer of any 4K/HDR naysayer. Witness, for instance, the cracked, flaking skin on the faces of the Nibiru tribes people, shown up close and in great detail. Marvel at the naturalistic skin tones, visible pores and wrinkles shown on actors Chris Pine and Karl Urban’s faces, offering a level of immersion that 3D just cannot compete with.
Another scene, in which Spock drops down into a volcano, is also a showstopper – with its swirling specks of fire and ember, and contrast enhanced greatly by HDR, the scene becomes a showcase for the emerging 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format. Until more IMAX-enhanced films start to be released, consider Star Trek Into Darkness your go-to 4K reference disc.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, 1.78:1, Runtime: 132 minutes
Trolls
Looking like a cotton candy machine exploded in a glitter factory, Trolls is one of the most vibrant and colorful films currently available on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format. And, as you'd expect, there are huge HDR-related benefits to owning the film in 4K over the still admirable regular Blu-ray version.
First off, the colors are astonishing. This is visual eye candy to the max, and while you might expect the vibrancy to be dialled up significantly on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release, the disc's HDR allows for more naturalistic blending and shading. Combined with improved brightness and color, the overall presentation achieves a richer, more nuanced color palette that avoids looking sickly sweet and garish, and manages to do so without losing its vividness.
Then comes the disc's fine detail, which receives a tremendous uptick at the 4K resolution. Each of the trolls in the film has a furry, felt-like texture that comes across even stronger when you can see fine hairs swaying on their arms and faces. Of course, their big colorful troll hair looks even more realistic than ever before. An impressive release that demonstrates the subtleties of HDR's wider color gamut, Trolls is the most impressive animated 4K release to date.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French (Canada) Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.35:1, Runtime: 92 minutes
Labyrinth
Starting with an outdoor scene shot in natural light, Jim Henson's classic family film Labyrinth does not immediately impress on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Looking soft and full of grain, you'd be forgiven for thinking that not a lot of work has gone into this transfer.
However, once these initial minutes pass, and as the film moves into studio sets with professional lighting and controlled environments, the real Ultra HD magic begins. It's at this point that Labyrinth's brand new 4K scan (sourced from the original 35mm negative) becomes truly mind-blowing.
Taking advantage of the format's added resolution, Labyrinth shows extraordinary detail in the film's many puppets. Fur looks sublime, with individual strands of hair becoming clearly visible. Quite frankly, they look so good, it's almost as if you could reach out and touch them. The film's fantastic makeup work and matte paintings also hold up magnificently under the increased scrutiny of 4K.
Though Labyrinth's 4K Blu-ray provides an incredible visual upgrade in all areas, perhaps the most important thing about this release is that it manages to keep the film's original filmic texture, with no digital noise reduction to speak of. Though we're watching a digital scan, the presentation always feels film-like.
Labyrinth has never looked better than it does here, and while this presentation can't top the likes of Star Trek Into Darkness in terms of spectacular visual clarity, for a 30-year-old film populated mostly by puppets, this release is a triumph.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Czech Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, German Dolby Digital 5.1, Hungarian Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1, Polish Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Russian Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 2.0, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 101 minutes
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
Boasting incredible detail and rich, vibrant colours, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is a noticeable step up from its already impressive regular Blu-ray release. Look closely and you’ll notice that each of the turtles has realistic, scaly skin textures that make you understand just how much work has gone into bringing these characters to life – heck, you can even see the enamel on their teeth!
Other digital characters also look fantastic. Notice the individual textures given to Bebop and Rocksteady, giving each creation its own unique look and texture. Splinter also impresses, with the added resolution on display allowing you to see individual hairs and whiskers that weren’t as noticeable in regular HD.
Though most impressive during its daytime scenes (which include the film’s spectacular, effects-heavy finale), TMNT: Out of the Shadows also impresses in the darker subterranean moments set within the turtles’ sewer lair. The colour palette and contrast on display are exceptional, adding a real depth to the image. Fans should consider this 4K Blu-ray release as the definitive way to watch the turtles’ latest big screen adventure.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 112 minutes
The LEGO Movie
One of the things that immediately strikes you about The LEGO Movie’s Ultra HD presentation is that the film has received a significantly brighter and more vivid colour palette. Not only that, contrast has also increased by leaps and bounds, making the film’s characters look even more like real, stop-motion minifigs – even fingerprints are visible, despite everything on screen being computer generated. Touches like this are what makes 4K and HDR so important to our overall immersion in the film.
Notice the deep blacks in any scene featuring Batman, or the beautiful, naturalistic bloom lighting found in the Old West portion of the film, or how about the gorgeous orange light emitting from film’s spaceship (SPACESHIP!!) finale?
Though this release has been upscaled from a 2K master (the film was captured at 2.8K), The LEGO Movie looks incredible in Ultra HD. Vibrant colours and wonderful contrast levels make this 4K release an essential purchase for fans of the movie.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, German Dolby Digital 5.1, Dutch Dolby Digital 5.1, Catalan Dolby Digital 5.1, Flemish Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 101 minutes
John Wick: Chapter 2
Immediately exhibiting the benefits of increased resolution and the wider color gamut afforded by the inclusion of HDR in its presentation, John Wick: Chapter 2 comes out of the gate firing on all cylinders with a visually-sensational night-time chase through Manhattan (actually Montreal).
Surrounded by lights and colorful billboards, the disc's HDR-enhanced contrast allows viewers to peer into the darkness and clearly see objects and details that they'd normally normally miss in regular high definition. Witness, for instance, the film's show-stopping shootout inside the catacombs in Rome – the characters are enveloped in darkness and yet we can clearly see everything that's going on thanks to some terrific lighting and high-dynamic-range magic.
Immediately prior to that scene, a night-time concerto amongst the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome demonstrates incredible highlights, with red and blue LED lights surrounding the stage as spotlights swirl around in all directions.
The incredible visuals just keep on coming with this release. We have a shootout in a museum where vibrant red blood splatters over a number of statues, a neon-enhanced 'hall of mirrors' battle inspired by Enter the Dragon, fight scenes taking place in a dark and vivid underground metro, and the list goes on and on. One of the most dynamic releases on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format to date, this is absolutely the best way to experience John Wick: Chapter 2.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (Upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 122 minutes
Hacksaw Ridge
Though sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, Hacksaw Ridge arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a gloriously-detailed transfer that's bolstered by a terrific HDR colour gamut.
In its first half, the film radiates with natural-looking light and the kind of clear cinematography that only digital cameras can achieve. Though the disc's increased resolution makes it easy to spot green screen work on a couple of occasions, the added clarity that's made possible by the Ultra HD format far outweighs these minor infractions.
Later, the added detail provided by the format's higher resolution, as well as the wider colour gamut it offers, brings a shocking level of detail and an added feeling of authenticity to the film's many gruesome war scenes. If you find intense scenes involving bloody viscera and shredded appendages hard to stomach, you're going to have an even harder time experiencing them on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Elsewhere, high-dynamic-range allows the film's cinematography to really shine, showing very realistic colour and light reproduction, especially in dark scenes. At times, Hacksaw Ridge's war scenes forego realistic colour palettes in favour of a stylised, almost monochromatic look. Here, HDR allows you to really notice the different shades at work, rather than simply looking dull and grey. These scenes are also punctuated by a barrage of explosions, juxtaposing bright bursts of colour over a bleak battlefield.
Top this off with a dynamic and concussive Dolby Atmos audio track, and what you have in Hacksaw Ridge is one of the best releases on the format to date.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (Upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39: 1, Runtime: 131 minutes
The Neon Demon
One of the few 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray titles that doesn't come with HDR enhancements, Nicolas Winding Refn's horror thriller The Neon Demon looks utterly glorious on the format nonetheless. If you want to get your hands on the film in razor-sharp 2160p, you'll have to import this English-friendly German release, which includes all the special features found on the regular Blu-ray in the US and UK – don't you just love how all 4K UHD discs are region free?
With regards to the disc's lack of HDR, you may be surprised to learn that the famously-visual director is actually quite colour blind. An inability to see midtones has led Refn to favour high contrast and extreme colours throughout his career, as evidenced by the films Drive and Only God Forgives. Because of this, it's probably safe to assume that he wouldn't get much out of the high-dynamic-range experience.
Sourced from a 4K master (but shot at 3.4K), The Neon Demon looks incredible on Ultra HD Blu-ray, with its high resolution offering a noticeable uptick in detail over the 1080p version included in this package.
Aside from its 4K resolution, deep blacks and scorchingly vibrant colours are the big selling point here – though we were unable to test the film on an OLED television, the promise of individually-lit pixels beaming and pulsing out of the pitch black darkness of certain scenes has us giddy at the possibilities on hand.
Essentially a feature-length exercise in immense style and cinematography, it would be hard to imagine a film more suited to the 4K Ultra HD format.
Based on the devastating true story of an enormous oil rig disaster that occurred in 2010, often cited as one of the largest man-made disasters in history, it is perhaps in bad taste to describe Deepwater Horizon as a tremendously visceral and visually spectacular film, given the lives that were lost on that fateful day. Regardless, we must still call 'em like we see 'em, and Deepwater Horizon looks incredible on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Director Peter Berg (The Kingdom, Lone Survivor) brings his tough and gritty film to the format with exceptional results. Though the film was finished on a 2K digital intermediate, Deepwater Horizon delivers strong detail and impressive dynamics, with its HDR enhanced presentation offering great depth and colour reproduction.
Witness, for instance, the fantastic textures in the many scenes featuring actors smeared in oil and covered in dust and debris. Likewise, the film's many explosions burst with astonishing clarity thanks to the format's higher dynamic range. Fire is so bright that you can almost feel the heat emanating from your screen.
Visuals aside, Deepwater Horizon's audio presentation also receives top marks, with a Dolby Atmos presentation that will shake your living room once those aforementioned explosions start. The film's audio dynamics will bounce around your room, placing you right in the action. Helicopters flying overhead are particularly impressive here, making Deepwater Horizon a reference quality disc in both video and audio categories.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 107 minutes
The Shallows
Providing even more proof that you don't need a 4K master to get exceptional 4K UHD Blu-ray results, the entertaining shark attack movie The Shallows has emerged on the format with an absolutely sublime audio and video presentation.
Upscaled from a 2K master, The Shallows looks astonishingly crisp, with the film's digital photography lending immense clarity to the film's many surfing scenes. Witness, for instance, star Blake Lively's resting 'beachface', which reveals detailed pores, fine lines and even the salty texture of someone who's spent all day swimming in the ocean and soaking in sun rays. Unsurprisingly, the waves look spectacular, too.
Also complementing The Shallows' incredible visual presentation is an amazing Dolby Atmos track which faithfully reproduces the film's clever sound design. It's a muscular track that really puts you in the action, handling all of the film's audio dynamics with ease. Scenes where Lively is submerged make your living room feel like it's underwater, and one particular moment where an underwater GoPro shot breaks through the surface makes your ears pop like the real thing.
Occasionally, the added resolution of the disc makes some of the film's shark attack scenes look a little fake, but overall The Shallows is one of the best looking and sounding releases that the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format has produced so far. Highly recommended.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Czech Dolby Digital 5.1, French (Canada) Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, German Dolby Digital 5.1, Hungarian Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1, Polish Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Russian Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1, Turkish Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 86 minutes
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release brings with it some enormous expectations, as the film is one of the more visually dazzling action blockbusters in recent memory. Thankfully, Fury Road absolutely delivers, despite having been upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate. This might seem like a bummer, but that's how the film was presented in theatres, and it looked pretty freakin' good there, didn't it?
With its colours undergoing a re-grading process in HDR, Fury Road looks more sensational than ever in Ultra HD. The film's many explosions now burn with added intensity, and improved contrast and increased resolution give the film a more painterly appearance, especially in the film's huge storm sequence.
Some might argue that this makes Mad Max: Fury Road's CGI stand out more, I believe it only adds to the film's artistic quality. Elsewhere, you'll find more realistic skin tones and textures, brilliant lighting, richer landscapes and shinier chrome. Mad Max: Fury Road's Ultra HD release is definitely worth the upgrade for fans, though we'd love to see what the added resolution of 4K and HDR could do with the film's new Black and Chrome version.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, German Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 120 minutes
The Revenant
As close to a flawless 4K presentation as the format has so far produced, The Revenant looks utterly fantastic on Ultra HD Blu-ray. Shot digitally at resolutions of up to 6.5K (and finished on a 4K digital intermediate) using only natural light sources, The Revenant offers a very natural-looking presentation, giving the audience a more authentic idea of what it must feel like to be in the freezing wilderness alongside Leo and Co.
Compare the The Revenant’s 4K disc to the regular Blu-ray packaged with it, and you’ll notice that the discs provide quite different presentations of the film. This is because director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki re-graded the entire film in HDR exclusively for this UHD release. By comparison, the regular 1080p Blu-ray looks much cooler, with more dominant blues and greys taking centre stage. Meanwhile, the 4K disc offers more naturalistic skin tones and a warmer overall palette, making the film’s many icy landscapes appear whiter and more true to life.
Speaking of landscapes, the added resolution and contrast of The Revenant’s 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray makes them appear more grand and breathtaking, offering more fine detail and depth. Improved bloom lighting also lets the sun shine without bleeding into obvious and distracting shade transitions. A reference disc if ever there was one, The Revenant belongs in everyone’s 4K collection.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS 5.1, Italian DTS 5.1, German DTS 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 156 minutes
Warcraft: The Beginning
Though you’d expect HDR to make films more vibrant and colourful, Warcraft’s presentation has taken a more subtle approach to the film’s colouring. Less garish than its regular Blu-ray counterpart, Warcraft’s Ultra HD presentation offers more naturalistic colours, especially when it comes to orc skin tones. That’s not to say that this presentation is muted in any way – Fel magic looks spectacularly vivid and bright, giving the film a suitably other-worldly and fantastical appearance.
As expected, the real show-stoppers here are the orcs, lovingly realised through terrific motion-capture performances and CGI wizardry (as opposed to the other kind of wizardry seen in the film itself). Lead orc Durotan’s facial expressions are more detailed and realistic, thanks to the disc’s bumped-up resolution. Getting to actually see fine lines, wrinkles and textures in these characters’ faces make them much more believable (though the illusion is still broken whenever they’re standing next to the film’s human characters). Other CGI creations, like the Gryphon Lothar rides during the film’s climax, or the kingdom of Azeroth itself, exhibit an exceptionally high level of detail.
While it is another example of an upscaled film sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, Warcraft’s 4K presentation nonetheless offers enhanced clarity, improved contrast and naturalistic tones. This Ultra HD release is definitely the best way to watch Warcraft: The Beginning in 2D.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 123 minutes
Planet Earth II
BBC
Okay, so we're cheating a little bit here, as BBC's Planet Earth II is a documentary series, not a movie. However, much like how the first Planet Earth series was a showcase for the Blu-ray format, Planet Earth II proves to be an astounding demo disc that easily highlights the 4K Ultra HD format's greatest strengths.
With numerous locales spread over six episodes, Planet Earth II gives the viewer a whole lot of variety in the eye candy department. In the first episode alone, the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are juxtaposed against the volcanic majesty of the Galapagos islands, offering lifelike HDR visuals at both ends of the colour spectrum.
Creature close-ups are astonishing in their sharpness, exhibiting high detail in faces and fur. Just as impressive are the series' signature drone shots, which give you a bird's-eye view of various landscapes, including mountains, jungles and even cities in the final episode.
A major selling point of Planet Earth II is that it was all captured in Native 4K and is presented here exactly as intended by its creators. Add to this the otherworldly feel attributed by the use of slow motion photography, and what you have is the definitive 4K Ultra HD disc to make people's jaws drop. A must-have addition to any serious 4K collection.
Update: The best tablet you can buy has changed again in 2017 thanks to the debut of the Apple iPad Pro 10.5 and New iPad, as well as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. Tablets are having a small comeback story this year.
Apple is sitting cozily at the top of our list with two great options for tablet lovers because of its better tablet software, and it'll double down on its efforts with the launch of iOS 11. But don't dismiss the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. It has plenty of power and nearly just as much in the way of productivity chops as our top recommendation.
Here are our ranking for the best iOS, Android and Kindle tablets.
Original article follows below.
What is the best tablet in 2017?
The best tablets in 2017 are all about combination. They all offer thin-and-light designs, but have decent keyboard and desktop-style experiences.
A good tablets makes you ask the question: Why do I even need a laptop? Here's the problem: there are a lot of choices out there, from Apple's larger many new iPads to the series of Samsung tablets.
And it's more than just iOS 10 and Android Nougat devices, unlike the best smartphones – Kindle and Windows tablets actually make an appearance, too.
We rank tablets based on multiple factors, including performance, battery life, and screen quality, with price playing an all-important role in the final tally.
For most people, the best tablet you can buy right now is the new iPad (2017). it has a crisp 9.7-inch display, punchy A9 power and a lower price tag than the tablet it replaces – the iPad Air 2.
The new iPad (2017) doesn't reinvent the tablet, in fact it doesn't differ much at all from its predecessor. The only real upgrade is the chipset, with Apple's A9 heart giving the new iPad more power – however it's the price which is the real winner.
There's no 16GB model, with the iPad kicking things off at a more reasonable 32GB, and considering that's cheaper than the entry-level iPad Air 2 it offers serious value for money.
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch is best for anyone who wants a serious tablet upgrade, even though the cheaper iPad 9.7 remains good enough for most people.
It has standout features that give it a productivity boost, including Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard compatibility. When iOS 11 comes out, this tablet will be a suitable laptop replacement for certain consumers.
The new ProMotion screen adds an impressive layer of fluidity to daily use – if not strictly necessary – and the smaller bezels means you're getting far more display in a footprint not much bigger than last year's 9.7.
It's solely ranked second because of its higher price. It's almost double the price in the US. That said, it's an iPad for the professionals – but also one that media munchers will adore using.
You're not going to find a better, full-featured Android tablet than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. It has a HDR-screen for the ultimate contrast ratio, four speakers that sound as good as those on the iPad Pro and an larger S Pen that's included.
You won't get a free keyboard cover, which helps makes this a good on-the-go productivity tool. It costs extra. You also can't get HDR video content at any price. Netflix and Amazon will eventually roll out HDR streaming movies and TV shows in the future (they have done so for 4KTVs), so you're really buying into a 2-in-1 tablet with features you can't use right away.
The best full-featured tablet is the iPad Pro 9.7 – the smaller screened version of the iPad Pro 12.9 that wants to replace your laptop.
While there are plenty of brilliant Android tablets around at the moment, the newest iPad offers a lot of the power of the larger iPad Pro, along with the Smart Keyboard and Pencil support, but brings it in a much more bag-and-palm friendly size. Oh, and those four speakers are just brilliant too!
There's no Apple iPad Pro 2 release date just yet, or even confirmation that such a tablet exists. You're safe to buy this one right now.
The best 7-inch tablet at the moment is definitely the iPad mini 4. If you like the look of Apple's iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro, but find them too big, too expensive or both, then you're in luck. With no official confirmation of an iPad mini 5 yet, the diminutive iPad mini 4 gives you the best of Apple's tablet world in a form factor that's not only beautiful, but highly portable.
You can't look at this new Asus ZenPad 3 10 and not think of an iPad. It has the same 9.7-inch display, but it runs Android instead of iOS. It has a sharp screen and the performance is solid, even if you don't recognize the chipset by name. It just can't match the best Apple iPad tablet due to its inferior battery life and build quality. But that might not matter if you fancy is cheaper price above all else.
Google's Pixel C is simply one of the best Android tablets out there. It has a fantastic display, heaps of power and a premium design. It pairs well with a Google Pixel or Google Pixel XL smartphone and even runs the Android 7.0 Nougat update. In fact, it's one of the few ways that you can try the new Android O developer preview.
It's not quite a laptop replacement, but there's a fantastic keyboard accessory if you're willing to pay extra. Be warned: You won't find the cheaper Google Pixel C 32GB model on sale through the Google Store. Only the 64GB is sold there now, though you can still find the 32GB deals through other retailers.
The iPad Pro won't be for everyone due to the size and cost, but for those it does appeal to (and can afford it), you're unlikely to find a better tablet for your needs. Whether its graphics, multi-tasking or providing a pseudo-Mac experience when you're away from the office the iPad Pro is capable of so much.
Even the Apple Pencil – hilarious name aside – is an impressive tool for a particular niche. Not everyone will dig it. But for serious pros who need more than the iPad Pro 9.7, this is the best tablet to replace a laptop.
Can a tablet really replace your laptop or home PC? That's still up for debate, but the best tablet trying to make that happen right now is the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 – and it does a fine job with the full blown version of Windows 10.
It has an integrated kickstand and optional keyboard attachment, making it ideal for creative professionals, students and everyday folks alike.
This isn't the discontinued Google Nexus 7, but it's slightly bigger cousin made by famed graphics card maker Nvidia. Obviously its speciality is gaming with a compatible controller. Just don't be fooled into thinking the gamepad comes with the Nvidia Shield tablet. Not at its current asking price of $199.
Strangely, it doesn't come with a charger either. That's okay. You probably have plenty of microUSB cables and wall adapters. What's important is that this can play Android games and stream both Steam games and Nvidia Grid games. It's a small tablet, but a mighty big value.
As with today's best smartphones, applications play a big role on tablets – once you've decided which of these tablets is right for you, check out our top app lists so you can get your fill of Temple Run, update your friends on Facebook and read the latest news, all on a bigger screen.
If you're not quite ready to part with your cash, then take a look at these other noteworthy slates – they're ones that have likely been on the list in the past or are coming out soon.
Until the iPad Pro 9.7, this was the best tablet in the world. Even though it has been replaced by Apple, it's still a brilliant tablet that has further raised the bar for the rest of the competition in terms of build quality, features and performance.
Good news: it's now cheaper thanks to the release of the newer iPad Pro and the new iPad, which ditches the "Air" moniker.
Apple's range of tablet-optimized apps and a slick iOS 10 user interface makes the iPad Air 2 extremely versatile while also being incredibly easy, and enjoyable, to use.
There are plenty of reasons to invest in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 – especially if you're looking to buy one of the best Android tablets at an affordable price. This was the best tablet that Samsung had ever produced before the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 launched.
You can pick it up for a new low price in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants. Almost impossibly thin, pumped full of power and with a slicker interface it gives the best iPads a real run for its literal money. You're basically only missing the S Pen, keyboard and HDR screen and speaker upgrades from the new version.
The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is the best tablet option for PS4 and PS4 Pro owners, as it allows you to stream games from your console direct to the tablet when you're in another room of your house. Link up your PlayStation 4 controller to the Z4 Tablet and you'll be gaming in bed, in the kitchen and on the toilet. The included keyboard dock in the box also makes for a great stand.
If you can get used to Sony's version of the Android user interface and handle the price tag, this isn't a bad option. There's no Sony Xperia Z5 and it may be skipped entirely for a Sony Xperia Z6, but this is not a reason to hold off on buying right now, as it's merely a rumor.
Tablets don't have to be big and cumbersome, and the rather clumsily named Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is testament to just that. It's not Sony's best tablet – that goes to the Z4 further up the page, but it's super-slim profile, waterproof chassis, bright display and solid line up of specs means it'll comfortably slip in your bag and won't baulk at the first sign of rain. However, it's a little older now, so be warned that it won't be getting all the Android updates you might hope for.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S was unveiled at the very start of 2016 and boasts a great screen, solid build and Windows 10. It's an odd device, but one that works better than we expected it to. The keyboard dock isn't great, with a cramped mouse and keys which aren't the easiest to type on – but over all Samsung's made a solid Windows slate.
Huawei's first Windows 10 device is a well-designed 2-in-1 that rivals the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro in places. It's a promising, yet pricey, first 2-in-1 from the Chinese company, managing to feel fresh despite arriving late to the party.
The popular iPad mini range has won fans around the world, probably due to the fact it's the cheapest iPad offering in Apple's range. While the arrival of the iPad mini 5 in 2017 is likely, there's a small question mark around whether Apple will bother after criticism for its less than impressive iPad mini 3 update. If it does arrive expect more power with a new processor, the latest version of iOS 10 on screen and the same premium metal body.
For those of us who are constantly connected in today’s digital age, we tend to take our web accessibility for granted, either being connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network at all times. But there are billions around the world who, as yet, have no internet access whatsoever.
Organised by Wireless Broadband Alliance for the first time this year, World Wi-Fi Day will be a global initiative that hopes to bridge that digital gap by championing services and solutions that help do just that.
Not to be left behind, Australia’s largest telco is doing its bit to celebrate World Wi-Fi Day on 20 June by giving free Telstra Air access to everyone across the country tomorrow. It also celebrates the installation of Telstra’s millionth Wi-Fi hotspot.
Typically, Telstra Air is free only for the telco’s mobile and broadband customers who have opted in for the service. For anyone else with a device that supports Wi-Fi connectivity, a Telstra Air Guest Pass costs between $5 for an hour’s worth of internet access and up to $30 for a 30-day pass.
So, if you’d like to save some mobile data, be sure to log into Telstra’s public Wi-Fi network when you’re out and about tomorrow.
Google has revealed today an additional four steps it will take in order to tackle online terror. The pledge came via a post on the company blog written by Kent Walker, Google’s General Counsel, acknowledging the scale and scope of its YouTube and Google platforms, and the “uncomfortable truth […] that more needs to be done. Now.”
Before going into detail on what shape the extra steps will take, Walker outlines the existing measures that the company is already taking to help prevent the distribution and redistribution of terrorist material. This ranges from the thousands of employees Google has reviewing content, to technologies and systems that automatically prevent the upload and re-upload of known terrorist material, to the government and law-enforcement co-operation that the company is involved in.
Throughout the post, attention is paid to the company’s desire to achieve a balance between open and free societies and the prevention of terrorist actions that aim to erode these same values.
The steps
The first step is to devote more engineering resources and advanced machine learning to improve Google’s identification software. This is the software that will ideally help identify inappropriate videos automatically and distinguish between propaganda or glorification of terrorist content and legitimate reports on such content by reputable journalistic networks.
Secondly, the company hopes to greatly increase its amount of Trusted Flaggers on YouTube by almost doubling the amount of Non-Government Organizations (NGO) that are already operating, and financially backing them up with operational grants. While a great deal of content flagged as inappropriate can be inaccurate, Google claims that over 90-percent of its flags from this group of independent experts are accurate.
Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly for your average YouTube user, the online video behemoth “will be taking a tougher stance on videos that do not clearly violate [its] policies”. This means that videos that border on infringing its policies but are technically still allowed (such as supremacist content) will be void of the comments section, lack the ability to be recommended or monetized, and will appear behind an “interstitial warning”.
The last step is a proactive measure in counter-radicalization. More specifically, YouTube will be increasing its efforts along the lines of the “Redirect Method” — an approach that redirects targeted Isis recruitment advertisements to anti-terrorist videos instead, a process which has apparently already proved rather successful.
Australia’s independent consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has put out a call for 2,000 volunteers to measure and compare their broadband speeds in a bid to deliver transparent consumer information on this oft-complained about issue.
The program will install a piece of hardware in around 2,000 homes for the first year, and up to 4,000 residences over its four year duration, which will remotely “determine typical speeds on fixed-line NBN services at various times throughout the day”.
According to the ACCC’s Acting Chair Delia Rickard, the Commission “is currently investigating examples of where ISPs may have misled consumers in relation to their broadband speeds,” and believes “it is crucial that consumers have access to information about the speed and quality of the broadband services they are paying for”.
The $7 million program is being funded by the Federal Government and will last four years. It is similar in nature to a number of existing programs in the UK, US, Singapore and Canada, which have all been in place for several years (almost a decade in the UK’s case).
If you’re interested in consumer transparency and want to volunteer, then you can sign up for the program at this address, with the first round of applications closing by the end of July 2017.
