Sunday, April 11, 2021

Latest Tech News

The Walmart PS5 restock last month means we're overdue to see the Sony console back in stock – and you can follow Matt Swider below to get real-time updates on when the next Walmart restock date and time will happen. But here's why we're waiting: some people are still waiting for their March 18 orders, and that delay has led to Walmart offering a meaningful PS5 discount to those customers, with their total price paid going from $499 to $399 for PS5 Disc – if they ask.

  • Next PS5 drop? Follow @mattswider, our PS5 restock Twitter tracker for notifications when the next PS5 restock is live at all US stores. It's the fastest way to get real-time updates. Do not buy directly off Twitter users – which are all scams – only to the websites Matt points you to.

Here's an example of what our PS5 restock alert looks like (from the Walmart PS5 drop on March 18). Click through to follow the account.

PS5 restock matt swider

(Image credit: Future)

The Walmart PS5 discount explained

Walmart is now offering anywhere from $50 to $100 off stuck-in-transit orders of the new Sony console, according to several Twitter replies sent to Matt Swider, as he tracks PS5 restock everyday. PS5-less customers have mixed emotions about this naturally. It should be noted that other customers saw their order cancelled.

PS5 restock

(Image credit: Future)

PS5 restock

(Image credit: Future)

The last Walmart PS5 restock, on Thursday, March 18, apparently sold more than the inventory the US retailer had on hand. We previously reported that it went through waves of stock every 10 minutes for two hours. Given the fact that PS5 demand is so strong, it makes sense that most orders were actually PS5 pre-orders.

With the promised delivery date of April 9 passed, Walmart began to issue emails notifying customers of a delay last week. Those who have been up-in-arms seem over the matter are getting something back for their trouble: a meaningful PS5 discount of up to $100. But it's only come to those who asked, according to their feedback.

Walmart hasn't been able to fulfill orders as fast as Antonline, GameStop, Costco and Sam's Club which take a week or less ship orders. Sony Direct can ship in two days if you have PlayStation Plus. Best Buy offers pick-up for online purchases anywhere from three days to one week after the order date, and Target is the reigning champ: same-day pickup from your local store after securing the PS5 console online.

However, not every Walmart customer has their console in limbo. During the most recent Walmart Xbox Series X restock last Wednesday, April 7, we saw the Microsoft console ship to customers almost immediately. For good reason, there wasn't a PS5 restock that day. But the retailer taking a breath is a sign that it's speeding things up and only having a console restock when it has inventory.

When will Walmart restock PS5 next?

There a good chance that the next Walmart PS5 restock date and time is Thursday, April 15 at 3pm EDT. That's the retailer's pattern of launching consoles every other Thursday for a month, and then taking an entire month off. The last time we saw the Sony PS5 back in stock at Walmart, it was that infamous Thursday, March 18 at 3pm EDT. Prepare for waves of order if this is the correct and and time.

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Best Buy PS5 restock date and time

The Best Buy restock date is expected to be Friday, April 16 at 12pm EDT / 11am CDT / 10am MDT / 9am PDT, according to the big-box retailer's past patterns. It had two rare misses over the last two Fridays, and the last PS5 restock was limited to PS5 Disc for $499. There was no inventory of the PS5 Digital for $399.

Best Buy has a Friday launch window of 12pm EDT to 3:15pm EDT (we haven't seen it later than that) and hasn't done a PS5 restock over the weekend in 2021. Our Twitter tracker has always picked up on when they 'add to cart' button goes live. In fact, we were able to run an exclusive report ahead of the official time thanks to sources at Best Buy warehouses regarding inventory.

Here's our PS5 restock tracker alert from Friday March 26:

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Target PS5 restock date and time

The rumored next Target PS5 restock date is Wednesday, April 14. We'll actually be able to narrow down the time and date this week, but Target's off-schedule Wednesday drop two weeks ago doesn't seem to be a one-time thing. There wasn't to be a Target restock last week.

We checked with Target stores and warehouses sources to see if there was a chance of a PS5 restock for Thursday, April 8. No, there's some inventory, but not enough inventory on hand at those stores to make it happen. In other words, there was no reason to wake up for the brutal 7:40am EDT / 4:40am PT PS5 drop time at Target, but this week may be more promising.

Here's what our Target PS5 restock alert looked like last time (March 31 example shown):

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Antonline PS5 restock date

The next Antonline PS5 restock is likely to be this week – and they may be the first with the console back in stock. Antonline promises weekly drops of the next-gen console. These are always in the form of loaded PS5 bundles, so the price is higher, but it's easy to snag the console that way.

Antonline sell out of PS5 in three minutes, but when it goes on sale, there are no waves or in stock/out of stock funny business with the add to cart button and the American retailer ships fast. Basically it's the opposite of a Walmart PS5 restock.

Here's what our Antonline restock alerts look like:

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Sony Direct date and time

The Sony Direct PS5 restock won't have happened for nearly three weeks by the time the next in stock date comes around. The last time you could by a PlayStation 5 from the official Sony store was Tuesday, March 23 at 5pm EDT. That's a sign of how dire its inventory has been – when the PlayStation store can't get PS5 back in stock.

Sony Direct is overdue for a restock, and when it does come back in stock, there's good news: Sony requires a PSN account and restricts orders to one console per address, limiting resellers. You have a good shot at winning this lottery of sorts.

Here's what our Sony Direct PS5 restock alert looked like last time (March 23 example shown):

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Sam's Club PS5 restock

Sam's Club is overdue for a PS5 restock – the last time was a surprise at 1am EDT on March 23. That off-putting time made it stay in stock way longer than normal: a whole four minutes. That's a lifetime in the console restock world. 

Sam's Club, unlike Best Buy and Walmart, doesn't do frequent restocks or stick to a time schedule. So it's important to follow our PS5 restock tracker for this store. While you don't have to be a member of Sam's Club to buy PS5, you will get charged a fee or use a temporary membership to purchase the Sony console.

Here's what our Sam's Club PS5 restock alert looked like last time (March 23):

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GameStop PS5 bundle restock date

The next GameStop PS5 restock date is likely to be late this week or early next week. We usually have to wait one week to one-and-a-half weeks for a GameStop PS5 drop consisting of bundles. And the last date was Tuesday, April 6, with a 45-minute wave of new Sony console stock. 

GameStop didn't make its last restock very easy; most people who tried were met with error messages when clicking the add to cart button. We saw an easier restock on the morning of Friday, April 2 – maybe these were leftover consoles? Look for a bigger restock next to rectify all of those complaints earlier this week.

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When is the Amazon PS5 restock?

This is the $499 question: when will PS5 restock at Amazon? The retailer was said to be ready to go live with 46,000 consoles in its inventory, according to our sources at its warehouses. However, we haven't seen the retailer update its PS5 Disc and PS5 Digital Edition pages beyond what third-party resellers are offering at outrageous prices, and theories are running rampant including whether or not it's saving the PS5 stock for Amazon Prime Day. New: We're told that the Xbox may drop sooner than the PS5, even though Amazon just had a small round of Microsoft consoles for sale three weeks ago.

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Costco PS5 restock date

The PS5 restock at Costco goes quickly, even though the retailer only offers the new console to its members. That really tells you how strong demand is for PS5. It often has reasonably priced PS5 bundles, so it's no wonder it sells out in four minutes, according to our PS5 restock tracker. The good news is that Costco is overdue for a Sony console restock.

Here's what our Costco PS5 restock alert looked like last time (March 9):

TechRadar will continue to report on PS5 restock information as the news breaks. We'll keep this page updated with the most relevant data regarding Sony's console and when it's back in stock. Time is always a factor, so knowing when PS5 will be in stock at Best Buy and other retailers give you a better chance to buy it in April, rather than having to wait until the summer of 2021 – or even later this year.

Look for our Walmart PS5 restock alert

The Walmart PS5 restock is the big get when it happens, even though the retailer has recently been very slow to ship. It has offered more inventory than any other store in the US, so securing the Sony console can be easier – if you know how to tap that add to cart button relentlessly and turn on notifications for our Twitter tracker. You may not get the secret PS5 discount from Walmart, but you also probably don't want one if you're going to have to wait on the console to be delivered in late May.



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Latest Tech News

The iPhone 12 represents a stark departure from its predecessors, courtesy of a completely refreshed design and some notably improved components.

With many an iPhone XR owner due for an upgrade after a long two-year contract, it’s the iPhone 12 that’s likely to be in their crosshairs. So how much of a step up does the iPhone 12 present? And is the iPhone XR still a viable purchase in 2021?

The two-year gap between the release of these handsets represents a long time in the smartphone world. Let’s see if Apple has put that development time to good use.

iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR price and availability

The iPhone 12 landed in shops on October 23, 2020. Prices for Apple’s current flagship range from $799 / £799 / AU$1,349 for the 64GB model, to $949 / £949 / AU$1,599 for 256GB. The 128GB model tucked in-between costs $849 / £849 / AU$1,429.

Two years prior to the iPhone 12 hitting shops, the iPhone XR went on sale. From October 26, 2018, you could grab the 64GB model for $749 / £749 / AU$1229, the 128GB model for $799 / £799 / AU$1299 for 128GB, and the 256GB model for $899 / £899 / AU$1479.

If you think this is a nostalgic look back at an obsolete phone, think again. Apple is still offering the iPhone XR as new, with the 64GB model costing $499 / £499 / AU$849 and the 128GB model available for $549 / £549 / AU$929. This makes it the cheapest large-screen iPhone in the range.

It also means that a brand-new 64GB iPhone XR costs a not-inconsiderable $300 / £300 / AU$500 less than a brand-new 64GB iPhone 12. It’s a rare and precious win for the creaking iPhone XR.

Design

That difference of two years between these two phones is apparent when you look at the devices side by side. In fact, you could say that gap appears even wider.

At the time of the iPhone XR’s arrival, its soft, rounded design was starting to become stale. We first saw this look with the iPhone 6 in 2014, and it was only modestly revised with the iPhone X in 2017.

In our review, we noted that the iPhone XR was essentially an all-screen version of the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 8 – which is fitting description. We also pointed out that the XR was a lot chunkier than its more premium sibling of the time, the iPhone XS.

Measuring 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm, and with a weight of 194g, the XR is certainly far chunkier than the iPhone 12. Apple’s latest phone is a relatively diminutive 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm, and it weighs just 164g.

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iPhone 12 deals

The iPhone 12 (Image credit: Apple)
Image 2 of 2

iPhone XR

iPhone XR (Image credit: Apple)

Despite being slimmer and lighter, the iPhone 12 appears to be more rugged than the XR. Its IP68 rating makes it more water-tight than the IP67-certified iPhone XR, while Apple’s new nano-crystalline Ceramic Shield screen delivers four times the drop-resistance.

The iPhone 12 also sports a far more stylish and unique design. While plenty of comparisons have been made with the iPhone 4, the iPhone 12’s perfectly flat edges and sharp corners stand out a mile in this curve-obsessed smartphone landscape.

When it comes to colors, the iPhone XR offers a choice of six: Yellow, White, Coral, Black, Blue, and Product Red. That’s one more than the iPhone 12’s Black, White, Red, Green, and Blue – although the latter signature color, in particular, is an alluringly deep tone.

Display

Despite the discrepancy in body size, the iPhone 12 display and the iPhone XR display are exactly the same size. Both measure 6.1 inches corner-to-corner, which is generally considered small-to-medium in today’s wider smartphone market.

The shared 60Hz refresh rate – which really is unforgivable in the case of the iPhone 12 at a time when rivals offer 120Hz – is where the similarities end. The iPhone 12 display is leagues ahead of its older sibling.

The iPhone 12 display is a Super Retina XDR OLED, while the iPhone XR’s is a Liquid Retina IPS LCD. Breaking those arcane terms down, the iPhone 12’s 2532 x 1170 Super Retina is sharper than the iPhone XR’s 1792 X 828 Liquid Retina – and by some margin.

Even more consequential is the iPhone 12 display’s OLED attributes, as opposed to the iPhone XR’s use of old IPS LCD technology. This ensures the newer phone delivers far punchier yet more natural colors, as well as truer blacks and infinitely higher color contrast.

Like we said, it would have been nice to see the iPhone 12 stretch its legs when it comes to refresh rate. But make no mistake, the display on this device is superior by an order of magnitude, with the iPhone XR left looking rather dated.

Camera

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR (Image credit: Future)

The iPhone 12 has been a huge step up from the iPhone XR so far, and that gap doesn’t decrease when it comes to their respective photographic capabilities.

The iPhone 12 features two 12-megapixel cameras to the iPhone XR’s one. Besides the usual wide lens, the iPhone 12 also gets a 12-megapixel ultra-wide with an f/2.4 aperture. As a result, it can capture those sweeping landscape shots that simply aren’t possible with the XR.

The secondary sensor also aids the iPhone 12’s portrait mode, with the additional depth data resulting in a more accurate separation of the subject and background. The iPhone XR has to do all of this in software, and it’s a lesser alternative.

The iPhone 12’s main 12-megapixel image sensor is accompanied by an f/1.6 aperture, while the iPhone XR has a narrower (although by no means narrow) f/1.8 equivalent. Both benefit from OIS, however.

When it comes to shot quality, the iPhone 12 wins in every respect – and this has little to do with their respective lenses or sensors. With Apple’s improved algorithms and the image-crunching advances of the A14 Bionic chip (more on that in a bit), shots taken with the iPhone 12 tend to be brighter, sharper, and more natural-looking. Advanced features such as Smart HDR 3 ensure that the iPhone 12’s images pack superior dynamic range, too, so you’ll be able to rein in those bright skies and shadowy bushes.

Night mode is a huge distinction here, enabling the iPhone 12 to take spookily sharp images in extremely low-light conditions. The iPhone XR doesn’t even have access to this magical mode; Night mode made its debut in the following year’s iPhone 11.

Both phones shoot crisp 4K 60fps video, but the iPhone 12 wins again with advanced features such as Dolby Vision for better dynamic range.

Specs and performance

iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 (Image credit: TechRadar)

Apple routinely improves the power of its phones by around 20% year-on-year. To put it crudely, then, we can expect the iPhone 12 to be around 40 to 50% faster than the iPhone XR.

The iPhone 12 runs on Apple’s latest A14 Bionic CPU, while the iPhone XR is powered by the A12 Bionic. While Apple doesn’t talk about memory, we know from teardowns that the iPhone 12 is backed by 4GB of RAM to the iPhone XR’s 3GB.

It creates a sizeable advantage, but the question lingers over how meaningful that performance gap is, aside from those aforementioned image-processing improvements. Apple consistently builds ample headroom into its phones, which means that a two-year-old iPhone XR continues to run fast and smooth.

It also means that, in 2021, there isn’t an app or task that can really make the iPhone XR stumble. Perhaps the latest 3D games won’t be at their absolute smoothest or most visually alluring on the older phone, but you can bet that they’ll still run well, barring the odd stutter.

Of course, the iPhone 12 has that same headroom built into its performance, which means that it will remain fast and smooth long after the iPhone XR starts creaking and groaning. Around two years longer, if we were to hazard a guess.

In terms of storage, both phones offer 64GB as standard. Like that shared 60Hz screen refresh rate, this is a lot more forgivable in the iPhone XR than it is in the iPhone 12.

Both handsets also offer options for 128GB and 256GB of storage, although Apple has removed the 256GB iPhone XR from the equation on its official online store.

One big spec difference that’s only going to become more meaningful over time is the iPhone 12’s 5G connectivity. The ability to hook into the latest mobile network might not appear to be a killer app today, especially if you live in a rural or suburban area that’s still wholly reliant on 3G and 4G – but that’s changing rapidly.

Battery life

When Apple launched the iPhone XR, it claimed that it offered the best battery life ever in an iPhone. We found that to be true at the time, but we didn’t expect that the case would continue to be made for the phone two years later.

Apple has arguably taken a step back with the stamina of its smartphones in recent years. That’s perfectly illustrated by comparing the iPhone 12 to the iPhone XR. We specifically noted in our review that the iPhone 12 simply didn’t last as long as the iPhone XR between charges.

Both handsets will get you through a day of moderate use, but the iPhone XR will do so with considerably more headroom. If you’re fairly frugal with your usage, the older phone may even get you through a second day.

There are a couple of reasons for this performance shortfall in the newer device. For one, the iPhone 12’s battery is smaller than the iPhone XR’s, at 2815mAh compared to 2942mAh.

Another crucial difference is between the two displays. The iPhone 12 pumps out way more pixels than the iPhone XR, which inevitably takes its toll on battery life.

Finally, there’s that matter of 5G connectivity. Hooking into the intermittent broadband-like speeds of 5G (and typically back to 4G again in short order) really takes it out of a tiny smartphone battery. It’s early days for the next-gen network, and phone manufacturers are having to adapt to its mercurial capabilities.

Both phones support wireless charging, although the iPhone 12 supports faster 12W compared to the iPhone XR’s 7.5W. Fast 20W wired charging is also possible with the iPhone 12, with the iPhone XR restricted to 15W.

Takeaway

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iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 (Image credit: TechRadar)
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iPhone XR

iPhone XR (Image credit: Shutterstock)

There’s no getting around it: the iPhone 12 is a much more capable phone than the iPhone XR in all ways but two.

It has bags more power, a much fresher and slimmer design, and a display that’s both sharper and more vibrant than the XR’s ageing tech. In addition, the iPhone 12’s dual camera system is considerably more advanced and flexible than the single setup of the iPhone XR.

Where the iPhone XR strikes back is with its superior stamina, and a significantly lower price tag that might make some people think twice about splashing the cash on Apple’s expensive flagship.

We’d recommend anyone with the money opts for the iPhone 12. It’s a flat=out better phone. But the iPhone XR remains a viable choice for those looking for a full-sized iPhone experience at half the price of an iPhone 12 Pro.



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Latest Tech News

UK consumers are putting themselves at risk of cyberattack by using weak passwords such as their pet's name.

A warning from National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said 15% of the population used a pet's name as part of or as a password, 14% use the name of a family member, and 13% choose a notable date.

The NCSC even found that 6% of people are still using "password" as some form of login, with a similar amount using "123456", with favourtie sports teams and TV shows also a popular choice.

Strong and secure

The figures, released by the NCSC ahead of National Pet Day, look to highlight the poor job many of us still do when creating passwords for online accounts.

“We may be a nation of animal lovers, but using your pet’s name as a password could make you an easy target for callous cyber criminals," noted NCSC Director for Policy and Communications, Nicola Hudson.

“I would urge everybody to visit cyberaware.gov.uk and follow our guidance on setting secure passwords which recommends using passwords made up of three random words."

Instead of pet names, the NCSC is recommending creating passwords made of three random words to ensure higher levels of security - especially if the words have no relation to each other.

The organisation also found that 27% of Brits said they now have at least four more new password-protected accounts than this time last year – with 6% adding more than 10 new accounts in the last 12 months.

The temptation to re-use passwords across multiple accounts is strong, but the NCSC recommends having sepearate password for each accounts - and if this proves too tricky to remember, using a password manager to make sure no details get lost.

For anyone still unsure of the best steps to take in creating tough passwords, the NCSC is offering its Cyber Action Plan tool to generate tailored, free of charge advice to improve your security against online attacks.



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Saturday, April 10, 2021

IRS sent 1 million more stimulus checks through the mail: 2 ways to track yours through USPS - CNET

See when your stimulus payment is coming to your mailbox with this free USPS tool. Don't worry -- it's easy to use and shows you what to look for so you don't throw your money away.

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The best minimalist wallet for 2021 - CNET

We tested more than a dozen of the most popular and interesting designs on the market. Here's what we found.

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WWE 2K22 game debuts at WrestleMania 37 - CNET

It's the first WWE 2K game in years, after WWE 2K20 was lambasted by critics and fans.

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WWE WrestleMania 37: Results, weather delay, live updates and match ratings - CNET

Live right now on NBC's Peacock streaming service -- after a half-hour weather delay.

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NASA's Ingenuity helicopter gets set to explore Mars - CNET

In the coming days, NASA's Perseverance rover will watch the historic first flight on the red planet.

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Xbox Series X restock: Inventory updates at Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, Newegg and more - CNET

Microsoft's new console isn't as difficult to find as the PlayStation 5, but that doesn't mean scoring one will be easy.

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Who's a qualified dependent for the child tax credit 2021? It's complicated - CNET

Your child will need to meet qualification requirements for you to receive the new payment of up to $3,600 per kid.

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Logitech Harmony universal remotes discontinued - CNET

But Logitech says it won't leave fans empty-handed.

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Latest Tech News

Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov are set to go toe-to-toe for the vacant WBO light heavyweight title, in an intriguing matchup between raw power and experience. Read on as we explain how to watch a Smith vs Vlasov live stream today and catch all the boxing action online from anywhere in the world.

Smith Jr vs Vlasov live stream

Date: Saturday, April 10

Venue: Osage Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Smith vs Vlasov ring walk time (approx): 11.15pm ET / 8.15pm PT / 4.15am BST / 1.15pm AEST

Live stream: ESPN/ESPN Plus (US) | Premier Sports (UK) | Fite.TV (CA)

Watch anywhere: try our No. 1 rated VPN 100% risk-free

Smith is seen by many as a real-life Rocky figure, having fought his way to the top of the sport after years spent working as a laborer. 

The Irish Bomber is still best known for battering boxing legend Bernard Hopkins out of the ring in 2016, but he's more than just a powerful puncher, as he demonstrated while completely outboxing Eleider Alvarez in his last fight in August.

Can Vlasov withstand the American's granite fists? The Russian is the less storied of the two fighters, but his 45-3 record (26 KOs) commands respect and he's faced bigger men than Smith before. The Kill also has the height advantage here, though he hasn't fought in 18 months, his last bout dating all the way back to November 2019. 

Whatever happens, there's going to be a new WBO light heavyweight champion of the world, so follow our guide below to watch a Joe Smith Jr. vs Maxim Vlasov live stream online and from anywhere.

How to watch Smith vs Vlasov if you're away from your country 

If you're abroad and discover that your usual coverage is geo-blocked, then the only alternative that we know is to use a VPN to dial in to a country that does is showing the fight. 

The software is perfect for this as it allows you to change your IP address and appear to be in a completely different location - and all through a safe, encrypted connection. Here's how to get started.

Use a VPN to live stream Smith vs Vlasov anywhere

ExpressVPN is the world's top VPN
We've tested all of the major VPN services and we rate ExpressVPN as the absolute best. It's compatible with loads of devices including iOS, Android, Amazon Fire Stick, PlayStation, Apple TV and such, and we found it secure, speedy and simple-to-use. 

Another great perk is the fact that it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and 3-months FREE, so you can see if it's right for you with no strings attached.

Once you've downloaded the software, just follow the prompts to install it then select the location you want to relocate your IP address to - it really is that easy.

- Try ExpressVPN 100% risk-free for 30 days

Remember, there are loads of benefits to using a VPN beyond just helping you regain access to streaming services and content from abroad. One of the biggest is security: by using encrypted tunnels, VPNs give you a robust first-line of defense against cybercriminals and government snooping. This makes everyday tasks like online shopping and banking much safer, and many people choose to use one for that reason alone.

how to watch Smith vs Vlasov live stream

How to watch Smith Jr vs Vlasov online in the US

Boxing fans based in the US have several options for watching the Smith vs Vlasov fight. It's being shown on ESPN and Spanish-language channel ESPN Deportes, with coverage getting underway at 10pm ET / 7pm PT. If you have ESPN as part of a cable package, you'll be able to stream games directly through the ESPN website.

This event is being simulcast with ESPN's specialist streaming service, too - ESPN+. It costs just $5.99 per month, but you'll save even more if you pay for a year in advance. You can learn all you need to know and sign up with our dedicated ESPN Plus guide.

But there's even better value to be had if you grab ESPN Plus as part of the big Disney Plus Bundle. As well as ESPN Plus live coverage and documentary action, you'll get access to the Disney Plus catalog plus all the great shows and movies that Hulu offers, all for $13.99 a month.

Cord-cutters may also want to consider Sling TV, whose Sling Orange package features ESPN channels from just $35 a month.

Meanwhile, fuboTV is an even more complete end-to-end cable replacement service, which offers ESPN and over 120 other channels on plans starting from $64.99 a month. Oh yeah...and comes with a free trial, too!

Smith vs Vlasov live stream uk

How to watch Smith vs Vlasov: live stream in the UK

Premier Sports 1 is the place to watch the Smith vs Vlasov fight in the UK, with coverage starting at 3am BST on Saturday night/Sunday morning.

The channel is available on TV from £10.99 a month through both Sky and Virgin Media.

There's also a streaming-only option available, costing £10.99 for the full works including Premier Sports 1 and 2, LaLiga TV, and Box Nation. 

Out of the UK but want to watch your usual boxing coverage? Just follow the VPN route as described above and you'll be up and running in no time.

watch Smith vs Vlasov live stream boxing canada

How to watch Smith vs Vlasov: live stream boxing in Canada

In Canada, the Smith vs Vlasov fight is being shown by TSN, but it's online-only. 

The good news is its TSN Direct streaming service can be had from just $7.99 a day or (much better value) $19.99 a month and can be purchased by anyone - regardless of whether you have the channel as part of a pay TV package in the country or not.

Having said that, existing subscribers should note they can log-in to watch TSN live streams at no extra charge with details of their provider. 

TSN's coverage begins at 10pm ET / 7pm PT.

Canadian abroad? Then you can use a VPN to magically find themselves back in Canada to live stream boxing just like they would at home.

watch Smith vs Vlasov live stream boxing australia

How to watch Smith vs Vlasov: live stream boxing in Australia

While no linear channel is set to show the fight Down Under, online combat sports Fite.tv streaming service is offering the Smith vs Vlasov fight as a pay-per-view event.

In order to watch Smith vs Vlasov, you’ll need to set up a FITE TV account, with the PPV set to cost US$9.99.

Out of Australia and need a stream of that PPV? Try a VPN to change your IP location.

Smith vs Vlasov time and date

The Smith vs Vlasov fight takes place on Saturday, April 10 at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

The night's main card is set to get underway at 10pm ET / 7pm PT in the US, 3am BST in the UK, and 12pm AEST in Australia.

Ring walks for the main event are roughly expected to be as follows.

Smith vs Vlasov ring walk times

  • Smith vs Vlasov time (US and Canada): 11.15pm ET / 8.15pm PT / 10.15pm CT
  • Smith vs Vlasov time (UK): 4.15am BST (Sunday, April 11)
  • Smith vs Vlasov time (Australia): 1.15pm AEST (Sunday, April 11)

Smith vs Vlasov: full card for tonight's event

  • Efe Ajagba vs Brian Howard (Heavyweight
  • Jared Anderson vs Jeremiah Karpency (Heavyweight)



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What is the perfect TV viewing distance? If you're sizing up a new television, it's well worth measuring how far you should be sitting for the optimum viewing experience – especially since you may not realize what TV size is best suited for your current furniture setup.

So if you’re planning on squeezing in as many inches as you can afford rather than the number of inches your room can handle, you may want to rethink. 

As TV sizes continue to get bigger, the real key to a good viewing experience is all down to how far away from the screen you sit. So having a good idea of how big your space is and where you’re likely to arrange your furniture is the first step in buying a new TV. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because your old screen fitted perfectly in a certain spot, your new one will also blend in the same way.

TV placement is about way more than just making sure that you keep your space insta-worthy. Sitting too close to a large screen could strain your eyes, and if you love to binge-watch box-sets, that’s not going to be ideal.

There is also the issue of image clarity. If you sit too far away from the screen, then it can be harder to view; if you sit too close, then all you’ll see are pixels, and the image will look distorted. Having the right amount of viewing space at your disposal really is a necessity. 

This guide will walk you through how to find the perfect size TV for your space and more importantly how far to sit from your 4K TV, no matter what size it is.

how to measure tv

(Image credit: Samsung)

What is the ideal TV viewing distance?

Many manufacturers such as Samsung recommend sitting between 1.5 and 2.5 times the TV's diagonal screen size to find your perfect viewing spot. 

However, when it comes to 4K, due to the increased resolution of the picture, there is some leeway around that figure. When watching your 4K screen the ideal place to sit is between 1-1.5 times the screen size of your TV. At this distance, your eyes cannot tell apart the individual pixels, so you’ll be viewing the image on the screen in the same detail as you would in real life. 

In actual terms, that means that if you have a 65-inch 4K TV, you should sit between 65-97.5 inches away to get the best picture.  With screens getting bigger, it really is important to make sure that you pick one that you’re going to be able to view in your own space comfortably. 

Here are the recommended viewing distances for 1080p and 4K TVs so you can see the difference in the seating distances. Keep in mind that there are 12 inches in a foot, meaning a recommended distance of 24 inches is two feet, 36 inches is three feet, 60 inches is five feet, 97.5 inches is around eight feet, and 245 feet is around

Distance in inches
Screen size 1080p (inches) 4K (inches)
24-inch 36-60 24-36
32-inch 48-80 32-48
40-inch 60-100 40-60
49-inch 73.5-122.5 49-73.5
55-inch 82.5-137.5 55-82.5
65-inch 97.5-143 65-97.5
77-inch 115.5-192.5 77-115.5
83-inch 124.5-207.5 83-124.5
88-inch 132-220 88-132
92-inch 138-230 92-138
98-inch 147-245 98-147

If you're unsure of how big your TV screen actually is, just remember that you need to measure the distance from corner to corner diagonally rather than width wise. You don’t need to include the bezels in this measurement, just the actual screen (the part that lights up!). 

To put that into perspective, if you were to buy the 65-inch LG CX OLED TV, the TVs actual size would be 58-inch wide by 33-inch in height. So whereas you may have thought you couldn't fit a 65-inch screen in your room, by measuring it correctly, you'll see that you may be able to get a bigger screen than you first thought. 

What about 8K?

With four times more pixels than 4K, the optimal viewing distance for 8K screens is, somewhat counter-intuitively, actually much closer than with lower resolutions; that's because you want to be close enough to see the increased detail.

According to the calculator devised by home entertainment blogger Carlton Bale the most suitable viewing distance for a 77-inch 8K screen is just 24 inches. Even if you have a small apartment that is extremely close to a TV screen but with 8K, if you sit too far away, you’re going to miss out on the added detail, and the screen will look identical to 4K. 

However, Sony recommends that their 4K and 8K TVs can both be viewed at 1-1.5 times the screen size without losing any image quality, so if you're looking to purchase an 8K set in the near future, then you may want to use our 4K calculations for the most comfortable seating distance. (Sitting too close may be a bit intense.)

8K TVs is looking to be the next big thing in home entertainment, and prices are starting to come down unless you’re going to opt for a screen that is over 75-inch, then you may not notice much of a difference to your 4K screen. Our guide on the best 8K TVs to buy in 2021 may help you to make up your mind. 

Sony Z8H 8K LCD

Sony Z8H 8K TV (Image credit: Sony)

TV viewing distance: what else should you know?

There are other things to consider when determining your ideal viewing position, such as viewing angles. Some TVs can lack color accuracy and contrast when viewed any other way but straight on. 

But at the end of the day, a simple way to determine the best place for your TV is to sit far enough away that you can't distinguish the pixels and close enough that you don't have to squint to see the screen. 

If you’re shopping for a new TV, then follow the figures in this guide for the best overall seating position; you may even find that this guide has provided you with the calculations you need to justify that bigger screen after all. 

And don’t forget that if you’re going to go for a big screen then you may want to consider upgrading your audio to match. LG has a great sound bar lineup, and the LG GX Sound Bar is specifically designed to pair with its high-end LG GX OLED TV.



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Over the past few years, Samsung has released a number of true wireless earbuds to compete with the likes of the Apple AirPods and the AirPods Pro, with each iteration of the Samsung Galaxy Buds getting better than the last. 

Now, it looks like Samsung could be on the verge of releasing its next wireless earbuds model – the so-called Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 were seemingly revealed by some intriguing lines of code within the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app’s APK file data, as originally discovered by Android Police.

The Galaxy Buds 2 are seemingly being developed under the codename ‘berry,’ and will likely be able to connect to multiple devices at the same time. It’s anticipated that the true wireless earbuds could launch alongside the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 in the latter half of the year.

That means the Galaxy Buds 2 could compete with the rumored Apple AirPods 3, which are also projected to debut later this year. As was the case with previous generations, Samsung will likely be looking to undercut Apple’s flagship earbuds when it comes to pricing. 

Other details are very thin on the ground at this stage, but there are plenty of features we’d like to see from the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, from improved audio compared to their predecessors to noise cancellation that can compete with the best wireless earbuds on the planet.

Cut to the chase

  • What are they? The next wireless earbuds from Samsung.
  • When will they be released? Possibly in 2021.
  • How much will they cost? Likely around the same as the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro ($199 / £219 / AU$349).

The original Samsung Galaxy Buds, launched in March 2019, sought to topple the Apple AirPods' monopoly on the true wireless earbuds market. Alongside their successors, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, and the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, they make up a wider portfolio of Samsung true wireless earbuds. 

Whether the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 will be a successor to the original wireless earbuds or to the newer Galaxy Buds Pro remains to be seen. If they are the latter, we could see a reprisal of features like active noise cancellation and waterproofing; though if they are the former, we might see these more premium features dropped in favor of a cheaper price.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. (Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 release date

Right now, there’s no word on when the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 will be released, but the discovery of code relating to the earbuds in the Samsung Wearable APK suggests that a release date could be imminent. 

If they do launch in 2021, they could have some stiff competition in the form of the Apple AirPods 3 and the Google Pixel Buds A, which are also said to be launching this year. 

While the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro only launched in January this year, it’s not unlike Samsung to release wireless earbuds in quick succession. Since 2019, the company has released no less than four models in the Galaxy line. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 price 

Again, we haven’t heard any rumors as to the price of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, but we can hazard a guess based on previous models. 

The most recently released Samsung earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Pro, cost $199 / £219 / AU$349, while their predecessors, the Galaxy Buds Live, cost $169.99 / £179 / AU$319.

If the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are a follow-up model to the Buds Pro, you can expect them to cost around the same price as their predecessors, if not more. However, if Samsung is planning on releasing a more budget-friendly pair of earbuds, they may cost something more like the original Galaxy Buds, which cost $149 / £139 / AU$249.

It’s also possible that Samsung will look to undercut its biggest rival – the Apple AirPods cost $159 / £159 / AU$249 at launch, but are regularly discounted.

samsung galaxy buds

The original Samsung Galaxy Buds. (Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: what we want to see

The company’s latest wireless earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, are its best yet – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any improvements we’d like to see from the Galaxy Buds 2. 

Improved audio quality

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are the best-sounding Samsung buds yet, but they do leave a little to be desired. While their overall presentation is well-balanced, and they do make for a pleasant listening experience, they lack the detail and presence of audiophile-approved earbuds. 

If Samsung wants to up its game, the Galaxy Buds 2 should provide more clarity in the mid and high frequencies, as well as a wider, more immersive soundstage.

Support for aptX HD

With the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, you’re limited to lossy SBC and AAC codecs unless you’re using them with a Samsung Galaxy device – which support Samsung’s Scalable Codec technology. 

We’d like to see Samsung license aptX HD support from Qualcomm with the Galaxy Buds 2, which would give more widespread support for higher definition, 24-bit wireless audio. This can really make a difference to the audio quality of your music, so it would be a worthy upgrade.

Stronger noise cancellation

Noise cancellation was a welcome addition to the Galaxy Buds Pro, but they can’t compete with the Sony WF-1000XM3. Just wearing them around the house for a few days, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro were able to drastically reduce the sounds of loud air purifiers and humidifiers, but didn’t stand a chance when someone else in the house was playing music. They’re good enough that you won’t be able to hear nearby conversations in another room, but anything louder than someone speaking will be audible through the ANC. 

We’d love to see an improvement to the noise cancellation feature with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, and it could make them a real competitor for the likes of Sony’s earbuds, and models like the Apple AirPods Pro. 

Ditch Bixby

The only smart assistant the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro supports is Bixby. That means, if you’re tapped into the Google or Apple ecosphere of products, you won’t be able to control them with a hands-free assistant. That’s not a deal-breaker on its own, but we’d like to see Samsung appeal to a wider audience with a voice assistant-agnostic approach to the Galaxy Buds 2.  



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