Author: Danielle

The original Michael Kors Access Sofie had an eye-catching design but lacked lots of basic smartwatch features. Now though, the company is back with the Michael Kors Access Sofie 2.0, which has just as much style and lots more features.

This new model includes GPS, so you can track your runs without your phone. It has also got NFC, meaning you can make contactless payments with Google Pay, and there’s a heart rate monitor, none of which were offered by the original Access Sofie.

The Michael Kors Access Sofie 2.0 is also swim-proof, which is an upgrade on the IP67 water-resistance of the original Michael Kors Access Sofie (a watch which you could get wet but not swim with).

Solid tech meets strong looks

All of that is packed into a design that looks just as stylish as its predecessor. It has a 41mm stainless steel case and comes in silver, gold, rose gold and a silver/gold version, all of which include a crystal effect around the bezel.

It’s a design that’s mostly aimed at women and won’t suit everyone, but certainly helps the Michael Kors Access Sofie 2.0 stand out from the smartwatch crowd.

The core specs are less flashy, but should get the job done. There’s a 300mAh battery which Michael Kors says will last for 1-2 days between charges. The watch also has 4GB of storage and a now slightly dated Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset, which is the same chipset as the original Access Sofie uses.

What we don’t know yet is when you’ll be able to buy the Access Sofie 2.0 beyond a vague date of “summer 2019”, or how much it will cost. The original Access Sofie started at $350 / £349 / AU$599, so we imagine the Sofie 2.0 will cost at least that much, but we’ll let you know as soon as we have any concrete pricing information.

• Check out all of TechRadar’s CES 2019 coverage. We’re live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.

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Just stare in awe at this massive BFGD—and no, the “F” doesn’t mean what you think it does. HP just became the first manufacturer to embrace Nvidia’s wild Big Format Gaming Displays in the form of the HP Omen X Emperium 65.

This is an insane monitor, full stop. It features a 65-inch 4K HDR display with 384 backlighting zones, DCI-P3 color gamut, game-smoothing G-Sync technology, and a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate. It also comes with an Nvidia Shield console built-in, and that massive screen sits on top of a 120 watt soundbar that has been specifically tuned to avoid ripping your monitor apart when things get loud. The soundbar can even detect and amplify footsteps and other in-game sounds if someone’s trying to creep up on you in Fortnite, Overwatch, or any other game.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this seriously swanky screen. Be sure to watch the video above for the full details. The Omen Emperium X 65 is expected to roll out in February with an MSRP of $5,000.

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If you’ve had your eye on a new graphics card for the new year, today’s the day to take the plunge. Newegg is selling the MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ventus 8G for $633Remove non-product link after applying the checkout code SPVGAJANTEN and a sending in a $15 mail-in rebate. And to sweeten the pot, Nvidia is throwing in a copy of Anthem and Battlefield V, the first game with ray tracing support, for free.

The RTX 2080 is a fantastic card for just about anything you can throw at it right now all the way up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The great part about the RTX 2080, however, is not so much how it performs now but what it will be able to do in the future. Nvidia’s RTX cards support ray tracing and AI-enhanced Deep Learning Super-Sampling (DLSS) for hyper-realistic visuals and gameplay.

The only real drawback is that there aren’t many games that support these new technologies just yet. But you’ll be able to try out ray tracing for free with the bundled Battlefield V, and you can pick up a copy of Final Fantasy XV to give DLSS a whirl. (Check out our full list of games that support the new Nvidia technologies for others.) Otherwise, you can use the RTX 2080 to bask in the glory of awesome 4K gameplay, or ridiculously maxed out 1080p gaming if that’s your bag.

Even if you forget to mail in the rebate like we often do, you’re still only paying $648 upfront, more than $70 cheaper than the MSRP of $720 and one of the best prices we’ve seen.

[Today’s deal: MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ventus 8G for $633 at NeweggRemove non-product link.]

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New year, new you. That’s a sentiment echoed by most TV manufacturers each January, as the major players announce their grand market-dominating plans for the coming year – many at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. And, in 2019 LG is no exception.

It’s a year marked by collaboration, as seen in the Alexa and Google Assistant support coming to new LG ThinQ smart TVs in 2019. Or the Airplay 2 support coming by way of Apple, allowing streaming of iTunes movies and TV shows. There’s also be a host of visual enhancements with the new Alpha A9 (Gen. 2) processor, for better color correction and support for 120fps frame rates on high-end LG TVs.

But we’re also seeing a lot more than just processor upgrades. LG have really pushed the envelope when it comes to form factor, with the first of its rollable OLED televisions – the LG Signature Series OLED TV R – finally coming to market this year.

That said, the 2019 general line-up will be similar to last year: LG OLED TVs at the high end, Super UHD or ‘NanoCell’ TVs – which have a lot of the same components as the OLED TVs, but lack the main OLED panel – in the middle, and then traditional 4K TVs and finally FHD screens at the bottom. 

With there being so many different models to take in, we thought we’d lay out the whole 2019 line-up announced so far, from the high-end OLEDs to newly-branded NanoCell TVs, in one long piece. (We’ll add the UHD and FHD models as and when they’re announced!)

Some of the specs listed below could potentially change by each LG TV’s retail release, but for the most part the specs you see here should be the components that make it in the final product.

LG 2019 TV technology 

Another year, another processor. The biggest change for the high-end screens (the OLED line-up) is the switch from last year’s Alpha 9 (a9) processor to the a9 Gen 2.

2018’s Alpha 9 silicon upgrade promised a 35% boost in CPU and GPU speeds, equating to smoother motion handling, object-based contrast enhancement for better sharpness and detailing and a technology called True Color Accuracy Pro. 

We’re getting more of the same with the 2nd-generation processor, with a big focus on ‘intelligent AI’ and ‘machine learning algorithms’ to enhance picture, audio and software performance – with a new algorithm that’s able to analyze the source content and optimize for ambient viewing conditions.

Flagship TVs will also come with Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound, while LG’s new processor will be able to “up-mix” two-channel audio into 5.1 surround sound: like upscaling for the ears.

We know for a fact the new a9 Gen 2 chip is being used in the LG Signature Series OLED R and new range of Z9, W9, C9, and E9 OLEDs – even the budget B9 model gets the latest chip!

The new Alpha 9 processor also has the heft needed for High Frame Rate (HFR, 120/4K) – for that smooth motion crucial for sports, action, or gaming – but it’ll only be in 2019 that we see LG TVs implement the HDMI 2.1 ports to make the most of it, so you can display in 120fps/4K from cabled sources, console, and media players. 

(Last year users could make do with HFR streaming from the likes of Netflix, YouTube, BBC, FOX Sports, Amazon and broadcasts, though compatible content was few and far between – we’ll likely see more emerge as a larger number of compatible televisions enter the market.)

In May 2018 we saw LG roll out Google Assistant to all of its OLED and Super UHD TVs – meaning you could start using your voice to switch inputs, change the channel, connect to other smart home devices, and integrate with Google’s Photos and Maps applications. This year’s LG TV line-up – for OLED and Super UHD, at least – will also be arriving with Alexa capability for an even wider range of voice control options.

LG OLED 2019 Models 

LG Signature Series OLED R (available in 65 inches): The standout television for 2019 is undoubtedly the 65R9 rollable OLED, featuring LG’s new a9 Gen 2 processor. First teased at CES 2018, it’s being slated for release in late 2019, using a flexible OLED panel to unfurl the television display at the touch of a button – perfect for saving space and, let’s be honest, impressing guests. There’s no RRP yet, but it’ll certainly cost a small fortune – start rolling up those dollar bills.

LG OLED Z9 (available in 88 inches): As the flagship LG OLED – or at least, the flagship that doesn’t curl up into a box – the LG OLED Z9 is an 8K powerhouse with big promises for 8K upscaling and ‘improved noise reduction’ for clean, smooth images. With 33 million pixels across 88 inches of screen, it’ll certainly have to work hard to do it – and the a9 Gen 2 processor will surely come in handy.

LG OLED W9 (available in 65, 77 inches): The W9 upgrade to last year’s LG W8 will come with the new a9 Gen 2 processor’s improvements to High Frame Rate, HDR, and overall picture and sound processing – as well as the same thin, picture frame shape that made this ‘wallpaper’ television series so attractive. The W8 came with a 60W 4.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar built in to the set, so we’re likely to see similar audio credentials for this model.

LG OLED E9 (available in 55, 65 inches): If last year is anything to go by, the new E Series model will feature the same specs at the W9, but with a glass body and tacked-on chassis instead of the W8’s ‘wallpaper’ design.

LG OLED C9 (available in 55, 65, 75 inches): The newest C Series model is confirmed, and experience teaches us to expect a neat balance of performance and price, without ditching the company’s latest processor to do it. Last year’s LG C8 came with a 2.2 soundbar too.

LG OLED B9 (available in 55, 65 inches): Unlike last year’s LG B8 model, the more budget-friendly B Series OLED won’t be left behind with an ageing processor. The LG B9 will carry the a9 (Gen 2) chip, though with a cheaper build and less advanced panel than the other OLEDs in this list.

LG NanoCell 2018 Models 

SM9970 (available in 75 inches): LG’s leading LCD television set will be the SM99, a 75-inch TV with 8K resolution. LG is rebranding its Super UHD TVs as the far fancier ‘NanoCell’ range, to better represent the jump in picture quality and color accuracy compared to cheaper LG models – with the high-end a9 Gen 2 processor and High Frame Rate to make it happen.

SM9500 (available in 65 inches): More NanoCell, less processing. The LG SM9500 packs in the 2nd-generation Alpha 7 processor, rather than the Alpha 9, but comes with Full Array Dimming Pro for more uniform black levels, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision, and LG’s ThinQ AI smart platform. No Dolby Atmos soundbar, though.

SM9000 (available in 55, 65 inches): One step below the previous model, with the same a7 Gen 2 processor, but Full Array Dimming rather than the upgraded ‘Pro’ technology seen on the SM9500 – meaning less lighting control and less consistent brightness.

SK8600 (available in 55, 49 inches): An update to last year’s new SK8500 range, this model sticks with the a7 Gen 2 processor, but with a generally cheaper design and only more basic Local Array dimming zones rather than the Full Array Dimming of the more costly models.

• Check out all of TechRadar’s CES 2019 coverage. We’re live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.

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Honda has unveiled its new Dream Drive innovation, which aims to deliver a whole new in-vehicle experience, at CES 2019. The thinking behind it is all about offering convenience. It’ll allow drivers and passengers to exploit the vast array of goods and services that are available on the web, but from the safety and comfort of their cars.

There are two variations on the theme, with one being based around the driver (er, it’s called Driver), while the other is aimed firmly at other occupants inside the car (this one is dubbed Passenger).

Frank Lin from the Honda Developer Studio took us for a drive from the SLS hotel to the Mandalay Bay, which is not far but far enough to pick over what was on offer. The vehicle was the chunky Honda Pilot SUV and, while we sat in the back, Frank took us on a tour of the experience that was set into the menu system of the integrated dashboard screen.

While the platform is designed to work using touchscreen technology, there is also going to be voice activation. Initially Honda Dream Drive will be compatible with Apple CarPlay, although the car maker says an Android edition is in the offing too. 

Touch and talk

Unfortunately, as is often the case when someone wants to demo a tech feature, the voice activation aspect of Dream Drive wasn’t playing ball. All three members of the Honda team inside the car gave it a go, but the system clearly wasn’t happy, although Frank did point out that it is still currently in beta stage, so fair enough.

We had more success taking a tour of the touchscreen features for the Passenger edition via an iPad, which involved tapping through a series of quick and easy initial registration screens.

From there you get to dip into a selection of menu options that offer all sorts of distractions for passengers who might be bored and need entertaining. So, for example, Honda has a number of kid-centric options available, having struck a deal with Lego and other providers for content. We had a go on the Octonauts demonstration, which includes an immersive augmented reality edge to it.

The only real downside to this sort of thing in a car is if it might make children feel a little bit nauseous, to which Frank said that was the whole point of the testing stage. Again, fair enough to that one.

Entertainment, shopping and more

Honda first unveiled an incarnation of the Dream Drive system at CES last year and the company has since been hard at work trying to drum up interest from potential collaborators. That could be the biggest hurdle to overcome. The version we saw in action was obviously very US-focused, with brands like Atom Tickets, Chevron, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Grubhub, Glympse, iHeartRadio, IPS Group, Arrive, Parkopedia, Phillips 66, Yelp, and USAA all on offer. Presumably the real legwork will be getting other companies around the world to buy into the idea.

Honda wants Dream Drive to not only provide entertainment on the go, but also solutions for time poor people who might as well be shopping, buying tickets for gigs as well as doing more mundane things like paying for parking as they head down the road.

To boost the appeal the interface also injects a little bit of fun into the mix by awarding points to each registered user, and the more people make use of the system the more rewards points they accumulate. These can subsequently be used to acquire voucher discounts with the brands that are on-board.

For example, the Honda Dream Drive demonstration also showcased how the company wants to simplify in-vehicle payment technology with a deal they’ve done with Visa. We found car parking options in an instant. Mastercard and PayPal are said to be pending too.

Drivers can pay for goods and services such as fuel and the aforementioned parking as well as snapping up movie tickets and suchlike on the go. And that’s just the Driver aspect of the idea. Passengers, on the other hand, can get the most from mixed reality games, as well as watching movies and playing around with apps.

Another interesting aspect of the tablet side of things is that passengers can swipe a tab in from the left-hand side of their screen and get presented with options for controlling options like the cabin settings. While we thought it was a fun way of letting interior occupants other than the driver change fan and temperature settings, it appears to have the potential for causing plenty of in-car arguments as passengers and the driver battle it out for climate control supremacy. 

Gamification of travel

Nevertheless, despite the initial glitches and the relatively spartan choice of partners so far Honda’s Dream Drive has the potential to become a great resource for owners. And, with so many people loving their online deals and discounts along, with the ongoing temptation of being able to accumulate points in return for retail benefits, the idea could really catch on.

“The gamification of everyday travel experiences with rewards points provides Honda with a unique opportunity to connect with its drivers and passengers, to establish a more personal engaging relationship with them, and to enhance customers’ daily lives with the automotive industry’s first frequent driving and riding program,” said Bryan Biniak, CEO of Connected Travel, the supplier of cloud-based platform services that Honda has been collaborating with on the project. 

“Honda drivers and passengers earn points from common activities as well as extraordinary experiences created with market leading brands and developers, and then redeem their reward points at their favourite local and online retailers.” 

• Check out all of TechRadar’s CES 2019 coverage. We’re live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.

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At CES 2019, Razer has announced that it has got together with Amazon to bring Alexa support to some of its gaming peripherals.

Alexa support will be delivered to compatible devices via Razer Synapse 3, the company’s cloud-based hardware configuration tool.

The end result will be that gamers will be able to, for example, control their Chroma lighting on Razer mice, keyboards, and other gaming accessories verbally by speaking to Alexa.

The company further noted that Chroma lighting can also be brought to third-party hardware, such as PC cases or motherboards adorned with lights, using the Razer Chroma Connect module, to further expand Alexa’s reach when it comes to controlling your lighting displays.

Bright idea

Furthermore, Razer Synapse users will be able to give commands to Alexa via Razer headsets (or third-party mics) in order to access the digital assistant’s many thousands of skills, or to control the likes of Philips Hue light bulbs or other smart gadgets around the home.

You’ll also be able to tweak things like settings and profiles in Razer hardware – such as the sensitivity level of your gaming mouse, for example – by having a quick word with Amazon’s digital assistant.

“Alexa: change my lighting profile to FPS mode.” “Alexa: decrease my DPI to 200.” “Alexa: shoot that sniper over there.”

That last one may not work, though…

Alexa integration is expected to arrive for Razer Synapse users in the second quarter of 2019, although sadly that will only be for those in the US and Canada. Other countries are expected to get support before the year is out, so there may be a bit of a wait for the wider rollout.

Razer also boasted that its Chroma Connected Devices Program has officially kicked off and has 15 new partners, meaning that there are now over 300 third-party devices which work with Chroma-enabled games and apps.

And yesterday at CES, we also saw Razer reveal its Blade 15 ‘Advanced’ edition which benefits from Nvidia RTX graphics.

• Check out all of TechRadar’s CES 2019 coverage. We’re live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.  

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Philips Hue has launched a number of new products as part of its outdoor smart lighting range at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, with the new devices designed to welcome you home and lend some ambience to your outside space.

Now that smart lighting in the home is becoming more commonplace, the garden is the next place that smart home manufacturers are looking to populate with all things bright and beautiful – and Philips Hue looks to be taking the lead in this emerging market. 

The new range includes the new Philips Hue Outdoor sensor, a battery powered motion sensor that detects you as you approach your home, and switches on your lighting system. 

You can fully personalize your lighting system via the Hue app, choosing which lights (indoor and outdoor) switch on when someone approaches your home and triggers the Outdoor sensor. 

As well as giving you a warm welcome home, you can use this system to make it look like someone is always home and deter potential intruders. 

Bright ideas

The Hue Outdoor sensor can be placed on any flat surface, whether you need it in your garage, by your front door, or on a garden wall. With a detection range of 12 meters and a dusk-to-dawn sensor, it should only come on when it’s dark outside, saving battery life. 

It will be available from February 2019 for £49.99 – based on current conversion rates, this is around $65 / AU$90, however official pricing is yet to be released by Philips Hue.

The smart home company has also expanded its range of outdoor smart lights to include a number of new floodlights, wall lights, and pedestal lights ranging from £74.99 to £134.99. This works out at around $95 / AU$135 to $180 / AU$250 – again, pricing and availability in these territories are yet to be confirmed .

Like other Philips Hue lights, the products in the outdoor range can be controlled via the Hue app, allowing you to choose between 16 million colors – of course, if you’re after the traditional look, you can still opt for bright white to light your way to your door.

• Check out all of TechRadar’s CES 2019 coverage. We’re live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.

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