Sunday, November 29, 2015

IT News Head Lines (Techradar) 30/11/2015

Techradar



Gallery: Space tourism: 10 ways to weightlessness
Gallery: Space tourism: 10 ways to weightlessness

The new space race

Zero-G astronaut training
Losing weight is easy – all you need is the right altitude. Escaping the effects of the Earth's gravitational pull doesn't come cheap, but space tourism isn't just about Virgin Galactic. Sub-orbital space is the travel industry's next big destination, and achieving zero gravity is more competitive than you might think…

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo

Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo
Everyone has heard of Richard Branson's ambitious plans, but it's all gone a bit quiet since the death of co-pilot Mike Alsbury during a test flight in October 2014. The latest news is that a new version of Virgin Galactic's six-man SpaceShipTwo – which takes off from a jet-powered White Knight Two cargo aircraft – will be shown off in February 2016, with test flights to follow.
The exact date, or even year, of the wannabe spaceliner's first scheduled 2.5-hour flights from Spaceport America, New Mexico, USA – complete with five minutes of weightlessness prior to reentering Earth's atmosphere – remains a mystery, although at $250,000 / £165,000 / AU$350,000 per trip Virgin Galactic is unlikely to become the EasyJet of space travel.
www.virgingalactic.com

XCOR Lynx Mark I & Lynx Mark II

XCOR Space Expeditions Lynx spaceship
You can leave a few coins floating in your pocket by opting instead for a supersonic flight with XCOR Space Expeditions, which plans to charge a mere $100,000 / £66,000 / AU$140,000 for a ticket to the edge of space in one of its two rocket-powered Lynx spaceships. Again, they'll take off from and land at Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA like a normal aeroplane, but they only have two seats.
Sir Bob Geldof and DJ Armin van Buuren are among the 250-ish ticket holders for XCOR's planned 30-minute flights, which are due to begin in late 2016 after test flights earlier in the year.
www.spaceexpeditions.xcor.com

airZeroG parabolic flight

airZeroG parabolic flights
The easiest way to experience weightlessness is on a parabolic flight, also known as the 'vomit comet'. The pilot climbs steeply for 10,000ft at an angle of 45 degrees to create 'heaviness' for 40 seconds, which is then followed by 25 seconds of weightlessness as the plane dives back; sudden falls as the effect wears off are prevented by a curved descent that gently increases gravity.
After 25 years performing parabolic flights for scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA), the airZeroG service from Novespace, Avico and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) began in December 2012, and costs $6,465 / £4,245 / AU$9,070 per flight. It flies from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France to a specially assigned air corridor above the Gulf of Gascogne.
www.airzerog.com

S3's SOAR shuttle

S3 SOAR shuttle
At $2,473 / £1,624 / AU$3,470 for two hours, Swiss Space Systems' (S3) ZeroG Party Zone is the most affordable parabolic flight of all, although there are 40 of you in the hold of a modified Airbus. Pay three times as much and that's reduced to 28 passengers – and you also get a Breitling S3 ZeroG personalized watch that doubles as your boarding pass. However, S3 wants to go one better with its Sub Orbital Aircraft Reusable (SOAR) shuttle, which launches into orbit from the back of an Airbus A300. Expect suborbital passenger flights – complete with weightlessness – after 2020.
www.s-3.ch

G-Force One

G-Force One parabolic flights
Go ZeroG also offers parabolic experiences, on board its specially modified Boeing 727-200, G-Force One. For $4,950 / £3,250 / AU$6,945 per trip, the Zero G Experience includes an identical weightless experience to S3's, but with food (on a 'vomit comet'?), photos, a video and a 'certificate of weightless completion' also thrown in. It takes off from Cape Canaveral and Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, Las Vegas in Nevada, and San Jose in California.
www.gozerog.com

Bloon

Bloon high-altitude balloon
Could you be a 'bloonaut'? This stab at space tourism without rockets comes from Spanish company Bloon, which plans to use helium-filled balloons to carry a pressurised capsule for four passengers and two pilots to the stratosphere and back.
From 2016 or 2017, and for $119,000 / £78,000 / AU$167,000 per passenger, Bloon will lift off from Virgen del Camino in Spain before dawn, rising 36km in an hour before cruising at the same altitude for two hours. After spending some time with Planet Earth, witnessing a sunrise as well as the planet's curvature, the balloon will vent helium gas and slowly descend until – boom! – the cord between pod and sail is cut and passengers go into free-fall, with two minutes of weightlessness to enjoy before a para-foil is deployed and the pod stabilises; it'll then descend slowly for 30 minutes before landing 300 miles from the take-off location.
www.inbloon.com

Ilyushin 76 MDK

Ilyushin 76 MDK parabolic flights
Taking off from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City near Moscow – the home of space travel and where both cosmonauts and astronaut crews train prior to a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) – this huge aircraft has been performing acrobatics in the name of weightlessness since 2002. Over 700 people have experienced the 10 bouts of 25 seconds of weightlessness that the Ilyushin 76 MDK offers during its 90-minute parabolic flights. Tickets are sold by Russian travel agency Country of Tourism, at $4,325 / £2,840 / AU$6,065 a pop.
www.bestrussiantour.com

Space Adventures

Space Adventures International Space Station trips
Only 600 or so humans have ever been to space, and if you want to know how many people are currently visiting go to www.howmanypeopleareinspacerightnow.com, although it's not likely to be more than five or six, all crammed in to the ISS. Can you join them in zero gravity? Only if you have a whopping $52 million / £34 million / AU$73 million to spare.
That's about the going rate the world's least busy travel agent, Space Adventures, charges for an orbital spaceflight to the ISS for ten-or-so days of weightlessness arranged in conjunction with Roscocmos. Singer Sarah Brightman, 54, recently pulled out of her planned trip there, although the agency also has Japanese advertising mogul Satoshi Takamatsu on its books.
www.spaceadventures.com

Project M-55X

Project M-55X reusable spacecraft
Since Russia alone launches astronauts to the ISS, should it come as any surprise that it's also planning sub-orbital flights for space tourists? Absolutely not – though details are sketchy. Said to be almost ready, Project M-55X is a 'reusable aerospace system' whereby a C-21 suborbital module detaches from an M-55X carrier aircraft after launch (much like Virgin Galactic's design). The five-man crew will experience weightlessness at about 100km up during 10 minutes of orbiting the Earth. Training is ongoing at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City. Price unknown.
www.bestrussiantour.com

Bigelow's inflatable space station

Bigelow inflatable space station
Arguably just as advanced in its testing as the majority of the supersonic space tourism planes is a privately owned and operated orbital space station. The inflatable Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) from Bigelow Aerospace is currently attached to the ISS for testing, and could form the basis of a standalone space station by 2025.
That's crucial, because with the ISS due to retire in 2024, space agencies are hoping to instead simply pay for their astronauts to visit private space stations – undoubtedly alongside space tourists who are just after a taste of zero gravity.
www.bigelowaerospace.com











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Google's self-driving cars might try and talk to pedestrians
Google's self-driving cars might try and talk to pedestrians
The development of autonomous automobiles is progressing at a rapid rate, but there's still a lot of work to do before these self-driving vehicles are legally allowed on the roads without a team of testers. One outstanding issue is exactly how these cars will interact with pedestrians.
A patent received by Google this week sheds some light on the company's current thinking: electronic signage on the body of the car would be used to indicate the vehicle's current intentions, so - for example - someone would know it was safe to cross in front of it.
Of course as the human passengers will be busy playing chess or snoozing in the back seat, the usual forms of communication between driver and pedestrian are out - there'll be no waving of the hands or flashing of the lights to give right of way.

"No, after you"

As with Google's other patents for its self-driving car fleet, such as the one for external airbags, there's no guarantee that these displays will make it to the final road-ready vehicles, but it's a smart idea nevertheless.
The documentation supplied with the patent suggests the signs might be accompanied by loudspeakers blaring out alerts for the benefit of anyone nearby: if you're stood in the wrong place at a pedestrian crossing then the car will be able to put you right.
Google isn't the only one working on self-driving car technology of course, and at this stage all the major manufacturers are busy trying to refine software and hardware to get us from A to B in the future. New cars hitting the roads should have at least some level of autonomous functionality within the next five years.











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Cortana arrives on iOS with beta test launch
Cortana arrives on iOS with beta test launch
Having pushed out a beta version of its Cortana digital assistant for Android devices, Microsoft is now turning its attention to Apple's mobile platform: those who've already signed up to be part of the beta program can now download the app for iOS.
It follows a Windows Insider forum post from the start of the month inviting users to register their interest in testing the app - a "limited number" of people who clicked through on the survey page are now eligible to install Cortana on their own devices.
If you've not already signed up for Cortana on iOS you're out of luck for the time being, but it shouldn't be too long before the app is available for all. Microsoft's digital assistant is now an integral part of Windows 10, although desktop support has yet to extend to the UK.

Microsoft everywhere

After making little headway with its own mobile platform, Microsoft executives have decided to make sure its flagship apps are available everywhere: the likes of Office, Outlook, OneDrive and now Cortana can all now be run on iOS and Android devices.
Indeed, Windows 10 comes with a Phone Companion utility for getting all of your Microsoft apps up and running on your non-Microsoft smartphone. If you can't beat them, join them - or something along those lines.
Like Siri and Google Now, Cortana can pull up information from the web, search through emails and calendar entries, set reminders on the go and more. Let's hope Microsoft opens up the beta to everyone in time for Christmas.











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Running Man of Tech: 20 great gifts for runners
Running Man of Tech: 20 great gifts for runners

Awesome gifts for runners

Running man of tech
It's that time of year again - you've got a loved one who loves running, but you don't know what to get them... and you can't get them more socks.
Firstly - yes you can. We runners love socks, and the more expensive they are, generally, the more we'll love them. In fact, go nuts with all running gear - get the size right and we're jubilant that it's not slippers.
(PLEASE do avoid compression tops unless they've both been requested and you think the intended target is in good enough shape to wear it - otherwise, it's going to be a human performance of how sausages are made).
But perhaps you want to be a little more targeting, feel like you're getting them something they REALLY want. Have they been dropping hints about wishing they had a fitness tracker? Keep moaning their trainers are worn out? These are the gifts to go for.
Or perhaps you've already forked out for their 'big present' and you're looking for some decent stocking fillers - I've got you covered there too.
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list - when it comes to reviewing and ranking phones in the 'day job' I'll be superbly thorough. THIS list, however, is made up of things I've tested out or bought myself and can vouch for - I've stress tested it and it's still going, so that's got to be a good thing, right?

Moov Now

Moov
I hate fitness trackers. They're just pointless - they need charging all the time, they give you data about your life you don't know what to do with... in short, they're gamifying things without a victory.
But the Moov Now is the first that I actually want to keep on my wrist - for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it has a six month battery life, so no need to charge. Secondly, while it does track steps and sleep you can 'activate' it to help you run faster, get fitter, do HIIT workouts and even monitor swimming through a clever app.
Plus it comes in a variety of colours. Fun.

Adidas Ultra Boost

Boost
The subject of 'recommending' trainers is pretty hard - it's very much based on what you like in a running shoe. I've stuck with these for years because the 'energy recovery' abilities of the polystyrene in the sole.
But I love the Ultra Boost because of the tongueless design - these things slip on and off with ease, which is good when you consider runners spend approximately four million months of their life tying their trainers. They're not cheap but they're a great upgrade.

2XU Race number belt

IMage
This is a simple one: sometimes you don't want to pin a number to your front at the start of a race. Nab one of these and you can just have it around your waist, slipped in the night before.
These are better for triathlons, where you need to have the number on the back for cycling and the front for running (meaning a simple slide around the body during transition) but they're ace for running too.

Garmin Forerunner 920XT

Garmin
This is the watch I'd use above all others - until the 930XT appear, that is. It's a mix of superb functionality, mega long battery life, smartwatch smarts and a decent app experience to check out your runs too.
That means updates from your phone when you're running so you don't need to dig it out, and it even keeps your step count and sleep quality monitored too.
You'll need to shell out for the extra heart rate monitor to get the most use, but that's totally worth it too.
The Forerunner 630 is newer and cheaper, and is better for dedicated runners, but it has a touchscreen - and I just love having big, fat buttons to press when I'm going through the millions of menus this has.
This certainly lives in the 'big present' territory, but it'll revolutionise any runner's life.

TomTom Spark

Daisy
If you don't want to spend the large amount of the Garmin range, TomTom's new challenger is a little darling to check out. It's not as fully featured, but can track cycling and swimming on top of running.
It's got an integrated heart rate monitor, a clever feature where you can race previous efforts of your own or simply a pre-defined pace - but the main win is the music player it packs, where you can fill it with your own tunes and listen to them over Bluetooth headphones.
In short, it's an entertainment centre, heart rate monitor and make-you-fasterer all in a tiny thing on your wrist. And it can even track steps and sleep too!

Under Armour Marvel tops

Daisy
OK, these are a little extroverted - people WILL look at you if you're wearing one (and the aforementioned sausage-ness will be in full force here).
But they make you feel like a real superhero with all the compression, they help keep you cool and - this is the big one - when you're running in a race and the spectators have seen hundreds of sweaty, panting people trot by, they'll shout out to you, giving you that much-needed boost.
You can be everything from Spiderman to the Hulk to Iron Man (the latter with some dodgy leggings too...) so there's a choice for every comic book fan.

iPad Pro

ipad Pro
You could argue any iPad is good here, but the whole point is bridging the gap between desktop and apps, which the Pro does better than any.
Some services need you to log into a web browser to see your stats, many have an app - but the iPad Pro also has nifty elements like the Pencil which can be used by trainers to analyse your gait through video too.

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

Z5 compact
We all need a phone as runners, and one that can stick with you through thick and thin is pivotal. The new teeny Sony is compact (as the name suggests), has good battery life, powerful audio and - most importantly for the all-terrain runner - is waterproof.
They could even use this thing in the pool… but then your running partner would be THAT guy.

Wahoo Tickr X

Tickr x
While I'm currently testing out the MyZone band (and enjoying it too) the Wahoo Tickr X is my go-to guy for all things heart rate.
It's got the ability to connect to both Bluetooth and Ant+ (win), has advanced sensors to track your motion which means you can use the app to do 7 minute high intensity workouts and have it logged automatically… and it can even be set to change tracks by tapping your chest twice.
Iron man stuff, right there.

Adidas Climaheat training fleece

Adidas
Now fair warning here: I've not actually run with this. But I've tried it on, and man, it's SO FLUFFY. In a good way - it's inspired by natural fur and stuff to be quick drying.
It's really tricky to work out what to wear when the temperature plummets, as you're supposed to dress for the second mile, not the 'OH MY MUTHAFLIPPIN' GOD IT'S COLD' stepping out the house moment.

So do your running recipient a favour and give them something that will work for both.

XBionic The Trick

Trick
OK, remember one thing with this - it's not designed for fashion. But it WILL help someone run faster… I think.
It works in two ways: first, the compression keeps everything together (sausage style) but here's the trick (OH RIGHT, I JUST GOT THE NAME): there's a ruffled bit down the spine that will heat up as you begin to run, which will trigger your body's sweat response and help you cool down faster.
Cooler running means faster running.

Brooks T7

Brooks
I've always been against minimal shoes. I didn't see the point - why have a thin sole when you can have a lovely cushioned plump one? Then I went to the Brooks Stride Signature day, and finally got the difference - it's just about being able to feel the road underneath you.
I don't wear these all the time, but when you're doing track work or Parkrun (if it's all on paths) they're pretty nifty - lightweight and 'clean' enough to make you really focus on form and can really help you shave off some time when you get used to them.
And they have sparkly laces.

Running Buddy

Beef
It looks like a purse. It kind of is. But it's a perfect stocking filler - it's a magnetically clipped pocket that goes on your shorts belt wherever you fancy to hold your phone, keys and cards.
It's got two sections and the magnets are hella strong - seriously, you're more likely to have your shorts fall down than this fall off. Don't ask how I know that.

Inateck running belt

Tech
I was surprised by this - it's from a company that makes low-cost electronics, and yet it's made a decent running belt.
It looks really thin, but the pockets all expand to fit keys, phones, gels - and it's stretchy so you can wear it under or over your clothes. A surprisingly excellent belt for little cash - your running person will definitely come back to you and tell you the same thing.

Aukey Bluetooth headphones

Aukey
You've heard your runner person 'wouldn't mind' some wireless headphones, which is a nightmare - which do you go for? Well, if you want to try them out on something really, really cheap but not actually half bad, check these out.
They're nothing special in terms of sound or functionality, but they are low cost and simply work - doing the job of 'making sound go from phone to ears' in an easy way without faff.

Plantronics BackBeat

Plantronics
So perhaps the previous options are too cheap. You want to get them some Bluetooth headphones that are more robust, more functional - and don't fall out very much at all.
Step up the Plantronics BackBeat, my favourite set of headphones right now. They mould around your ears with some squishing, have good sound quality, long battery life and easy to find controls.
The volume control system is a bit fiddly, but that's the worst criticism I can lay at their door. An easy win for the runner you want to show love for - they'll definitely appreciate it.

JVC HA-ETR40

Man
Of course, for every running fan that wants Bluetooth headphones, there are those who are a little more old school, wanting the security of a pair that won't run out of power on a long run.
These are the ones for you - I've got terrible ears, and no other running headphone has gripped onto my head-shells as well as these.
You can have them in both armband or pocket mode (with the headphone lead coming in two lengths) and, well, they just stay in the whole time.
Sound quality misses the bass a little bit, but trust me: runners prefer being able to hear their music rather than it being great quality and dangling around their waist.

Karrimor Elite Switch gloves

Karrimor
OK, there are probably better gloves out there for running that have some magic tech elements in - USB powered for heat or whatever.
But these are perfect and low cost for me - they're normal gloves most of the time (great), with smartphone tips to let you use your phone on the go (even greater).
And when ol' Papa Wind starts biting (I mean the inclement weather, not accidental farting) there's a windshield built into the back, where you can turn them into mittens to protect your fingers from icing up.
Sadly it's not automatic like in a convertible car, but it's not hard to work out how to use it…

Zombies, Run!

Zombies
The funny thing about running (or the runny thing about funning) is that it's now smartphone-centric for so many people - and yet, buying someone an app seems silly.
Which is why I'd go for this one if you've got someone just starting out running. It's an immersive game that lets you just run while listening to a story unfold in your ears - you can listen to your own music or podcast while it's going on, but every so often the narrative will kick in and you'll need to speed up to get away from the zombies.
You play an actual character in the story too - it does feel really immersive, and you get items within the game that let you base build on the commute to work in the app.
You'll need to get creative and buy them an Android or iOS voucher with directions telling them to download this, but it has loads of in-app purchases (and a dedicated 5K race version) so it'll be worth it.

Jabra Pulse

Pulse
I like these Bluetooth headphones for a number of reasons: firstly, they take your pulse when you're running, and are pretty good at it too. The ear is meant to be one of the best places for such a reading, and the app has loads of cool features that help you monitor and improve your fitness.

There's also a high intensity workout app that these are great for, commanding you what to do next through the ears and letting you register when it's done.
For an all round experience, and a great entry into the world of heart rate monitoring, these are a great buy.











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Black Friday: The best Black Friday deals 2015: where to find the best US Black Friday deals
Black Friday: The best Black Friday deals 2015: where to find the best US Black Friday deals

Best Black Friday deals in the US 2015

Loading Black Friday deals links...
The official Black Friday deals in the US continue, even though it's Saturday, November 28. Console price drops for the PS4, Xbox One and Wii U and the high-definition 4K TVs you play them on are still in stock.
Want deep discounts on an iPad? Best buy and Target is slashing the price of Apple tablets. Want to upgrade your laptop and get Windows? Black Friday computer in stock right all day today.
The most popular early deal may be the iPhone 6S, and luckily, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint have rolled out new contracts at Best Buy. Sorry, T-Mobile fans, you'll just have to sit tight.
Here are all of the Black Friday deals we have compiled before you start shopping online and in stores starting today through Cyber Monday.

Black Friday: Quick links

The best Black Friday deals so far...

Apple Watch Black Friday discounts do exist. Target is selling the iPhone-compatible smartwatch for normal price, but coupling it with a $100 gift card to Target.
Here's another, if you're inclined on snagging Apple's wearable. Get the Apple Watch Sport 38mm for about 25% off + get a free $50 B&H gift card now $299 at B&H. It's currently out of stock, but B&H is working to replenish its stock and continues to honor the deal.
Snag the latest phone from Google and LG, the Nexus 5X, at its lowest price ever. The unlocked 32GB version is $80 off for today, now $349 at Best Buy
The best 4K TV prices are here right now. This 49-Inch Sony 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV is 50% off now $798 at Amazon.
Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner MM14CCS 14,000 BTU with Remote Control - Black Friday is the right time to buy this AC unit originally $599, now $549 at Amazon.
iPad deals are hard to find, as Apple typically plays scrooge, but today they're up to 25% off at Staples.
Get the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge unlocked for $500 off now only $539.99 at Target.
Sony 4K TV - Get this beauty for 32% less today. Now $1298 at Amazon US.
Save $135 on the Canon Pixma MX922 inkjet printer, now only $64.99 at Amazon US.
It's not too late to get in on some NFL action on Xbox One. Madden NFL 16 is now $35 at Target.
Save $200 on this gorgeous 4K monitor. The Samsung UD590 is now $399.99 at Best Buy.
Save $250 dollars on Lenovo's heralded 2-in-1. The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro is now $749.99 at Best Buy.
Toshiba C55-C5390 Laptop with Windows 10 is $200 off. That's a big present at a small $249 at Staples.
Guitar Hero 4 bundle, on all systems including PS4, Xbox One and Wii U, comes with the redesigned guitar controller. It's rocking out to slightly slashed price of $93 at Amazon.
Fitbit Charge Black Friday deals will get you moving now that the popular fitness tracker is only $90 at Amazon.
Canon Rebel T5 EF-S 18-55mm IS II & EF 50mm f/1.8 II Kit may be refurbished, but it remains only $199 via Canon.
Nintendo 2DS is going for a Blue Light Special discount at Walmart for $79, though it's currently sold out.
Wii U 32GB bundle including Splatoon and Super Smash Bros. is at its lowest price ever now $249 at Target and Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, the online retailers are out of stock, but it might be available locally in your neck of the woods! Look at each deal to find out.
The new (smaller) Nintendo 3DS bundled with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is $40 off now $179 at Wal-Mart.
black friday deals

TV & video deals

Samsung 60-inch 4K TV LED has a 2160p resolution, meaning it's a 4K Ultra HD TV normally $1,499.99, now just $799 at Best Buy.
Samsung 60-inch HD TV is for anyone who wants a huge TV, but doesn't want it in 4K yet. It usually costs $999, but now it's only $697 at Best Buy.
Samsung 60-inch SUHD JS7000 4K TV was $2,599 and now costs $1,299 at Samsung.com.
This 49-Inch Sony 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV is 50% off now $798 at Amazon.
Samsung 55-inch 4K TV packs a 2160p resolution and 120Hz typically at $1,999, but its Black Friday deal makes it just $797 at Target.
Samsung 60-inch 4K TV is the same Ultra HD TV for only a few dollars. It did cost $1,699, but now it's an easy $897 at Target.
Vizio 55-inch 4K TV gets you an Ultra HD television for the cheap price of $949 even cheaper at $699 at Best Buy.
TCL Roku TV 40-inch is one of our favorites because it has the best smart TV interface that was $419,now costs $299 at Amazon.
And, just so you know, the 50-inch 1080p 120Hz TCL Roku TV is on sale, too. It's $150 off, now $348 at Wal-Mart
LG 55-inch 4K TV will make you think that Life's Good with a price of only $699 at Dell.com.
All LG 4K TVs on sale starting at $547 through Amazon.

Gaming deals

See our PS4 deals hub
See our Xbox One deals hub
Leading the Black Friday deals charge among video games consoles is the PlayStation 4, with its sales almost doubling that of Microsoft's Xbox One. Don't worry, they're both still at a decent price, closing in on the bargain bottom line of the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS.

PS4 Black Friday deals

The PS4 500GB Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection bundle is our favorite because it pairs Sony's Indiana Jones-style games trilogy with the console. It costs $347 at Amazon.
PS4 1TB bundle with Call of Duty Black Ops 3 doubles the storage of the gaming system and adds Activision's landmark first-person shooter for a Black Friday discount of $429 at Amazon.
PS4 bundle with Nathan Drake Collection, Call of Duty Black Ops 3 and controller charging station combines the three and adds an accessory extra for $349 at Costco.
PS4 Star Wars: Battlefront bundle includes the new game, plus classics downloads Super Star Wars, Bounty Hunter, Jedi Star Fighter and Racer Revenge, all for $349 at Amazon and $349 at Walmart.
PS4 bundled with The Last of Us Remastered and Call of Duty: Ghosts lets you dual wield with two of last year's top-selling PlayStation 4 games. Right now, it's just $399 at Walmart, but it's currently out of stock.
The absolute cheapest PS4 Black Friday deal doesn't come with a game and it's used, but the price is right at $299 through Best Buy.

Xbox One Black Friday deals

Xbox One 1TB Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition bundle is the best Black Friday deal for fans of the Mast Chief franchise, and costs just $449 at Amazon.
Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundle brings last year's game and the 500GB console together with the best price being just $299 at GameStop.
Want it in white? Xbox One Special Edition White Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundle is sold out, but when it is back in stock will cost $349 at GameStop. Until then it's $403 at Amazon.
Xbox One 500GB Gears of War: Ultimate Edition bundle in black is even cheaper on Black Friday, with prices currently at $299 through Amazon.
Want it in white (again)? Xbox One 500GB Gears of War Special Edition White bundle is a exclusive that is actually cheaper. Act fast, because its price is $299 only at Walmart.
Xbox One 1TB Madden NFL 16 bundle brings a bargain to the gridiron. Its best Black Friday deal so far make it $448 at Amazon. It's not too late to get in on some NFL action if you already own an Xbox One. Madden NFL 16 is now $29 at Target.
Xbox One 1TB FIFA 16 Limited Edition bundle combines the other kind of football, soccer, with Microsoft's next-gen console. It's in stock for $349 at Walmart.
Xbox One 1TB Fallout 4 bundle gives you enough internal storage to save and re-save your game that could glitch any moment. Don't worry, the game is buggy, but fantastic, and costs around $470 at Amazon.
Xbox One The LEGO Movie is the console bundle for the kids and the kids at heart. It's $299 through Amazon.
Xbox One 500GB standalone console does away with the bundles, but clocks in at a cheaper price, one that once matched the name of Halo's developer. It's even cheaper at $331 via Amazon.
Xbox One 1TB console bundle with three games includes Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Rare Replay, and Ori the Blind Forest for $349 at Amazon.
Xbox One 500GB bundle with Assassin's Creed Unity adds the latest game in the Ubisoft franchise and retails for just $359 at Amazon.
Xbox One 1TB Rise of the Tomb Raider bundle is still available, but we could only find it in one store. It's price is $349 at Best Buy.
The Xbox One Elite bundle combines a 1TB console with the pro-level Xbox One Elite controller. It launches on December 1, but you can pre-order now for $449 at Amazon.
The cheapest Xbox One is at GameStop, which isn't always known for the best prices. It's inexpensive because it's pre-owned. It's in black for $299 at GameStop and white at $299 – also at GameStop, though this one is currently sold out.
Just in case this hot number sells out before Black Friday, there's another deal for a refurbished, black Xbox One on sale for $299 at Amazon.

Wii U Black Friday deals

Black Friday deals for Nintendo Wii U console bundles are going to be hard to find because they always sell better than expected with families. Here's what we found so far, before mom and dad snap them up.
Wii U Mario Kart 8 bundle packs in the best game for Black Friday week for just $299 at Amazon
Wii U Super Mario Maker bundle isn't available to buy at most stores, but it's still $299.96 at Walmart
Wii U Skylanders Swap Force bundle gets you started with Activision's InerAction Figure game foronly $289 at Amazon.
Cheapest Wii U you can buy is a "premium refurbished" 8GB console that costs $229.99 at GameStop
Cheapest Wii U 32GB console gives you more space for a few extra dollars $259.99 at GameStop
Check out the best PS4 Black Friday deals and Xbox One Black Friday deals in order to find more video game consoles with ultra-cheap prices today.

Nintendo 3DS Black Friday deals

Nintendo is venturing into the mobile space, but all of its best portable games remain on the 3DS. It's going to be that way for some time. Here's the best way to save on the still viable handheld system.
Looking for the recently released regular-sized New Nintendo 3DS? The new (smaller) Nintendo 3DS bundled with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is $40 off now $179 at Wal-Mart.
The Nintendo New 3DS XL in Red, with the wholly-worth-it C Stick and larger display, is currently slashed to $179 at Amazon.
The Nintendo New 3DS XL in Black is almost as cheap for Black Friday month. It costs $179 through Amazon and matched for $179 at Walmart.
The same Nintendo New 3DS XL with a choice of game is a good deal if you're getting a game anyway, as it starts at $207 at Walmart.
Save some money with Nintendo 3DS XL in Black or Red without the C stick. It plays all of the same games and costs just $176 on Amazon.
Even cooler is the Nintendo New 3DS XL Hyrule Gold Edition. This exclusive, in stock for now, won't be available for long due to its cheaper price at $199 only at GameStop.
New 3DS XL Hyrule Gold Edition with Zelda Triforce Heroes bundles one of the best games on the Nintendo 3DS. It's $239 only at GameStop.
The cheapest Nintendo 3DS XL is the NES Edition Black Friday deal. It's a hidden gem locked away inside of an old Nintendo controller at $169 at GameStop, thought it's currently out of stock.
Slightly cheaper is the same Nintendo 3DS XL NES Edition console at the used price of just $99 pre-owned at GameStop, though it's currently out of stock.

Smartphone deals

iPhone and Android phone deals are on a lot of wish lists this Black Friday, and we're here to help point out the best bargains on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.
Apple's iPhone 6S on AT&T moves to the US carrier's monthly plan, so you don't have to pay for the phone upfront. It starts at $21.67 a month at Best Buy.
The new iPhone 6S on Verizon is sticking to the usual two-year contract plan through some retailers on Black Friday. That means it starts at $199 and up at Best Buy.
iPhone 6S on Sprint also uses two-year contracts, though it sometimes offers lower monthly payments (which add up to more money over time). Best bet is to go with the just $99 deal at Best Buy.
The iPhone 6S deals are rare. Even Apple's official store doesn't give Black Friday discounts on its smartphone because, really, it doesn't have to. It's usually out of stock come Christmas, anyway.
Get the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge unlocked for $500 off now only $539.99 at Target.
Snag the latest phone from Google and LG, the Nexus 5X, at its lowest price ever. The unlocked 32GB version is $80 off for today, now $349 at Best Buy

iPad & tablet deals

iPad Air 2 is on sale for Black Friday with a $100 discount on the 16GB model, now just $399 at Best Buy, though it's currently not available for online purchase.
iPad Air 2 with the bigger 64GB of storage also saves you $100 this holiday season, now just $499 at Best Buy.
These iPad Air 2 deals aren't as exciting – until you realize that they come with a $150 gift card to Target.
iPad mini 4 with 64GB of storage is the same price as the iPad mini 4 16GB model if you check the awesome price of $399 at Best Buy, though it's out of stock at the moment.
The iPad mini 4 is smaller, but its Black Friday deal comes with a big gift card worth $100 at Target.
iPad mini 2 is older, but still a compact tablet and is bundled with an $80 gift card from Target.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8-inch is our favorite new Android tablet and it's $50 off, now just $349 at Staples.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7-inch is an Android tablet and it's Black Friday deal is even better since it's $100 off at just $399 at Best Buy.
Microsoft Surface 3 serves up a killer deal now that it is being featured with a $100 discount, bringing the price to $399 at Best Buy.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is way more powerful, but comes in under the thousand dollar mark during Black Friday for $999 at Best Buy.
Amazon Kindle Fire tablets are red hot deals, and selling out fast. That's because they start at just $34.99 through Amazon.

Laptop & Macbook deals

MacBook Pro 13-inch 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage $150 off just $1,349 at Best Buy.
New MacBook 2015 12-inch 8GB of RAM, 256GB storage and the one we have and love is just $1,149 at Best Buy.
MacBook Air 13-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, 256GB of storage now $1,049 at Best Buy.
Save $250 dollars on Lenovo's heralded 2-in-1. The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro is now $749.99 at Best Buy.
Dell Inspiron 11.6-inch touchscreen, 8GB of RAM, 128GB internal storage $165 off, now $384.99 at Best Buy.
Dell 2-in-1 laptops are on sale through Amazon with various configurations starting at $319.
HP Envy laptop 15.6-inch touchscreen with an Intel Core i5 CPU, 6GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive $200 off now $479 at Best Buy.
HP Envy laptop 15.6-inch touchscreen with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 1TB internal storage $250 off now $549 at Best Buy, though it's currently not selling online.
HP Spectre laptop 13.3-inch touchscreen, Intel Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage saves you $200 now $969 at Best Buy.
ASUS 15-inch laptops with various configurations on sale throughout Black Friday for steep discounts at Amazon starting at $129.











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BLACK FRIDAY: Best Wii U Black Friday deals: Nintendo console bundle prices drop in the US
BLACK FRIDAY: Best Wii U Black Friday deals: Nintendo console bundle prices drop in the US
Black Friday is over, but the Nintendo Wii U deals are not, as retailers across the US are discounting their console bundles or including a free video game or two for the same price, at least for today.
The best Wii U console bundle is just $299 at Amazon. It combines the 32GB Deluxe system with Mario Kart 8 pre-installed, which means you won't ever lose the video game or have to take it out and blow on it.
Mirroring this Black Friday deals are the same Wii U bundle for $299 at Walmart, $299.99 at Best Buy, $299 at GameStop. That means if one store runs out of stock, you always have several backups.
There are several other tempting bundle configurations. We've compiled a list of the best Black Friday Wii U deals for that very reason, including ones still in stock on Saturday, November 28.

List of best Wii U deals for Black Friday 2015

Wii U Mario Kart 8 bundle packs in the best game for Black Friday week for just $299 at Amazon
Wii U Super Mario Maker bundle isn't available to buy at most stores, but it's still $299.96 at Walmart
Wii U Skylanders Swap Force bundle gets you started with Activision's InerAction Figure game for only $289 at Amazon.
Cheapest Wii U you can buy is a "premium refurbished" 8GB console that costs $229.99 at GameStop
Cheapest Wii U 32GB console gives you more space for a few extra dollars $259.99 at GameStop
Check out the best PS4 Black Friday deals and Xbox One Black Friday deals in order to find more video game consoles with ultra-cheap prices today.











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Let's get physical: Why proper virtual reality needs to incorporate touch
Let's get physical: Why proper virtual reality needs to incorporate touch

Introduction and haptic technology

The latest virtual reality headsets offer 360 degree video that reacts to your motion. Seeing yourself interacting with a different reality is awesome, but it's only a start – we all experience the world using five senses, namely sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Neurologists identify many more within the senses; for example, your skin can detect heat, cold, pain and pressure – and there are many more.
The conclusion? That virtual reality head-mounted displays like Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and
HTC Vive are basic, dumb devices that concentrate only on sight. What virtual reality needs to be at all convincing is haptic technology – the science of touch.
The Force Touch feature in Apple Watch is a small step in the realm of VR

What is haptic technology?

Virtual reality is too passive; seeing your surroundings is only immersive in the most basic sense. To truly believe you're there – a virtual reality – requires a physical dimension. This is haptic technology, the science of touch, and it's a blend of software and hardware. Apple has tried it in a basic sense with its Taptic Engine, which powers the Force Touch ability of the Apple Watch's vibrating notifications, and the trackpads of its latest MacBook Pro line-up.
That's definitely a start, but what virtual reality really needs is physical feedback. That's exactly what a team at the Human Computer Interaction lab of the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, Germany has been working on with 'impacto', a device designed to mimic the sensation of hitting, and being hit, in a virtual reality. It's time to get our boxing gloves on.
Impacto creates the sensation of hitting and being hit

How does impacto work?

A small, self-contained, wireless and eminently wearable device, impacto is all about both tactile and electrical muscle simulation. If you're hit during a VR game, for example, impacto will tap your skin and add impulse by using electrical muscle stimulation to thrust your arm backwards. Keppow!
"Impacto is designed to emulate the sensation of something colliding with you, like being hit or hitting something," says computer scientist Pedro Lopes, a PhD student at the Human Computer Interaction lab, who describes it as offering only a special category of touch. "Impacto certainly adds a realism to virtual reality, such as when you are immersed in a sport simulator," he says, offering juggling a football as an example. "It's fundamentally different from only seeing (the ball) … we added a sense of impact."
Impacto can be used on other parts of the body

Could it work on other body parts?

Absolutely; impacto – which operates wirelessly and on battery power – is modular and works well for other parts of the body. "We have developed impacto to demonstrate the future of post-wearable devices that connect directly to the human body, in this case to the muscles," says Lopes. "We have demonstrated it attached to not just the biceps in the boxing simulator, but also to the calves for a soccer ball juggling simulator, and to the wrist muscles in a baseball simulator." There's a great demo on YouTube here.

Embracing more senses and the Metaverse

Why can't virtual reality embrace more senses?

While adding a sense of touch or physical feedback is technically possible, as proved by Lopes, haptic technology is in its very early stages. So while we will see more and more 'sense experiences' being simulated by future iterations of VR headsets, it's going to take some time to refine and shrink the technology.
"Most of the feelings that relate to touch are hard to emulate without using large robotic installations, which are expensive and not mobile – we developed impacto to simulate the sense of impact at a wearable and mobile form factor," says Lopes, who nevertheless thinks we will see more and more senses being researched by the community.
Other projects that Lopes and colleague Lung-Pan Cheng are involved with include Muscle Propelled Force Feedback, which simulates pushing/pulling forces, and Haptic Turk, a complete motion platform.
"The future certainly holds more developments, but one can only speculate at this point," says Lopes, "but I'm excited to see haptic illusions around temperature!" Virtual reality will one day be able to mimic a sense of heat and humidity as well as touch, but by then the humble headset – dealing only with sight and sound – will be but one component.

Is touch really that important?

Not everyone thinks so. "The current findings indicate that a sense of touch isn't necessary to feel 'presence' when in VR," says David Haynes, a specialist in 3D mapping and virtual reality who created an Oculus Rift game based on Scottish mountain Ben Nevis using Ordinance Survey mapping data.
"The extremely low latency visual stimulation seems to be enough in the vast majority of people," he adds, citing the obvious analogy with cinema, which has offered just visual and audio for many years. "We've never needed to add an olfactory – smell – component to that for people to suspend their disbelief," he says, though he admits that anything that adds to the feeling of immersion whilst using VR will help people's sense of presence.
Will Oculus Rift's 360 degree video be enough?

Why is Facebook interested in virtual reality?

When it bought Oculus VR for $2 billion (around £1.3 billion, AU$2.8 billion) in 2014, Facebook took many by surprise. Why would a social media platform be so interested in a headset that offers 360 degree video? The answer is not in the first-gen version of Oculus Rift, but in the vision of the company's founders, John Carmack and Michael Abrash. "They wanted to build the Metaverse – a concept popularised in the Neal Stephenson book 'Snowcrash' – since working together on Quake in the 1990s," says Haynes.
VR headsets like the Samsung Gear VR are just the beginning

What is a Metaverse?

"The Metaverse is a communal virtual social space where people can meet, chat and share experiences – there are obvious parallels with that, and social media in its current form, that Facebook are obviously very interested in," says Haynes.
Virtual reality for Facebook may also be about giving everyone the best seat in the house. "Manchester United selling the best seat in the house to every one of their supporters around the world, who could watch at home as if they were inside Old Trafford, would be worth significantly more to them than the current Sky and BT TV deals," says Haynes. Think truly immersive sports, live concerts and cinema, all attended virtually via Facebook.

Can Oculus Rift deliver a Metaverse?

Oculus Rift, which is due out in early 2016, won't deliver a Metaverse. Not even close. But it's easy to see why Facebook is excited in the long-term. "I can imagine the potential of connecting many users with each other in virtual experiences that go beyond typing texts in each other's profiles and sending messages," says Lopes. "Perhaps a more meaningful way of interacting by seeing each other in a rather more immersive version of video conferencing."
When that happens, says Lopes, there will be a flood of interest in simulating impact, forces, motion, heat and even smell – and then we'll have arrived at virtual reality technology that's worthy of the name.











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Black Friday: The best TV deals for Black Friday 2015
Black Friday: The best TV deals for Black Friday 2015
The best TV deals for Black Friday act as the biggest holiday present, and certainly the widest, for many shoppers and it can come at great expensive unless you find a good bargain.
That's why we searched the internet to find HDTV and 4KTV deals throughout online US stores including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target, just to name a few.
Samsung, LG, Toshiba, Vizio and TCL are among the top cheap TV brands today. In fact, TVs discounts on Black Friday were down to $150, but only offered in limited quantities just to entice US buyers into stores for even more deals.
While that particular inexpensive TV is out of stock, there are plenty of Black Friday TV deals in stock and we have them right here today.

Samsung TV deals for Black Friday 2015

Let's get started with Samsung TVs, which are usually more expensive than bargain TVs, but end up being way more affordable than any other day in the year.
Samsung 60-inch 4K TV LED has a 2160p resolution, meaning it's a 4K Ultra HD TV normally $1,499.99, now just $799 at Best Buy.
Samsung 60-inch HD TV is for anyone who wants a huge TV, but doesn't want it in 4K yet. It usually costs $999, but now it's only $697 at Best Buy.
Samsung 60-inch SUHD JS7000 4K TV was $2,599 and now costs $1,299 at Samsung.com.
Samsung 55-inch 4K TV packs a 2160p resolution and 120Hz typically at $1,999, but its Black Friday deal makes it just $797 at Target.
Samsung 60-inch 4K TV is the same Ultra HD TV for only a few dollars. It did cost $1,699, but now it's an easy $897 at Target.

All the best TV deals for Black Friday 2015

Vizio 43-inch 4K TV This is what the editors are buying today. Vizio is blowing open the doors on its intro 4K TV set on Amazon for $498.
In a similar price range is the Sony XBR43X830C 43-Inch 4K TV, which is 50% off today making it a wallet-friendly $698 on Amazon.
Vizio 55-inch 4K TV gets you an Ultra HD television for the cheap price of $949 even cheaper at $699 at Best Buy.
TCL Roku TV 40-inch is one of our favorites because it has the best smart TV interface that was $419, now costs $299 at Amazon.
The cheapest 4K TV we found is one from manufacturer Hisense. It's called the Hisense 50H7GB2 50-Inch 4K TV and you can pick one up on Amazon for $548 on Amazon.
For an extra $50, Wal-Mart ups the ante with the 50-inch 1080p 120Hz TCL Roku TV, now $150 off and sitting pretty now at $348
LG 55-inch 4K TV will make you think that Life's Good with a price of only $699 at Dell.com.
All LG 4K TVs on sale starting at $547 through Amazon. Check out the LG 43UF6400 43-Inch 4K, on sale for today for $547 on Amazon.
These are the best TV deals you'll find for Black Friday, and we'll continue to update this list in case any prices change or the sell out.











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Black Friday: The best iPad and tablet deals for Black Friday 2015
Black Friday: The best iPad and tablet deals for Black Friday 2015
Apple's iPad deals for Black Friday in the US aren't happening in the official store, but at American retail chains offering discounts on the iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 and all-new iPad Pro.
Of course, all these iPad discounts are sending Android and Windows tablet makers into a competitive frenzy for your dollar, too. That said, expect major price drops on non-Apple tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and Amazon Kindle Fire HD.
You'll find fantastic bargains for iPad and other tablets at Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and Target, the latter of which had the best deals coupled with gift cards last year. It's at it again.
This year's Black Friday deals aren't very different from past years - if it ain't broke don't fix it - but that's good news if you're looking for the best tablet for as little of a price as possible. Here's what we found.

iPad deals for Black Friday

iPad Air 2 is on sale for Black Friday with a $100 discount on the 16GB model, now just $399 at Best Buy. However, it's currently out of stock, so keep checking.
iPad Air 2 with the bigger 64GB of storage also saves you $100 this holiday season came and went for just $499 at Best Buy. Keep your eyes out for this one to return.
But these iPad Air 2 deals aren't as exciting compared to the ones that come with a $150 gift card to Target.
iPad mini 4 with 64GB of storage is the same price as the iPad mini 4 16GB model if you check the awesome price of $399 at Best Buy. It's currently sold out online (story of the day), but should be available in stores should you live close to a Best Buy.
The iPad mini 4 is smaller, but its Black Friday deal comes with a big gift card worth $100 at Target.
iPad mini 2 is older, but still a compact tablet and is bundled with an $80 gift card from Target.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8-inch is our favorite new Android tablet and it's $50 off, now just $349 at Staples.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7-inch is an Android tablet and it's Black Friday deal is even better since it's $100 off at just $399 at Best Buy
Microsoft Surface 3 serves up a killer deal now that it is being featured with a $100 discount, bringing the price to $399 at Best Buy
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is way more powerful, but comes in under the thousand dollar mark during Black Friday for $999 at Best Buy. It comes with 256GB of storage space on a 12-inch display.
7-inch Amazon Kindle Fire tablet is a red hot deals, and selling out fast. That's because it starts at just $34.99 through Amazon
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 tablet increases the resolution to high definition and costs 30% less than normal at $69.99 via Amazon
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8 tablet is new and it adds two inches to the HD display in a durable frame for just $149 at Amazon
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 10 is the biggest Kindle tablet at, you guessed it, 10 inches. Today, it costs $229 at Amazon











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Black Friday: The best Xbox One deals on Black Friday 2015
Black Friday: The best Xbox One deals on Black Friday 2015
Xbox One Black Friday deals are big today, that means you can expect price drops, console bundles and free game pack-ins for Microsoft's video game system, making it the best day to finally treat yourself to a new all-in-one entertainment hub.
Not enough people in the US have the Xbox One (at last count there was only around 10 million of us), but Microsoft is helping change that with Black Friday deals starting right now, giving you the console at some seriously steep discounts.
What's interesting, though, is that Microsoft recently dropped the standard 500GB Xbox One's price to $349 earlier this year, which is surprising considering that was right before some of the biggest game launches like Halo 5, Gears of War Ultimate and FIFA 16.
Also worth considering are the 1TB Xbox One system with double the storage, and the almighty Xbox One Elite bundle that has a pro-level controller. They're both expensive but worth it.
The good news is that retailers like Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy and Walmart have Black Friday discounts for all sorts of Xbox One bundles, and you'll find them right here.

Best Xbox One deals for Black Friday

Xbox One 1TB Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition bundle is the best Black Friday deal for fans of the Mast Chief franchise, and costs just $449 at Amazon.
Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundle brings last year's game and the 500GB console together with the best price being $349 at Target.
Want it in white? The Xbox One Special Edition White Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundle is sold out, but when it is back in stock will cost $349 at GameStop. Until then, it's $400 at Amazon.
Xbox One 500GB Gears of War: Ultimate Edition bundle in black is even cheaper on Black Friday, with prices currently at $299 through Amazon.
Want it in white (again)? Xbox One 500GB Gears of War Special Edition White bundle is a exclusive that is actually cheaper. Act fast, because its price is $299 only at Walmart.
Xbox One 1TB Limited Edition Forza Motorsport 6 bundle is ideal for racing fans who can handle the tight curves of this simulation game. It's best discount is $349 at Walmart, though it's currently sold out.
Xbox One 1TB Madden NFL 16 bundle doesn't exactly bring a bargain to the gridiron, as this Black Friday deal is currently bouncing back and forth between price, but today it's $429 at Amazon.
Xbox One 1TB FIFA 16 Limited Edition bundle combines the other kind of football with Microsoft's next-gen console, and it includes 12 months of EA Access. It retails for $349 at Walmart.
Xbox One 1TB Fallout 4 bundle gives you enough internal storage to save and re-save your game that could glitch any moment. Don't worry, the game is buggy, but fantastic, and costs $349 at Best Buy. Some bad news, adventurer, it looks like Best Buy has blown through their stock and might be out until later this weekend.
Xbox One The LEGO Movie is the console bundle for the kids and the kids at heart. It's $340 through Amazon.
Xbox One 500GB standalone console does away with the bundles, but clocks in at a cheaper price. It's now just $331 at Amazon.
The cheapest Xbox One is at GameStop, which isn't always known for the best prices. It's inexpensive because it's pre-owned. There's a black for $299 at GameStop.
Check all of the above links for the best Black Friday deals, because stores are constantly updating the prices to lure US shopping into spending their hard earned dollar today.











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Black Friday: The best PS4 deals on Black Friday 2015
Black Friday: The best PS4 deals on Black Friday 2015
PS4 Black Friday deals are out in full force today with plenty of bundles that package a console with one or more of the best games on the platform. And, even better, there are a bunch of retailers in the US are already serving deep discounts on the Sony console.
Sony video game console price drop brings it to $349, however, you can buy it with a game or find it even cheaper as a standalone deal (the lowest we've seen is $299). There's also a 1TB PS4 with double the internal storage for more games, music, TV shows and movies.
The best PS4 Black Friday deals we have compiled can be found at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and GameStop. To a lesser extent, you'll find a few good prices at Target, NewEgg and Costco, too.
With Thanksgiving wrapped up and Black Friday halfway over, here are the best PS4 deals we've found for Black Friday 2015.

Black Friday PS4 deals

The PS4 500GB Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection bundle is our favorite because it pairs Sony's Indiana Jones-style games trilogy with the console. It costs $299 at Best Buy and $299 at GameStop.
PS4 1TB bundle with Call of Duty Black Ops 3 doubles the storage of the gaming system and adds Activision's landmark first-person shooter for a Black Friday discount of $499 at Amazon.
PS4 Star Wars: Battlefront bundle includes the new game, plus classics downloads Super Star Wars, Bounty Hunter, Jedi Star Fighter and Racer Revenge, all for $349 at Amazon.
PS4 Star Wars Battlefront Limited Edition bundle is the ultimate Black Friday deal for Jedi fans. It launched back on November 17, but is still available for a premium $399 at Amazon - though, last time we checked, it looks like they completely sold out.
Alternatively, the PS4 Disney Infinity 3.0 Limited Edition Star Wars Bundle combines the console with the Disney Infinity 3.0: Star Wars Edition Bundle Kit and four classic game for $349 at Walmart, though it's currently out of stock.
PS4 bundled with The Last of Us Remastered and Call of Duty: Ghosts lets you dual wield with two of last year's top-selling PlayStation 4 games. Right now, it's just $399 at Walmart, however it, too, is sold out for the moment.
PS4 Black Friday Bundle with GTA 5 and The Last of Us Remastered is another pairing of games that came out last year, but still worth investing in if you're an adult. It's $463 at Amazon.
PS4 Limited Edition Destiny The Taken King bundle brings you up to speed on the next-generation console and one of the most popular video games for $399 through Walmart, but it's out of stock currently.
The absolute cheapest PS4 Black Friday deal doesn't come with a game and it's used, but the price is right and it's back in stock at $299 through Best Buy (again, another deal that could be completely gone by the time you hit the link).
The inverse, the PS4 console in white, is also pre-owned and doesn't come with a game, but retails for a mere $339 at GameStop. However, it too is out of stock at the moment.
Check back for more PS4 Black Friday deals as the weekend rolls along. Today is just the first official day of these sales at Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, and consoles will be back in stock if sold out.











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Black Friday: The best home and kitchen deals for Black Friday 2015: Dyson, white goods, and more!
Black Friday: The best home and kitchen deals for Black Friday 2015: Dyson, white goods, and more!

kitchen and home deals

Gadgets, screens and all things digital. That's probably what the Black Friday sales scrum is best known for. But did you know that some of your favourite retailers are spooling up some awesome home and kitchen deals?
Yup, the likes of John Lewis, Argos, Amazon and more will all offer some fantastic savings on everything from Brevilles and breadmakers to Dyson vacuums, coffee machines and washer dryers. This year is expected to be the biggest Black Friday yet, with John Lewis alone taking on 3,000 temporary helpers to deal with the combined Black Friday and Christmas shopping insanity.
During last year's Black Friday, John Lewis reportedly sold a NutriBullet blender every 30 seconds, but who knows what will be the hottest movers this Black Friday. Handily, we've gathered all the best early Black Friday home and kitchen deals below. We'll be updating throughout the Black Friday period as the best deals are unleashed, so keep checking back!

The best Black Friday home and kitchen deals

Blenders and food mixers:

Sage by Heston Blumenthal the Nutri Juicer: elegance, high quality design and innovation, they say. You decide at £60 off, now £89/.95 from John Lewis.
Hotpoint TB 060C AX0 UK Steam Blender: Will it blend? There's only one way to find out. £107.09 or 40 per cent off from John Lewis.
Breville Blend-Active Blender: Sleek, simple, now half price. £24.99 from Argos.
Swan Vintage SP25010CN Stand Mixer: Cream coloured, period style, stupidly cheap. Save £94, now just £65 from ao.com.
Kenwood KMM710 Chef Major Premier Food Mixer: A huge £210 off this versatile mixer and blender from Joh Lewis - £209.95.
Nutri Bullet Nutrition Extractor: Get it £20 off from House of Fraser for £79.99.
Nutri Ninja Lite BL457 Blender: 700W blender for just £39.99 from Argos.
Nutri Ninja Slim QB3001 Blender: Make your own smoothies and soups for just £39 from Currys. That's less than half price.

Dysons:

Dyson DC41 Upright Vacuum Cleaner: John Lewis is price matching on this classic Dyson upright, now £249.
Dyson DC44 Origin Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: Cordless handheld Dyson with 20 minutes running time. £179.99 and one third off from Argos.
Dyson DC50 Multifloor Eco Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Argos has slashed £140 off, now just £229.99.
Full range of Dyson vacuums and fans/heaters: House of Fraser is offering 10 per cent off a wide range of Dyson kit.
Dyson DC54 Multifloor Vacuum Cleaner: 20 per cent off this premium socker, now £329.99 from John Lewis.
Dyson V6 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: It's a bit of an animal and it's cordless. Save an incredible £110.99 - on sale at Currys for just £239.
DYSON DC55 Total Clean Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner: It's red. It's bagless. It's upright. It's£150 off. Head to Currys and grab one for £279.

Vacuums:

AEG AG3103 Ergo 10.8v Handheld & Cordless 2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner: Wireless freedom at half price from John Lewis - £94.95.
Vax HF86-FM-T Floormate Trio Hard Floor Washer: Serious cleaning power and under half price. Now just £99.99 from Amazon.
Vax U86-AL-BA Air Cordless Solo Vacuum Cleaner: Cordless upright vac with 25 minute runtime. 50 per cent off at £99.99 from Amazon.
Miele Compact C2 Cat & Dog PowerLine Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner: Cats and dogs living together? It's mass hysteria or just a lot of mess to clean up. £149 or 40 per cent off from John Lewis.
Miele Complete C3 Extreme PowerLine Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner: Who knew vacuuming could save you £190. On offer now for £139.99 from Currys.

Kitchen utensils:

Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Round Casserole: Hurray - half price for this cast-iron casserole. £87.50 from Amazon.
25 per cent off all kitchen ware at Currys: Get this deal.

Coffee machines:

Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine with Aeroccino by KRUPS: Just £79.95. But get this - comes with a voucher for £75's worth of coffee. Hit up John Lewis. Pow!
KRUPS EA9010 Espresseria Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine: Save £300 on this pro bean-to-cup beauty. £999.95 from John Lewis.
NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Melody 3 Coffee Machine: 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality in seconds. Less than half price at £37.99 from Argos.
Tassimo by Bosch TAS200GB Coffee Machine: At over 60 per cent off, there's no excuse not to make good coffee. £29.99 from Argos.
Illy coffee machines: Wide range of coffee and espresso machines at half price from Illy's website - some now with a £60 milk frother thrown in for free. Dealtastic!
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Mini Me EDG305 Capsule Machine: Multiple colours available for just £44.99 from Amazon.
De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM04.320.S Rapid Long Bean-to-Cup Machine: A massive £350 savings from Amazon, now £369.09

Microwaves and ovens:

Panasonic NN-CS894S Combination Steam Microwave: £100 off this turbo-steam capable microwave. Now £399 from John Lewis.
Hotpoint SCL08EB Signature Single Electric Oven: Stunning Makio Hasuike design exclusively for John Lewis. £100 off and now £279.
Smeg Classic DOSC34X Built In Double Oven: Slick double stacked stainless steel oven from Smeg. £100 off, now £449 from ao.com.
De'Longhi AM82 Stainless Steel Microwave: Add some brushed metal pizzazz to your kitchen for just £54.99 from Argos.
KENWOOD K25MSS11 Solo Microwave: 900W of power, 25-litres capacity. Get cooking and save £80. Available now for £59.99 from Currys.

Kitchen and home appliances:

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker: Six-litre capacity, fully programmable and half price. £84.99 from Amazon.
Nest Learning Thermostat: Control your home heating from almost anywhere via the net. £30 off, now £139.95 from John Lewis.
AEG AT7100w-u 4-Slice Toaster: 50 per cent off this uber accurate toaster from John Lewis. Yours for £49.95.
Dyson AM05 Hot & Cool™ Fan Heater: Silent, odourless, futuristic perfection. £120 off or £199.95 from John Lewis.
SodaStream Drinks Maker: Give your drinks some fizz for just £34.99 - that's half price from Argos.
Panasonic SD-ZB2512KXC Bread Maker: Read to go rustic? It's £50 off at £139.95 from John Lewis.
Breville VTT571 4-Slice Toaster: Optimised for Warburtons bread apparently...and yours for just £39.50 from Amazon.
PHILIPS HD9230/20 Viva Airfryer: Fry, my pretties, fry. Was £179.99, now £75. Woot, etc, and props to Currys.
DELONGHI Dolce Gusto Jovia EDG250.B: No, not a coffee machine, but a hot drinks machine. There is a difference, people. £29 or less than half price from Currys.
MORPHY RICHARDS Accents 4-Slice Toaster: Defrost function plus high-lift eject. Pha-narr. Save £14.99 and grab it now for £25 from Currys.

Dishwashers:

Bosch SMS58M22GB Freestanding Dishwasher: £110 off this classic bit of Bosch. £299 from John Lewis.
Samsung DW60H9970FS WaterWall™ Freestanding Dishwasher: Save £200 on Samsung's high-tech take on dishwashing. £699 from John Lewis.

Fridges:

Siemens KG39NAI32 Freestanding Fridge Freezer: 65cm slim, Inox Steel, £200 off. Now £549 from John Lewis.
Bosch KGE36BW30G Fridge Freezer, slim 60cm wide: Save £150 on this slim, stylish 60cm-wide fridge from the boys at Bosch. £399 from John Lewis.
LG GBB539PZCWS Fridge Freezer: LED lighting, frost free, fast freezing and nearly half price. £299 from Currys.
KENWOOD KSBSDX15 American-Style Fridge Freezer: If bigger is better, this beast dual-width is surely the bomb. Save £250 from Currys, available now for £499.

Washing machines:

Samsung WF80F5E5U4X ecobubble™ Slim Depth Freestanding Washing Machine: 8kg capacity and an extra three years' warranty thrown in. £200 off from John Lewis, now £399.
Samsung WW10H9600EW Freestanding Washing Machine: If there's such a thing as a super washing machine, this is it. At an even more super £700 savings. £999 from John Lewis.
Hotpoint Signature WMSIG9637BC Freestanding Washing Machine: Clean your clothes. Save money. It's all good at £150 off or £299 all in from John Lewis.
INDESIT IWC71452 ECO Washing Machine: Uber affordable now that it's £140.99 off. Now £159 from Currys.
Beko WJ837543W Slim Depth Washing Machine: This slick-looking 1,300rpm machine is £60 off at just £289 from John Lewis.
Bosch Titan Edition WAQ28470GB 8Kg Washing Machine: Bosch brilliance on a big scale. £349 or £180 off from ao.com.
Zanussi Lindo300 ZWF01483WR 10Kg Washing Machine: XXL drum for big loads. Phwoar. Save £200. Available now from ao.com for £279.
Hotpoint WMXTF842P 8KG 1400 Washing Machine: A solid all-rounder at £100 off. Yours for £256.99 including delivery from Argos.
Bush F621QW 6KG Washing Machine: Fully 25 per cent off from Argos, peanuts for £149.99.
Hotpoint WMXTF942G 9KG 1400 Spin Washing Machine: Do your laundry in style with this high-end washer, £279.99 from Argos.











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Black Friday: The best Black Friday headphone and audio deals 2015
Black Friday: The best Black Friday headphone and audio deals 2015
Headphones have become one of the most important categories in tech and this year we're expecting some cracking deals for Black Friday.
On this page we're listing the best Black Friday deals on headphones, Bluetooth speaker, soundbars, hifis, DAB radios and home cinema systems so that you can always get the best prices!
Not only will these offers save you a heck of a lot of money, but each one has been hand picked by our experts so you can buy in confidence that the products will make your music and movies sound better than ever before!

The best headphone deals this Black Friday

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo 2 On-Ear Headphones Want some Beats by Dre headphones? This deal knocks off a huge £100 from the asking price now £69 at Tesco.com
UE Megaboom by Ultimate Ears Bluetooth NFC Portable Speaker Save £50 with this deal for these wireless Bluetooth speakers. now £199.95 at John Lewis
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling QC20 Acoustic In-Ear Headphones These excellent in-ear headphones have had £110 knocked off their normal price now £149.50 at John Lewis
Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones - White This deal knocks off over half of the original asking price for these great headphones now £59.99 at argos.co.uk
HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset One of the best headsets around. Save £25 now £49.99 at Overclockers UK
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo 2.0 On-Ear Headphones - Pink Beats by Dr. Dre over ear speakers in pink. Great headphones, even better price. now £99.99 at argos.co.uk
Wireless Gaming Headset Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega now £59.99 at Creative Labs
Sennheiser RS120 II Wireless on-ear headphones with a power supply now £49 at Amazon UK
Philips Headphones Wireless headphones in black for just now £29.99 at argos.co.uk
Gaming Headset Turtle Beach Ear Force XO One now £29.99 at Currys
Philips SHB5500BK/00 Wireless Folding Bluetooth Headphones Black now £22.99 at Amazon UK
Sennheiser Momentum If you don't mind the colour pink these headphones are an absolute bargain now £59.99 at Amazon UK
Beyerdynamic DTX102 High quality headphones for a reduced price of now £39.99 at Amazon UK
Gaming Headset Turtle Beach gaming headset for now £34.99 at EBAY-GB
Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Grab these highly rated headphones for just now £96.78 at Amazon UK
Bose Soundtrue Great bose headphones with a 2 year guarantee now £89.95 at Currys
Powerbeats 2 Wireless: Dr.Dre's water resistant headphones now now £127.49 at Amazon UK
Sennheiser MM50iP Cheap Sennheiser headphones, Comes with 12 month warranty now £15 at EBAY-GB
Powerbeats 2 Wireless Dr.Dre's sweat and water resistant headphones down to now £127.49 at Amazon UK
Headphones Get these critically acclaimed headphones for just now £87.66 at Amazon UK
Sony headphones The Sony MDR-ZX610 noise cancelling headphones are now just now £39.73 at Amazon UK
Headphones Grab these headphones from JVC, Now just now £19.99 at Amazon UK

The best speaker deals this Black Friday

BOSE SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II Save £30 with this deal for the excellent Bluetooth speaker now £139.95 at Currys
SONY GTK-X1BT Wireless Megasound Hi-Fi System Save £60.99 on this great sound system from Sony now £169 at Currys
ROBERTS Revival RD60 DAB Digital Radio, Burgundy Save a huge 50% on this great retro-themed digital radio now £99.95 at John Lewis
Creative D5XM Smart modular wireless speaker now £69.99 at Creative Labs
Beats by Dr. Dre Pill 2.0 Wireless Speaker Get the Beats by Dr. Dre Pill 2.0 wireless speakers in a range of colours and with a £40 saving now £129.99 at argos.co.uk
UE Boom 2 Bluetooth waterproof speaker for now £129.95 at Amazon UK
Panasonic SC-HTE80EB-K Wireless Speakerboard with Bluetooth Wireless Technology now £139 at Amazon UK
Sond Audio Bluetooth NFC speaker now £39.99 at Ebuyer
Angry Birds Speaker Small speaker compatible with any device wit a 3.5mm jack, now £10.99 at Iwantoneofthose.com
Sonos Play:1 Grab 2 Sonos Play:1s for only now £299 at Sonos
Bluetooth Speaker Portable speaker now £7.99 at Iwantoneofthose.com
Wireless Speaker now £74.99 at Currys

The best docks and home theatre deals this Black Friday

John Lewis own-brand soundbar Save £130 on this soundbar and subwoofer set, now £199.95 at John Lewis
Sony CMT-X5CDB DAB/FM/CD Bluetooth NFC Speaker Get £50 off this great little Bluetooth NFC speaker system now £189.95 at John Lewis
Bose SoundDock XT White/Yellow iPhone dock now £64.95 at argos.co.uk
LG BH4030S Blu-Ray Home Cinema system now £89.99 at Amazon UK
LG NB2530A 100W Soundbar with Bluetooth & Integrated Sub Save yourself £70 with this deal for LG's soundbar now £59 at Tesco.com











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Black Friday: The best Xbox One deals for Black Friday 2015
Black Friday: The best Xbox One deals for Black Friday 2015

The best Xbox One deals for Black Friday 2015

If you're after an Xbox One deal for Black Friday 2015, you've come to the right place!
It could well be the console to buy on Black Friday this year, primarily because of the huge discounts and excellent value bundles that we're finding.
If you're after a standalone Xbox One, a bundle deal including games or just games on their own, these are our picks of the best deals this Black Friday, chosen for you by techradar editors.

Best Xbox One deals for Black Friday

Game: Check out all of the Xbox One deals from Game here.
Xbox One Bundle includes Forza 6, Halo 5, Rise of the Tomb Raider now £299.99 at Microsoft
Xbox One £309.99 at Zavvi
Xbox One £319.99 at Zavvi
Xbox One 500GB £329.99 at Game
Xbox One 500GB FIFA 16, Lego Marvel, Halo 5 Guardians, Goat Simulator, Now TV Pass now £279.99 at Game
Xbox One: Get the console with Ori and Rare Reply for just £223.99 at Amazon
Xbox One: 500GB console bundled with Fifa 16 for for £249.99 from Zavvi
Xbox One: Get the 1TB Xbox One with Forza Motorsport 6 and Halo 5: Guardians for just £279.99 at Zavvi
Xbox One: Get the Xbox One Fifa 16 bundle with Marvel Super Heroes, Fallout 4, Xbox One Wireless Controller & a NOW TV 2 month pass for £329.99
Xbox One: Get the Xbox One 1TB with The Witcher 3 for £291.95 from Amazon
Xbox One Controller: Grab the Limited Edition Halo Master Chief Wireless Controller for £37.99 from Zavvi
Xbox One: 500GB with Fifa 16, Lego Marvel, NOW TV 2 month pass and Goat Simulator for £249.99
Xbox One Wireless Controller The lowest price its ever been on Amazon now £34.85 at Amazon UK

Best Xbox One game deals for Black Friday

FIFA 16 on Xbox One: Save £11 on the ultimate football game now £34.99 at argos.co.uk
Forza Motorsport 6: £20 off its normal price now £29.99 at Game
GTA V: £20 off your adventures in crime now £29.99 at Game
Halo 5: Guardians: 10% off the Xbox exclusive now £34.99 at John Lewis
Project CARS on Xbox One now £24.99 at Amazon UK
Saints Row IV: now £9.99 at Game











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BLACK FRIDAY: The best Wii U and 3DS Black Friday deals: Nintendo console bundles
BLACK FRIDAY: The best Wii U and 3DS Black Friday deals: Nintendo console bundles

Best Wii U and 3DS Black Friday deals

Nintendo's Wii U is an innovative console with amazing potential as a home entertainment hub as well as all the great gaming chops you'd expect from Nintendo. And, thanks to Black Friday, it's also available at some amazing prices.
If you like your entertainment portable, the 3DS is the top of the handheld console tree, and it's also on sale with some pocket-size pricetags. Whatever your favourite game or favourite colour, we'll have the package for you.

Best 3DS deals

Nintendo 3DS XL White with Super Mario 3D Land preinstalled (limited edition) now £99.99 at Nintendo
Nintendo 3DS XL blue/black + Pokémon X pack - save 48% now £109.98 at Nintendo

Best Wii U deals

Wii U amiibo bundle Build your own bundle with Wii U, amiibo, T-shirt, controller or game, and gift now £299.99 at Nintendo
Wii U with Mario Kart 8 preinstalled + Splatoon now £249.99 at Tesco.com
Disney Infinity figures £9.99 each or buy 2 now £18 at Game
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Get Bats in block form for less than half price now £11.99 at argos.co.uk











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Black Friday: The best coffee machine deals on Black Friday 2015
Black Friday: The best coffee machine deals on Black Friday 2015
Coffee? One simply cannot have enough. And there's nothing quite like home-made coffee from a proper machine. The catch? Coffee machines ain't cheap.
Unless, that is, it's Black Friday and prices are taking a hammering. And we really do mean a hammering. Illy is offering 50 per cent off several of its own machines, just as a for instance.
So read on and keep popping back for all the best deals. Some of the major e-tailers won't be unleashing their best deals until Friday proper, so be prepared!

The best Black Friday coffee machine deals:

Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine with Aeroccino by KRUPS: Just £79.95. But get this - comes with a voucher for £75's worth of coffee. Pow!
KRUPS EA9010 Espresseria Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine: Save £300 on this pro bean-to-cup beauty. £999.95 from John Lewis.
NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Melody 3 Coffee Machine: 15 bar pump pressure for coffee shop quality in seconds. Less than half price at £37.99 from Argos.
Jura Impressa A5 Automatic 13756 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine: More mega bean-to-cup action, this time £449 off at, yes, £449 from ao.com.
Tassimo by Bosch TAS200GB Coffee Machine: At over 60 per cent off, there's no excuse not to make good coffee. £29.99 from Argos.
Illy coffee machines: Wide range of coffee and espresso machines at half price from Illy's website - some now with a £60 milk frother thrown in for free. Dealtastic!
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Mini Me EDG305 Capsule Machine: Multiple colours available for just £44.99 from Amazon.
De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM04.320.S Rapid Long Bean-to-Cup Machine: A massive £350 savings from Amazon, now £369.09
More deals coming throughout the day!











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Black Friday: The Nexus 5x receives a hearty $80 discount on Black Friday
Black Friday: The Nexus 5x receives a hearty $80 discount on Black Friday
Google's latest Nexus smartphones are its best yet, and today only, you can nab the mid-range Nexus 5X for the cheapest price we've seen it go for.
If storage capacity is a main concern of yours when shopping for a smartphone, then you'll be happy to know that you can nab the 32GB version of the Nexus 5X in each color available (black, mint, white) for $80 off its original asking price of $429, now $349 at Best Buy.
We loved the phone for its slick design and already affordable asking price. Some big takeaways from the Nexus 5X are its camera, which captures some of the best photos we've seen in a Nexus phone yet. The phone also utilizes USB-C, the reversible cable type that is beginning to surge in popularity in mainstream devices like the new MacBook.











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Mac Tips: How to play MIDI files on a Mac
Mac Tips: How to play MIDI files on a Mac
Have a Mac, iOS or Apple tech question? We've got the answer. This time we have a reader who wants to know how to listen to old MIDI music files with iTunes on a modern Mac. Luckily, it can be done with a piece of software you probably already own. Read on to see how it's done.

Question

I have some old MIDI music that I used to listen to through iTunes on my iMac, but the latest versions don't support MIDI files. What cheap/free/built-in method would you advise to convert these files into something that's usable with modern iTunes?

Answer

Converting MIDI files to playable music is something that Apple has long removed from the iTunes music player, unfortunately. However, Apple has another app that you most likely already have on your Mac and will convert these files as well. That other app is Garageband, and it comes free on all new Macs (and you can download it from the Mac App Store for $4.99/£3.99/AU$7.99).
Once downloaded, select File > Open and navigate to your MIDI file to open it inside of Garageband. Once opened, Garageband may require you to download a few other components required to generate all of the sounds - let these downloads complete, and then select Share > Song to iTunes.
MIDI Conversion
This will open a dialog that will prompt you for metadata about the song, such as title, artist and the export quality of the file.
MIDI metadata
When you select "Share" the file will be exported in an iTunes-compatible file format using the export quality setting you've selected and will launch iTunes and begin playing the newly exported song.
Got an Apple tech question? Email ask@maclife.com.











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Available Tags:iOS , Nintendo , TV , iPad , tablet , Xbox , PS4 , Mac , Mac

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