Search results for 'Features' - Page: 13
| PC World - 10 Sep (PC World)A few days ago I answered a phone call from my mother, who was in a semi-frantic state because her Chromebook was screaming bloody murder at her. Having worked with Chromebooks for many years, I was shocked by the state of hers. Her Chromebook was chock-full of malware and God only knows what else.
Chromebooks don’t get viruses and malware often because ChromeOS has robust security features like automatic updates, data encryption, sandboxing, and so on — not to mention that the entire thing revolves around a browser, rather than running local programs. However, it does happen from time to time, so it’s better to be prepared. I’ll show you what signs to look out for as well as how to remove the virus or malware from your system. Read on to learn more.
Further reading: Best Chromebooks 2024: Best overall, best battery life, and more
Chromebooks has a robust built-in security system at the get-go
Chromebooks come with a bunch of built-in security features, which is why it’s pretty rare for them to get viruses and malware. I’ll list a couple of those features below so you have a better understanding of how secure Chromebooks generally are.
Automatic updates: Chromebooks are almost always up-to-date due to the automatic update system. Updates are important because they improve the device itself and the software it’s running. The automatic updates include security updates, bug fixes, and new features. The updates happen every four weeks, which means you don’t have to lift a finger.
Sandboxing: Every single web page and application runs in an isolated environment (otherwise known as a “sandbox”). If you happen to stumble upon an infected page, it won’t impact the other tabs you have open. Sandbox effectively isolates the threat.
Data encryption: Chromebooks will encrypt data like downloads, cookies, and browser cache files. This makes it all the more difficult for a nefarious body to access that data.
Verified boot: Upon bootup, if your Chromebook detects an anomaly of some kind, it’s designed to do a self-check called “Verified Boot,” in which it will repair itself.
Although a Chromebook’s security system may seem like a fortified fortress, there will still be cracks in the stronghold, as no security system is 100 percent secure.
Signs of a virus or malware on your Chromebook
It’s possible to pick up a virus or malware by falling victim to phishing scams, installing sketchy apps and extensions, and visiting malicious websites. If your Chromebook is infected, you may notice the following signs:
Sluggish day-to-day performance
Your screen is inundated with pop-up advertisements
Frequent crashes
Your antivirus software isn’t working
Your homepage will change without warning
Vanishing files
Battery drains faster
So, what now? Now that you’ve identified your Chromebook is indeed infected, you’ll want to run an antivirus or malware scan. If all else fails, you can always start anew by factory resetting the device. Let’s go over the remedies with a fine-toothed comb.
check out pcworld`s top chromebook pick
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Read our review
How to get rid of a virus or malware
Run an antivirus or malware scan
The most obvious thing to do when your Chromebook is acting up is run an antivirus or malware scan. That said, you’ll need to install an antivirus app that works on Android, as ChromeOS doesn’t offer native support for most antivirus software. Fortunately, there are quite a few options to pick from on the Google Play Store.
I’d personally recommend picking up Avira, which is free to use. Not only does it hide your identity from prying eyes by preventing anyone from using your webcam, but it also blocks phishing websites and comes with a VPN, allowing for additional privacy. To run a scan, open the app and select the blue Smart Scan button. This scan will check for malware as well as privacy and optimization issues.
This app will also alert you if your email was leaked in a security breach. You’ll receive information on which company was breached and when the breach took place.
Remove any suspicious-looking extensions and apps
The Google Play Store is generally a safe place to install apps. However, once in a while, a few bad apples make it through. Luckily, the Google Play Store has a built-in security feature that you can use.
Google Play Protect automatically scans your apps for suspicious behavior. The apps also go through meticulous security testing before appearing on the Google Play Store. All you have to do is open the Google Play Store app, tap the profile icon on the right, select Settings, and turn Scan apps with Play Protect on or off.
In fact, according to a timely article from Forbes, Google is nixing a large number of apps from the Google Play Store in just under two weeks time. This is because Google plans to introduce “tough new quality controls.” This mass culling should also get rid of any malicious threats hiding beneath the surface.
Chrome extensions are a different animal altogether. They’re small programs that can be used to manage passwords, block unwanted ads, and so on. For the most part, extensions are safe to download, as Google puts them through an exhaustive review process to make sure they meet the latest security standards. But, as I mentioned previously, some bad apples manage to get through. Rogue extensions can sniff everything you type or load up the browser with nagging adware, amongst other issues.
To uninstall a suspicious-looking extension, open Chrome and select More > More tools > Extensions. Navigate to the extension you want to get rid of and select Remove. Select Remove again to confirm. You can also remove an extension that’s on the browser tool bar by right clicking the button and selecting Remove from Chrome.
Perform a factory reset
If your Chromebook requires holy intervention (if all else fails), then you can always perform a factory reset on the device and start fresh. Sometimes you’ve got to take things back to to the beginning, you know? A factory reset wipes the slate clean by erasing all user data on your Chromebook’s hard drive. It also removes all the files in your Downloads folder.
The first thing you’ll want to do is navigate to the bottom right hand corner of your screen and click on the timestamp. This action will open a new window that shows the Bluetooth settings, brightness control, and so on. Select the gear symbol on the bottom right.
A new window will pop up. Type the word “reset” in the search bar and select the Factory reset option. Here, click the Reset button on the right and then Restart to confirm. In the Reset this Chromebook window, select Powerwash and then Continue. This process will take a few minutes.
Once finished, you’ll be able to sign back into your Chromebook. Everything will be set like it was when you first used the Chromebook. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 10 Sep (PC World)If you’ve been experiencing an annoying bug in Windows 11 where File Explorer keeps crashing for no apparent reason, rest assured that Microsoft says it’s finally fixed.
Spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft’s note says that File Explorer can crash for various reasons, but this particular issue has been fixed and should no longer happen. The note wasn’t delivered in an official support page but by a post in the Feedback Hub for Insider testers.
When users tried to open File Explorer via the taskbar, it stopped responding and crashed. According to Microsoft, this File Explorer issue has been fixed starting with Insider build 22635.4005.
For now, only Insider testers will benefit from this fix, but all Windows 11 users will eventually get the fix. This means that the latest major update for Windows 11, namely KB5041587, doesn’t yet fix this bug.
Get Windows 11 Pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
Update KB5041587 is no longer just for testers, but is now an optional update that Windows users currently still have to install manually. After installing KB5041587, non-Insider versions of Windows 11 will have build numbers 22621.4112 or 22631.4112.
If you haven’t installed optional update KB5041587 yet, we recommend it. It’s full of helpful system features and improvements along with several other fixes that affect the performance and stability of File Explorer. Notable new features include the ability to share files directly with Android phones, significant performance boosts for AMD’s newest Ryzen CPUs, and improvements to Narrator and Dictation.
Microsoft emphasizes that there can be many different reasons behind File Explorer crashes and that users shouldn’t hesitate to continue reporting such issues to Microsoft.
Further reading: Windows 11’s taskbar hides a secret feature for pros Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 10 Sep (PC World)Gaming laptops equipped with RTX rarely sell for this cheap, so take advantage while you can if you’ve been in the market for one.
Right now, you can get this Acer Nitro V for just $650 on Amazon, which is a nice cut from its usual $780 price and significantly lower than almost any other laptop you could get with an RTX GPU.
Running on an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, this is a decent combination that’s enough to play pretty much any game out there in great quality. Not the best quality, mind you, but better than most other laptops in this price range.
The only thing that’s far from ideal with this particular configuration is the 8GB of DDR5 RAM. It’s the minimum amount we’d recommend for a performance laptop, so it’s not terrible — but the Nitro V allows for user upgrades, so consider expanding it to 32GB when you can. (With how cheap this laptop is, you can afford to splash on some extra RAM!)
This Acer Nitro V gaming laptop features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a fast 144Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals regardless of whether you’re playing or watching.
The laptop has a Thunderbolt 4 port so you can easily charge devices, transfer data, connect monitors — and alongside the HDMI 2.1 port and three USB-A 3.2 ports, you can manage multiple peripherals with ease.
If you need a decent gaming laptop on a budget, don’t miss out on this chance to grab this Acer Nitro V for $650 on Amazon. It’s a fantastic deal that isn’t going to last much longer.
This Acer gaming laptop is super affordableBuy now on Amazon Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 9 Sep (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsGreat keyboardSolid battery life and performanceBeautiful displayConsTinny speakersPen sold separatelyNo fingerprint readerMore expensive than the average ChromebookOur VerdictThe Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a 2-in-1 Chromebook that delivers an excellent all-around ChromeOS experience. Of course, it’s more expensive than the average Chromebook — and it’s not perfect.
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a 2-in-1 Chromebook with a touch screen that can rotate 360 degrees to function as a tablet. This is a “Chromebook Plus” model, so you’ll be getting ChromeOS with some extra features, including access to Gemini Advanced for a year (which normally costs $20 per month).
Chromebook Plus features aside, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a capable Chromebook that’s a bit more premium than the average Chromebook — while also being a bit more expensive. Performance and battery life more than match what’s needed for a good Chromebook experience. It’s a decent package, although some things — like the speakers — disappoint.
Further reading: Best Chromebooks 2024: Best overall, best battery life, and more
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Specs
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U CPU along with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. This is one of Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs, and while it’s on the slower end compared to other Meteor Lake chips, it delivers better performance than some even slower CPUs in more budget-level Chromebooks. Day-to-day performance in ChromeOS and assorted web apps was excellent.
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
Memory: 8 GB LPDDR5X
Graphics/GPU: Intel graphics
Display: 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS display with touch screen
Storage: 256 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Webcam: 1440p webcam with privacy shutter
Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB Type-C, 1x USB Type-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x combo audio jack
Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Biometrics: None
Battery capacity: 53 Watt-hours
Dimensions: 12.36 x 8.86 x 0.74 inches
Weight: 3.21 pounds
MSRP: $699 as tested
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Design and build quality
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a 2-in-1 machine with a 360-degree hinge. You can rotate it around and use it in tablet form, if you like. Since ChromeOS has built-in support for Android apps, you’ll get access to a larger variety of tablet-optimized experiences than you would on a Windows 2-in-1.
This 14-inch machine is a reasonable size and weight. At 3.21 pounds and 0.74 inches thick, it’s not the lightest or thinnest laptop, but it’s not unusually large either. Like any 2-in-1, it’s certainly much thicker than the average tablet when you rotate it 360 degrees.
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a nice design featuring dark grays on the chassis, black around the screen, and some interesting gold highlights on the lid and hinges. The trackpad is also framed in silver. It’s a good look, and I always appreciate laptops that go for a more rarely seen color scheme. The touch screen uses Gorilla Glass.
The hinge is solid, which is important for the 360-degree action on a 2-in-1 system. When you open the laptop and push the screen back far enough, it lifts the back of the keyboard to let you type at an angle. It’s well thought out.
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
I’m not a fan of the words at the top-left corner of the laptop. Stickers are one thing, but this machine has the words “Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass” above the display, at the upper-left corner of the laptop. They’re not a sticker, so you can’t remove them. And they’re silver so they tend to shine in the sunlight. Since that’s right in the upper-left corner above the top-left tab in your Chrome browser windows, it can be distracting in certain lighting conditions. I did get used to it, but I wish I didn’t have to. Ideally, this logo could be a sticker users could remove, like the HDMI logo at the bottom-right corner of the display.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Keyboard and trackpad
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a keyboard that truly impressed me. It’s reasonably snappy and feels as if it has plenty of travel. Bad keyboards have keys that can bottom out quickly or feel mushy, and this keyboard doesn’t feel like that at all. It also has a white backlight you can turn on and off. It’s an awesome keyboard I was happy to type on, especially for the price point.
The trackpad is also fine. It’s a reasonable size for a machine this size, although I’ve seen larger. It’s not as premium feeling as the haptic touchpads on some newer laptops, but it’s very responsive and the click feels decent.
Acer says the trackpad is made of “OceanGlass,” which isn’t glass at all but is recycled ocean plastic. The surface doesn’t feel quite as smooth as the glass trackpads I’ve used on some higher-end machines, but it feels pretty good. It doesn’t feel plastic-y or rubber-y, as the worst touchpads can, and the click action doesn’t feel mushy.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Display and speakers
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a 14-inch IPS display with a 1920×1200 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 340 nits of brightness. It looks good with its glossy screen and it’s a nice resolution. At more than 1080p, it’s great for media streaming.
Still, 340 nits of brightness is on the dimmer side. Combine that with a glossy glass surface and this display has a lot of reflections in direct sunlight. While I was able to use it outside on a sunny day, you’re probably better off going for a laptop with a matte display and higher maximum brightness if that’s important to you.
This 2-in-1 machine has a multi-touch touchscreen that works well. Note that, while it does support stylus input, this machine does not come with a stylus or pen. You’ll have to buy one separately.
Unfortunately, this Chromebook’s speakers aren’t great, even by laptop speaker standards. They’re unusually tinny, and that’s unfortunate considering how polished the rest of this Chromebook’s hardware is. You’ll want a pair of headphones or earbuds for a better audio experience.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Webcam, microphone, biometrics
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 includes a 1440p webcam. That’s unusually good on paper, as many laptops — even higher-end ones — tend to include 1080p webcams. It looks good in a variety of lighting conditions. Also, this being a Chromebook Plus, you get access to AI-powered webcam tricks like background blur and lighting improvements, which can be useful.
Acer included a physical privacy shutter above the webcam, which you can slide to block it. That’s always a nice touch.
This laptop also has a decent microphone that did a good job of picking up my speech without much background noise. Between the webcam and the microphone, this is a great laptop for video meetings. The speakers are the main weak spot there, so you’ll have a better experience if you use a pair of headphones. But they’re certainly usable for an online meeting.
Unfortunately, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 does not offer a fingerprint reader. Without biometrics, you’ll have to sign into your PC with a PIN or use your Android phone to unlock it. While less expensive machines often skip the biometrics, it would be nice to see a fingerprint reader at a more premium price point.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Connectivity
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
IDG / Chris Hoffman
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a decent selection of ports, but many laptops have more.
On the left side, you’ve got two USB Type-C ports and a USB Type-A port. The USB Type-C ports are Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 while the Type-A port is USB 3.2 Gen 1.
On the right side, you’ve got HDMI 2.0 out and a combo audio jack. (There’s also a volume switch on the right side of the laptop, which may be nice for using it in tablet mode).
Bear in mind that you’ll be charging this machine with USB-C — it includes a USB-C charger. In a perfect universe, I’d love to see USB-C on each side of the laptop for more flexibility when charging.
That’s an okay selection of ports, but some people may want a microSD card reader or some extra USB ports. (The less expensive Acer Chromebook Plus 514 provides more ports, for example). There’s always the option of connecting a dongle.
On the wireless radio front, you’ve got Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. Wi-Fi 7 would be nice to see and it will become standard with Intel’s next generation of CPUs, named Lunar Lake. For now, machines like this one get Wi-Fi 6E. That’s not a big problem as you almost certainly don’t have a Wi-Fi 7 router yet.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Performance
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U CPU. This is a newer Meteor Lake-powered CPU, but one of the lower-end models. Still, it’s a good CPU for the price point and the true low-end Chromebooks often have much lower-end CPUs — perhaps an ARM chip from MediaTek. A CPU like this one is more than capable of providing a great Chromebook experience, as ChromeOS and web-based software aren’t the most demanding.
We ran our usual suite of browser-based Chromebook benchmarks and here are the scores:
CrXPRT 2: 167
Speedometer 2.0: 294
Speedometer 3.0: 16.5
Basemark Web 3.0: 1494.4
Kraken: 527.5
Jetstream 2: 235.082
These are good scores, and the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 delivered great performance in day to day use, even while juggling lots of tabs. The ChromeOS experience and the Chrome browser itself always felt snappy and fast. I don’t know if I would have even noticed a much faster CPU while performing the usual web-based tasks.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Battery life
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a 53 Watt-hour battery. That’s on the small side for a 14-inch laptop, but ChromeOS is fairly lightweight.
We ran the CrXPT battery life benchmark, and the Chromebook lasted for an impressive 15.1 hours on average. That’s above the “up to 10 hours” of battery life Acer advertises for this system. Acer’s estimate is closer to what I experienced in day-to-day use. As usual with laptop battery life, your mileage may vary, but this Chromebook delivers good battery life.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is nicer than the average Chromebook, but it’s also more expensive than the average Chromebook. Still, at $699, it’s still less expensive than many competing Windows laptops.
That’s a great package at a compelling price. But many people will be looking for less-expensive Chromebooks. And, for people who are looking for a more premium Chromebook experience, some aspects of this laptop will give them pause — like the speakers.
Still, this is a great Chromebook that many people would be happy with. As I wrap up typing this review on the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714’s excellent keyboard, that sale price of $599 feels like good value for a mostly great Chromebook experience. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 9 Sep (PC World)TL;DR: Get this 1TB dual USB storage drive for $74.97 until September 29 and enjoy reliable and durable storage for all your important files.
Not everyone wants to keep all their files in the cloud, and we get it — some people need something tangible when it comes to stuff you can’t afford to lose. Whether you’re a professional dealing with large files or just someone who values having your data securely in-hand, this 1TB Dual USB-C and USB-A storage drive is exactly what you need. You can get one for $74.97 through September 29.
This drive features dual USB interfaces, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, like your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, this drive has you covered. And when it comes to speed, it delivers — with high read/write speeds, you’ll transfer even the largest files in no time.
It’s built to last, with a waterproof, dustproof, and anti-drop design that ensures your data is safe no matter where you take it. With 1TB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for all your photos, videos, documents, and more, all without relying on cloud storage.
Perfect for tech-savvy users who demand the best in portable storage, you can secure your data with this 1TB Dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 High-Speed Flash Drive for just $74.97 (reg. $109).
StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | Stuff.co.nz - 9 Sep (Stuff.co.nz)No regard or care for consent are the key features of John Hope Muchirahondo, the Crown says. The man accused of raping 15 women clearly disagrees. Read...Newslink ©2024 to Stuff.co.nz | |
| | | ITBrief - 9 Sep (ITBrief)Progress unveils MarkLogic Server 12, boasting innovative GenAI features to enhance AI accuracy and simplify secure application development for enterprises Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | |
| | | PC World - 7 Sep (PC World)The chasm between PC and console gaming has slimmed down in recent years to nothing more than a fine line, and even that line is disappearing. Gaming laptops, for example, are console-like in many ways.
And it’s not just the games that have been crossing over between platforms — many accessories have been interchangeable for years. Keyboards on consoles, controllers on PCs, headsets on everything. It’s a great time to be a gamer, that’s for sure.
Related: The best controllers for PC gaming
If you’re a PC gamer who’s ready to forego your trusty keyboard and mouse for a game controller, you should consider getting the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller.
Xbox controllers are popular on PC, but the PS5 controller can be a good option, too.
Xbox controllers are popular on PC, but the PS5 controller can be a good option, too.Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Xbox controllers are popular on PC, but the PS5 controller can be a good option, too.Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Sony did a great job with this controller, packing it with features like haptic feedback and an ergonomic design. While the tried-and-true Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller has been a staple for PC enthusiasts, the PS5 controller is a strong contender you shouldn’t overlook. (I use both!)
In this article, I’ll show you how to pair your PS5 controller to your gaming laptop and how to set it up properly. I’ll also go over some of the benefits and pitfalls you may face when using this controller with PCs.
Connecting the controller to your laptop
Before we begin, I want to make it clear that the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller doesn’t just work with PCs, but also with Macs, iPhones, and Android devices. The pairing process differs from device to device, but they’re all generally the same.
I’m only going to focus on pairing with Windows PCs in this walkthrough. When it comes to pairing a PS5 controller with your PC, you have two main options for establishing the connection:
Method #1: Via USB cable
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
With a USB-C cable connecting your PS5 controller to your laptop, you won’t have to worry about battery life. If done correctly, your laptop will recognize the controller as an input whenever it’s plugged in. (The USB cable must support data, not just power!)
Pros of a wired USB connection:
You have lower latency for faster response times. This is especially noticeable in fighting games and action-heavy games.
You don’t need to worry about charging the battery.
It’s easier to set up than Bluetooth.
Cons of a wired USB connection:
You’re tethered to your device and limited by cable length.
You take up a valuable USB-C port on your laptop.
Method #2: Via Bluetooth wireless
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Most gaming laptops have built-in Bluetooth support, and yours should be compatible with the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller as long as your laptop isn’t overly old. (Alternatively, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter that plugs into your laptop.)
Before pairing, make sure your controller’s battery is fully charged and disconnected from any USB cables. Then, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your laptop. Next, put the controller into pairing mode:
Locate the PlayStation button (in the middle of the controller).
Locate the Create button (at the top left of the controller).
Hold both PlayStation and Create buttons for several seconds, until the light bar on the controller starts blinking.
After the controller is in pairing mode, open the Bluetooth settings on your laptop (which you can do by searching for “bluetooth” in the Start menu and selecting Bluetooth and other device settings).
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
In the Bluetooth settings, click on the Add device button, then click on Bluetooth when prompted for a device type. Your PS5 controller should show up in the list of devices. When it does, select it. If pairing succeeds, the light bar will blink and the player indicator will light up.
If you run into issues pairing your controller via Bluetooth, you can try resetting the controller by finding the small hole on the back and using a small pin to press and hold the button inside for 5 seconds.
Note: You can only pair the PS5 controller with one device at a time. If you want to use it with another device, you’ll have to go through the whole pairing process again with the other device — including your PlayStation 5 console.
The re-pair the controller with your PlayStation 5, simply connect it with a USB cable, then press the PlayStation button on the controller, then unplug once paired.
Pros of a wireless Bluetooth connection:
You have the freedom to move around wirelessly.
Bluetooth is widely supported and easy enough to pair.
Cons of a wireless Bluetooth connection:
You have a higher input latency when wireless.
You have to keep an eye on battery life and recharge as it drains or else the controller can die mid-session.
You can only pair with one device and must go through the pairing process again when switching to another device.
Some controller features may not work on PC.
Some features of the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller may not work when connected to your laptop via Bluetooth connection:
The built-in speaker.
The light bar.
Haptic feedback.
The touchpad.
The motion sensor.
The availability of these features can vary from game to game, and you may find better success with games that use Bluetooth 5.0. For example, Ratchet and Clank: Drift Apart supports haptic feedback and adaptive triggers via Bluetooth.
Configuring your PS5 controller
Once you’ve connected your PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller to your laptop, you might need to set it up properly to play certain games. (Xbox controllers typically have better compatibility with Windows PCs across different game launchers than PS5 controllers.)
Generally, Sony-ported PS5 games typically work best on PC, but the number of supported titles continues to increase over time.
Steam
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Steam — the most dominant PC gaming platform — supports the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller, at least in theory. Individual listings will tell you if the game supports the controller.
Launch Steam and head over to Settings, then Controller, then General Controller Settings. Here you’ll be able to select PlayStation Configuration Support, which will set the controller up for use on a PC:
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
You can also map out different buttons to change what they do, allowing you to customize the controller to your preferences:
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Games like Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut work very well with the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller. Since the title first released on the PS5, it’s a smoother transition to PC.
Related: Steam games show whether they support PS5 controllers
Xbox Game Pass
When playing PC games on Xbox Game Pass, DualSense compatibility is a lot more hit-or-miss. For example, Minecraft doesn’t work natively. Some games do work, while others require extra steps (like driver or app downloads) to make DualSense functional.
Also, when you play with the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller via the Xbox app, make sure to completely close out of Steam (i.e., not even running in the background). Steam can cause controller interference issues when playing on another platform.
Related: How to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for cheap!
Now you can play PC games using your PS5 controller
Given the number of game ports coming to PC from the PS5 — including Ghost of Tsushima, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and The Last of Us Part I — the DualSense controller is a great way to experience these games as they were meant to be experienced.
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
That isn’t to say that the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller only works with PS5 titles. It works well enough with many games, but just keep in mind that some games may have compatibility issues that make certain features and functions unavailable.
You can use the PS5 controller on PC via wired or wireless connections, with each method having its own pros and cons. For better feature support, use a wired connection… if you don’t mind being tethered to your device by a cable. (Alternative, get an extra-long cable!)
And if you mainly play via Xbox Game Pass, consider switching to an Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller for better out-of-the-box compatibility with a wider number of games.
Further reading: Why I switched from Xbox to PlayStation Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 7 Sep (PC World)Bluetooth is everywhere now. First released in 1998, Bluetooth has made its way into nearly every modern gadget, including phones, laptops, speakers, mice, keyboards, gaming controllers…
Which explains why development is slow and methodical. The last update to Bluetooth came out in 2016, meaning it’s been almost a decade since Bluetooth 5.0 and we’ve been eagerly awaiting the next since.
Fortunately, Bluetooth 6.0 is now just around the corner, and it looks like it’s going to be a good one with some ingenious features. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) recently shared some details about one such feature, which we’re really excited about.
Related: Oh, that’s why it’s called ‘Bluetooth’!
More precision when locating devices
One of the most exciting features in Bluetooth 6.0 is called “Channel Sounding,” which makes it possible to locate lost devices and/or other objects with much more precision than previous versions of Bluetooth. In fact, you’ll be able to locate them down to the centimeter.
And this device detection feature isn’t just for close-range uses — it will be able to work across long distances and be just as effective. If it lives up to the hype, this improvement could significantly improve devices like Apple’s AirTag and apps like Google’s Find My Device.
Bluetooth 6.0’s Channel Sounding could even find its way into more types of devices that need protection against loss, such as remote controls (which somehow tend to disappear without a trace).
Apple actually already uses the necessary ultra-wideband technology to determine exact positions and is therefore ahead of the competition. However, Bluetooth 6.0 will allow other providers to catch up.
If you want to learn more about the technical details of Channel Sounding, read about it in this comprehensive overview.
Another cool Bluetooth 6.0 feature
Bluetooth 6.0 also promises a few other features that seem quite promising. For example, audio stream quality can be improved in real time with “Isochronous Adaptation Layer” (ISOAL). This will also reduce latency and ensure smoother audio transmission.
Currently, the audio quality of Bluetooth is already being improved with LE Audio, which not only reduces latency but also synchronizes the simultaneous transmission of image and sound.
When is Bluetooth 6.0 being released?
As of this writing, there are currently no official plans or announcements as to when Bluetooth 6.0 will be released. However, based on these new details, we assume it won’t be much longer now.
Experts previously expected Bluetooth 6 to be available for devices starting 2025, but manufacturers already have access to it so we might be seeing it in upcoming products sooner than that.
Further reading: The best Bluetooth wireless earbuds Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
| | | PC World - 6 Sep (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsA new high mark for motion clarityExcellent image qualityEasy-to-use menu with many optionsBroad official Adaptive Sync supportConsStand is too largeNo USB-COur VerdictThe Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP sets a new high bar for motion clarity—and has great image quality, too.
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Well, that escalated quickly.
OLED monitors were just beginning to go mainstream in 2023 as new, more affordable panels hit retailers. But now, in mid-2024, we’re amid a full-on OLED monitor war. Multiple manufacturers have deployed multiple OLED monitors across a variety of sizes and price brackets. Even the most affordable of these have a display size of at least 27 inches, and most also have a refresh rate of at least 240Hz. Asus’ latest salvo in this fight takes motion clarity to new heights: It’s the first monitor to deliver 480Hz at 2560×1440 resolution.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP specs and features
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP would seem like a typical OLED monitor if not for one fact: It has a maximum refresh rate of 480Hz, which is available at the monitor’s native resolution of 2560×1440. A few OLED monitors have arrived with a 480Hz refresh rate, but could only achieve it at a resolution of 1920×1080. The PG27AQDP is the first to achieve 480Hz at 1440p.
Display size: 26.5-inch ultrawide 16:9 aspect ratio
Native resolution: 2560×1440
Panel type: QD-OLED
Refresh rate: Up to 480Hz
Adaptive sync: Adaptive Sync, Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-B 3.1 Gen 1 (upstream), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (downstream), 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
VESA mount: 100x100mm
Speakers: No
Price: $999
Refresh rate aside, the PG27AQDP’s specifications are a bit basic. It has three video inputs, but lacks USB-C. The monitor also lacks built-in speakers. These issues aren’t enough to distract from the monitor’s strengths, however.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming monitors to learn about competing products.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP design
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP is a nice-looking monitor from most angles and holds up to close inspection. Asus provides slim bezels on all four sides of the display, with only a small chin centered in the lower bezel to provide access to the monitor’s menu controls.
Around back, Asus uses the OLED panel’s thin profile to deliver a svelte look. The rectangular enclosure which houses the mainboard and connectivity, meanwhile, is adorned with bold Asus branding and uses transparent plastics, which is a nice touch. I think it’s gaudy when compared to the latest monitors from Alienware, Samsung, and LG, but gamers looking for a monitor that screams “I’m a gaming monitor” at the top of its lungs will like it, and the design is consistent with Asus’ ROG brand.
There’s no mistaking the Asus ROG Swift PG27QDP as anything other than a gaming monitor.
There’s no mistaking the Asus ROG Swift PG27QDP as anything other than a gaming monitor. Matthew Smith / Foundry
There’s no mistaking the Asus ROG Swift PG27QDP as anything other than a gaming monitor. Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
The PG27AQDP includes RGB-LED lighting. It has a downward-firing light from the stand base, which is available on many Asus ROG monitors, as well as RGB-LED lighting built into the rear of the display panel for extra flair. The RGB-LED lights look nice, though I find the downward-firing light a bit annoying and prefer to turn it off. Your mileage may vary.
The PG27AQDP adopts Asus’ common tripod-style ergonomic stand which adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The stand is nearly as wide as the display panel, and much deeper than normal, so it occupies far more desk space than is necessary. Not everyone will find this a problem, but it’s annoying if you want to use your desk as something other than a perch for your monitor. Of course, the monitor does support a 100x100mm VESA mount, so an alternative monitor stand or arm is an option.
As a bonus, the PG27AQDP has a threaded mount at the top of the stand. The mount can be used to support a camera, microphone, key light, or anything else that will attach to it. It’s a handy extra for any streaming or home office setup that places a camera or microphone above the display.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP connectivity and menus
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP’s video connectivity is typical for a gaming monitor. It spans two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4. That’s a total of three video inputs, which should be enough for most gamers. It allows you to connect a computer and two game consoles at once. All video inputs can achieve the monitor’s maximum refresh rate and resolution.
With that said, the PG27AQDP is conspicuously missing USB-C. Some competitor monitors now have USB-C with DisplayPort as an alternative video input and data connection. The lack of USB-C might be annoying if you wanted to dock a laptop to the monitor instead of, or in addition to, a gaming desktop.
There is some USB connectivity in the form of a single USB-B upstream input that drives two USB-A ports. That’s better than nothing, but it’s not much. On the whole, USB connectivity is not among the monitor’s strengths.
A joystick-style control, centered on the lower bezel, can be used to adjust the monitor’s on-screen menus. It is responsive and easy to use, and Asus’ menus are well-labeled. However, as with many competitors, the font size is a bit small. The monitor’s options and settings can also be accessed through DisplayWidget, a Windows application available to download from Asus’ website.
The Asus ROG Swift PG27QDP on-screen menu.
The Asus ROG Swift PG27QDP on-screen menu.Matthew Smith / Foundry
The Asus ROG Swift PG27QDP on-screen menu.Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
A wide range of image quality options, including color temperature and gamma adjustments, are available, and are flanked by gaming features like an on-screen crosshair and a black equalizer designed to make enemies easier to see in dark areas of a game.
Asus also adds AI-assisted features that are meant to automate functions like the Shadow Boost, the on-screen crosshair, and Sniper mode. I can see some of these features having some use; the AI Shadow Boost feature, in particular, could be handy since it will boost dark areas of the scene when required but have less impact on image quality when it’s not needed. However, I didn’t feel much benefit from these features. I think their usefulness remains to be proven.
Like many OLED monitors, the PG27AQDP provides the option to constrain the visible display space to that of a 24.5-inch monitor. That might seem odd, but competitive gamers sometimes prefer this, as it keeps the entire display space within their field of vision. Here, the 24.5-inch mode has a resolution of 2368×1332 and can achieve the maximum refresh rate of 480Hz. The monitor also supports a 4:3 mode, which might be handy for retro games that never received proper widescreen support.
The PG27AQDP does not include speakers, which is another area where the monitor is behind some competitors. For example, the LG UltraGear 32-inch has an excellent built-in sound system. But that said, many monitors don’t include speakers — and many gamers prefer to use a headset — so it’s not a major disadvantage.
With the PG27AQDP, even small objects, like a baseball whizzing across a field, appear razor-sharp and easy to identify.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP SDR image quality
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP has an LG WOLED display panel, which differs from the Samsung QD-OLED panels found in many OLED monitors. WOLED doesn’t quite defeat QD-OLED’s color performance, but it’s a contender.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP makes a strong showing in SDR brightness, where it achieved a maximum sustained brightness of 310 nits. That’s better than average for an OLED monitor. While most OLED monitors are more than bright enough to use in a room with light control, they can look dim if placed next to a sunlit window. The PG27AQDP isn’t immune to that, but it fairs better than most.
Asus opts for an anti-glare display coating instead of the more common glossy finish. This is a controversial choice among OLED fans, as in some lighting conditions it may cause dark areas of the screen to appear slightly brighter than on a glossy OLED panel. On the other hand, an anti-glare coat can reduce reflections and look more attractive when viewing documents or photos. Ultimately, your choice between a glossy and anti-glare will depend on your needs. I prefer the anti-glare finish.
Contrast was effectively perfect in tests. The monitor can achieve a minimum luminance of zero nits, which means dark areas of the display are perfectly black. Nearly all OLED monitors can achieve the same result, so it’s not an advantage for the PG27AQDP. Still, the monitor’s excellent contrast contributes greatly to its gorgeous SDR image quality, and it gives the monitor a huge advantage over less expensive monitors with an IPS or VA display panel.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Color gamut is another strong suit for OLED monitors. However, monitors with an LG WOLED panel, such as the PG27AQDP, tend to perform slightly worse than those with a Samsung QD-OLED panel. The PG27AQDP achieved 96 percent of DCI-P3 and 88 percent of AdobeRGB. By comparison, the Gigabyte Aorus FO27QS achieved 98 percent of DCI-P3 and 95 percent of AdobeRGB.
This is not a major concern for nearly all users, including gamers. The PG27AQDP’s color gamut is far more than enough to deliver a vibrant, saturated image that looks fantastic. However, if you’re an artist or photographer who needs to have a monitor that can display as many gradations of color as possible, the PG27AQDP is not your best choice.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
The PG27AQDP solid color accuracy results are better than most WOLED monitors I have tested and closer to what QD-OLED monitors typically achieve. The default color accuracy is good enough to look realistic and should be suitable for a wide range of tasks, from gaming to photo and video editing.
The PG27AQDP’s achieved a default color temperature of 7000K, which is cooler than our preferred target of 6500K, and an on-target gamma curve of 2.2. What does this mean in reality? Well, the PG27AQDP can look a bit cooler and more sterile than we prefer to see. The difference is large enough for it to be noticeable if you know what you’re looking for, or if the monitor is compared side-by-side with another. However, the monitor provides a wide range of image quality controls, so you can adjust the monitor to look warmer if you prefer.
As mentioned, the PG27AQDP has 2560×1440 resolution which, at its size, works out to about 109 pixels per inch. That’s the typical pixel density for a 1440p display, and it looks sharp enough in most situations. OLED monitors can at times suffer degraded sharpness due to how their sub pixels are arranged, a problem I find most noticeable when reading small text. Asus tries to combat that with a “Clear Text Algorithm” which, to my eyes, is somewhat effective. Small fonts can still look a bit pixelated or aliased, but the monitor’s sharpness is enough to provide a crisp look to games and Netflix, among other entertainment.
The PG27AQDP doesn’t reach new heights in SDR image quality, but instead delivers performance that’s typical of a 27-inch OLED monitor. Fortunately, that’s a high bar, so simply meeting it results in excellent image quality. The monitor looks great in SDR.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP HDR image quality
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP’s focus on motion clarity makes it easy to overlook the monitor’s HDR performance. That would be a mistake, because it performs well in HDR.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
LG’s latest WOLED display panels, like the one used by the PG27AQDP, tend to outperform current Samsung QD-OLED monitors in HDR brightness. The PG27AQDP didn’t disappoint, as shown on the graph above. Although the new Asus didn’t set records, it performed well across the board, and delivered a rich, vivid experience. Scenes that call for the entire display to be brightly lit are the PG27AQDP’s only weakness: It’s better at rendering a lightning strike than a snowy mountainside. But that downside is shared with other OLED displays.
The PG27AQDP goes the extra mile with the option to unlock brightness in HDR mode. Normally, a display’s HDR mode locks user control of brightness to ensure content is displayed with the appropriate brightness. But this can be annoying on a monitor, which may display a variety of SDR and HDR content simultaneously in various windows or across various displays. The PG27AQDP’s option to adjust HDR brightness gives users more control over their experience.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP motion performance
There’s a lot of reasons to like the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP, but motion clarity is the reason to choose it from the buffet of excellent OLED displays now available. The PG27AQDP is the first 1440p 480Hz monitor, and it looks stunning in motion.
This is not the first 480Hz OLED monitor we’ve reviewed. Several earlier monitors, like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP, could reach 480Hz, but only if the resolution was reduced to 1920×1080. The PG27AQDP can hit 480Hz at 256 x1440, which means it’s sharper both in motion and at rest.
The result is superb clarity. In many cases, moving scenes appear almost perfect. This is not technically correct, but the appearance of motion blur is so reduced that even small objects, like a baseball whizzing across a field, appear razor-sharp and easy to identify. I was also able to make out details while scrolling across a map in League of Legends. Every individual tick in a character’s hitpoint bar, every UI element, and every font was legible. The same is also true for some other high-refresh rate monitors, like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP and the Alienware AW2524HF. But they only reach 1080p resolution at their maximum refresh rate, so they’re not as sharp overall.
Asus includes Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), a feature that strobes the monitor at an extremely high frequency. Due to oddities of how human vision works, this has the effect of reducing motion blur. However, the feature is only available at a refresh rate of 120Hz or 240Hz. This is less of a problem than it might seem; most games will not run at a frame rate high enough to maximize the clarity of 480Hz (to do so requires the game to run at 480 frames per second). ELMB can come into play as an alternative for more typical refresh rates, and it does a good job minimizing motion blur.
I don’t want to mince words here. The PG27AQDP has the best motion clarity of any monitor I’ve witnessed to date. Recently, I’ve felt the need to make this declaration every few months, as new monitors continually leapfrog each other with ever-higher refresh rates. But the PG27AQDP is the new high bar that others must clear. If you’re coming from an older 60Hz monitor, well, you’ll be in for a bit of a shock. The difference is astounding.
Adaptive sync is supported, as well, for smooth frame pacing and motion in games. The PG27AQDP lists support for the Adaptive Sync, Nvidia G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync standards. In practice, support for any of these should support them all, as they are generally compatible. But it’s good to see Asus list support for all three, as it helps gamers understand that adaptive sync will work with their particular video card.
Should you buy the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP?
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP is yet another great OLED monitor from Asus, which continues to bang out hits through 2024. While I’m not a fan of Asus’ design, and I’d prefer to see USB-C included, it’s difficult to argue with the PG27AQDP’s image quality. It delivers a new high bar for motion clarity alongside good HDR and SDR image quality, a long list of image quality adjustments, and several features that most competitors don’t have, like the option to adjust the monitor’s brightness in HDR. Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | |
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