Let’s start with the basics, ‘ARC’ stands ‘audio return channel’ and relates specifically to a feature of some HDMI ports. In short, it means the port can send audio from your TV to another device like a soundbar. What is HDMI ARC for? HDMI ARC/eARC is useful if you have various things plugged into your TV – like a games console, streaming box or Blu-ray player – but you don’t want to use the (likely poor quality) speakers on your TV....

If your phone is sitting in a drawer somewhere, why not think about donating it today? You’ll save a little clutter and make someone else’s life a bit better. You could try Wateraid, for example. Alternatively, Three UK is running a Reconnected scheme that allows you to gift your old phone to a homeless person, an ex-soldier or victim of domestic abuse, thereby helping to socially reconnect them. They get free use of the phone for three months, and can then choose a plan that suits them....

IFA is one of the big technology trade shows on the calendar, alongside CES in January (Las Vegas) and MWC in March (Barcelona). It falls in September and this year the dates are 1-6, although press conferences take place prior to the show opening at Messe Berlin. As usual, we’ll have a team of Tech Advisor reporters over in Germany to bring you all the news and hands-on reviews of the new products but we before we pack our bags and jump on an early morning flight, we like to take a look at what might be unveiled....

With that logic in mind, will EA release Star Wars Battlefront 3 or Battlefield 6 in 2019? Or will it be something else entirely? Rumours suggest that EA could be about to shake up its release schedule – and multiplayer fans may not be happy about it. Let’s first take a look at EA’s yearly release schedule for the Battlefield and Star Wars Battlefront series’. Since the launch of the first Star Wars Battlefront game in 2015, EA has alternated Battlefield and Battlefront releases on a yearly basis:...

These figures were published as part of Steam’s monthly Hardware & Software Survey, which anonymously collects data on the platforms its app is running on. With an estimated 120 monthly active users, it serves as a good estimate of market share, albeit one that’s limited to gaming fans. Until Microsoft decides to release official data, it’s a useful way to monitor Windows 11 uptake. However, Microsoft has indicated that Windows is used monthly on 1....

The ‘DirectStorage’ functionality was highlighted during the reveal of the new OS, but you won’t need to upgrade in order to benefit. Earlier suggestions from Microsoft that it would be a Windows 11 exclusive have since been denied by the company. The official Xbox press release following the 24 June event specifically mentioned that DirectStorage ‘will only be available with Windows 11’. However, a subsequent blog post on the DirectX Developer Blog confirmed that the SDK (software development kit) for the feature would be available to all Windows 10 PCs running version 1909 (May 2019) and later....

But Microsoft’s attitude seemed to change during the pandemic, which left people around the world relying on its software for everything from remote working to keeping in touch with friends and family. Some of these new trends appear to be permanent, so the company decided it was time for a fresh start. Windows 11 represents a big shift in design, aiming to simplify the user experience and reduce clutter. Many elements are inspired by Windows 10X, the cancelled Windows 10 spin-off designed for touchscreen devices....

Also see: Best Black Friday Fitness Tracker Deals Our review sample came from Mobile Fun, which charges just £28.99 for the Mi Band. That makes it a good £10 cheaper than the JawboneUp Move (£20 if you take into account the Move’s optional wrist strap), and significantly cheaper than its Fitbit rivals. (See all fitness band reviews.) But it’s not just the price that makes the Mi Band a better choice than the JawboneUp Move....

Price and availability The Huawei P20 and P20 Pro are available to buy now, while the Mi Mix 2S is up for pre-order (and ships from China, which adds to the delivery time). GearBest is offering presales up to 14 June, but expecting to ship the Mi Mix 2S between 17- and 29 May. The Mi Mix 2S is the cheaper of the two, with the 64GB storage, 6GB RAM model we tested currently available for £389....

Lo cierto es que me pareció un producto bastante innovador. Es cierto que existen bastantes relojes inteligentes en el mercado que prometen medir tu tensión arterial, sin embargo, todavía no había visto ningún reloj que incorporara un manguito microinflable incorporado que se asemeja al tensiómetro que utilizan en hospitales para medir la presión. Vinieron a mi mente varias personas que por su condición de salud necesitan medirse la presión arterial con una frecuencia diaria: ¿podría este nuevo smartwatch hacer su vida más fácil?...

With the Sonos app you’ll be able to access all that YouTube music has to offer from singles and albums, to live music and covers. The app also comes with several features to help you find more music you like or to catch the latest release. The Recommended option gives you new music suggestions based on your favourites and even has playlists arranged by mood. The New Releases feature does what it says on the tin and shows off the latest and greatest songs that fit your musical taste....

If you’re upgrading your PC you can spend hours deciding which are the best components to use. We make that decision a little easier by discussing the differences between the Z97 Express and Z87 Express chipset motherboards. A reader wrote into Helproom with the following question: “I’m upgrading my PC and I’m in the market for a new motherboard. Should I go for one of the new Z97 boards or try to save a little money and stick with the previous generation Z87?...

Useful Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts can save a lot of your time while navigating through the OS. Moreover, it becomes fun to do the work by pressing a few keys, rather than endless scrolling and clicking. Did you know? You can run Windows 11 from an external USB drive like SSD With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a few new keyboard shortcuts exclusive to the OS. Though we have highlighted those shortcuts in the tables below, we’ll quickly list them here as well....

Here’s our selection of the best books that explore how technology has changed our lives and what to expect in the years ahead. People vs Tech by Jamie Bartlett The subtitle of this book reads ‘How the internet is killing democracy (and how we save it)’ which gives you a good idea of what it’s all about. Jamie Bartlett explores the way that micro-targeted election campaigns, advertising, and invasive use of data gathering by large tech companies poses a threat for civil society....

Also see: Best Black Friday Laptop Deals Acer Chromebook R11 review: Price and availability Acer says that the Chromebook R11 should arrive in UK stores in mid October, and will be available starting at £229 for the 16GB model. That makes it particularly ideal for students, and it’s also a great device for business people who need to travel frequently and collaborate with colleagues from around the world. Also see: Best new tablets coming in 2016....

2014 may have been branded the year of wearable tech, but there’s another trend that’s put in an appearance this year, and that’s the mid-range smartphone. The Acer Liquid E3 is one of the many new mid-range smartphones we saw at MWC 2014 in February, with interesting software, good design and a low price tag. Here’s our Acer Liquid E3 review. See also: Best smartphones Acer Liquid E3 review: UK price As a mid-range smartphone, the Acer Liquid E3’s price tag will be appealing to many....

Acer said: “Building on the engineering breakthroughs from the previous generation, the new Swift 7 steps up the game with an even slimmer chassis, powerful performance and always-on 4G LTE connectivity for professionals on the go.” Acer Swift 7 (2018): Price Although it was supposed to be available in April, it’s not on sale just yet and it’s July at the time of writing. We’re told it will arrive at Currys PC World and John Lewis so we’ll add links when it does....

And yet, it still claims to have the same benefits of speeding up recovery times after exercise, improving circulation and relieving sore muscles. Is it really the bargain it appears to be? Let’s find out. Features & Design The device has a chunky plastic body with a slightly thinner section at the base of the handle that’s covered with rubber to make it grippy. At 910g, it’s 120g heavier than the Sportneer K1 Mini, which you’ll notice if you use it for longer periods....

Following four years of development and a lot of experimentation, has Volition done enough to top the incredibly over-the-top Saints Row series? We’ve spent some time playing Agents of Mayhem, and here’s what we think. Agents of Mayhem pricing and availability Agents of Mayhem is available to pre-order in the UK on PC, PS4 and Xbox One ahead of its launch on 18 August 2017 (although those in North America can play it from today!...

There are more than 100 Dash Buttons available in the UK. Each little device will cost you £4.99, but that £4.99 will subsequently be taken off your first order so they’re essentially free. WIthin the app you select exactly which product you want the button to buy from that brand. You can also set order limits and the price difference allowable – prices change all the time. Your order should arrive within 24 hours for Prime members, and any further button presses before your order is delivered will be ignored....