How to watch the Champions League final: live stream Liverpool vs Real Madrid online now

The waiting's over - it's finally time for Liverpool vs Real Madrid. What has been one of the most exciting UEFA Champions Leagues in years has come down to what may potentially be one of the most attacking, free-scoring finals in decades. History will be made in Kiev tonight, and we'll tell you how to watch every minute with a free Champions League final live stream from anywhere in the world.
The stage is set for an absolute classic. Both Liverpool and Real Madrid have been scoring goals for fun during their respective Champions League campaigns. And when there's talent like Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané and Karim Benzema all likely to start, there just have to be a hatful of goals on the way. When Gareth Bale is struggling to make the first XI, you know there's some serious footballers on the field.
Liverpool will be seeking to recapture the magic from that remarkable Champions League final win from 13 years ago. But Real Madrid are going for their fourth crown in five years, so they're going to take some stopping - good luck Loris Karius! Can they bring a second European title to Madrid in less than a fortnight.
It's almost impossible to predict the result of this year's Champions League final. But thankfully figuring out how to watch it is much easier. And the good news is that you can live stream Liverpool vs Real Madrid absolutely free of charge. Keep reading to find out how.

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Live stream the Champions League final for free in the UK

How to live stream Liverpool vs Real Madrid anywhere else in the world for free 

The free BT Sport Champions League live stream is only accessible within the UK - if you're abroad you'll be told that you're not allowed to watch. Annoying, but there's a very easy way to get around it. The trick is to download and install a VPN to change your IP address to one in the UK and then go to the BT Sport website or YouTube to watch. Here's how to stream the Champions League final live and for FREE from anywhere in the world with a VPN:
If you're expecting to be at home for the match, Virgin Media has confirmed that its subscribers will be able to watch the Champions League final in glorious 4K Ultra HD - a first for a live football match.

• F1 fan? We'll tell you how to get a free Monaco Grand Prix live stream too

How to watch the Champions League final in the US 

There are several options for live streaming Liverpool vs Real Madrid in the US, and they all have free trials that you may find worth a look. Fox and ESPN are the official broadcasters, so if you already have access to them and want to watch at home or on the go with their apps, then you're laughing.
If you don't have them, then try Fox Soccer Match Pass, Fubo or Sling TV. All do shorter term subscription options and, crucially free trials. And if you already subscribe but are outside the US, then be sure to grab a VPN service and port into a US location.

How to watch Liverpool vs Real Madrid in Canada

Broadcasters TSN and RDS have the Canadian rights to show the Champions League final. If you're a cord cutter then your next best option is to grab a one month subscription from BeIN Sports for $19.95.
But there is still a free way to live stream. Yep, you've guessed it by now - install and download a VPN as explained above and you can get hold of BT Sport's excellent coverage without paying a single cent.

Live stream the Liverpool vs Real final in Australia

Well it's going to be an early one, but if you're an obsessive Liverpool or Los Blancos supporter then we suspect that you'll be setting your alarm for around 4.30am (AEST) on Sunday morning. Well the good news for you is that BeIN Sport offers a free two week trial in Australia, or $19.99 per month after that.
Rather not sign up to the trial (or used it before)? Then there's always our little VPN workaround. Take a look at the instructions above.

Main image courtesy of uefa.com

Nokia is teasing a "charged up" product launch for May 29

Let the speculation begin: Nokia has posted news of some kind of launch event happening on Tuesday, May 29 at 7.40PM in Moscow – that's this coming Tuesday, at 9.40AM in San Francisco, 12.40PM in New York, 5.40PM in the UK and 2.40AM (Wed May 30) in Sydney, so adjust your diaries accordingly.
What are we going to see? All we have to go off so far is the hashtag #chargedup and a promise from Juho Sarvikas, one of the execs at Nokia parent company HMD Global, that "some new stuff" is on the way.
A brand new phone perhaps? Unlikely. An existing phone available in more regions? Well, perhaps. A portable charging pack to juice up your Nokia phone on the go? Well, it would fit in with the hashtag at least. At the moment there's no clear indication about what to expect as there would be at a September Apple event, for example.

What might be on the way

We might get to see the Nokia 9 at the event, but most of the rumors so far have pointed to that flagship phone arriving later in the year. The company only just brought out the Nokia 8 Sirocco so it seems a bit early to be expecting another top-end handset.
The more premium phones in Nokia's line-up have all been given refreshes in recent months, so perhaps it's time for the budget devices to get the same treatment. The special event might be an unveiling for updates to the likes of the Nokia 2, perhaps, with bumps for the internal components and the design.
What we do know is that HMD Global has raised another $100 million in its efforts to make Nokia a major force in the smartphone world again. Perhaps that's given it some confidence to take the wrappers off a new product – we'll find out this coming Tuesday.

• All the best mobile phone deals of the moment are right here

The best Google Pixel 2 cases

The Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL aren’t the most fragile phones around, thanks to their partially metal backs and IP67 protection. But like most flagship phones, they don’t come cheap: starting at $649 (£629, AU$1,079) for the smaller Pixel 2 and $849 (£799, AU$1,399) out-of-pocket for the Pixel 2 XL.
As such, it’s wise to find some protection for your investment. Most enthusiasts don’t want to cover up the lush design of their phone, and we totally understand why, but the last thing you want is to send it away for repair.
Below, you’ll find several case recommendations that cover a wide range of budgets and style preferences. While we’ve personally used most of the following cases, some of these options are untested. Nevertheless, we’re confident that each entry is a cut above the rest due to their value and design.

Thin case from MNML

There's a more affordable ultra-thin case that we recommend from MNML. Available in multiple colors for both Pixel 2 sizes, these cases fit Google's phone nice and snug.
Despite its good looks, it’s not a case that you want to put through much turmoil. It prevents micro-scratches, but it likely won’t prevent damage from a drop, and in the case of the Pixel 2 XL, its curved glass isn’t protected in the slightest.
These are cheap enough that you can buy multiple colors to suit your outfit or mood.

Incipio Multi Stripes case

It's surprisingly hard to find a Pixel 2 case that adds some wild flair, but Incipio's fits the bill, but for more than just being vibrant.
At its affordable asking price, it cradles Google's phone real close – even providing a lip over the screen to prevent scratches or cracks from accidentally sliding it on the table face-first.
Let's be honest, the best thing about this case is that it just looks nice. Most of us here consider the Pixel 2 to be a good-looking phone, but if you've got to protect it, you might as well add some style.

Fabric Phone Case from Google

Google’s own case for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL does well at maintaining the slim look and feel of the phones. Unlike the other options on this list, this one adds microfiber material to the list, giving it a classy look that enhances the grippiness in hand.
We like this case for several reasons. Its price is tolerable, it’s available in a few different colors (Carbon is pictured, but Cement, Midnight and Coral are for sale) and it makes all of the Pixel 2’s features easily accessible. The buttons are effortless to push, making it feel like there’s no case on at all. It also raises the phone’s front so that the glass display isn’t grazing any surfaces.
The only downside in our experience is that fuzz from your pocket gets into the grooves near the screen. Simply wiping it away cleans things up, but it’s annoying to have to do that each and every time you pull it out. Also, the bottom of the phone near the charging port isn’t protected on the front, which subjects it to scratching.
This one's currently available on Amazon in a few different color varieties, but if you can't find it, head to the links below.

Live Case from Google

It should be no surprise that Google’s cases don’t fuss with their phones’ design too much. The Live Case is a more durable option over the Fabric Case, giving it two levels of protection. To pop it on, there’s a silicon case that’s protected by a tough shell that has the design of your choice on it.
Every angle of the Pixel 2 is protected here, including the camera and screen. The buttons feel nice to press and better yet, the Live Case functionality is interesting. Your phone's wallpaper can match the look of the case by downloading the Live Case app and putting in the code that's printed on its inside.
Removing and reapplying the Live Case takes a bit of practice, though we never felt like it was close to breaking. All in all, this case is best if making something custom is a high-priority for you.
You should be able to find a nice variety of pre-designed Live Cases on discount through Amazon, but should you want to customize, head to the links below.

The case raises above the glass to protect the screen

This case doesn't add much bulk

It matches the look of the Pixel 2 nicely

The buttons preserve their 'click' through the case

Evo Check Case from Tech21

While not the most rugged case in its design, the Evo Check case by Tech21 is taking us into options that add a fair amount of bulk to the Pixel 2.
This case fits the Pixel 2 snugly, adding on the company’s FlexShock barrier to make it drop-friendly from distances up to 10 feet. Overall, it strikes a nice balance between form and function, showing off the Pixel 2’s design highlights while making sure to protect it from all sides.
Google’s cases on this list provide better button feedback. Here, the phone’s buttons felt a little too difficult to push in, though it’s possible that they might loosen up over time. But we’re a fan of this case’s added grip factor and the mesh design.

• They're also available from the Tech21 site: Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL

Presidio Clear Case from Speck

This clear case from Speck is durable, yet simplistic in design – an impressive feat given how robust of a protector it is. If you’re after a rugged case that has hints of a slimline look and feel, this is one to look out for.
Once the Pixel 2 is slid into the Presidio Clear, it’s protected from dropping from up to eight feet. Sure, it’s less than the 10 feet guaranteed by Tech21’s option, but Speck’s case shows off the design of the phone a bit better.
Some complain that this case makes holding the phone a more slippery affair, however, we haven't noticed this yet in our testing. This sort of thing certainly depends on how oily the case becomes, either through body oils or from touching it after eating.

Incipio Reprieve Sport 2.0 case

The low-profile build of a slimline case combined with a textured rim and bumper-packed corners describes the look and feel of the Incipio Reprieve Sport 2.0.
It's not the cheapest case around, but unlike slimmer options, this one will offer protection from every angle without masking the Pixel 2's look.
We always appreciate when a rugged case yields responsive buttons and easy access to ports, and to that end, this one is worth checking out in your favorite color.

Bellroy Leather case

Google has partnered up with Bellroy as one of its premium 'Made for Google' providers, and the fruits are stunning.
The Bellroy Leather case comes in a variety of color options for both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, and doesn't really cost as much you might think.
The leather on its back is supple and smooth, transitioning into matte plastic running around the trim of your device. Bellroy's case doesn't provide button extenders, but pushing them in doesn't require any additional effort.
This case gives off a really high-end look and those looking to suit the Pixel 2 up as nice as you dress yourself, you'll be pleased with Bellroy's latest.

Kerf wood case

There's something that your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL is missing. It's wood, yep wood. Kerf makes its own phone cases by hand, complete with a flattering design, and backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Not just any regular wooden case would impress us, but this one – even at the low-end $69 walnut option – is a top option if you want to protect your Pixel 2.
The buttons are responsive, the suede inside cradles the form factor perfectly and heck, it just smells good. When have you ever bought a case that you enjoy smelling?

• Check out this case for the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL

Apple reportedly lining up a new "Star" family of devices

Apple is preparing to launch a new family of devices under the "Star" codename, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The secret project apparently involves a line of lightweight Macs running ARM processors, which might combine the best bits of Apple's laptops and mobile devices in one piece of hardware.
Treat this as speculative for now, even though rumors stretching back to last year have claimed Apple wants to get macOS and iOS merged together in some way. That's an idea that Apple boss Tim Cook shot down in an interview last month.
Apparently Star prototypes have already been made and feature a touchscreen, a SIM card slot, GPS and a compass. They run the same basic firmware as current Mac devices, according to 9to5Mac's sources, and that points to them being some kind of ultra-portable MacBook line of devices.

Reach for the Stars

At the same time, the new pieces of kit are also said to run a derivative of iOS, and are labelled as a different family to the iOS devices Apple currently makes – in the same way that the iPhone and the iPad are labelled as different families of devices.
That's just about all the information we have, and even if this prototypes are real, there is of course no guarantee Apple is going to bring them to the masses. The company is no doubt experimenting with a variety of different ideas for upcoming hardware launches, with plenty of refreshes expected later this year.
What we do know is Apple has been pushing the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement for a while now, and seems to want to redefine what a computer is as we head towards the third decade of the 21st century. If the Star line-up does make it to market, expect to see launches by 2020.

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Amazon Prime saves blockbuster sci-fi show The Expanse from obscurity

Update: Amazon boss Jeff Bezos has confirmed that The Expanse will return on Amazon Prime, though as yet there's no fixed date for season four.
Our original story continues below...
The Expanse has been around for three seasons now and was Syfy’s big push into creating a blockbuster science-fiction TV show.
Big money did mean, however, that the show would have to attract some big viewing figures. Unfortunately for The Expanse fans, a 25% drop in season two and a further 5% in season three meant that Syfy had no option but to cancel.
There's no such thing as ‘cancellation’ in the age of Netflix and Amazon Prime, though, services that have become the home of second chances.
Although nothing has been signed, it is thought that The Expanse will continue its fourth season on Amazon Prime - a place where money is seemingly no problem, especially when the boss of the company, Jeff Bezos, is a fan of the James SA Corey's best-selling books on which The Expanse is based.
The show is no stranger to streaming platforms - its previous seasons are currently streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and on Netflix in the UK, and has made it into TechRadar’s best shows on Netflix list.

Prime time

If The Expanse does come to Amazon Prime, it will join a roster of big budget shows in production.
These include a Lord Of The Rings TV series, which will follow the exploits of a young Aragon, Utopia (a remake of the superb UK show), a TV version of the movie Hanna and Jonathan Nolan and Tina Joy’s latest drama The Peripheral.
It will also see Amazon Prime wade into similar sci-fi territory as Netflix, which has been creating a number of movies and shows in sci-fi genre.
 Just last month, it was revealed that Netflix’s big push for this year and beyond is scripted sci-fi and fantasy drama.
Via Hollywood Reporter

• These are the best shows on Amazon Prime Video right now.

Xbox at E3 2018: 6 things we want to see from Microsoft

With the launch of Xbox One X, Microsoft went pretty big for E3 2017. And that puts the pressure on for E3 2018 because now we’re hoping this Xbox showcase will be just as big as the last.
Now, we’re not expecting any kind of Xbox Two reveal or anything but this is a chance for Microsoft to really set the tone for the next few years until the next-gen console arrives. With the Xbox One X being the most powerful console on the market right now, we’re hoping Microsoft will pull out all the stops when it comes to software at this year's Xbox show.
Xbox appears to be doing well at the moment, but E3 is the perfect platform to address criticisms that the console doesn’t have enough first-party exclusives and concerns about the mass move towards online service games.
We’d love to see some big exciting announcements that really show off what the 4K console can do. These announcements will hopefully include some Xbox exclusives that have been developed with all that power in mind.

A new exclusive

Microsoft is often criticised for its lack of exclusive games and we think E3 might be time to announce one, if only to appease the fans who look at Sony’s offering with somewhat distraught eyes. We imagine there are going to be plenty of exciting third-party reveals at this year’s show but one striking first-party announcement outside of the long-running exclusive franchises has the potential to steal the show.
It would be understandable if Microsoft was unwilling to announce a brand new first-party IP very early in the development process after what happened with Scalebound but some kind of tease would probably be well received.
At the very least we can probably expect some exciting ID@Xbox reveals. Titles like Cuphead and Ori and the Blind Forest have done well for Microsoft in the past so it’d be surprising if there weren’t a few more announcements in this vein.

Gears of War 5

Although we’d love to see some kind of Gears of War 5 announcement this year, we’re not holding out too much hope. Gears of War 4 was released in 2016 which is, in the game world, a while ago. However, Gears of War 3 was released in 2011 so large gaps between releases is not unusual for the Gears of War franchise.
Earlier this year there was an apparent pre-E3 leak from Walmart Canada which may have revealed some unannounced games. Gears of War 5 was one of the games. Another of the titles from the leak – Rage 2 – ended up being real but some others – Forza Horizon 5  – were far less believable for obvious reasons.
Whether this leak was accurate or not, it has given us some hope, however faint. If Microsoft were to make a Gears of War 5 announcement with a prospective 2019 release date, it would still be a very respectable three year gap between releases.

Halo 6

We’re not really expecting Halo 6 to appear at this year’s Xbox presentation in any big way this year but we do think it’s more likely to show its face than Gears of War 5. The Halo games do, after all, tend to follow a three year development cycle and Halo 5 was released in 2015. In light of that, we’d love to see the next Halo acknowledged in some way.
Following the announcement of a Halo arcade game, 343 Industries' Brian Jarrard was quick to promise fans on Twitter that work on the next console game was not impacted. In a roundabout way, this is a confirmation that Halo 6 is in the works .
So, since it's pretty much common knowledge that 343 Industries has been hard at work on another Halo game, we'd love Microsoft to acknowledge this in some way at the show. Whether it's a teasing logo or a full-blown trailer we'd be satisfied.

Find out what Playground Games is working on

Now, we think it’s likely that Microsoft will make a Forza Horizon 4 announcement this year and we’d be very surprised if it didn’t come from the usual developer, Playground Games. However, Playground did open a second studio at the end of 2017 which suggests it’s working on a little more than usual and we’re really hoping we’ll find out what that is at this year’s show.
There have been a lot of rumors around the possible return of the Fable franchise recently. With the closure of Lionhead and the abandonment of Fable Legends, it all ended somewhat tragically and abruptly for one of Xbox’s most beloved franchises.
Although Lionhead is no longer operating, it’s been suggested that Playground Games is working on Fable 4. Now, we don’t know if there’s any truth to these rumors but Phil Spencer has previously said the series still has places to go.
The reports around Fable 4 have suggested that the game will be an open world RPG with a focus on narrative and story; this is the kind of title Microsoft is lacking at the moment in its exclusive offerings (particularly compared to PlayStation) so if there is any truth to these rumors, we’d love to see Microsoft make some kind of announcement at this year’s show for a 2019/2020 release.

Age of Empires 4

We know so little about Age of Empires 4 it’s starting to get painful. The game was first announced in August of last year with no release date and an announcement trailer seemingly comprised entirely of concept art. When you start a hype train journey like that, it’s probably best to have a station not too far down the line.
You’ll understand and probably share our desire, then, to find out a little more about the game at this year’s E3. A rough release window if we’re feeling our most optimistic, a little gameplay footage or a confirmation of some of the nations that will make an appearance if we’re being more realistic. Anything would be welcome.

What's happening with VR?

When Microsoft announced Project Scorpio during E3 2016, it made a point of saying that the console would support virtual reality. Yet 2018 has arrived, Project Scorpio has become Xbox One X, and we still haven’t seen any sign of a dedicated VR headset and Microsoft has gone rather quiet on the matter.
Although Microsoft has launched some Windows Mixed Reality headsets in partnership with big names like Asus, Lenovo, Dell and HP, we haven’t heard anything about them working with Xbox One X, despite the fact that Microsoft has been trying to blur the line between its platforms.
We’re not sure if Microsoft has simply decided it’s no longer interested in competing with Sony in this area or if it’s holding off on announcing a dedicated console headset.
But if Microsoft is going to tag the Xbox One X to come into the VR ring, we reckon it’ll have to do so during E3 2018.

• Everything we know about E3 2018

Best property management software of 2018

What is GDPR? Everything you need to know about the new EU data laws

GDPR has been all over the news recently, as companies of all sizes scrabble to make sure they're ready for the new regulations.
The new rules are set to come into force on May 25 2018, meaning your business only has a few more days to ensure it's compliant.
But what exactly does GDPR entail? Here's our guide to everything you need to know.

What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, (or EU Regulation 2016/679 if you want to be official) is one of the most significant and wide-ranging pieces of legislation passed relating to technology and the internet.
Approved by the European Union in April 2016, and set to come into force in the UK on May 25, GDPR  looks to bring together several existing laws and regulations to harmonize rulings across the EU.   
Primarily, it replaces the UK's 1984 Data Protection Act and the EU's Data Protection Directive, which initially came into force in 1995, with new guidelines that are better suited to the modern, technology-dominated world.

The main points of GDPR concern the privacy rights of everyday users and the data they create online, and will affect businesses of all sizes due to their effect on how companies gather, store, and look after their data.
Under GDPR, companies will also need to give explicit notice when collecting the personal data of their customers. This will mean that consent will need to be explicitly given, and that companies will have to detail the exact purpose for which customers' data will be used.
This personal data will also need to be encrypted by default as part of a process known as pseudonymization, meaning that it can't be linked to a specific person without being accompanied by extra information.
Personal data applies to a wide range of information – effectively anything that could be used to directly or indirectly identify a person online. This could include names, email addresses, images, bank details, posts on social networking websites, medical information, or even a computer IP address.
Users will also have the right to know exactly what details a company or organization holds about them, and also request that any of this information be deleted if they feel their rights to privacy are being infringed as part of the new 'right to erasure'.
Companies that suffer data breaches, whether accidental or as part of a cyber-attack, will need to disclose this event to the relevant authorities within 72 hours of it happening, although there's no requirement to notify users unless instructed.

Who does GDPR apply to?

Put simply, if your business offers goods or services to anyone living within the European Union, GDPR will apply to you.
This means that companies outside Europe will also need to ensure they're compliant with the rules, as they could also be subject to fines if found not to be up to speed.
If you have mailing lists for newsletters or promotions, and some of your prospects or customers are EU citizens, GDPR applies to you.

• Upgrading your IT? Here are the best laptops for businesses 2018

What do I need to do to be ready for GDPR?

As mentioned above, if you deal with customers within the EU, you'll need to ensure that the way you gather, store and use their data is GDPR-compliant.
For starters, you'll need to identify exactly what data you currently own, and the means by which you acquired it. Many organizations may be unaware of the sheer mountain of information they own on their customers – just as their customers might be unaware how much info they have shared.
All the data will need to be properly secured to ensure it remains protected, so it's definitely worth instigating new policies to limit access to the most precious data to a few key team members.
You should also be frequently backing up your data, as under GDPR customers are able to request to view exactly what information you have on them at any time.
If your business carries out large-scale data practices, you will also need to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO).
A DPO will be able to take responsibility for much of the heavy lifting when it comes to GDPR, including overseeing compliance and data protection.
Lastly, you'll need to ensure that all your employees are clued up about what exactly GDPR means. The rules aren't just the prerogative of the IT department, but could affect everyone in your organization.

What happens if you're not GDPR-ready?

GDPR is a huge deal, and as such the punishments for non-compliance are significant.
Any organisation found to not be conforming to the new regulations after the May 25 deadline could face heavy fines, equivalent to 4% of annual global turnover, or €20 million, whichever is greater.
It remains to be seen exactly how GDPR will be monitored, and if fines will be handed out to every company large and small, but for now the best course of action is to prepare as fully as you can.

GDPR latest news and advice

- How will GDPR impact the mobile industry? - Mobile operators are confident that GDPR will be a good thing in their battle against OTT operators...
- GDPR and website operators – the final checklist - With just days to go, make sure your site is GDPR-ready...
- GDPR and its impact on e-commerce providers - GDPR will mean big changes for many businesses - how can you make sure your company is ready?
- Turning GDPR into an experience benefit - A guide to how your business can take advantage of GDPR...
- How to make a website GDPR compliant - Ensure your site is GDPR-ready with these tips...
- GDPR: Is your website compliant with the new regulation? - Make sure you don't fall foul of the new GDPR rules with this guide...
- GDPR: The foundation for innovation - How can GDPR help benefit your business?
- GDPR compliance countdown: the final checklist - Is your organisation fully prepared for the upcoming GDPR?
- GDPR and the case for ethical data handling - Looking to finalise your GDPR compliance? Here are some top tips...
- New UK data protection laws: everything you need to know for your online life - Taking control of the data flow...
- Changes in European Data Protection Regulation: A look at the GDPR - Overview of the EU initiative to simplify data protection...

• Looking to stay secure for GDPR? Here's the best antivirus software of 2018

Reboot your router now to flush out malware, says the FBI

As it continues to investigate the VPNFilter malware that's gripped hundreds of thousands of routers worldwide, the FBI has advised consumers and office managers in the US to reset their network boxes to try and flush out at least part of the malicious code.

"The FBI recommends any owner of small office and home office routers power cycle (reboot) the devices," the Bureau said in a statement. "VPNFilter is able to render small office and home office routers inoperable. The malware can potentially also collect information passing through the router."

In other words, the malware can spy on your internet activities or shut down your router entirely. It's still unclear exactly what the overall purpose of VPNFilter is, or who might be behind it, but the FBI says it's making progress in shutting its network down.

Are you infected?

There's still plenty we don't know about the VPNFilter malware, outside of the obvious fact that it's a huge problem. Cisco's security team Talos has said more than 500,000 routers have been hit in over 54 countries worldwide, with a particular focus on the Ukraine.

The devices already identified as under threat include:

• Linksys E1200
• Linksys E2500
• Linksys WRVS4400N
• Netgear DGN2200
• Netgear R6400
• Netgear R7000
• Netgear R8000
• Netgear WNR1000
• Netgear WNR2000
• QNAP TS251
• QNAP TS439 Pro
• TP-Link R600VPN

It's not immediately clear how many of those devices might be in the US, the UK, Australia or anywhere else, but the FBI statement recommends that anyone with a router at home or in the office performs a reboot cycle. It's actually good security advice at any time under any circumstances – so probably worth a few minutes out of your day.

The FBI also recommends updating your router with the latest firmware patches issues by the manufacturer, and changing the device passwords from the default ones – again, that's wise security advance whether or not your router has been infected. If you're unsure how to do this, check your router's documentation or look up the details online.

• How to make a wireless network more secure

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Bank holiday sales 2018: these are the best deals this weekend

The bank holiday sales are back and in fine form to boot. We're already seeing way better deals than the bank holiday earlier this month with bigger discounts on a huge range of items including TVs, laptops, gaming, smart speakers, cheap broadband, mobile phone deals and lots more.

We've been busy digging through the early deals to bring you lots of TechRadar-friendly deals on the latest tech. But we're keeping a savvy eye out  for plenty of other deals types too. After all, you've got better things to do on over the long bank holiday weekend than trawling every retailer site's deals section, like trying to sneak the barbecue out of the shed without those rain clouds noticing.

We had advance warning on many discounts from the big retailers, so we're in a great position to bring you the most up-to-date selection of the best offers. If you'd prefer to dig out a discounted treasure of your own, you'll find links to the big stores that are having a May bank holiday sale below with deal highlights just underneath. These could be the best discounts we see before Amazon Prime Day rolls into town in July.

To stay tuned on all our regular deal updates, bookmark our deals page or follow us over on Twitter.

Bank holiday sales: quick links

The retailers below are where we've been finding the biggest and best discounts so far this weekend.

• Amazon: great discounts on Amazon devices and more.
• Argos: cheaper items for your garden and lots of tech inside you home.
• Currys: another huge clearance of TVs, fridges, laptops and much more.
• Sky TV: available from just £20 a month or £35 with broadband too.
• Now TV: save up to 50% on Sky cinema or Entertainment packages.
• AO: going big on cheap TVs, laptops, household appliance and electricals.
• B&Q: time for a bit of home improvement or a new BBQ?
• boohoo: The UK fashion retailer has been having a sale every day at the mo.
• John Lewis: home, fashion and electricals with a price match to boot.
• Tesco Direct: toys, electricals, appliances, outdoor items and more.
• Very: home, tech, outdoors, fashion and more.
• eBay: discounts on pretty much every category.
• ebuyer: fresh discounts on the best laptops and TVs. 
• Zavvi: discounted games, consoles and limited edition blu-rays.
• Jessops: cheap cameras, lenses and accessories for all.
• Dyson: get a discounted vacuum cleaner from the best of the best.

Keep scrolling to see our selected highlights across loads of different categories below. But if you're after something specific that's not included below, you'll probably find it in one of our other regular updated deals hubs. We've got a massive list of super cheap TV deals, or maybe it's time for a new cheap laptop? If gaming's your thing and you're looking for a new console we've got you covered for a cheap PS4, or maybe Xbox One deals, or maybe you're after a Nintendo Switch bundle? We've seen some fantastic mobile phone deals too. Bank holidays are also usually a great time to get a cheaper Sky TV deal.

Our Top 10 bank holiday sale deals:

Bank holiday TV deals

Bank holiday laptop deals

Bank holiday Amazon devices sale

Gaming bank holiday sales

Bank holiday broadband deals

Bank holiday mobile phone deals

More great bank holiday sale picks

When do the bank holiday sales start?

The next bank holiday technically starts Monday May 28th in the UK. But the deals have already been unleashed at many stores. So the weekend's barely here, but the bank holiday sales are well under way right now.

We'll keep this page updated throughout the long weekend. The best bank holiday deals will be made available on a first come, first served basis, so don't leave it until the last minute to check out the deals - it might be too late!

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch name switch just made me excited for the Gear S4

The best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals in May 2018

Stop the presses! Samsung Galaxy S8 deals just went berserk. Carpone Warehouse-owned retailer Mobiles.co.uk has released some new tariffs that bring S8 prices down to a new low. We can't remember a time when Galaxy S8 deals have been cheaper.
That means you can now get it for less than £20 per month without paying silly money upfront. And before you get your calculators out, yes that does mean less than £600 over the course of the two year term.
Unsurprisingly since the Samsung Galaxy S9 emerged, the landscape for Galaxy S8 deals has become even prettier. Even though the successor isn't that much of an improvement on the S8, contract prices on the older phone have gone down saving you a packet over the S9.
Our comparison chart below lists all the current cheapest prices of Samsung's brilliant 2017 flagship phone. Notwithstanding the release of the S9, Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone X, the Samsung Galaxy S8 remains one of the most impressive phones ever released. Here you can find, filter and compare all of the best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals currently available in the UK.
Underneath the comparison tool, you'll find our editors' selections for all of the best value S8 deals currently available from the major networks, EE, O2, Vodafone and Three.
See also: Samsung Galaxy S9 deals | Galaxy Note 8 deals | iPhone 8 deals | Mobile phone deals | SIM only deals | Samsung Galaxy S8 review

Filter and compare all of the Galaxy S8 deals available in the UK:

Top 5 best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals on the big networks:

Here we'll walk you through all of the best value Samsung Galaxy S8 deals currently available from EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three in the UK (if you're in the US or Australia, we can help you find the best Galaxy S8 deals for the US and the best Australian Samsung Galaxy S8 deals).

Samsung Galaxy S8: consider going SIM only

If you’re determined to get yourself a Samsung Galaxy S8, the most economical way of doing it is to buy the phone outright and pair it with a SIM only deal. The £689 RRP is certainly high, but it can still work out a little cheaper on average over the two years - especially now that some retailers are selling it for £100 less than that. Check out our page dedicated to the best unlocked SIM free Galaxy S8 prices.


With the Galaxy S8, Samsung is getting nearer and nearer to smartphone perfection - so much so that the Galaxy S9 barely seems to have improved on it. The bezel-less design is something a little bit special in an area of tech that can sometimes feel like it's standing still. There are advancements with the splendid screen and fantastic 12MP camera, too.
Read TechRadar's full Samsung Galaxy S8 review

Samsung Galaxy S8 deals by network

Whatever your favoured network, however much data, calls and texts allowance you need, we've trawled the market to pick out our favourite Galaxy S8 deals below.

The best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals on EE

The best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals on O2

The best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals on Vodafone

 The best Samsung Galaxy S8 deals on Three

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The best iPhone 8 deals in May 2018

iPhone 8 deals are waaaaaay more affordable than the eye-wateringly expensive iPhone X. If you want one of the latest iPhone without paying silly money, then the iPhone 8 is the Apple handset to go for - and the great news is that it's just had a bit of a price drop.
Despite being the X's cheaper brethren, the iPhone 8 still cost a pretty penny when it was released last year. Was it a mere coincidence that the price dropped around the same time the new Samsung Galaxy S9 was being released? We think not! But that's great news for Apple fans.
You can save yourself lots of money by using TechRadar's price comparison tool on this very page. And to make it even easier for you to get the best price on the Apple iPhone 8, we've picked out specific recommendations  further down the page so you can easily locate the most attractive deals at different data points, networks and budgets.
See also: iPhone X deals | iPhone 8 Plus deals | iPhone 8 SIM free / Unlocked | Samsung Galaxy S9 deals | Best mobile phone deals

• Save £10 on the upfront cost of any iPhone 8 deal at Mobiles.co.uk by using the voucher code 10OFF at the checkout!

The BEST iPhone 8 deal in the UK today:

Filter and compare all of the iPhone 8 deals available in the UK:

The other top iPhone 8 deals you can buy in the UK today:

When the iPhone 8 hit the shelves, we were doing everything possible to prepare people that they were going to have to spend big to get the 2017 Apple iPhone. But as you'll see, you can already get this brilliant iPhone for less than £1000 over the two years and there are some fantastic deals to be snapped up...

iPhone 8 deals: how much does the phone cost?

The SIM-free price of the new iPhone 8 is £699. That's £100 more than the iPhone 7 cost when it launched in the UK 12 months ago, so while this is not the iPhone X, nor is it what you'd call a cheap alternative. To get the phone on a 24 month contract you'll obviously have to pay a fair whack more than that, so depending on which tariff suits you best you may or may not be better off buying SIM free with a SIM only deal.

Don't expect a revolution with the iPhone 8. It's essentially a tweaked iPhone 7 with a few enhancements and one or two upgrades. For that reason we wouldn't particularly recommend this phone to anyone with an iPhone 7 - but for those with older phones this could make a timely upgrade if the price of the iPhone X makes you want to weep.

NES Classic Mini is coming back: here's where you can pre-order one

Nintendo is finally getting some new NES Classic Mini units into production once again. And better yet, pre-orders are already underway at one UK retailer and for the original price too.
So if you paid over the odds for a NES Mini on eBay, you may want to look away now as this is the cheapest price we've seen on these little beauties for over a year.
Update: stock seems to be thinning out at Argos. If you don't have any luck there, try Amazon, Smyths or maybe directly from Nintendo.
We seriously doubt stock will still be available to pre-order for that long though, never mind finding any cheaper deals anywhere else. So if you missed out last time, this could be your best chance as Nintendo hasn't mentioned how much stock will be produced.

• SNES Mini is back in stock for £69.99
• Nintendo files for N64 patent in Japan - is this the first sign of the N64 Mini?

The best Xbox One deals and bundles in May 2018

Xbox One deals and bundles are our kinda thing all year round, so you're in the best place to find a bargain. We regularly find those retailers that smash huge amounts off the console and bundle it in with the latest games.
It looks like Microsoft is going all out to put pressure on its rivals as the Xbox One is now the cheapest of the current generation of gaming consoles on a regular basis. This week there's an incredibly strong selection of 1TB Xbox One bundles, from as low as £249.99 with fantastic new games like Sea of Thieves, Monster Hunter World and PUBG. Or you can even get a 500GB bundle for under £200 with Assassin's Creed: Origins.
Retailers are stocking some super cheap Xbox One deals as standalone purchases and value-packed bundles with extra games. Some bundles often cost less than the standalone consoles too, so be sure to check out our hand-picked list of the best Xbox One offers below the comparison charts. Or maybe you're looking for a 4K upgrade? Then you'll want to take a look at the latest Xbox One X bundles.
Looking to buy in the US or Australia? You'll want to head on over to our US page or AU page.

Xbox One deals

The slimmed-down design of the Xbox One S looks much better than the original chunky box and the power brick is now a thing of the past. The main draw though is 4K visual support meaning you'll be able to watch specialised Blu-Ray and Netflix content in 4K on your new 4K TV.
The Xbox One S is now the standard console and has replaced the older model that's been phased out at retailers. The Xbox One S is cheaper too, so in all honesty we've generally stopped covering deals on the older model as you're getting better value with the newer version and we've not spotted any decent stock for months now.

The best Xbox One bundle deals

More Xbox One deals

Still not found your ideal Xbox One deal in our highlights of the best offers out there? Why not check out more Xbox One bundles directly from the retailers from our list below?

• Amazon deals
• Very deals
• John Lewis deals
• Tesco deals
• Currys deals
• Argos deals
• Game deals

The best Xbox One X deals

The new Xbox One X is capable of displaying games in glorious HDR 4K and is the most powerful console ever made. Sadly, it has the price-tag to match too as it's way more expensive than the Xbox One S. The comparison chart below is mainly full of prices for the new console on its own. However, we're starting to see better offers appear online where you can get discounted (or sometimes free) games included too. For more details, head on over to our extensive Xbox One X bundles page for the best value deals.

Xbox Live Gold deals

If you're looking to play your Xbox games online or take advantage of the free Games with Gold initiative, you'll want to check out our cheap Xbox Live Gold deals page where's we've found prices considerably cheaper than the default RRP.


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How to watch the Champions League final live stream: Liverpool vs Real Madrid online

Today's the day! Time to put away your DVD of that night in Istanbul and see if Liverpool can write yet another chapter in their illustrious history. It's been a remarkable UEFA Champions League campaign, and it's all set up to climax in one of the most exciting finals in recent memory. And we can help you plan how you'll live every minute by telling you how to live stream Liverpool vs Real Madrid for free this coming Saturday.
The stage is set for an absolute classic. Both Liverpool and Real Madrid have been scoring goals for fun during their respective Champions League campaigns. And when there's talent like Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané and Karim Benzema all likely to start, there just have to be a hatful of goals on the way. When Gareth Bale is struggling to make the first XI, you know there's some serious footballers on the field.
Liverpool will be seeking to recapture the magic from that remarkable Champions League final win from 13 years ago. But Real Madrid are going for their fourth crown in five years, so they're going to take some stopping - good luck Loris Karius! Can they bring a second European title to Madrid in less than a fortnight.
It's almost impossible to predict the result of this year's Champions League final. But thankfully figuring out how to watch it is much easier. And the good news is that you can live stream Liverpool vs Real Madrid absolutely free of charge. Keep reading to find out how.

• Watch the Monaco Grand Prix for free with our guide

Live stream the Champions League final for free in the UK

How to live stream Liverpool vs Real Madrid anywhere else in the world for free 

The free BT Sport Champions League live stream is only accessible within the UK - if you're abroad you'll be told that you're not allowed to watch. Annoying, but there's a very easy way to get around it. The trick is to download and install a VPN to change your IP address to one in the UK and then go to the BT Sport website or YouTube to watch. Here's how to stream the Champions League final live and for FREE from anywhere in the world with a VPN:
If you're expecting to be at home for the match, Virgin Media has confirmed that its subscribers will be able to watch the Champions League final in glorious 4K Ultra HD - a first for a live football match.

• F1 fan? We'll tell you how to get a free Monaco Grand Prix live stream too

How to watch the Champions League final in the US 

There are several options for live streaming Liverpool vs Real Madrid in the US, and they all have free trials that you may find worth a look. Fox and ESPN are the official broadcasters, so if you already have access to them and want to watch at home or on the go with their apps, then you're laughing.
If you don't have them, then try Fox Soccer Match Pass, Fubo or Sling TV. All do shorter term subscription options and, crucially free trials. And if you already subscribe but are outside the US, then be sure to grab a VPN service and port into a US location.

How to watch Liverpool vs Real Madrid in Canada

Broadcasters TSN and RDS have the Canadian rights to show the Champions League final. If you're a cord cutter then your next best option is to grab a one month subscription from BeIN Sports for $19.95.
But there is still a free way to live stream. Yep, you've guessed it by now - install and download a VPN as explained above and you can get hold of BT Sport's excellent coverage without paying a single cent.

Live stream the Liverpool vs Real final in Australia

Well it's going to be an early one, but if you're an obsessive Liverpool or Los Blancos supporter then we suspect that you'll be setting your alarm for around 4.30am (AEST) on Sunday morning. Well the good news for you is that BeIN Sport offers a free two week trial in Australia, or $19.99 per month after that.
Rather not sign up to the trial (or used it before)? Then there's always our little VPN workaround. Take a look at the instructions above.

Main image courtesy of uefa.com

Future of Virtual Reality

Though the impressive technology of virtual reality is still in its early days, people are debating about the future of it. One of the main reasons for it may be the failure of past efforts of the virtual reality styles. Many say that the upcoming year will be the breakthrough for the VR (Virtual Reality) as a mainstream technology.

When people talk about VR, they talk about Facebook’s Oculus Rift Headset, Sony’s PlayStation VR, and HTC’s Vive mainly. There are some top virtual reality games are already in the market which will make you the witness of the augmented reality. We are going in some details of the future of virtual reality in this post.

Will virtual reality get physical?

Yes, this will be answered by the people who have seen or tried HTC Vive because it actually involves some physical action. The sensor equipped controllers of HTC Vive allows you to hold an imaginary paintbrush. You can also swing a virtual golf club with its two controllers.

The thing the Vive and Sony PlayStation VR lack is the sense of touch. Though you can swing a virtual golf club with its super-powered controllers, you may still feel like using video game controllers (P.S. Facebook’s Oculus Rift doesn’t support any motion controllers, but it was planned to implement it by the end of 2016). So, we can say that this area is a primary focus where the augmented technology has a scope of improvements.

As the Dell-owned gaming PC manufacturer Alienware’s co-founder and former CEO Nelson Gonzalez said, “The upcoming revolution in VR will allow you to take part in the physical VR world in which you will not only sit to witness the virtual things, but you will throw a football and communicate with the team members too. And this will happen for sure.”

It’s not of a single company, but an industry-wide effort

If the impact to be made in a seriously meaningful way, then it cannot be done by only a single device like Oculus Rift, but rather it should be made by the whole VR industry.

As we have seen, through the last decade, the PC gaming world has delivered a truly high-level gaming to worldwide users. And it included the companies like AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA who provided powerful chips and highly-featured graphics processors. The STEM has created a platform for easy game buying and browsing the web content. So, it is an industry-wide effort, not by a single company.

The wireless VR will take some more time

Currently, there are two categories of VR devices; expensive systems like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive which provide immersive VR experience, and cheap, portable systems like Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR.

The former systems need to be plugged into your PC to have a powerful performance while the latter ones need to be connected with your smartphones to make it convenient for use. So, it will take some time for such devices to become wireless and deliver high-class performance. One main reason is that the VR technology is not advancing at the pace of the wireless technology.

Virtual Reality Casino Games are effectively blurring the lines between video gaming, esports, and gambling. You can explore Best VR Casinos to understand how Virtual Reality improvements are taking the gaming to next level.

Conclusion

Some argue that it will not be as effective as the talks and debates are made, and some seriously think that, VR will become an enormous industry that no one has ever think of it can be. It is an important talk about the VR effect on the human as well as social interactions for both the better and the worse. We will discuss on this topic also in my next articles. With the hope of the VR will become a top talking industry in a very nearby future, I am making a stop at the moment.

Google debuts Tez, a mobile payments app for India that uses Audio QR to transfer money

 

After several weeks of speculation and leaked details, today Google officially unveiled its first big foray into mobile payments in Asia. The Android and search giant has launched Tez, a free mobile wallet in India that will let users link up their phones to their bank accounts to pay for goods securely in physical stores and online, and for person-to-person money transfers with a new twist: Audio QR, which uses ultrasonic sounds to let you exchange money, bypassing any need for NFC.

“Send money home to your family, split a dinner bill with friends, or pay the neighbourhood chaiwala. Make all payments big or small, directly from your bank account with Tez, Google’s new digital payment app for India,” Google notes in its information portal about the new app.
Tez is Google’s play to replace cash transactions and become a more central part of how people pay for things, using their mobile to do so. But it’s also a chance for the company to push out some new technologies — like audio QR (AQR), which lets users transfer money by letting their phones speak to each other with sounds — to see how it can make that process more frictionless, and therefore more attractive to use than cash itself. More on AQR below.
Tez is launching today on iOS and Android in the country and will see Google linking up with several major banks in the country by way of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) — a payment standard and system backed by the government in its push to bring more integrated banking services into a very fragmented market. There will also be phones coming to the market from Lava, Micromax, Nokia and Panasonic with Tez preloaded, the company said.

Google has confirmed to us that payments made and taken using UPI are free for consumers and small merchants. “Google is not collecting any payments from transactions,” a spokesperson told TechCrunch. It is unclear how and if that will change when Google turns on functionality to upload cards to the Tez wallet, which is coming “in the next few weeks and months.” Card usage could come with a transaction fee.
To be clear, Tez is not a mobile “wallet” in the same way as PayTM offers a mobile wallet, where money is stored in the app and needs to be topped up to be used; it’s more like Apple’s Wallet or other mobile wallets in the west: a place that links up your phone with your bank accounts to let you use your phone as a way to deduct payments from those accounts.
Supported banks include Axis, HDFC Bank, ICICI and State Bank of India and others that support UPI. Online payment partners include large food chains like Dominos, transport services like RedBus, and Jet Airways. And tellingly, to help address one of the many ways that the Indian market is fragmented, the app has support for English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu.
For money transfers, there is a limit of ₹1,00,000 in one day across all UPI apps, and 20 transfers in one day.
Google says that AQR — the sound-based format for transferring money securely between devices — is its own proprietary technology. This appears to be the first time that Google has used it for payments, although it has used ultrasonic sound for transferring information between devices before: for example, the tech has been used in Chromecast to connect devices since 2014. Other startups that have used audio-based “codes” to transfer payments and other data before include Lisnr, and Chirp.
While AQR might seem like a neat technical twist, there are some practical reasons behind why Google might opt for this in Tez. For starters, it obviates the need for NFC in the device, and in the payment devices of merchants or whoever else a person is planning to transact with. While we are seeing a greater proliferation of NFC and bluetooth across consumer electronics, it’s still not completely ubiquitous and when considering low-cost smartphones in countries like India, may not always be present.
The other thing is that it makes any kind of contactless transaction with the device fairly flexible and easy. Services like Airdrop on iPhones require Bluetooth and if you’ve used it before isn’t that seamless and foolproof to turn on (even though it works like a charm when it does). QR codes, meanwhile, require you to turn on the camera on your device and physically align it with a code on another screen, a potentially fiddly and difficult process. Using audio taps into some of the most basic features on even the most basic phones, a speaker and a microphone.
While the service is launching in India this week, Google has also trademarked the name in other Asian countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, so there seems to be a wider strategy to expand this to other regions.
India, the second-most populated country in Asia after China, is a ripe market for mobile payment services, with a rapidly expanding middle class with more disposable income and a wider population that is very tech-focussed, with an estimated 300 million smartphones in use today. Digital payments are expected to reach a volume of $500 billion annually by 2020, according to a report from BCG and Google.
At the same time, the market is challenging. India has to date had a very low credit card penetration, with many services based around cash payments. The general population has been resistant to changing those habits, and the regulatory framework up to now has not made it easier.
But as many know, using cash comes with its own price, so to speak. Users cannot build credit histories — which can be a problem when they need to make larger purchases or take out loans — and are cut out from buying certain things as a result. (Consider how many things today are, if not only, are certainly easier to buy with cards or online, like airplane tickets).
So times are now changing, and initiatives like UPI have led to the rise of newer services like Tez, with the government standing behind them. It was the Finance Ministry, in fact, that was responsible for one of the leaks ahead of today’s launch.
And in a sense, developing markets like India have even more potential for mobile-based payment services than more mature countries like the U.S., where there is already widespread use of cards for payments: there isn’t a useful and easy cash replacement service in use already that Tez is trying to disrupt. Tez, fittingly, is Hindi for “fast” — another pointer to how Google is pitching this as more convenient than what exists today.
There is also a separate business portal for online companies to integrate as sellers to accept Tez payments. This will not only let companies lay the groundwork to accept Tez payments for their goods and services in-store and on mobile, but comes with a larger merchant services backend: businesses get their on channels on the app to build potentially in place of their own apps, where they can create special offers, subscriptions, loyalty programs and other services to drive more sales.
We’re still asking Google more questions and will update the story as we get more information. For example, Google has confirmed to us that, initially, Tez will not work with enterprise accounts if you use them as your phone profile.