Brian Fagioli

Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, such as Apple Airpods, are all the rage these days. It's not hard to see why this is -- many smartphone-makers have removed the 3.5mm port from their devices. Of course, the missing headphone jack is not the only reason -- Bluetooth models can also be better for those that exercise, as there aren't any wires to get tangled during activity.

Of course, with the Covid 19 Coronavirus on everyone's minds these days, I can understand why some wouldn't want to stick any earbuds -- wired or wireless -- into their ears. If a virus or bacteria is on an earbud, and you insert it into your ear, you could be unintentionally introducing disease into your body. Thankfully, Philips has new wireless earbuds that may solve this dilemma. Called "T702BK ActionFit Wireless Sports Earbuds," they come with a charging case that features ultraviolet (UV) cleaning. In other words, while you are charging them, and before you put them into your ears, they are being disinfected by UV light. Even AirPods can't do that!

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Sony's PlayStation controllers -- for all generations of its gaming console -- are beloved by gamers. The design hasn't changed much from the original PlayStation controller, and that's not a bad thing. It eventually got thumb sticks, vibration, and with the current-generation "DualShock 4," it even received a touch pad! In other words, while Sony's controller has absolutely evolved, it was never form over function -- it was tweaked only when necessary. When Sony even suggest deviating from this design with the "boomerang" PS3 controller, the company received so much backlash that it was canceled before release -- thank goodness.

And today, Sony's controller evolves into its latest form -- "DualSense." Yup, that is what the company is calling the upcoming PlayStation 5 controller, and I rather like the name. But hey, who cares what it is called -- just look at that thing! It is probably the prettiest controller I have ever seen. The two-tone color, new location of the light bar, and beautiful curvature make it look like a work of art. More importantly, it looks like it will be very comfortable to hold. It even features a rechargeable battery and USB-C charging. In comparison, Microsoft's Xbox Series X will still use AA batteries. Oh, Microsoft, did you not realize it is 2020?!

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What is the form-factor future of smartphones? That's a damn good question. Will smartphones with foldable screens really become the norm? I'd like to think so, but as of today, the technology is just not ready. Sadly, these devices with screens that fold are far too delicate. Even when they don't break entirely, they often have an unseemly crease on the screen. Not to mention, they tend to be quite expensive too. Until those issues can be ironed out (pun intended), consumers won't be willing to part with their hard-earned money.

So, what should a consumer that likes the idea of a foldable screen do today? Well, LG has a suggestion -- the V60 ThinQ 5G with Dual Screen. Rather than use a foldable screen for an enhanced user experience, it leverages two screens with a hinge in the middle. In other words, you can experience proper multitasking without dealing with a fragile or creased screen. While that sounds great on paper, the question is, how is it practice? I have been testing the T-Mobile variant of this device, and I am ready to share my feelings on it.

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Today is Friday, meaning later this afternoon, we will officially be starting the weekend! Woo-hoo! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, many of us will be spending our weekend downtime indoors once again. Sigh. The weekend is far less exciting when you've been self-quarantining for weeks due to a pandemic.

Thankfully, we can all still have plenty of fun while indoors thanks to the internet. Not only can we stream video and music, but we can play online video games too. If you are a computer nerd, however, I have a much better suggestion -- install the Ubuntu Beta! That's right, Linux fans, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS "Focal Fossa" Beta is now available for download. This doesn't just include the "vanilla" GNOME version either, but other variants like Kubuntu and Xubuntu as well.

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If you've purchased a gaming PC or motherboard lately, there's a very good chance it has a Killer Ethernet controller by Rivet Networks. These controllers are supposed to provide better performance for gaming thanks to Killer's software for Windows that prioritizes gaming traffic. Some swear by Killer's technology, while others call it snake oil.

Today, Rivet Networks announces its latest such Killer Ethernet controller for gaming. Called "E3100," it provides 2.5 Gbps performance, more than double that of gigabit. True, 2.5 Gbps networks are still fairly rare -- especially in homes -- but its popularity is growing. Some people prefer 2.5 Gbps to 10 Gbps , as the former can use existing cabling.

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TUXEDO Computers is a pretty cool company that not only sells machines running Linux, but partners with Linux distribution developers for officially licensed branded laptops too. For instance, Tuxedo partnered with Kubuntu on the official Focus laptop. It's a great way for Linux users to represent their favorite Linux-based operating system while also financially supporting the developers.

Today, Manjaro Linux and TUXEDO Computers launch the InfinityBook Manjaro laptop. This is Tuxedo's 15.6-inch InfinityBook, customized with Manjaro branding and that Linux-based operating system pre-installed.

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When a huge tech corporation like Apple or Microsoft buys a company, it can either go very well or terribly wrong for consumers. Microsoft’s purchase of Wunderlist in 2015 was bad, as the Windows-maker ended up killing it. Apple’s purchase of SoundJam MP in 2000, however, turned into iTunes and revolutionized the music industry. As you can see, it can go either way.

Today, Apple buys popular weather app Dark Sky and it seems to be terrible news. No, the iPhone-maker isn’t killing it entirely — it will still be available on iOS for the time being. Unfortunately, Apple is shuttering both the Android and Wear OS versions, leaving users of Googles’s mobile operating systems without access to the popular app.

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Linux Mint is great operating system. It is based on the excellent Ubuntu and features three great desktop environment options -- Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce. While it is a smart choice for Linux beginners, it is also good for experts too.

Today, we learn some new details about the upcoming Linux Mint 20. While most of the newly revealed information is positive, there is one thing that is sure to upset many Linux Mint users.

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We are weeks into people self-isolating in their homes due to the Coronavirus (COVID 19), and apparently, many are getting bored. As someone who is staying indoors to help "flatten the curve" and prevent the spread of the virus, I have to wonder if these bored people are nuts. I mean, look, we live in a world where the internet exists, and you can stream thousands upon thousands of films right in your living room. Not to mention video games, books, television, radio, board games, puzzles, and more. In 2020, I don't know how anyone can be bored, but OK, I guess some people live more exciting lives than me.

If you feel the need to have even more entertainment in your life, I have some great news. SiriusXM is free through May 15! No, this does not include satellite access for your car -- it is limited to streaming. But still, it is the same content, including the highly coveted Howard Stern Show! The company is even launching a special channel called "#StayHome Radio," which will only play feel-good tunes. Best of all, you don't even need to enter a credit card to get the access, so there is no worry about being charged when the offering ends -- there is nothing to cancel.

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If you are a console gamer, you probably have your gaming system hooked up to a TV. After all, this is what most people will connect their PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, or Microsoft Xbox One up to. And for the most part, that make sense. But what if you want a really big screen without breaking the bank? When I say "big," I mean bigger than can be realistically achieved with a TV -- like, say, 150 inches. Well then, a projector is what you will need.

Unfortunately, projectors aren't typically designed for gaming, so there is a good chance you won't have a great experience due to lag. Today, BenQ  hopes to change that with the all-new TH685 HDR 1080P console gaming projector. The company promises that the low input lag (8ms response time) will provide a superior console gaming experience compared to other projectors.

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Are you sick of hearing about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Yeah, me too. Fatigue is definitely setting in. Quite frankly, I'd be happy to no longer cover anything related to it on BetaNews. And yet, we must, as it is important that we are all educated on the subject. Many people are getting sick, and even worse, some are actually dying.

Unfortunately, here in the USA, testing for the disease has been woefully deficient. We are behind many other countries, such a China and South Korea, in this regard. Many people don't know how to get tested, where to get tested, or even if they should get tested. Making matters worse, you could be infected yet asymptomatic and contagious. Today, Apple announces it is trying to help regarding this, as the company launches a special app and website for COVID-19 screening. Even the much-maligned Siri voice assistant is getting in on the action. And yes, it is all based on official CDC guidance.

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All solid state drives are fast -- when compared to a mechanical hard drive, at least. With that said, not all SSDs are created equally. SATA based SSDs are the slowest of the bunch, with PCIe-based drives being the fastest. Of course, there are different generations of PCIe that have gotten continually faster. Currently, consumers have access to some computers and motherboards with PCIe Gen 4.0.

If you have a newer computer with PCIe Gen 4.0, congratulations -- you have a nice rig. If your SSD isn't PCIe Gen 4.0, however, you might be missing out on some potential speed. There aren't many of those drives on the market, but today, one more is unveiled. Called "PX4480," this new SSD from KINGMAX is insanely fast, making SATA SSDs look like straight trash!

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Podcasts are wildly popular these days, and it is not hard to see why. If you can think of a topic, there is probably a podcast about it! For instance, the coronavirus is the hot subject of the moment, and there are countless shows dedicated to that pandemic. If you want a distraction from the virus, however, you can listen to podcasts that cover sports, news, cooking, and more.

Just as there are many podcasts, there are also many podcast apps too. If you are an iPhone user, for instance, you can use Apple’s stock podcast app or head to the App Store to download a third-party option. Now, iPhone users are getting yet another option. You see, Google has long had a podcast app for Android, and the company recently redesigned it. Now, the search-giant is bringing the newly refreshed app to iOS.

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There are many Linux distributions nowadays. Some are unique, but many are largely repetitive and probably don't need to exist. One Linux-based operating system that manages to stand out is Bodhi, thanks to its use of the Moksha desktop environment.

If you aren't familiar with Bodhi, please know it is a lightweight operating system that is based on the great Ubuntu. Today, Bodhi 5.1.0 becomes available. This new version is significant, as it is the first release since development leadership was changed last year.

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Black is beautiful. And so, HyperX is releasing a new variant of its popular Cloud Alpha S headset in that color. Well, technically black isn't a color, but a total absence of it, but I digress. Called "Cloud Alpha S Blackout," it is entirely black, giving it a very cool look. This is much appreciated, as not all gamers want a colorful product that looks like it is designed for millennials or gen-z.

This Blackout variant is subtle and classy. It wouldn't look out of place in a business setting. In fact, with so many people doing the "work from home" thing these days, HyperX even suggests using it for remote work and video conferencing.

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