Have you ever tried to show a friend an awesome video on YouTube, only to have everything stop and have that annoying buffering icon pop up? Well, if this happens to you regularly, it may be time to go out and buy one of the best routers. No one should have to deal with buffering icons.

The first thing most people do when they’re faced with internet problems like this, however, is to just give more cash to their internet service provider to upgrade their internet service. But, you can have the fastest internet in the world, and it won’t make a difference for your wireless woes. Plus, with all the devices that need constant reliable internet connections in 018, the best thing you can do to improve your internet experience is going out and picking up one of the best routers. Luckily, we’re here to help you do just that.

Unfortunately, when you go out looking for the best wireless routers, you may find yourself confused by the dozens of routers on the market today. Luckily, we here at TechRadar have your back – we’ve created this list of the best routers that we’ve got our hands on over the last year or so. No matter what you need to do on the internet, you can be confident you’ll find the best wireless routers right here on this list.

1. Google Wifi

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 101.41 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 47.53 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: AC1200 2 x 2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, TX beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready

In a lot of ways, Google Wifi is truly the future of wireless routers, and with it, you can finally bid farewell to the days when the only way to achieve wireless freedom was a bunch of unattractive range extenders in all of your power outlets. The premise of Google Wifi is simple – you buy a set of points and place them in key locations around your house. Then you just simply scan a QR code, and you’re done. They’re set up. 

Read the full review: Google Wifi

2. Asus RT-AC86U

Speed: : 802.11ac 1734 Mbps down | Connectivity: : 5 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: : MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS WTFast Gamers Private Network

Anyone who’s familiar with Asus, and especially its more gamer-centric products knows exactly what they’re getting themselves into here – especially regarding design. The Asus RT-AC86U looks like the result of a Mountain Dew-fueled deal with the devil, and it will certainly stand out wherever you put it. Underneath that garish design forever, is hardware that, for its price, wholly stands up against its competition. You won’t be paying a premium here for the ‘gaming hardware’ and, if you’re looking for a fast router at a good price, you can’t really go wrong here.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U 

3. Netgear Orbi

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 90.14 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 93.69 Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 3 LAN for Router, 4 LAN for Satellite), 1 x USB 2.0 port | Features: 4GB flash memory, 512MB RAM, AC3000, MU-MIMO ready

Unlike Google Wi-Fi, the Netgear Orbi wireless mesh system comes with just two units instead of three: a router and a satellite, much like a cell phone signal booster. And, it may be expensive, but it’s worth it – its simple setup, requiring little more than being plugged into a modem and a wall adapter, makes the Orbi extremely accessible. Add in its fantastic performance, and it’s easy to see why the Netgear Orbi is one of the best routers you can buy in 2018. 

Read full review: Netgear Orbi

4. Amplifi HD

Speed: 802.11AC 1300mbps | Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, LCD touchscreen

While it may be more expensive than the Google Wifi for similar performance, the Amplifi HD as a clean, modern style that would make Apple jealous. While this may seem like a minor point for some, this aesthetic means that nobody will be ashamed of installing this router in a nice open space – which will only boost it’s already-great performance. In our testing we didn’t notice a difference in performance, whether right next to the main router, or upstairs next to one of the included mesh units. This is one of those routers that matches great performance with great looks – as long as you have the cash to support it.

Read the full review: Amplifi HD 

5. Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router

Speed: : AC3200 | Connectivity: : 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x eSATA/USB 2.0 | Features: : Killer Prioritization Engine, Customized Firmware, 1.8GHZ Dual-Core CPU, MU-MIMO

On the surface, the Linksys WRT32X might not look that different than Linksys’ heavy-hitter, the WRT3200. And, well, that’s not actually that far off. The WRT32X takes all of the successful components of that highly rated router, and puts them in a gamer-centric router with a custom firmware that’s extremely easy to navigate and a very subdued and attractive visual design. You will be paying a premium for this repackaging, but if you’re looking for reliable ping performance that online gaming requires, the Linksys WRT32X takes one of the best routers and tailors it to your needs.

Read the full review: Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router 

6. Billion BiPac 8900AX-2400

Speed: 802.11ac: 2,400Mbps 802.11n: 2,400Mbps | Connectivity: 1 x DSL port, 4 x 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 x EWAN Ethernet port, 1 x USB 2.0 | Features: Built-in ADSL2+ modem, 1 x 2.4GHz; 1 x 5Ghz bands, LED status lights, reset button, power button

Billion is back at it again, this time with the fastest router it’s ever produced. Exhibiting a throughput of 2,400Mbps over both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz band, the BiPac 8900AX-2400 isn’t conventionally attractive by society’s standards, but it is immensely capable. In lieu of a shabby interface, this router dons a wide range of ports for added storage down the line in addition to integrating a state of the art ADSL2+ modem.

Read the full review: Billion BiPac 8900AX-2400

7. Starry Station

Speed: 802.11ac: 1,300Mbps 802.11n: 450Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit LAN port | Features: Dual-band Wi-Fi technology, 3.8-inch LCD touchscreen, embedded speaker/microphone

For those of us still clinging on to those wireless modems rented out by our ISPs, the Starry Station makes Wi-Fi a breeze without handing over piles of cash every month to a greedy conglomerate. Not only is it fast, boasting download speeds that are usually around the same as a Verizon FiOS stock router, but the Starry Station is also beautiful – enough so that you won’t feel the need to hide it away in a cabinet, obstructing its signal. Plus, it manages to avoid those pesky numerical gateways that no one wants to memorize. 

Read the full review: Starry Station

• This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys Velop.

8. Synology RT2600ac

Speed: 802.11ac: 1,733Mbps 802.11n: 800Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x SD card reader | Features: 512MB RAM, 1.7GHz dual-core ARM Qualcomm IPQ8065 processor, MU-MIMO, beam-forming, 4GB flash storage

It’s not everyday you encounter a router that doubles as an NAS, or network-attached storage device – a type of server box that allows you to store and access files over your local internet connection. The Synology RT2600ac, on the other hand, combines the best of both worlds, going as far as to deliver third-party applications such as VPNs and DLNA media servers. There’s even Apple Time Machine support for over-the-air Mac backups.

Read the full review: Synology RT2600ac

9. Linksys WRT 3200 ACM

Speed: 802.11ac: 3x 867 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0, 1 x ESATA/USB 2.0 | Features: Tri-Stream 160, 1.8GHz dual core CPU, 512MB RAM, 256MB flash memory

While it may look like a relic of some bygone age, the Linksys WRT 3200 ACM is the antithesis of wireless mesh systems. By compromising on looks, Linksys was able to build a versatile wireless router aimed at traditional PC enthusiasts, without compromising on modern performance. Giving you limitless control over your wireless network connections, whether you want to toggle on and off guest connections or prioritize media devices, the WRT 3200 ACM is one of the best wireless routers you can buy today. 

Read the full review: Linksys WRT 3200 ACM

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Synology RT2600ac.

10. Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600

Speed: 802.11ac: 2,167Mbps, 802.11n: 800Mbps | Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO support, StreamBoost, dual-core 1.7GHz processor, 512GB RAM, Zyxel One Touch app-based setup

Known for its NAS devices, extenders and powerline adaptors, it’s a wonder Zyxel would ever come out with a dual-band gaming router. Yet, although it’s not nearly as extravagant (or spider-like) in its outward appearances as the Asus RT-5300, the Armor Z2 AC2600 is a solid gaming router debut from Zyxel. Toting Dynamic QoS, otherwise referred to as StreamBoost, for the prioritization of more demanding connected hardware, a configuration app called Zyxel One Touch and MU-MIMO support, this router’s lofty price tag is damn near justified.

Read the full review: Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys WRT32X 

Joe Osborne and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

http://www.techradar.com/news/networking/routers-storage/best-router-9-top-wireless-routers-on-test-1090523

As much as we like Oculus Touch controllers, interacting with virtual environments using buttons and joysticks will never feel wholly immersive. 

But based on Oculus’ latest patented plans, Facebook’s virtual reality (VR) division wants to ratchet up the tactile realism to 11. 

In a pair of creepy-sounding but intriguing patents publicized today, Oculus is circulating its goal to create a “skin stretch instrument” that will sense how much your skin moves when picking up certain objects. 

Say you pick up an apple. The gears and rollers in your Oculus Rift haptic gloves will sense and measure the pressure levels against your palm and fingers, and a skin stretch sensor records the tactile feedback. Then, when the user picks up a virtual apple, the gears in your gloves will twist accordingly to simulate the same mechanical feedback. 

The first patent specifies that each glove would have six skin stretchers, one in the palm and one on each fingertip, that can move in any X-, Y- or Z-axis direction to simulate touch. 

Oculus’ engineers appear to be optimistic about how realistic this feedback will feel. Some examples of objects that users could pick up included a basketball, flower petals, a “Corgi puppy dog”, and “various fruits including mangoes, peaches, grapes, and strawberries.”

While the first patent shows particular care towards realistic finger feel, the second patent covers how Oculus will make your entire hand feel the pressure of objects. 

The haptic feedback gloves will contain an expandable bladder that will adjust in size to simulate pressure against users’ hands as they press them against objects or walls. The patent figures suggest that this pressure could be localized to specific areas of the hand, like the sides of fingers or the skin between your fingers. 

The first patent also specifies that this glove could work “in a VR system, an AR system, mixed reality (MR) system, or some combination thereof.” 

We’ve heard rumors of Facebook’s augmented reality glasses for some time, so this indicated Oculus’ haptic gloves could work for more than just the Oculus Rift and Oculus Go. 

Feeling out the haptic competition

While Oculus is one of the bigger names working on haptic feedback, it certainly isn’t the only one with ideas on how to simulate touch in VR.

Cornell University’s Organic Robotics Lab and Nvidia developed the Omnipulse, gloves with a thin rubber layer for sensitive feedback and air pockets for replicating different textures. 

And UC San Diego created haptic gloves with a McKibben muscle—which (like Oculus’ adjustable bladder) inflates and deflates to replicate pressure—and latex chambers that simulate different sensations on users’ fingers. 

We’ll have to wait and see which prototype ends up producing the most realistic skin stretching feel. 

Via Digital Trends

http://www.techradar.com/news/oculus-patents-plans-to-stretch-your-skin

Back in 2017, when Intel’s Coffee Lake and AMD’s Ryzen CPUs made it out in the wild, the long-standing stagnation in the CPU world ceased overnight. Now, the longstanding competition between these two tech behemoths has been fully reignited, and Intel and AMD are at each other’s throats, competing for your interest. Thankfully, out of this competition, the best processors that have ever existed were born, and there’s never been a better time to upgrade to one of the best chips on the market.

Right now, there’s a chance for everyone to get their hands on one of the best processors, no matter their budget. AMD and Intel both are gearing up to launch a wide range of processors. AMD with its Ryzen 2nd Generation, and Intel with its Core i9 laptop CPUs and low power Coffee Lake desktop CPUs that will fill in the budget segment. However, even if you can’t get your hands on the latest and greatest processors, there are still plenty of fantastic Kaby Lake processors that can still pack a punch. Regardless of what you want to do, this innovation and competition means everyone wins.

Trust us, we get it. You pull up Amazon or Newegg, looking for the best processor for gaming, and immediately you’re flooded with a wave of confusing model numbers. This confusion is natural and is an unfortunate side effect of the booming CPU market. Fortunately, TechRadar has your back – we’ve created this list of the best processors available in 2018. Every single chip on this list was tested and reviewed by us, so you can be confident that they’ll be worth your time and money. So, sit back, relax and get ready to realize PC performance you’ve previously only dreamed of.

Best CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clock: 3.7GHz | Boost clock: 4.3GHz | L3 cache: 16MB | TDP: 105W

For the longest time, AMD has played second fiddle to Intel in many categories but value. Those days are over. With the Ryzen 7 2700X, and Ryzen 2nd Generation in general, AMD introduces the first 12nm CPUs and the performance backs that up, beating Intel in both single and multi-core workloads for the first time in recent history. If you’re looking for a high-performance CPU at a reasonable price, trust us, look no further.

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X 

Best high-end CPU: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

Cores: 16 | Threads: 32 | Base clock: 3.4GHz | Boost clock: 4.0GHz | L3 cache: 32MB | TDP: 180W

Back in June 2017, when AMD launched its Zen architecture-based Ryzen chips out into the wild, they were promising a price-to-performance ratio that would finally dethrone Intel. However, at least with the initial Ryzen chips, AMD fell short of Intel in sheer horsepower – until the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X. This block of silicon wasn’t just a better value than Intel’s Core i9-7900X, but it was also a lot more versatile – able to easily be anchored into any x399 motherboard. 

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

Best mid-range CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.32GHz | L3 cache: 16MB | TDP: 95W

If you’re looking for an affordable CPU for content creation, look no further than the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X. With 6 cores and 12 threads and a base clock of 3.6GHz, you’re getting far better performance than the pricier Intel Core i5-8600K – with a dope RGB CPU cooler included. Sure, the gaming performance increase over the blue team is marginal, but when you start multi-tasking – and who doesn’t like having 100 Chrome tabs open while gaming – the value starts to show itself in spades. 

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 

Best Entry Level CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

Cores: 4 | Threads: 4 | Base clock: 3.5GHz | Boost clock: 3.7GHz | L3 cache: 4MB | TDP: 65W

If you’re looking to put together a gaming PC on the tightest budget, the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G can take you a long way. While it doesn’t feature the hyperthreading capability of its predecessor, the Ryzen 3 1200, the introduction of integrated graphics makes this APU one of the cheapest ways to experience casual PC gaming. We were even able to play Overwatch at 4K Ultra-HD resolution at ‘Epic’ settings.

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 3 2200G 

Best gaming CPU: Intel Core i5-7600K

Cores: 4 | Threads: 4 | Base clock: 3.8GHz | Boost clock: 4.2GHz | L3 cache: 6MB | TDP: 91W

Like the 7700K that preceded it on this list, the Intel Core i5-7600K is an unlocked, overclockable quad-core processor from Intel. However, it also suffers from the same integral shortcoming; that is that it’s barely an upgrade over the i5-6600K. Be that as it may, squeezing out only 300MHz over its precursor brings it nearly in line with the last-gen Core i7-6700K when overclocked. All the while, it won’t put too much of a dent in your budget either.

Best VR CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4GHz | L3 cache: 16MB | TDP: 95W

The primary contender to Intel’s Core i7-7700K, the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X poses a convincing threat to Intel’s flagship. While it’s unfortunately more expensive than the 7700K, uncharacteristic for the oft value-focused Red Team, the Ryzen 7 1800X most certainly keeps up with some of Intel’s older chips. Plus, unlike the Core i7-5960X and -6700K it most intimately rivals, the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X is much more qualified for VR now and into the future.

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

Best video editing CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.3GHz | L3 cache: 11MB | TDP: 140W

The naming convention is confusing, given that the Intel Core i7-7820X is part of Intel’s “Skylake-X” series rather than the X-class chips built on the 14nm Kaby Lake node, but semantics matter very little when you get to go hands-on with an Intel CPU boasting this many cores. Although the fact that you’ll need a new motherboard to use this octa-core monster might be enough to scare some users off to Ryzen, Intel loyalists shan’t mind the upgrade. 

Best performance processor: Intel Core i9-7980XE

Cores: 18 | Threads: 36 | Base clock: 2.6GHz | Boost clock: 4.4GHz | L3 cache: 24.75MB | TDP: 165W

Intel’s 18-core processor is all about brute force. With the ability to kick up all of its cores to 4.8GHz (by our testing at least), this monstrous CPU brings performance to a new level of insanity. The only caveats are this processor power draw and price are equally beastly.

Read the full review: Intel Core i9-7980XE

Best budget CPU: Intel Pentium G4560

Cores: 2 | Threads: 4 | Base clock: 3.5GHz | L3 cache: 3MB | TDP: 54W

With the amount of money you’ll save by purchasing the Intel Pentium G4560 over a Core i3 chip, we promise you won’t mind the ever-so-slight loss in performance you can expect from this hardy value chip. As the first Pentium processor in quite some time to feature hyper-threading, the G4560 goes out of its way to show us all what we’ve been missing. And, in benchmarks, it proves itself eerily adjacent to the more expensive Intel Core i3-7100.

Best HTPC CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G

Cores: 4 | Threads: 8 | Base clock: 3.6GHz | Boost clock: 3.9GHz | L2 cache: 2MB

One of the only things that we were left wanting when AMD’s Ryzen CPUs blew up is that they didn’t support integrated graphics, limiting their appeal to PC enthusiasts. However, with the Ryzen 5 2400G, that’s all changed. Featuring impressive Vega graphics, it’s a great APU that anyone looking to build a HTPC will love. And, now that AMD has slashed the price, you can get in on this 4K action cheaper than ever. 

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G 

• Ready to up the ante on your display? The best monitor is here

http://www.techradar.com/news/best-processors