In 2017, Intel reacted to the threat of Threadripper by pumping out high core count (HCC) Skylake-X processors in the consumer space. And, while processors like the Core i9-7980XE outperformed the highest-end Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, they were also much more expensive, leading more enthusiast consumers to go with AMD’s high-end desktop (HEDT) solution . 

While Threadripper 2nd Generation is all but a foregone conclusion, Intel has been relatively quiet about its next generation (HEDT) processors. However, we’re expecting Cascade Lake-X will succeed the Skylake-X family of high-end desktop processors by the end of the year.

Unlike last year, where Intel announced and then released Skylake-X processors at Computex 2017, all we saw at Computex 2018 was a vague 28-core processor. While Intel has since clarified that this 28-core behemoth was running on a 14nm architecture and can overclock to 5GHz, it didn’t clarify which architecture it was based upon. 

However, shortly after its mini debut, multiple sites labeled the 28-core CPU as a Cascade Lake-X processor that utilized the a LGA3647 socket typically reserved for Xeon chips. This leads us to believe it could either be a preview of what’s to come – even if it’s just a overclocked server-grade chip redesigned for the consumer market – for Cascade Lake-X. 

Still, we don’t have a lot of official information about Cascade Lake-X, so its existence right now is all purely based on rumors and speculation. Make sure you keep this page bookmarked, though, as we’ll keep it updated with any new information that comes our way.

Cut to the Chase

• What is it? Intel next line of high-end desktop CPUs
• When is it out? Late 2018 or early 2019
• How much will it cost? TBD 

Intel Cascade Lake-X release date

The release schedule for Cascade Lake-X is kind of a mess. Now, while we know that the unbelievable 28-core processor Intel showed off at Computex 2018 is supposedly releasing in Q4 2018. 

According to a report from ExtremeTech, Intel’s roadmap shows the Cascade Lake-X HEDT processors debuting next year. This would make sense, as it would coincide with the rumored release of Cannon Lake next year – even though Cascade Lake-X was presented to be based on a 14nm++ architecture, rather than Cannon Lake’s 10nm die size.

Intel Cascade Lake-X price

This is where things might get uncomfortable, so brace yourself. Intel doesn’t exactly have a history of releasing HCC and HEDT processors for what we would call ‘reasonable’ prices. So, we expect the pricing of Cascade Lake-X to fall in line with, or exceed Skylake-X’s pricing. 

We’ve taken the liberty of listing the pricing of Skylake-X processors below.

• Intel Core i7-7800X: $383 (£329, AU$519)
• Intel Core i7-7820X: $589 (£509, AU$799)
• Intel Core i9-7900X: $989 (£819, AU$1,309)
• Intel Core i9-7920X: $1,189 (£990, AU$1,589)
• Intel Core i9-7940X: $1,387 (£1,099, AU$1,899)
• Intel Core i9-7960X: $1,684 (£1,399, AU$2,279)
• Intel Core i9-7980XE: $1,979 (£1,649, AU$2,729)

Intel Cascade Lake-X specs

Assuming for a second that the 28-core CPU showed off at Computex is indicative of what we can expect from Cascade Lake-X, things are about to get bananas.

Skylake-X was able to offer significantly higher core counts than the previous generation of HEDT CPUs precisely because it was manufactured on a smaller die. Cascade Lake-X won’t have the same advantage as its based on the a similar 14nm++ process and die-size as its predecessor. 

So while it will be able to offer slightly higher core counts, core clocks and power efficiency than Skylake-X, the leap in performance isn’t going to be as breathtaking.

However, if Intel is able to use this process refinement to deliver a better value proposition – maybe offering a 10-core processor for under $1,000, it might actually attract a lot of enthusiasts to this upcoming HEDT platform, instead of the cheaper mainstream chips. 

And, because Intel has announced a 28-core processor, followed by rumors of a 22-core one, we actually have reason to believe that’s what Intel is planning on doing. Maybe we’ll see a 10-core Core i7 X-series processor – that would certainly put AMD on the defensive. 

We have seen a listing of a Cascade Lake processor, though it was quickly taken down. It pointed to a Xeon server-class processor, rather than any kind of consumer-grade product. However, don’t worry because you probably wouldn’t want to drop $50,000 on a server running a Xeon CPU.More than likely, this is merely a preview of what’s to come with the Cascade Lake-X processors.

We just have to wait for Intel to reveal what’s in store – and we’ll be sure to update this page the second we know more.

http://www.techradar.com/news/intel-cascade-lake-x

Welcome to our list of the best free games for kids on both tablet and PC. These have all been carefully picked to make sure they are appropriate for boys and girls.

We’ve all heard a ton of awful things about kids playing games in the news. Back in the ‘80s, we were told Pac-Man would usher in the end of society as we know it – with kids roaming maze-like streets, starving for a digital fix.

Now, in these more enlightened times, we know nothing like that ever happened – in fact, research has shown that, in moderation, gaming is a productive leisure activity. For example, the best games for kids will promote problem solving skills and creativity. The best free games for kids then, are an active leisure pursuit, rather than the passivity of watching TV.

Still, it’s important to make sure your kids are playing only the best games for children. This roundup is designed to highlight 20 of the best free games for kids, both boys and girls, and aged between 5 to 11 years. They’re complete as is experiences, feature no violence, and tend to combine immediacy and depth. Most of all, though, they’re fun to play – however old you are.

10 best games for kids on Android tablets and iPad

These days, kids are more likely to first experience computing and gaming on a tablet than a home computer. To that end, our tablet selection skews a little younger.

According to Google, everything listed here is rated 3+, and so should be safe for even very young children. Apple is more conservative – it rates the games 4+, apart from Super Stickman Golf 3 and Spaceteam, which are 9+. The games are also all simple to control, easy to get into, and fun to play.

A note on IAPs and ads: Free games need to make money somehow. There are several games listed here that do indeed offer in-app purchases (IAPs) for in-game currency, and some feature ads instead. In the former case, you can disable IAPs at a system level on your device before handing it over to a kid. With the latter, you should play the game yourself first to make sure the ads are OK. 

1. Sago Mini Friends

This good natured set of mini-games encourages dexterity, puzzle-solving and creativity. It starts with you selecting a colorful character, who then explores a neighborhood of cartoon houses. 

Knock on a door, and you’ll be invited inside for an animated, entertaining playdate. This may involve hammering nails into a birdhouse, dress-up or even enjoying a tasty snack.

Everything’s bright and cheerful, and the game promotes empathy, with one friend looking glum if spoils aren’t evenly shared.

Get Sago Mini Friends for Android and iOS. A Windows PC version is also available. This game has no IAPs/advertising.

2. Lego Creator Islands

In all honesty, we’re sure most parents would be happier seeing kids playing with real Lego rather than virtual bricks on a tablet. But when the real thing isn’t an option, this official game’s a nice substitute.

It’s based around the titular islands, on which you collect bricks, to ‘buy’ Lego sets that are constructed with a few taps. Over time, you’ll accrue houses and vehicles, and cute blocky critters that roam about. As an added bonus, there’s no chance of painfully stepping on a plastic brick.

Get Lego Creator Islands for Android and iOS. This game has no IAPs/advertising.

3. Toca Kitchen 2

If your child regularly uses a tablet, you’ve likely already installed some Toca Boca games. They’re a smart mix of education and play, and Toca Kitchen 2 is no exception.

As you’d expect, Toca Kitchen 2 is all about cooking. This game invites you to create meals – however you prefer. Devise your own recipes and foist your creations on a colorful cast of characters, whether you’ve carefully constructed a burger, or decided to throw a watermelon into the microwave and cover it in sauce.

Get Toca Kitchen 2 for Android. This game has no IAPs/advertising. A paid version exists for iOS.

4. Llama Spit Spit

Llama Spit Spit is an oddball shoot ’em up, featuring a flying llama blasting crazy cartoon enemies with a mix of spittle and high-powered weaponry.

The controls are incredibly simple, meaning even younger players can get on board. Power-ups and collectable llamas (with their own background imagery) keep things interesting over the long term.

The one snag is it’s the spit of Shooty Skies (Android/iOS), which is the better (and more surreal) game – although the lack of ads and IAP means the llamas get the nod for this particular list.

Get Llama Spit Spit for Android and iOS. This game has no IAPs/advertising.

5. Disney Crossy Road

The original Crossy Road cleverly reworked Frogger, with blocky characters hopping across chunky endless landscapes, trying to avoid a dunk in a river or getting flattened by a train. But the masterstroke was a raft of unlockable characters.

Disney Crossy Road is much the same, but uses Disney characters that often radically overhaul the game’s visuals and gameplay mechanics. Over 100 figurines are there to be found, and although IAP lurks, playing and collecting coins in the in-game worlds is all you need to snag them all.

Get Disney Crossy Road for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for buying new characters.

6. Frisbee Forever 2

You’d think flinging a plastic disc about would make for a rubbish video game. Fortunately, Frisbee Forever 2 is more akin to a set of rollercoasters, with you guiding your disc through gates, collecting stars along the way.

There’s a hint of Nintendo about this breezy arcade experience, with its vibrant visuals, smart level design, and a basic control system suitable for all. And although there are freemium underpinnings, you’re rewarded with in-game currency for every second played – even if an attempt at a level ends in failure.

Get Frisbee Forever 2 for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for more rapidly unlocking discs and zones.

7. Fruit Ninja

In the fast paced world of Fruit Ninja, your finger becomes a virtual sword, chopping away at pieces of fruit lobbed onto the screen in two, and attempting to avoid cutting into game-ending bombs. 

It’s the perfect game for a tablet, since you can make satisfyingly large swipes across the display. But, what makes it special is the fact that it offers local multiplayer, so two kids can zealously pit their fruit-slicing skills against each other.

Get Fruit Ninja for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for purchasing in-game currency.

8. Mekorama

With its tiny isometric worlds you spin with a finger, and landscape-flipping mechanics, Mekorama brings to mind Monument Valley. But this game has no Escher-like optical illusions; instead, it concentrates on straightforward pathfinding as you help an ambling robot reach its goals.

It’s a charming, thoughtful, tactile experience, and on a tablet is suitable for parent/child play, with you working through the puzzles together. Once you’re done with the 50 built-in levels, you can download more from the internet, or make your own.

Get Mekorama for Android and iOS. This game features optional IAP for tipping the developer.

9. Super Stickman Golf 3

For many kids, golf won’t excite. But the Super Stickman universe doesn’t partake in normal golf. Instead, you’re thwacking balls across larger-than-life side-on courses – massive castles; laser-strewn bases; floating islands.

Although it’s a fun solo game, which makes the most of bigger screens (through you being able to see more of each course and therefore aim more precisely), it also has superb multiplayer modes. You can play turn-by-turn matches with friends, or try your hand at frenetic, madcap ‘race to the hole’ skirmishes.

Get Super Stickman Golf 3 for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and IAP for unlocking a premium upgrade (more courses and slots for turn-based multiplayer) and in-game currency.

10. Spaceteam

If you’ve several kids with devices, Spaceteam’s a delightfully bonkers way to have them all yell at each other in a vaguely productive manner that in theory helps them work as a team. Specifically, a ‘spaceteam’ in a ship trying to outrun an exploding star, with control panels designed by a sadist.

Once devices are connected, instructions appear on your screen – but the controls may be on someone else’s. So you’ll have people yelling nonsense like “someone turn on the dangling shunter”, while figuring out if their own screen has a ‘spectrobolt’ slider. Just like in Star Trek.

Get Spaceteam for Android and iOS. This game has a single optional IAP that unlocks new features and themes

http://www.techradar.com/news/best-free-games-for-kids

The bottom line: While its brilliant picture quality is let down by some frustrating smart features, you may still be tempted by the amount the Sony Bravia KDL40RE453 Full HD TV packs in for the price. 

With HDR technology illuminating the brightest and darkest scenes, and the X-Reality PRO upscaling and refining pixels to reduce noise, viewers are treated to double the dosage of screen clarity power to bring the superior image that Sony are renowned for. 

If you’re looking for a fully-loaded HD TV with an easy-to-use interface, this probably isn’t the best choice – but as a basic smart set with decent visual quality, it’s still a decent choice for the price.

Pros: Awesome screen clarity, slim design

Cons: Clunky interface

Sony Bravia KDL40RE453 Full HD TV: Everything you need to know

If the viewing experience is important to you but budget is too, you can’t go wrong with this Sony TV. Reviewers rate the immense picture quality produced by the HDR and X-Reality PRO technologies as being noticeably different if you’re used to non-HDR TVs. To further boost the screen power, the designers have added another element- Motionflow XR – which keeps action smooth by upscaling and refining pixels. This helps to enhance fast-paced action scenes and the gaming experience (but what do expect from the creators of the Playstation?).  

With a 1080p Full HD max screen resolution, there is nothing ground breaking here in terms of visuals, particularly if you have ever experienced the quality of 4K, but the LCD display still boasts an excellent quality visual.

The design

Sony have kept the appearance of this TV as slim as possible and the frame is narrow too, which helps to create the illusion of edge to edge viewing. With less obstruction around the outside, you can concentrate on more immersive viewing. The stand integrates polymer and metal to create a sturdy support for the television, although some owners are disappointed that the stand isn’t pure metal like earlier models. 

Having said that, if Sony have compromised the stand materials to focus on delivering a high quality image for a great price, we aren’t going to complain too much. 

Features

You will find all of your best-loved apps including iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime packed into this TV. But it’s the smart features are this Sony Bravia TVs downfall, with apps being clunky and slow to set up, rendering this an excellent HD TV but nothing more. 

Having said that, with a little patience, the smart features are there, if you can stay focussed enough to set them up. With USB ports, you can plug in your Amazon Fire Stick, view your favourite photos and listen to your favourite music tracks. There are 2 HDMI ports so you can plug in your games console and DVD player, although a common gripe is that three slots might be more useful. 

Overall, this TV has the great picture quality you would expect from a Full HD TV but is lacking the high quality Smart features of its competitors.

Decided this is the one for you? View the best Sony Bravia KDL40RE453 TV prices at the top of the page. 

http://www.techradar.com/news/should-i-buy-the-sony-bravia-kdl40re453-full-hd-tv