PCWorld

PCWorld December has reviews of the new Google Pixel 4 XL and Pixelbook Go. We have details on AMD’s 32-core Threadripper 3970X and 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X. We review the HP Omen 17 and the new Brave 1.0 browser. Plus, your HDMI vs. DisplayPort questions answered. All this and a lot more can be found in the December issue of PCWorld.

PCWorld

AMD unveils 32-core Threadripper 3970X, 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X, and unlocked Athlon • The 32-core Threadripper will cost $1,999, and there’ll be a 24-core Threadripper for $1,399, too.

With the App Defense Alliance, Google Play Protect might actually keep malware off your phone • Google has announced a new alliance to augment its inadequate Play Protect malware-detection system.

Chrome OS 78 gives Chromebooks virtual desktops, click-to-call, and longer support spans • Google’s making Chromebooks look a bit more like Windows machines, while increasing their value.

Microsoft’s 10 biggest Ignite reveals include the new Edge, and more ways to tie Office to the web • Outlook gains a number of new features, too.

16-inch MacBook Pro hands-on: Faster, prettier, and all-around better (especially the keyboard) • First impressions of Apple’s new pro-grade laptop, which replaces the 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Nvidia reveals faster GeForce GTX 1660 Super, GTX 1650 Super GPUs boosted by GDDR6 memory • GDDR6 makes a big performance difference.

Twitch Studio, Twitch’s easy-peasy streaming software for beginners, hits open beta • Game on.

Google takes a second stab at Pixel Buds with a true wireless design • Google’s first Pixel earbuds were underwhelming. Coming in early 2020, the updated model will feature a true wireless design, and promise a better experience overall.

HP Omen 17 (2019): Gaming laptop with solid performance that’s shockingly affordable • A full RTX 2070 at this price? Believe it.

Brave 1.0: This excellent, privacy-focused browser can make you money, too • If you can’t get over the hurdle of giving away personal info to sign up for blockchain-based payments, that’s fine. Brave’s browser is worth using on its own.

Google Pixel 4 XL: Half great, half baked • Google has packed its newest handset with an array of cutting-edge tech, but it falls frustratingly short of being a great phone.

Google Pixelbook Go: A perfectly good Chromebook that elevates the category • It offers good design and performance for a better price.

Lenovo IdeaPad S340-15IWL: Peppy quad-core performance, but a cheap display • This bargain-priced laptop puts up impressive performance numbers, but make sure to get one with an IPS display rather than the iffy TN variety.

Hands on with Microsoft’s Project xCloud: Putting cellular cloud gaming to the test • Microsoft’s Project xCloud will never surpass a local console, or a PC. But for passing time while stuck in a hotel lobby, dentist’s office, or airport, it’s not bad.

IF 2020 WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE TALL PHONE, I WANT NO PART OF IT • SAMSUNG, MOTO, AND ESSENTIAL ARE ALL WORKING ON PHONES WITH VERY TALL SCREENS. CAN WE JUST NOT?

HDMI VS DISPLAYPORT: WHICH DISPLAY INTERFACE REIGNS SUPREME? • THE STANDARDS ARE MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT, BUT ONE IS COMMON TO TVS AND THE OTHER IS TYPICALLY FOUND ONLY ON PCS.

How to use Windows’ Your Phone app to connect a phone to a PC • Your Phone’s most useful basic functions are already in place, with the flashier features still working their way through preview.

Tip: WinDirStat helps you find your PC’s hidden storage hogs for free • Red Dead Redemption 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare each require 150GB+ of storage space to play. WinDirStat can help.

6 tips for polishing and perfecting finished images • Make your digital images even better by using photo editing...