New ‘Blade Runner 2049’ trailer teases more of Deckard’s story

We got our first real look at the upcoming Blade Runner sequel in May and today we get a little more with a new trailer. In this one we’re given more views of the futuristic California setting and a few more plot details. And maybe even another hint as to Rick Deckard’s true identity.

Previous glimpses into Blade Runner 2049 have shown us that Officer K (Ryan Gosling) has been searching for Deckard (Harrison Ford) who has been missing for thirty years. The first trailer teased us with K telling Deckard that he had some things to ask him and here Deckard responds to K’s question of what happened by saying, “We were being hunted.” The answer to whether that “we” means replicants will most certainly have to wait until October.

We also get a little bit more Robin Wright in this trailer, who again warns of war, and we see Dave Bautista for the first time. A very eerie Jared Leto is also a bigger focal point in the second trailer. Leto plays replicant maker Neander Wallace who at one point says he could only make so many replicants and that while he had the lock, someone else — presumably Deckard — had the key. He later follows all of that up with a very ominous “The future of the species has finally unearthed.”

This trailer provides some tidbits that lay out an interesting storyline for the long-awaited sequel, which can hopefully stand up to the original. Blade Runner 2049 hits theaters on October 6th and you can check out the trailer below.

Source: Warner Bros.

LinkedIn’s incessant connection requests are coming to Windows 10

If you’re running Windows 10, your job search may have gotten a bit easier. Microsoft has announced that with the new LinkedIn app for its desktop OS, you’ll be able to access the full business-minded social network experience from the Start menu and task bar along with all those ads. You can even make it a Live tile if you’d like. So yep, all the people you’ve never met before who want you to join their professional network will invade your serene desktop experience if you install this.

LinkedIn says that you’ll have full control over the types of notifications you’ll get on desktop, so maybe it won’t be as bad as we’re imagining. Not seeing it in the Windows Store? You might have to be patient. Microsoft says that its $26.2 billion baby’s app will roll out to everyone by the end of the month.

Via: Microsoft

Source: LinkedIn

Olloclip and Incase Launch Limited Edition iPhone 7 ‘Filmer’s Kit’ Exclusively at Apple Stores

Smartphone accessory companies Olloclip and Incase today announced a new collaborative product called the “Filmer’s Kit” for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The $199 kit includes “curated essentials” for users who regularly find themselves filming, taking photos, or live streaming on an iPhone 7.

Specifically, the Filmer’s Kit includes an Olloclip Core Lens Set with Fisheye, Super-wide, and Macro 15x lenses, an Olloclip Active Lens Set with Telephoto and Ultra-Wide lenses, an Olloclip Pivot articulating mobile video grip, and a carrying case that was a joint effort between Olloclip and Incase.

“olloclip remains committed to finding new and exciting ways to making inspiring videos and photos fun and easy to capture on your mobile device. Partnering with Incase made sense to us since they, too, understand the importance of the photographic category and offer a complete collection aimed at the modern-day photographer and videographer,” said Patrick O’Neill, founder of olloclip.

“We also appreciate how Incase’s minimalistic and easy-to-use design language complements olloclip’s design ethos by focusing on maximizing functionality while delivering the finest details and finishes.”

The companies are releasing the $199 Filmer’s Kit in a super-exclusive supply run of less than 2,000 copies worldwide. The kit won’t be made available to purchase on Apple.com, or on Olloclip’s and Incase’s websites, so those interested will have to visit an Apple retail location to pick up a copy before they sell out.

Olloclip did refer to the Filmer’s Kit as the “inaugural” edition, suggesting there could be more of the product, perhaps in a wider release, coming in the future.

Tags: olloclip, Incase
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App Attack: K.O. on-the-go with Street Fighter IV Champion Edition

If you’re looking for a blast from the past arcade game to play in the comfort of your own home — or anywhere for that matter — you’ll love Street Fighter IV Champion Edition for iOS.

Growing up with an older brother who was a video game fanatic, I can easily say I’m in-tune with the classics of the ’90s. But being the annoying younger sister, I wasn’t allowed to play the games and was rather instructed to sit and watch. Since then, not much has changed other than our age and I’ll admit I’m still not an avid gamer. When I saw the new Street Fighter was released for the iPhone, I decided to take a chance and try out the one fighting game everyone raves about.

The new release for iOS takes you back to those Sega Genesis days — pressing down violently on all the controls to make sure you get every last move in. While the one major difference is obviously the touchscreen, the controls still mimic an arcade setup with a joystick and multiple buttons. You can also customize the configurations based on comfort and size for optimal K.O. power. For the far more hard-core gamers, the version is compatible with MiFi game controllers such as the ones from Gamevice. The only downside is the controllers don’t work with the menu screens so you’ll still have to use touchscreen for that.

There are options to play as single player Arcade mode, and if you’re on Wi-Fi you can battle against players from around the world. I opted for single player partly because I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve ever played Street Fighter.

Under single player, you can choose between Survival mode — which tests your endurance without boosting your health meter — or traditional Arcade mode. You also have the option of training your fighter or going into challenge mode allowing you to fight against a still opponent who only dies when you perform a combo. Once you get through all the levels, you’ve officially beat the game.

I decided to be strategic about this one and started with training mode. You can choose between 25 different characters with three new characters included in the mix. I went with Cammy — because, girl power — who I recognized from the past Street Fighter games when she was one of the few female characters to choose from. You’re also forced to choose who you’re training with so I went with Blanka since he reminds me of the Hulk.

I personally liked this stage of the game best because you literally get to beat the crap out of your opponent while they just stand there and take it. But in terms of its actual purpose, this mode is a great way for gamers new to Street Fighter to familiarize themselves with the controls and even for veterans to brush up on their skills. Among the list of added features is the “SP” button to unleash the unique super moves each player has onto their opponent. You can also choose between four levels of difficulty — beginner, normal, hard, and grueling.

After I felt trained enough, I moved on to Arcade mode which brings you to different stages and settings around the globe to fight. This is where I realized how handy having the MiFi controllers must be. Every angle of the joystick and button combination elicits a different move from your fighter –before each round, you’ll also get a list those special moves and the buttons to press for each one. But with touchscreen it was difficult to accurately pinpoint the joystick in the direction I wanted it in, which can easily get frustrating with a game like this where you have to be quick.

In terms of graphics it’s easy to say they’re disappointing after becoming accustomed to what’s available in the current mobile game market, but if we’re comparing it to past versions of Street Fighter then I think Capcom managed to do a good job without compromising the integrity of the entire franchise. This time around, it also has widescreen support along with support for larger iPhones. In Champion Edition, the graphics are high-res and super bright but you can see where details like the backdrops and character features could have used more work to look a lot less pixelated. But after all, aren’t pixels essential to nostalgia?

Street Fighter IV Champion Edition can be found in the App Store and will run you $5 — a somewhat steep price in comparison to other games. To be fair, you don’t get ads and there aren’t any in-app purchases required to get through the levels.

Brace for impact: The best rugged phones can endure anything you throw at them

Every time you drop your phone face down, there’s a slight moment of fear that overcomes you right before you pick it up to (hopefully) see that your phone’s screen didn’t crack. We’re accustomed to this feeling because we all know that smartphones have a delicacy problem. Some companies are aware of this, and they’ve spent years trying to make the best rugged phones they can.

Over time, smartphones have gotten more water resistant, and for most people a protective case is all they’ll ever need. But a case and some water resistance isn’t enough for people who work in construction or engineering and need something that can survive rain, dust, and the occasional fall.

From our list, you’ll see everything from a phone developed by a construction company to a flip phone that can hang with the best of them. Keep in mind that not all of these phones may work for your carrier, but there are ways to fix that.

Note: All of the following smartphones run on Android Marshmallow, unless otherwise noted.

Cat S60

The Cat S60 is just as tough as any other Caterpillar product, but the S60 brings more to the table than just a smartphone wrapped in a metal and carbon fiber frame.

Its coolest — and most useless to 99.9% of the population — feature is the built-in FLIR thermal camera. As the name implies, you can take thermal photos and videos, and it looks just like it does in the Splinter Cell games. The display is 4.7 inches and 720p, made from tough Gorilla Glass with raised edges to ensure that your screen won’t crack.

The phone is also IP68 certified, so it can be submerged in water that’s 16 feet deep for up to an hour, take a six foot dive onto concrete, or be left out in below zero temperatures or 130 degree Fahrenheit weather and still work with no problems.

It comes equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and you can add more storage thanks to its MicroSD slot. Along with its SOS button and dual SIM card slots, the phone is a construction worker’s dream, but its $629 price tag is off-putting, especially when you can find the S50 (which is basically the same, minus the FLIR feature) for hundreds of dollars cheaper.

Amazon

Kyocera DuraForce Pro

The DuraForce Pro’s exterior is a mix of polycarbonate and thick rubber, and its backside is conveniently curved so that it can fit comfortably in anyone’s hands. It’s only IP68 certified to be dustproof and waterproof for up to 30 minutes under 6.5 feet of water.

The DuraForce Pro also comes equipped with a really cool feature called Smart Sonic Receiver. While you’re on the phone, the receiver cancels up to 100 decibels of background noise by sending vibrations directly to your eardrum. If you’re constantly working around loud machinery, this feature is for you.

The phone doesn’t have a SIM card slot, and you can’t buy it unlocked, which means you have to go through a carrier, and that leaves the phone loaded with bloatware. The battery can last up to a day with medium use, which is actually on the low side for rugged smartphones. It does fortunately have a nifty Quick Charge feature that lets you charge up to 60 percent of the battery in 30 minutes.

Amazon

Homtom HT20

The HT20’s biggest draw is that it’s the cheapest smartphone on the list, at just over $100, but that comes at a price.

Don’t get us wrong, this phone is still incredibly durable. It’s IP68 certified to be waterproof for up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes, it has a heavy duty Gorilla Glass screen that prevents scratches and cracks, and its magnesium alloy frame and rubber bumps make it virtually shockproof.

Where the phone is really lacking is internally. It tends to run slow if you have multiple apps open thanks to only having 2GB of RAM. The 3,500 mAh battery holds a decent charge, but it lacks a rapid charger (which is uncommon for rugged phones). But on the plus side, it has dual SIM slots, and the 16GB of storage can be bumped up to 64GB if you put in a MicroSD card.

You’re losing some standard features that come with rugged phones, but the HT20 is durable enough, and its price point will be hard to pass up for some.

Amazon

Blackview BV6000

The BV6000 is pretty much the CAT S60’s little sibling. It looks similar to the S60 and even has a lot of the same features, like an SOS alarm, dual SIM slots, and IP68 certifications in water, dust, and shock resistance. It even outshines the S60 in some regards, especially when you compare batteries. The BV6000’s 4,200 mAh battery can last for two to five days depending on usage. The S60’s 3,800 mAh battery is also great, but it’s just not on the same level.

The phone is tough and dependable, but it doesn’t have any outstanding features like some of our other picks for the best rugged phones. The processing power is the equivalent to the iPhone 5S, and Blackview’s interpretation of what Android Marshmallow should be is pretty off putting. This might seem like a slight problem, but when you’re not allowed to delete apps from the home screen and icons for things like Facebook and Google Play look unrecognizable, the little things start to add up.

What makes this phone great is its durability and price point. If you like the CAT S60, but don’t want to pay extra for the bells and whistles, then this is what you’re looking for.

Amazon

Kyocera XV+

Believe it or not, flip phones are making a comeback, and if you really want to cut out any danger of breaking your phone, then you might want to consider getting one. Sounds archaic at first, but the XV+ is an old school phone with new school features like GPS navigation and Kyocera’s patented Smart Sonic Receiver which made the DuraForce Pro such a standout.

There’s obviously no touchscreen, and you won’t be able to play Angry Birds on it, but the XV+ is IPX68 certified to be submerged under six feet of water for 30 minutes and endure shock, rainstorm, extreme temperatures, and dust. The XV+ is specifically for Verizon, but you can find variants of the same phone for other carriers at Kyocera’s website.

Amazon

Heart of brightness: Astronomers map the inside of a supernova

Why it matters to you

By revealing how molecules form in the aftermath of supernovae, scientists can better describe the origin of planets and life.

A supernova is easily the most brilliant event in the universe. At the end of its short life, a massive star erupts with such intensity that it can outshine its home galaxy, create new elements, and form new molecules through the destruction of others.

The first recorded observation of a supernova dates all the way back to 185 AD, but it wasn’t until recently that scientists have been able to map what occurs at the core of these explosions. Now, thanks to computer models of a supernova first witnessed 30 years ago, astronomers at National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) have been able to depict the inside of this event.

“Supernovae explosions involve a lot of physics under extreme conditions,” Remy Indebetouw, an astronomer at the University of Virginia and NRAO, told Digital Trend. “Vast quantities of neutrinos; nuclear fusion and rapid decay; fluid and plasma dynamics and instabilities. It has been a great challenge to model them, and for many years astronomers had difficulties getting stars to explode at all in computer simulations.”

Although supernovae are relatively common within our observable universe, they still only occur every 50 years on average in galaxies as big as the Milky Way. That means scientists don’t often get the chance to study such an event from the initial explosion to its end, when it cools down and new molecules begin to form.

Indebetouw and his team used data from Chile’s Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) to study a supernova named SN 1987A, which occurred within a dwarf galaxy some 163,000 light-years away. Collected and analyzed over three decades, the ALMA data gave unprecedented detail about the star’s violent death, including the emergence of elements like carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, and the formation of molecules like silicon monoxide (SiO) and carbon monoxide (CO).

“Supernovae are rare but very energetic, and disrupt vast parts of space around them,” Indebetouw said. “They are the source of most of the atoms like carbon and oxygen that eventually form planets and people, and astronomers have evidence that a supernova exploded near enough to our own solar system that some of the material from that explosion forms part of Earth. It’s really important to understand how, when, and where supernovae go off to understand how, when, and where stars, planets, and life forms in galaxies.”

Though scientists had previously estimated how and where molecules would combine within supernovae, this marks the first time data was captured in resolution high enough to confirm the test models. Two papers detailing the research have been published in the journals Astrophysical Journal Letters and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Keep your cables organized with 100 VELCRO brand ties for $6

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with an inexpensive cable management accessory you must have!

Update: That was quick! Looks like these are back up to $10 now!

Keeping your cables neat and tidy is a chore that many people don’t want to have to do, but cable management doesn’t have to be a big pain for you. Something as simple as some velcro ties can transform a slew of messy cables into something you can actually manage in just a few minutes. Right now you can pick up a 100 pack of VELCRO Brand thin ties for just $5.99 at Amazon, a savings of $4 from the regular price.

• Take control of computer and electronics cord clutter with easily adjustable, reusable hook & loop ties.
• Perfect for computer, appliance and electronic cord organization, wire management and storage.
• Trusted & used in data & network centers across the globe. Wraps onto itself for secure hold
• 100 Pack of adjustable, reusable, low profile Black VELCRO Brand Thin Ties
• Cut it to length or combine ties to make it the perfect length for any application

Stop dealing with messy cables all over the place and get them cleaned up and looking neat for just a few bucks.

See at Amazon

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

Samsung Level On Pro wireless headphones review: Leave buttons and the noisy world behind

Never leave home without headphones.

If I leave my phone at home, I’m gonna kick myself for forgetting. If I forget my headphones at home, I’m going back to get them every time. Headphones are the key to my sanity in a world of obnoxious coworkers, crying kids at the supermarket, and ridiculous noises. A good pair of headphones is as important as a good phone, because I’ll use the headphones just as much, if not more so.

I’ve bounced between different pairs of Bluetooth headphones for years, and while I initially had some misgivings about the Samsung Level On Pro Bluetooth headphones ($170), they’ve since won me over. Big and bulky though they may be, there’s a lot here to love… as long as you don’t mind giving up physical buttons.

Hardware

The Samsung Level On Pro headphones look sleek, if a little generic. The two cups can be pulled out to adjust the fit for larger heads, but my more compact cranium fit the headphones without pulling out the cups and breaking up the clean profile.

The cups are wide, comfy, and even without active noise cancelling turned on they help block out a lot of ambient noise.

The cups on the Samsung Level On Pro headphones don’t swivel as other headphones of this size and shape do, meaning that if you try to wear them around your neck between sessions they’re going to feel bulky and get in the way.

The headband is quite well-padded, though: I can listen for hours on end and feel no soreness where the headband sits.

No buttons means having to rely on gestures, and they don’t always work reliably.

One thing you’ll rapidly notice on these headphones is the complete lack of buttons. There is a switch to turn on the headphones, and a switch to turn on the active noise cancelling, but that’s it. So, how do you pause your music? How do you turn up the volume?! The panel on the back of the right earcup is a capacitive touch panel. You double-tap the panel to pause/play music and to accept/end phone calls, and you swipe up/down/left/right to change tracks and volume.

It’s an adjustment, but once you’re used to it, things are quite smooth. If your headphones (or your whole head) are at an angle while listening, such as reclining in your favorite chair, then your commands can get mixed up. When listening with my head down on my desk, I frequently restarted a track instead of turning the volume up as I intended. Once you’ve adapted, though, that panel is oddly satisfying to use.

Sound

One consequence of using cheap headphones for years and years: I can’t quite distinguish the finer notes of a headphones’ sound quality as some of my more audiophilic editors. These are the best headphones in my possession; they’re clear and crisp, the bass doesn’t get too muddy (not that I’m a big bass thumper), they keep their signal well across a room, and they block a decent amount of sound passively.

When active noise canceling is enabled, they can help me block out most of the harsh, noisy, volatile world, which makes me miss them terribly as I sit in a boisterous family gathering, or in a rowdy dive bar.

I’m no audiophile, but these sound really, really good.

Using the Level On Pro headphones with a Samsung phone like my Galaxy S8 allows you to crank up some super special sound enhancements…. But I abandoned those quickly. They hurt more than they helped, if they made a difference at all. So if you’re not a Samsung user but are considering these headphones, relax: you’re not missing anything. Samsung user or not, when you get the Level On Pro headphones, you’ll want to install the Samsung Level app. It’ll allow you to tweak the headphones’ settings, and it’s the only way to know what the battery level is before the dreaded “low battery” chimes start going off.

Conclusion

I’m enjoying every minute with the Samsung Level On Pro headphones. Active Noise Cancelling is amazing for blocking out crowd noise, kitchen noise, and whatever nonsense my family is chatting about.

If you’re looking for good Bluetooth headphones with good noise cancelling, an excellent fit and build quality, and aren’t quite as ridiculously expensive as the Bose QC 35 everyone seems to be in love with, it’s hard to go wrong with a quality brand like Samsung, especially when they’re half the price with just as many bells and whistles.

See at Amazon

Grab a 256GB SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick for its lowest price ever

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a great deal on SanDisk’s awesome wireless stick!

Flash drives have dropped big time in price over the recent years, and that’s great if you want something to be able to access from your computer. SanDisk’s Connect Wireless Stick is much more than a regular flash drive, as it’s designed to work with your phone, tablet, and computer, and right now you can pick up the 256GB version for just $128.95 at Amazon. This price sits around $15 cheaper than the previous low, and closer to $75 from its everyday price.

Some of the features that make it stand out include:

• The flash drive reinvented for your phone, tablet and computer
• Wirelessly save and access your photos, videos and files
• Collect and share up to 256GB
• Stream HD videos and music to up to 3 devices at the same time
• Connect wirelessly or simply plug into a USB port

With smartphones and tablets having limited space, odds are you don’t want to clutter them up with all your files. This is the best, and most portable, option for keeping more media, files, pictures, and music with you while on the go.

See at Amazon

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

IPVanish VPN review: A rich set of features that also caters to novice users

IPVanish has everything you love about a VPN, including a lack of user logs, a long list of servers, and features for advanced users.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are increasing in popularity due to the ever-eroding nature of online privacy. A VPN can be best described as an encrypted tunnel that protects your data as it moves between your device and the open internet. Not only that, it also helps keeps you anonymous while you go about your business.

Should I run a VPN on my Android phone?

There are many VPNs on offer, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equal. IPVanish is a leading VPN provider, thanks to a lack of log-keeping, a long list of servers, and snappy performance. Read on for more information about IPVanish and whether or not it’s right for you.

See at IPVanish

One of the first things you’ll look for when shopping for a VPN service is the price. IPVanish has three plans to choose from:

A one-year plan to IPVanish is the cheapest deal you can get, costing $6.49 per month but billed annually at $77.99. If you don’t need a year’s worth of VPN — like if you’re taking a trip and need it for hostels and cafes — you can grab a three-month deal at $8.99 per month that’s billed once for $26.99.

Just want to give IPVanish a try? There’s a monthly subscription option that costs $10, and there’s a seven-day money-back guarantee that can be treated as a trial. There is, unfortunately, no lifetime plan available, something many of us look for when shopping a VPN.

Compared to other VPN services, IPVanish is priced somewhere in the middle. For example, you can grab a yearly subscription to Private Internet Access VPN for $3.33 per month, billed yearly at $39.95. That’s about half of what IPVanish costs. On the other hand, IPVanish is significantly cheaper than a yearly plan to ExpressVPN, which costs about $100.

IPVanish has a wide range of payment options, including credit card, Bitcoin, PayPal, and more, but most gift cards are not accepted, which is somewhat of a downer if you value anonymity throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a completely anonymous transaction, be sure to go with Bitcoin.

Strong security, poor location

IPVanish security protocols

IPVanish, like any good VPN service, takes security seriously, and they offer the full gamut of connection protocols. OpenVPN — both TPC and UDP — is used by default in the Android app, but for Chromebook, you’re stuck with either L2TP or IPSec, which are both capped at 128-bit AES encryption.

IPVanish treats their OpenVPN protocol properly, offering 256-bit AES encryption, authentication by means of SHA-256, and a handshake with RSA-2048. This is rock-solid protection and you should feel comfortable using it.

If you’re on Android, security comes first. On Chrome, it’s less of a priority.

On top of having a secure OpenVPN protocol, IPVanish provides users with a few extra options. You can choose which port to use for OpenVPN, and there’s a scramble option that effectively hides the fact that your traffic is encrypted. That’s a welcome option and not something you see from many other services.

The only downside that we can write about when it comes to IPVanish’s security is that the company itself is based in the United States. This might turn a lot of users away in favor of a VPN service located somewhere that doesn’t have such aggressive intelligence practices.

Laying it on thick

IPVanish features

This is a full-featured VPN that doesn’t skimp on speed or server options.

IPVanish has an impressive set of features that users can take advantage of. You can have five devices connected simultaneously to VPN servers, and you don’t have to worry about running out of bandwidth; you can use their service all you want without hitting a cap. Considering you can also configure a router with IPVanish, you’re effectively locking down a ton of other devices in your home.

There are more than 850 servers you can connect to in more than 60 countries, with more than 40,000 shared IP addresses. No matter where you are, you’re likely going to get a speedy connection. There’s also no limit on how many times you can switch servers in a set amount of time, so you can click around until you find a good speed.

Some of the features that you’ll see settings for in the client include automatic IPv6 leak protection, automatic DNS leak protection, a kill switch that stops all traffic if the VPN goes down, and an automatic IP address changer that can be set to change at a timed interval of your choosing.

Rounding out the features is a SOCKS5 web proxy for VoIP, as well as the ability to torrent over the IPVanish network, something I’m sure many of you will love. Even if you’re using a P2P network for legal purposes, many outside entities have a hard time distinguishing between legal and illegal. It would be a shame to have your name on a list somewhere.

A note on IPVanish and Netflix. In my testing, I couldn’t get access to U.S. Netflix from where I’m located in Canada. If you’re looking at a VPN primarily for unblocking streaming services, look elsewhere.

Best intentions

IPVanish’s stance on user activity logs

IPVanish makes it clear in their privacy policy that they keep absolutely no logs. Yes, they might require your name, address, and email for billing purposes, but you can circumnavigate this by paying with Bitcoin.

Because IPVanish is situated in the U.S., it’s hard to tell whether they’ll ever be pressured by an outside agency to cough up information. It seems that everything is currently running smoothly, but that could change without us knowing, and by that point, it would be too late.

Easy and intuitive

Setting up and using the IPVanish app

Getting everything set up on an Android device is painless. The app is readily available in the Play Store, and, assuming you’ve already created an account and purchased a subscription on the IPVanish website, all you need to do is log in. Note that Chromebook users will have to manually set things up, as there is no extension available.

The app is nicely-designed, but it’s set up for permanent night mode.

You’re greeted with a Quick Connect menu that has a large, green Connect button right in the middle, with some options below for choosing a country, a city, and a server. There is also information about your connection status, your real IP address, and your real location.

The user interface is, by default, set to a dark or night view — text is white or green while the background is slate. I don’t mind this at all and enjoy seeing it from the start, but if you have a hard time reading the text this way, you’ll be disappointed that you can’t swap the colors around for a standard app view.

In most cases, I didn’t stray far from the Quick Connect menu because it has almost everything I need. However, when you really want to tweak your connection, you can head into the Server List menu, which contains a list of servers you can sort by country, city, or number of servers. You can also search through the servers if you have one in mind.

Finally, there is a filter tab where you can nail down a collection of servers based on connection protocol, country, and latency. This helps if you’re an advanced user and really know what you want, but can be pretty much ignored by most novice VPN users.

Overall, the IPVanish client is about as easy as they come. If you’re a novice user, you can stick with the Quick Connect menu and trust that your connection is secured, but there are also a bunch of settings that can be quickly changed behind the scenes, something advanced users will love.

Make it snappy

IPVanish speed and performance

IPVanish doesn’t put any limits on bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about hitting a cap and having everything slow down. IPVanish claims they deliver the best VPN speeds, so we put it to the test.

Using a Wi-Fi connection on my Samsung Galaxy Note 5, I used Ookla’s Speedtest app to test with and without IPVanish enabled. I tried a domestic connection in Canada, a close international connection in the U.S., and finally a far international connection in Australia. An OpenVPN (UDP) protocol was used.

First test (Mid-morning)

Second test (Late afternoon)

As you can see from the results above, speeds varied depending on the time of day and, more drastically, the location of the server. I tested the Australian server a few times, and the results were wildly inconsistent. There seemed to be almost no bandwidth for downloads, and, at times, relatively high speeds for uploads. Testing on other platforms did not draw the same odd results.

Connecting to or switching between servers is snappy. It takes no longer than a couple of seconds to connect, which can’t be said for many other VPN providers. While in my testing it might not have the actual fastest speeds when connecting through the recommended servers, there are many factors that contribute — my location, the location of the Ookla server, and the load on the VPN server all come into account. I don’t think the claim of having the best VPN speeds would hold up under heavy scrutiny — especially with the odd results when connecting overseas — but overall I was pleased with the performance when I kept to my own continent.

Help yourself

IPVanish customer service

When it comes to getting help with any problems, you have two options. You can search through an extensive library of guides and how-tos on the IPVanish website, or you can send an email directly to support staff. I sent a test email with a phony problem, and I received an answer faster than I was expecting.

There is no live chat option, so don’t expect a quick conversation, but, in my experience, you should have someone helping you out within an hour.

IPVanish review conclusion

Not only is IPVanish’s Quick Connect menu suitable for novice users, there’s also a host of settings in the background that advanced users will love. There are over 850 servers in more than 60 countries, and you’ll be using one of 40,000 shared IP addresses. Tack on a lack of log keeping and secure connection protocols, and you have a very strong option. The only thing that makes me wary about IPVanish is their primary U.S. location.

Pros

• Strong encryption.
• Works on plenty of devices, including Tomato routers.
• Good performance…most of the time.
• Lots of servers in lots of countries.

Cons

• Located in the U.S.
• No live support.
• Odd performance on some servers.

See at IPVanish