PLAYSTATION Plus subscribers are waiting for Sony to unveil the free PS4 and PS5 games for October 2021.
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Pension alert as Britons set to wait until 57 to access cash – ‘hideously complex’
The normal minimum pension age increase is due to take effect from April 2028 as a single-step change, impacting many people. At present, Britons are able to access their pension at 55 under freedoms rules which allow them to manage their retirement cash. At this age, they will not have to incur any further tax charges related to an “unauthorised payment”.
The increase will be in line with that of the state pension age, which is set to rise to 67 at a similar time.
However, there are also other aspects of the draft legislation which are worth bearing in mind.
An individual member of a registered pension scheme who on April 5, 2023 has a right to take benefits earlier than 57, and the rules of the scheme on February 11, 2021, gave a right to take benefits at an earlier age, can retain the right to take benefits at age 55.
This right to take benefits at an earlier age is retained on a “block transfer”.
READ MORE: Yorkshire Building Society’s 3.5% interest rate withdrawn
He said: “The confirmation of the timing of the increase in the normal minimum pension age will be welcome to individuals and advisers and give time for appropriate planning over the next seven years.
“However, what should have been a simple process has turned into a hugely complex mess.
“The process to decide which individuals retain a right to an earlier pension age is completely arbitrary, being based on the specific wording within scheme rules, which may have been written many years ago.
“It also leaves open the possibility that people will hunt around for a scheme which gives them the right to take benefits at age 55 and transfer to that before 2023.
“So expect frantic transfer activity over the next few years as people look to secure age 55 as their minimum pension age, irrespective of their birth date.”
Mr Tully also expressed disappointment at the continuation of existing “block transfer” rules currently in place.
These rules are considered by some to be complex, and preventative when it comes to switching to a new contract.
Mr Tully stated these new arrangements can often be more flexible, modern and even cheaper.
But people are hanging on to the idea of taking their benefits at age 55 and so may not switch.
He concluded: “The legislation as drafted adds further hideous complexity to the pension system.
“That might be fine for pension geeks like me, but for the average pension saver will prove nigh on impossible to navigate successfully without the help of a professional adviser.”
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This post originally posted here Daily Express :: Finance Feed
‘It’s going to happen’: Brexit means six-hour wait for Britons arriving at amber countries
According to the travel union, queues in airports could reach six hours after the travel restrictions ease on July 19.
The increased time in the airport is due to both COVID-19 checks and Brexit.
When Britons arrive in European countries, they can no longer use their e-gates at border control but have to go through a manual passport control check.
Professional Officer at Immigration Services Union, Lucy Moreton, said: “There still will be queues associated with EU exit, with staff perhaps not being as available.
READ MORE: When will US borders open to UK tourists? US-UK taskforce talks
“Particularly if self-isolation figures surge in the way people are suggesting they might do before 19 August.
“But while we retain the requirement to check… [Covid] documentation for every arriving passenger… these queues are going to happen”.
Airport queues are approximately two hours now but after the travel restrictions ease for vaccinated Britons, the time will likely go up drastically.
On the UK side, passengers have to go through COVID-19 related checks performed both by UK border staff and the airline before travelling.
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When arriving at their destination, Britons will find long queues for different checks depending on the country’s COVID-19 test requirements and passport control.
Immigration procedures are now slower for UK tourists as the border force has to manually check the documentation and Britons are no longer allowed to use the e-gates for quicker entry.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented on the matter.
“The place to expect queues is the airport you are coming from.
At the moment, UK travellers arriving from a green list destination must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, a passenger locator form and pay for two PCR tests.
Fully vaccinated Britons will be able to do the same from July 19, when quarantine will no longer be required when returning from those countries.
Those coming from amber countries will need proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before travelling.
Holidaymakers can use the NHS app or an NHS letter when entering a European country this summer.
GTA 6 release date BLOW: Fans face four-year wait for NEW Grand Theft Auto Vice City
It appears Rockstar Games is in no rush to release the next game in the Grand Theft Auto saga.
GTA 6 is easily one of the most hotly anticipated games of all time, and it hasn’t even been announced yet.
Unfortunately, however, the latest reports suggest that fans are facing a wait of up to four years for the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6.
That’s according to a new leak posted by Tom Henderson, who previously (and correctly) leaked details of Battlefield 2042 and the new Call of Duty.
In his latest video on YouTube, Henderson claims that Grand Theft Auto 6 will have a 2025 release date.
If the reports are true, then the gap between the release of GTA 5 and GTA 6 will be a whopping 12 years.
On a more positive note, GTA 6 will reportedly be set in a modern day version of Vice City, which is definitely one of the more popular locations.
Previous rumours hinted at a 1980s setting, and in more than one location across the globe.
Similar to GTA 5, the next Grand Theft Auto game could feature multiple playable characters.
One of the more surprising suggestions is that GTA 6 will feature an ever-evolving map.
This would bring it more in line with live service games like Fortnite, which routinely adds new points of interest to its map as the seasons go by.
With this in mind, the suggestion is that GTA Online could adopt a Battle Pass system, much like Fortnite.
Of course, it’s all speculation until Rockstar actually reveals GTA 6, which judging by the reports, won’t be for a long time.
As previously reported, Rockstar parent company Take-Two remains happy with the amount of money coming in from GTA Online.
The sustained success of GTA Online means Rockstar is in no rush to release a new game in the GTA series.
While that’s bad news for fans, the flipside is that the next GTA should launch in a much healthier state than rushed open-world games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fallout 76.
It’s also worth remembering that GTA 5 is getting a PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrade later this year, complete with improved visuals and smoother performance.
Author: Liam Martin
This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Gaming
Windows 11 release date just leaked and millions face a long wait to download it
Microsoft’s all-new Windows 10 update was officially revealed last week with this blockbuster upgrade packed full of new features including a refreshed Start Menu that incorporates a system-wide search and applications recommended based on your habits, there’s also a new range of widgets, the ability to run almost any Android app alongside Microsoft applications, and better integration with Microsoft Teams. Although we’ve seen what will be included in Windows 11, Microsoft has stayed pretty tight-lipped about when it will be released with the Redmond firm only saying that it will be at some point this year.
However, although the date fans can download remains a mystery there are some big hints about when it could arrive on PCs.
Firstly, a YouTube video posted by Microsoft shows October 20 as the date on the calendar and there’s another hint that things could be made available around this time.
As spotted by the team at Windows Latest, a recent leak by US retailer Walmart has revealed that it’s getting ready to unleash Windows 11 to customers on October 21, that’s one day later than the date revealed by Microsoft.
The Walmart listing shows that date along with the news that it will be a free upgrade.
This clearly isn’t official confirmation but considering the date from Microsoft’s YouTube clip and Walmart’s website match up it gives a pretty good indication on when to expect Windows 11 to be available.
READ MORE: Why millions of Windows 10 users face a disappointing wait to get Windows 11
Sadly, it seems not everyone will be able to make the switch on that date with Microsoft saying that the rollout of its new operating system will take place in stages. In fact, some might not see the new features until 2022.
Explaining more, Microsoft said: “The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time.”
Along with that slow rollout the Redmond firm has also said that there will be certain system requirements.
That’s because this new software needs something called a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip to work.
Microsoft has confirmed that it will require PCs to have the latest TPM 2.0 installed on them and some older machines may not have that technology.
As Microsoft explains, “Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology is designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions. A TPM chip is a secure crypto-processor that is designed to carry out cryptographic operations. The chip includes multiple physical security mechanisms to make it tamper resistant, and malicious software is unable to tamper with the security functions of the TPM.”
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This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
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Why millions of Windows 10 users face a disappointing wait to get Windows 11
After weeks of rumours, leaks and endless speculation Microsoft has finally lifted the lid on Windows 11. This blockbuster upgrade boasts a swathe of changes and features, including a recognised Start Menu that incorporates a system-wide search and applications recommended based on your habits, there’s also a new range of widgets, the ability to run almost any Android app alongside Microsoft applications, and better integration with Microsoft Teams.
Users will also be treated to less memory-hungry security updates that Microsoft says will be 40 percent smaller. In fact, the firm is so confident about the size of these of updates that it says users should be able to download them via 4G and 5G data signals. Windows 11 is also more efficient so should use less battery life and the Redmond firm is boasting that it will be the most secure version of Windows ever.
So, that all sounds well and good, millions of Windows 10 users face a very long wait to get their hands on it.
Microsoft says it hopes to launch this new operating system later this year but that doesn’t mean everyone will be able to upgrade to it. It appears that a bunch of brand new PCs will be launched soon that will have Windows 11 pre-installed but, if you want to keep your current machine, then the release will be pushed out in stages.
READ MORE
Bye-bye Skype! Microsoft integrates Teams deep into all-new Windows 11
That means some current Windows 10 users won’t see the new features arriving on their devices until 2022.
Explaining more, Microsoft said: “The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time.”
Along with that slow rollout the Redmond firm has also said that there will be certain system requirements. If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11.
You can use this tool to check if your PC will be compatible
Speaking about the Windows 10 upgrade, Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices said: “Windows has always existed to be a stage for the world’s innovation. It’s been the backbone of global businesses and where scrappy startups became household names. The web was born and grew up on Windows.
“What was so powerful was the shift in the PC we saw and felt – from something practical and functional to something personal and emotional. “This is what inspired us as we were building the next generation of Windows. To build you a place that feels familiar, where you can create, learn, play and most importantly, connect in all new ways. Today, I am humbled and excited to introduce you to Windows 11, the Windows that brings you closer to what you love.”
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This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
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Spain 'can't wait to see Brits' after Balearics on green list – but EU poised to block UK
After Angela Merkel called for all EU countries to force Britons to quarantine on arrival, Spain has said they refuse to impose any restrictions on UK holidaymakers.
Due to Delta variant concerns, Angela Merkel urged an EU-coordinated approach to fight the COVID-19 Delta variant.
Germany has already introduced a two week quarantine for all Britons and asked other countries to follow suit.
“In our country, if you come from Great Britain, you have to go into quarantine – that’s not the case in every European country and that’s what I would like to see,” Ms Merkel said.
Other countries like France or Italy have also introduced mandatory quarantine for anyone arriving from the UK.
What do you think? Join the debate in the comments section here
READ MORE: Green list update: The SIX countries that Boris could add TODAY
However, Spanish Tourism Minister Maria Reyes Maroto appeared to put her country on a collision course with the likes of Angela Merkel as she announced that they “don’t have any restrictions on tourists from the UK”.
“Hopefully we can begin to receive British tourists soon,” she said ahead of today’s green list announcement.
“We don’t have any restrictions on tourists from the UK at the moment.
“They’re the ones who are placing restrictions on people when they return.
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“Perhaps the green light for Spain doesn’t depend on the situation here, now that the tendency here is the right one, but on the UK’s epidemiological situation and the fear that an opening of borders would go against attempts to control the pandemic,” she added.
However, Portuguese PM Antonio Costa admitted he would bow down to whatever EU leaders decided ahead of a European Council meeting.
When being asked if Portugal would consider making Britons quarantine, he said: “If that was the wish of the Council, yes.
“The United Kingdom shouldn’t have any different treatment.”
In 2018, 18 million Brits chose Spain for their holidays, way above second and third-placed Germany and France with around 11 million tourists each.
Spain opened its borders to British tourists at the end of May despite France and Germany unveiling tougher rules.
At the time, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez extended his own personal invite to holidaymakers from the UK by announcing they could visit the country with no restrictions.
Currently, any Briton can go on holiday to Spain without the need to take a COVID-19 test or follow a quarantine.
In the last weeks, Mallorca saw a surge in the number of German tourists, who mocked Britons for not being able to go on holiday this summer.
Now, with the Balearic Islands added to the green list, UK tourists will be able to return to the archipelago from June 30.
The Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, along with other 16 destinations have been moved to the green list.
Britons travelling to green destinations can do so without restrictions or need to quarantine on return to the UK.
Additional reporting by Gerard Couzens.
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This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Travel Feed
Why millions of Windows 10 fans face a disappointing wait to get Windows 11
After weeks of rumours, leaks and endless speculation Microsoft has finally lifted the lid on its new Windows 11 operating system. This blockbuster upgrade features a swathe of changes and new features including a refreshed Start Menu that’s cleaner and easier to use along with the addition of info-packed widgets and better integration with Microsoft Teams.
Users will also be treated to less memory-hungry security updates that Microsoft says will be 40 percent smaller. In fact, the firm is so confident about the size of these of updates that it says users should be able to download them via 4G and 5G data signals.
Windows 11 is also more efficient so should use less battery life and the Redmond firm is boasting that it will be the most secure version of Windows ever. So that all sounds pretty exciting but millions of Windows 10 users face a very long wait to get their hands on it.
Microsoft says it hopes to launch this new OS later this year but that doesn’t mean everyone will be able to upgrade to it.
It appears that a bunch of brand new PCs will be launched soon that will have Windows 11 pre-installed but, if you want to keep your current machine, then the release will be pushed out in stages.
READ MORE: Bye bye Skype: Microsoft integrating Teams into Windows 11 instead
That means some current Windows 10 users won’t see the new features arriving on their devices until 2022.
Explaining more, Microsoft said: “The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time.”
Along with that slow rollout the Redmond firm has also said that there will be certain system requirements.
If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11.
You can use this tool to check if your PC will be compatible.
Speaking about the Windows 10 upgrade, Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices said: “Windows has always existed to be a stage for the world’s innovation. It’s been the backbone of global businesses and where scrappy startups became household names. The web was born and grew up on Windows.
“What was so powerful was the shift in the PC we saw and felt – from something practical and functional to something personal and emotional. “This is what inspired us as we were building the next generation of Windows. To build you a place that feels familiar, where you can create, learn, play and most importantly, connect in all new ways.
“Today, I am humbled and excited to introduce you to Windows 11, the Windows that brings you closer to what you love.”
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This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Tech Feed
Argos PS5 stock wait as new PlayStation 5 Amazon UK restock is touted
The next Argos PS5 stock update is not expected to arrive today, with Amazon UK and ASDA reportedly offering the next possible drops in the UK.
There had been hopes of a big PlayStation 5 shipment arriving from Argos this morning, with reliable stock tracker accounts providing the latest information.
The PS5 Stock Alert UK Twitter account posted this message earlier this week, telling gamers:
“Argos stock count is now known to us, around 3-10K stock with the minimum and maximum stock margins. The product code is 941/8136 once it drops, as it’s clearly not on the app or site yet. Drop expected June 15th (1-5am).
“It’ll only be the bundle in the image on the main tweet above. The bundle price will be £509.99 without delivery cost. Standalone disc and digital editions (non-bundle) is expected to arrive in the next week or two. We’ll keep you updated on that.”
However, since this message was first shared, more information has been released that suggests Amazon UK could be the next major retailer drop in the UK.
“The drop is getting very unlikely at this point. We have no idea why it did not happen yet, as the source and information was strong across the whole restock scene, not just us.
“Time to get some sleep for a potential Amazon drop in the morning after 8am.”
As mentioned above, several stock tracker accounts had linked Argos to a major PS5 restock today, with the PS5 Instant Twitter account telling fans earlier this week.
“ASDA & ShopTo still on track for #PS5Restock this week! 8am – Noon
“Argos #PS5Stock MAY be released as early as tonight! PS5 release is 15th onwards (1-4am).”
However, since this message was shared, they have also posted new information, suggesting that the Argos PS5 restock will happen between June 16 and June 24.
“Argos PS5 restock will go ahead between 16-24th as previously stated. They have received PS5 stock including Ratchet & Clank PS5 bundles, so may be worth holding off purchasing the game.”
It’s unclear what might have caused the PS5 stock date change but it does highlight how dates and times can be altered at the last minute.
This highlights how all PS5 stock predictions need to be taken with a pinch of salt, even if they are shared by the most reliable accounts out there.
While an Argos PS5 stock drop is now unlikely to happen today, something new from Amazon UK is still possible.
Gamers tracking Amazon news will want to be logged in by 8am BST to their account to see if anything does happen.
Other PS5 stock drops could be coming from a number of UK retailers in June, including the following:
- Amazon UK: June 14-17
- Argos: June 16 – 24
- ASDA: June 15-17
- GAME: June 15-17
- ShopTo: June 14-18
And here are a few examples of how best to try and buy a PlayStation 5 console from leading UK retailers:
AMAZON UK: Amazon UK runs better under strain but still comes with a few kinks worth mentioning. Having an account set up with your card details is a good start, and gamers should also try adding a console to their wishlist before checking out. More stock is expected before June 10.
ARGOS: The Argos website is notorious for crashing and being unable to complete purchases when site traffic is high. Stock trackers suggest using the mobile Argos app and keeping an eye on local store listings. Argos is not expected to receive any more stock until later in June.
GAME: GAME is a UK retailer that offers the most regular stock updates for PS5 consoles. However, console hunters have been warned to use Guest Checkout, as this option is less likely to crash when completing a purchase. GAME is expected to restock the PlayStation 5 in the next seven days.
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This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: Entertainment Feed
Mark Drakeford defends wait for restriction-free date in Wales amid Delta variant fears
The First Minister for Wales has defended his cautious stance against the Delta variant, which is thought to be spreading rapidly among younger unvaccinated people. On Thursday’s BBC Newsnight, Mr Drakeford doubled down on the decision to review of the coronavirus restrictions every three weeks.
Asked about his opposition to setting a date for the easing of lockdown rules, Mr Drakeford said: “Well, we give dates every three weeks.
“So, we’ve been on a three-week decision-making cycle for more than a year now, people in Wales are very used to that.”
Mr Drakeford also highlighted the current uncertainty surrounding the vaccination drive.
He said: “I think it’s too optimistic to say that vaccination has broken the link between falling ill and hospitalisation with the new Delta variant.
“We really don’t know that sufficiently to be confident that the vaccination is going to defend us in exactly that way.”
The Delta variant was first detected in India and currently represents the biggest threat to Britain’s roadmap out of lockdown.
It is believed to be around 40 to 60 percent more transmissible than the Kent mutation detected last winter.
The latest weekly report from Public Health England showed infection rates surged at the highest rate in the northwest – increasing to 149.6 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to June 6.
The uplift in cases since February has been attributed to this variant, with more than 7,000 cases reported on both June 9 and 10 this week for the first time in weeks.
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This post originally appeared on Daily Express :: UK Feed