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Today — 4 February 2026Notebookcheck.net: News RSS Feed

Samsung Galaxy S26: Official videos promise better camera at night and improved zoom

Samsung tries to create some anticipation with the first videos for the Galaxy S26 series on Instagram. In three teasers, everything revolves around the improved cameras, whose redesign has now also been officially confirmed. "Nightography" is likely to be front and center in the promotional campaign for Samsung’s 2026 flagship phones.

Epic Games Store to get performance upgrades and copy more Steam features

The Epic Games Store is slow to respond and uses a lot of resources, especially compared to market leader Steam. Epic Games wants to change that and is going to modernize most of the code. At the same time, the store is expected to be expanded with numerous features, some of which are already found on Steam.

Tank X smartphone with 64MP night vision camera, 16GB RAM and 1080p projector launches with discount

The latest rugged smartphone from 8849 Tech is supposed to stand out with a massive 17,600mAh battery and a 64MP night vision camera with four infrared LEDs, but also with a high-resolution 1080p projector that can be used for movie nights outdoors.

AMD CEO tips 2027 as next Xbox console release date, while denying Steam Machine delay

Microsoft may not be second-guessing plans for an Xbox console release date in 2027. AMD CEO Lisa Su said the custom chipset that powers the device should be ready on time. Valve’s Steam Machine could also surface in early 2026, even with concerns over record-high memory prices.

Keychron announces sleek wireless low-profile Hall effect and mechanical keyboards, both with clean wood aesthetics

With its latest announcement, Keychron has borrowed design elements from three different keyboards for two new wireless keyboards. The Keychron K3 HE is a low-profile Hall effect gaming keyboard with the rose wood accents of the K2 HE, while the K3 Ultra uses the same low-profile design and wood side panels combined with smooth all-POM mechanical switches.

Samsung Galaxy S26 (Plus) and S26 Ultra: Absolutely crazy euro prices leaked

Most insiders currently expect Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series to maintain the same price level as the predecessors, but the first comprehensive price leak from an EU country points to sharply higher MSRPs across the board. The leaker is usually reliable, but are these leaked prices plausible?

Three new Casio G-Shock watches with compact design arrive in more countries

The Casio G-Shock GMA-P2100BA-1A, GMA-P2100BA-2A and GMA-P2100BA-7A watches are now available in EU countries. Also known as the Touch of Blue series, these are compact hybrid watches with minimalist designs. Features include support for world time, multiple daily alarms and 200 m water resistance.

Nintendo could lose up to $50 per Switch 2 sale without price increase, as memory costs rise

Even if Switch 2 sales flourish throughout 2026, Nintendo may not profit from the console. An analyst explains how high memory costs could turn the $23 made on each unit into a $35-$50 loss. The Nintendo President downplayed the crisis, confirming no immediate plans for a Switch 2 price increase.

Yesterday — 3 February 2026Notebookcheck.net: News RSS Feed

Dell 14 Plus with 32 GB RAM, long battery life enjoys record-low price on Amazon

Deal | The Dell 14 Plus thin-and-light Windows laptop has dropped to less than $800 on Amazon. The laptop is powered by an 8-core Core Ultra 7 258V APU, 32 GB of on-board memory, and 1 TB of storage. There is also a decent-sized 64 Wh battery, which affords the laptop long battery life.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen 4: 10,000mAh power bank weighs just 5 oz, sports silicon-carbon cells and IPX7 rating

Nitecore has introduced a new power bank that is particularly light and is based on silicon-carbon battery cells. The NB10000 Gen 4 can also store more energy than many other 10,000mAh power banks, which is why Nitecore refers to typical 13,000mAh power banks for comparison.

AMD-powered GMKtec NucBox M8 mini PC with OCuLink and dual 2.5G Ethernet sees 32% price cut on Amazon

3 February 2026 at 22:18
Deal | The GMKtec NucBox M8 is a well-equipped mini PC featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H APU paired with 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory. The mini PC also packs plenty of ports as well as dual M.2 storage, and is now available with an attractive 32% discount on Amazon.

Upgraded classic Casio G-Shock watch now available in Europe

The Casio G-Shock GX-56UBB-1 digital watch is now available in European countries like the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. This is an upgraded version of a 2016 model, described by the brand as a ‘classic’. Features include a newer module, an LED backlight and Tough Solar charging.

New Shargeek 300 Power Beast accessory about to launch

Shargeek's new 300 power bank, described as “the next gen power beast”, will soon begin crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Announced in 2025, this new accessory has four outputs with support for PD3.1 fast charging. Other features include RGB lighting, an integrated display, and an aluminum body with transparent sections.

Sketchy GTA 6 reviews posted 9 months ahead of release date, despite Rockstar Games' leak prevention

Shocked gamers spotted GTA 6 reviews and ratings already live on HowLongToBeat.com. The website only has limited means to verify submissions, so it’s unlikely that any builds escaped Rockstar Games. The studio is paranoid about GTA 6 leaks, even after reportedly giving early access to a sick fan.

These classic square G-Shocks with Tough Solar and Multiband 6 radio are heavily discounted right now

Deal | Built on the iconic DW-5000C design, these square G-Shocks combine old-school looks with modern essentials like solar charging and atomic time sync. Both the positive-display GW-M5610U-1 and the negative-display GW-M5610U-1B are now cheaper than ever.

“Graphics, sound, gameplay – everything just fits”: 2025 first-person shooter now cheaper than ever on Steam

Deal | In 2025, DOOM: The Dark Ages took the iconic shooter series into dark fantasy territory for the first time and was met with praise from both players and critics. The first-person shooter is now available on Steam with a 67% discount – the deepest price cut to date.

31 steps: How to finish GTA: San Andreas in under an hour

A newly discovered strategy is shaking up the GTA: San Andreas speedrunning scene. Until now, runs were believed to require a full playthrough, but the new method allows players to complete the game in under an hour – at nearly double the previous speed. Step-by-step instructions are available on Reddit.

New Dreame smart strip light with multi-zone control now available

The Dreame Lightstrip P11 has been released in Europe. Unveiled last year, it appears that this could be a brighter alternative to the Philips Hue Flux. Other features include multi-zone control, a range of dynamic white and colored lighting effects, and support for the Matter smart home protocol.

Casio releases new G-Shock watch with compass in the UK as EU pricing revealed

Casio is now selling the G-Shock x Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body GWG-B1000TLC-1A watch at its online store in the UK. This collaboration model is also available to pre-order at an EU retailer, confirming its price in this market. Features of this radio-controlled watch include Bluetooth connectivity and a digital compass.

New Govee outdoor pathway lights with S-shaped effects coming soon

The Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 Lite have been officially announced. Set for release in North America and Europe in the coming weeks, these smart lights create S-shaped colored lighting effects on the ground. Plus, Matter compatibility will enable them to integrate with a wide range of smart home ecosystems.

More Amazfit smartwatch users get Route Planning feature in new update

Firmware version 3.39.0.4 is rolling out to users of the Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch. The release brings several new features to users of the wearable, including a Route Planning tool and an Exercise Sound Cue function. There is also a new heart rate related feature, and an optimization for the battery life.

New four-wheel drive Segway Navimow robotic lawn mower on the way

Segway has revealed the powerful Navimow X4 robot lawn mower. Already available to pre-order in the US and confirmed for release in Europe, this model is designed for areas measuring up to 5,000 m² (1.5 acres). Plus, its four-wheel drive system allows it to tackle slopes up to 84% (40°).

Sodium-ion batteries enter winter EV tests as CATL and BYD hedge soaring lithium prices

Real-world passenger car trials of sodium-ion batteries have begun in the unforgiving winter conditions in Inner Mongolia. The world's biggest battery makers have resurrected their commercial Na-ion battery production projects as rocketing lithium prices make them viable again.

Apple may be developing an iPhone Flip as smaller alternative to the iPhone Fold

The Apple iPhone Fold is expected to be officially announced in September, positioned to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. According to sources, Apple also appears to be developing a flip phone similar in form factor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 and Motorola Razr 60 Ultra.

New Xiaomi smartphone tipped to launch with built-in cooling fan and massive 8,500 mAh battery

The final act for the Redmi K90 series could represent a departure for the series. According to various sources, the Redmi K90 Extreme Edition or Redmi K90 Ultra will ape gaming smartphones like the RedMagic 11 Pro by adopting a built-in cooling fan to maximise performance when gaming.

Garmin brings improved workout experience to high-end smartwatches with new update

Garmin has released a new update to many of its high-end smartwatches. While a new stable update is ready just yet, the new beta is said to improve the workout experience for multiple smartwatches while also resolving a bug that prevented alarms from functioning correctly.

Segway launches new cheaper Navimow i2 AWD robot lawn mowers in more countries

Segway is now selling its “affordable” Navimow i2 AWD series robotic mowers in Europe. These products are already available to pre-order in the US and arrive as a cheaper alternative to the brand’s i2 LiDAR products. Features include boundary wire free navigation, three-wheel drive and a precise turning system.

New Segway Navimow i2 LiDAR with three-wheel drive launches

The Segway Navimow i2 LiDAR series robotic lawn mowers have launched in Europe. Customers can now choose from a range of standard models, suited to different yard sizes, with Pro models on the way in the coming months. Each version is boundary wire free and has a three-wheel drive system.

Decathlon E-EXPL 100 hardtail e-bike launches for under €1,000

Decathlon has unveiled the Rockrider E-EXPL 100 hardtail electric mountain bike in Europe. This e-MTB is particularly cheap at under €1,000, with features like a 43 NM torque motor, a front suspension fork and a Microshift rear derailleur. Plus, there are accessories such as a handlebar-mounted controller and lights.

Anker unveils Solix C2000 Gen 2 portable power station with 2,048 Wh capacity and launch discount

Anker has officially launched its Solix C2000 Gen 2 portable power station with several connectivity options. The company’s new power station is designed to deliver high performance. This model offers various upgrades over the last generation model, such as ultra-fast charging and 4,000 W peak power output. On top of this, it supports expansion up to 4 kWh.

Sony patent proposes using generative AI to produce personalized gaming podcasts on PS5

A Sony patent aims to make YouTube and Spotify gaming podcasts a thing of the past. Instead, generative AI could create video and audio tailored to console users. Familiar characters would appear on screens, providing news and advice through friendly banter.

Sony Patent proposes using generative AI to produce personalized gaming podcasts on PS5

A Sony patent aims to make YouTube and Spotify gaming podcasts a thing of the past. Instead, generative AI could create video and audio tailored to console users. Familiar characters would appear on screens, providing news and advice through friendly banter.

Popular sandbox Steam game sees virus infect workshop, deleting mods and save files

Steam workshops can keep a game feeling fresh without official updates. Sadly for People Playground, one mod took advantage of this freedom by destroying competing downloads. The game’s developer has taken the workshop offline while it evaluates the damage caused by the virus.

Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra: Prices detailed by industry insider

The Galaxy S26 Ultra might become cheaper, while the Galaxy S26 is expected to get significantly more expensive. According to a report, an industry insider disputes these leaks based on retailer data and points to a very different pricing strategy for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 flagship phones.

Steam: This turn-based roguelike set in the 19th century is back at its lowest price, with a 75% discount

Deal | Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based roguelike in which you have to lead expeditions on mysterious islands during the 19th century and face various dangers. You will need to manage your resources carefully to achieve all your objectives.

Nvidia N1X ARM APU reportedly suffers from software issues resulting in N1X laptops slipping to Q2 or summer 2026

The Nvidia N1X ARM APU is reportedly Team Green's first APU specifically designed for Windows laptops. However, a prominent leaker claims that Nvidia N1X has tons of bugs and issues, which could be the reason why there have been no signs of N1X-powered notebooks launching soon.

Gigantic 98-inch TCL QM8K mini LED TV with 144 Hz refresh rate scores attractive $1,001 discount on Amazon

2 February 2026 at 21:57
Deal | Thanks to an ongoing sale on Amazon, the 98-inch TCL QM8K mini LED 4K TV with 144 Hz refresh rate can now be purchased for a record-low price on the platform. The TV sports outstanding brightness performance, peaking at over a whopping 4,000 nits in small areas.

Before yesterdayNotebookcheck.net: News RSS Feed

Leak reveals Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen as Samsung plans to make five times more S26 Ultras than S26

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be officially unveiled in February. A leak now shows the flagship’s new S Pen, which apparently won’t be fully color-matched to the phone. Meanwhile, a leaker claims Samsung is putting its focus on the top model rather than the Galaxy S26 or the Galaxy S26 Plus.

Nvidia comments on future of Nvidia Shield TV

The Nvidia Shield TV is now more than 10 years old, and the latest hardware revision was introduced in 2019. Since then, Nvidia has released software updates for the set-top box, but many users have been waiting for a hardware upgrade. In an interview, a manager has now hinted at the possible improvements that an upcoming Nvidia Shield TV 2 could offer.

Mysterious PS Store listing could signal replacement for PlayStation Stars loyalty program

A freshly discovered PS Store app may suggest that a new loyalty program is on the way. Stockpiling points in the PlayStation Stars loyalty program to redeem for PS5 games is no longer possible. Even the most dedicated gamers often feel that Sony doesn’t appreciate their efforts.

Casio launches new G-Shock Mudmaster watches with quad sensor, mission log feature and a tougher shell

Casio has introduced two new G-Shock Mudmaster watches under its Master of G-Land series. The GG-B100XM-1A and GG-B100XMB-1A pair a carbon fiber–reinforced case with quad sensor technology for tracking direction, altitude, barometric pressure, temperature, and steps in harsh environments.

Arzopa's D14 digital picture frame is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for couples and families

2 February 2026 at 19:48
The Arzopa D14 digital photo frame is a Valentine’s Day gift that’s not just a nice gesture for a single day. Instead, it shares cherished memories on a 14-inch display and offers numerous practical features, including cloud-based photos and easy remote sharing for families and couples who occasionally have to spend some time apart.

Lowest price on Steam: Card-based survival strategy game drops below $5 for the first time

Deal | Kingdom’s Deck is a card-based survival strategy game that blends base building, tower defense, and resource management into what players describe as a surprisingly addictive experience. The title is currently available on Steam at its lowest price yet, with a 50% discount dropping it to just under $5.

Entire studio shuttered: One of the most ambitious MMOs of recent years collapses two months after launch

Ashes of Creation is on the brink of collapse just two months after its Early Access debut. Following the departure of much of its leadership team, reports of mass layoffs and unpaid wages suggest the ambitious MMO has reached an abrupt end.

Xiaomi 17: New leak describes early global release for compact flagship and Xiaomi 17 Ultra

The Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are tipped to receive earlier than expected global releases. With pricing information already known, a leaker has now described when the pair will be available outside China. A dedicated Indian launch event is apparently scheduled, too.

New Amazfit smartwatch app update fixes heart rate related issue

Another update for the Zepp Health app has arrived for Amazfit smartwatch users. Building on the major version 10.0 release, it fixes an issue linked to heart rate metric tracking. Plus, there is a new Gear Management feature, as well as wider changes to the home page and existing tools.

New Casio Pro Trek premium collab watch launches with titanium band, sapphire crystal, and Tough Solar

Casio and White Mountaineering have officially announced the debut of its new PRW-B1000WM-1 in February 2026. The $900 Pro Trek features a titanium band, sapphire crystal, and Triple Sensor suite. It is the first to combine Tough Solar, Bluetooth, and Multiband 6 tech.

Casio reveals new Pro Trek collab Bluetooth watch with mini leaf indicator

The Casio Pro Trek x The Nature Conservation Society of Japan x Pickles the Frog collaboration PRJ-B001NJ-3 watch has been unveiled in Japan. This model has a green design inspired by the organization’s mascot, including a small leaf-shaped indicator on an inset dial. Other features include Bluetooth, support for world time and five alarms.

New Casio digital watch with square display and metal strap available in more countries

Casio has released its new Standard W-800HD-1AV silver-colored watch in additional European countries. Recently launched in the UK this model has a resin casing and metal strap. It offers a range of features, including support for dual time, a stopwatch and a daily alarm.

Moto G17 may not receive any Android updates as Motorola cites lack of EU requirements

Whilst the budget-oriented Samsung Galaxy A17 is scheduled for as many as six major Android updates, the Motorola Moto G17 will apparently receive none – and will even ship with an outdated version of Android to boot. Motorola has confirmed that it doesn’t see any requirement to provide OS updates in the EU either.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: New leak confirms global pricing and battery information

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to join the Xiaomi 17 as part of a joint global release. In the meantime, a reliable leaker has revealed pricing, battery and launch colour information for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Surprisingly, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch with a smaller battery than the Xiaomi 17 too.

Apple reportedly working on an iPhone Flip as smaller alternative to the iPhone Fold

The Apple iPhone Fold is expected to be officially announced in September, positioned to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. According to sources, Apple also appears to be developing a flip phone similar in form factor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 and Motorola Razr 60 Ultra.

New Seiko limited edition collab watch with cocktail-inspired design launches

The Seiko Presage ‘Springtime’ Cocktail Time SRPM06J1 watch has been released in Europe and is on the way to the US. This limited edition model has been designed in collaboration with a celebrated Japanese bartender. Features of the watch include a mother-of-pearl dial and an automatic movement.

Decathlon launches new cheaper E-EXPL 100 hardtail e-bike

Decathlon has unveiled the Rockrider E-EXPL 100 hardtail electric mountain bike in Europe. This e-MTB is particularly cheap at under €1,000, with features like a 43 NM torque motor, a front suspension fork and a Microshift rear derailleur. Plus, there are accessories such as a handlebar-mounted controller and lights.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: New leak reveals global pricing and surprising battery information

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to join the Xiaomi 17 as part of a joint global release. In the meantime, a reliable leaker has revealed pricing, battery and launch colour information for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Surprisingly, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch with a smaller battery than the Xiaomi 17 too.

Gooloo’s A5 jump starter with tire inflator and power bank hits lowest price on Amazon

Deal | Gooloo’s recently announced the A5 jump starter, which can also function as a tire inflator and power bank, has dropped to its lowest-ever price on Amazon. The 4-in-1 accessory is designed for car owners, with the ability to jump-start a car or inflate tires. On top of this, it features a 20,000 mAh battery, a built-in LED light and a rugged build.

Early launch: New Anker 3-in-1 foldable charging accessory arrives in US

The Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, MagGo, AirCool, Foldable) is now available in the US. Arriving a few weeks earlier than expected, this accessory could be used to charge up to three devices at home or on the go. Plus, its active cooling technology helps to prevent thermal throttling.

Up to $2,400: High-end Intel Panther Lake laptops are expensive with pricing reportedly comparable to AMD Strix Halo laptops

Intel Panther Lake has managed to impress with its strong power efficiency, multi-core performance, and outstanding graphics performance. However, these qualities reportedly come at a steep price. According to Moore's Law Is Dead, high-end Panther Lake laptops cost more than $2,000.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro models make up over half of early sales as these iPhones rank second and third

1 February 2026 at 20:25
Early sales data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) suggests a shift in buyer preferences within Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, with higher-end models gaining ground. While one model clearly leads early demand, the figures also point to uneven performance across the rest of the range.

Nioh 3 will be a PS5 console exclusive on release date, but Xbox or Switch 2 versions possible

Xbox and Nintendo fans will need to wait six months or more to experience Nioh 3. Despite Koei Tecmo publishing the action RPG, it will launch exclusively on the PS5 and Steam. Developer Team Ninja has produced popular titles like Ninja Gaiden for Xbox consoles and the Switch.

Dataminer claims Half-Life 3 release date is not tied to Valve Steam Machine launch

If Valve’s new hardware suffers a delay, Half-Life 3 could still appear on schedule. A popular dataminer disputes reports that the game will be a Steam Machine launch title. With separate teams not coordinating release dates, the memory shortage wouldn’t affect the shooter.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro models account for over half of early sales; as per the report, here are the second and third best selling among the latest iPhones

1 February 2026 at 20:25
Early sales data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) suggests a shift in buyer preferences within Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, with higher-end models gaining ground. While one model clearly leads early demand, the figures also point to uneven performance across the rest of the range.

Apple iPhone as a real camera: Professional kit with teleconverter for better zoom now crowdfunding

iPhone users no longer need to look enviously at the souped-up camera flagships from China. From the makers of the Vivo X300 Pro camera kit comes a professional camera kit that transforms an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro into a real camera, optionally with 10x optical zoom and even a memory card slot. A simple upgrade to the iPhone 18 camera kit is also promised.

New sleek Casio G-Shock special edition watches launch

The Casio 2026 G-Shock Fire Package AWG-M100FP-1A1 and GW-2320FP-1A1 watches have been released in Japan. Each has a sleek, minimal design, and comes with special packaging. Features of these hybrid and digital watches include support for world time, Tough Solar charging and 200 m water resistance.

Casio launches new Oceanus watch with striking sapphire bezel ring

Casio has unveiled a new Oceanus Manta watch, the OCW-S7000F-2A, in Japan. Already available to pre-order, this model has a striking blue and white design, with a sapphire glass bezel ring, and a titanium casing and strap. Features include Bluetooth, radio control, and Tough Solar charging.

Zotac to introduce CM5-PICO, the world's smallest and most feature-dense Raspberry Pi CM5 computer

Zotac will be unveiling the CM5-PICO at ISE 2026, which it calls the world's smallest and most feature-dense Raspberry Pi CM5 SBC. The CM5-PICO offers a variety of connectivity and expansion options with wide ranging applications. Alongside the CM5-PICO, Zotac will also be introducing an entire lineup of Edge AI mini PCs and embedded MxM modules featuring Nvidia RTX Pro Blackwell GPUs.

NASA discovers a surprisingly massive galaxy cluster 2 billion years earlier than supposed

Two powerful NASA observatories looked deeply into a patch of sky and found a galaxy cluster forming only about one billion years after the Big Bang. Scientists never expected to find something as massive as a galaxy cluster at such an early time in the universe’s existence.

Webb's 255-hour-long observation reveals invisible dark matter in a map area containing nearly 800,000 galaxies

Using its Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope peered into a region for a total of about 255 hours. This exceptionally long observation allowed astronomers to trace dark matter by studying how its gravity distorts and influences the light from distant galaxies.

OnePlus 16 leak reveals telephoto camera upgrade

The OnePlus 15 offered major performance upgrades over the OnePlus 13, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a larger battery. However, the company made compromises on the camera by using smaller primary and telephoto lenses. A new leak now suggests that the next-generation OnePlus 16 will improve on this front.

Minecraft Steam rumors reignite, after insider says more Xbox games will land on Valve's PC store

Even with Microsoft pivoting toward PC gaming, players still can’t add Minecraft to their Steam libraries. Still, it may be among the next first-party Xbox games to debut on the marketplace. The publisher has struggled to lure gamers away from Steam to its Xbox PC app.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake director reveals Switch 2 specs make it challenging to develop games

A flurry of third-party Switch 2 games looms, but some titles may prove too demanding for the console. The director of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy describes the struggles that publishers face. Regardless, Naoki Hamaguchi says that the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 port is almost complete.

Citizen's new "Arrow of Oath" limited edition Eco-Drive watch features mother-of-pearl dial

Citizen has unveiled a slim, radio-controlled dress watch inspired by the ceremonial Hikime Kaburaya arrow used in Shinto rituals. Limited to just 500 pieces, the Eco-Drive model pairs a mother-of-pearl dial and Super Titanium case with world time, a perpetual calendar, and multi-region atomic timekeeping.

Home Assistant rolls out larger app update with new entity picker

Home Assistant has released a new update for its Android companion app. Version 2026.1.6 brings notable improvements for Assist voice controls. Plus, there is an enhanced entity picker and a redesigned user onboarding experience, as seen in earlier updates for the iOS version of the company’s app.

IKEA releases new portable Bluetooth speaker with playful design

The IKEA Grejsimojs Portable Bluetooth speaker has been released in Europe. This battery-powered product has a purple mouse-shaped design, including ears and a tail. While it offers features like multi-speaker mode, it lacks some tools which are available on IKEA’s other speakers.

New IKEA LED table lamp with smart feature now available in more countries

The IKEA Grejsimojs LED table lamp, dimmable/dog blue, is rolling out more widely in Europe. Already available in the US, this light has a playful design with a bright blue body. Features include a replaceable LED light source and a smart memory function linked to its adjustable brightness.

OLED-donning Lenovo Legion Pro 5 with Ryzen 9 9955HX, 32 GB RAM, and RTX 5070 discounted to just under $1,250

31 January 2026 at 14:19
Deal | The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 features a 16-inch OLED display, AMD's Ryzen 9 9955HX, 32 GB of RAM, 2 TB of SSD storage, and an RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. There's also plenty of connectivity, albeit the USB ports top out at just 10 Gbps transfer speeds.

Average price of smartphones rises above $400 for the first time

31 January 2026 at 13:06
The smartphone market broke through a new price barrier at the end of 2025. For the first time, buyers worldwide spent an average of more than $400 for a new device. Although unit sales rose only slightly by 4%, global revenue skyrocketed, reaching a new record high of $135 billion.

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 240Hz OLED gaming laptop with Core Ultra 9 and RTX 5080 enjoys $1780+ discount

Deal | Buyers are unlikely to see as many enticing RTX 5080 OLED gaming laptop deals. Fortunately, the 16-inch Legion Pro 7i with a potent Core Ultra 9 275X processor is at one of its lowest prices yet. Although not the most mobile Lenovo laptop, it produces stellar gaming and productivity benchmarks.

Philips finally launches the Evnia 27M2N5500XD, a 27-inch QHD monitor with 1,000Hz dual-mode

31 January 2026 at 02:17
Philips has launched the Evnia 27M2N5500XD in China, revealing more details about its super high refresh rate gaming monitor. With a 500 Hz refresh rate at QHD and a 1,000 Hz dual mode, it is faster than the new OLEDs coming out, though there are trade-offs.

Final unveils DX4000 CL closed-back headphones with Japanese washi paper composite diaphragms

31 January 2026 at 08:21
The Final DX4000 CL closed‑back headphones aim to recreate an open‑back soundstage using washi‑paper composite drivers, thick memory‑foam pads, and a low‑resonance structure. They are positioned as a high‑end option for audiophiles seeking a spacious listening experience without disturbing those nearby.

High quality, great keyboard, CAMM2-RAM, matt Tandem-OLED - ThinkPad T1g Gen 8 is Lenovo's flagship laptop

The new Lenovo ThinkPad T1g Gen 8 is definitely a flagship model and offers perfect build quality, good maintenance options, a modern tandem OLED screen and very good input devices. We would like to see these features in more ThinkPads again.

Zotac announces Edge AI mini PC with up to 64GB RAM

Zotac has announced two new and compact Edge AI devices. These are relatively specialized systems with different architectures and, as a result, are suited for different use cases. The overall focus remains the same and these compact computers are not necessarily designed for regular consumers.

Take-Two stock at lowest point since GTA 6 delay, after Project Genie generative AI tool debuts

Investors have concerns about the GTA 6 publisher, unrelated to another potential delay. The debut of Google’s Project Genie could alter the landscape of game development. Even as the Take-Two Interactive stock struggles, critics argue that the generative AI tool will not replace human talent.

Xiaomi releases new curved gaming monitor internationally for first time

Xiaomi has finally started selling its latest curved gaming monitor internationally. Set to receive a full global launch too, the Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi 2026 combined a 180 Hz refresh rate with 400 nits peak brightness and four video inputs for ~$313 at current exchange rates.

Leak allegedly reveals official images and specs of Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series will be officially unveiled in a few weeks. Allegedly official product images have surfaced, revealing the design of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, while the source of the images has also confirmed some of the smartphones' specifications.

Xiaomi releases new Mini LED gaming monitor with 2,000 nits peak brightness

Xiaomi has finally released its new Mini LED gaming monitor outside its home market. Available for less than $350 at current exchange rates, the Mini LED Gaming Monitor G Pro 27Qi 2026 is said to deliver up to 2,000 nits peak brightness and improved colour accuracy compared to its predecessor.

8BitDo's color-accurate Bluetooth Controller for the Analogue 3D is now available to buy

More than two months after it was announced, the grey version of the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is finally available to buy. Designed for the Analogue 3D console, the controller is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Android, and Windows.

Casio’s solar-powered G-Shock GW-M5610-U1 outdoor watch gets significant price cut on Amazon

Deal | Casio’s solar-powered G-Shock GW-M5610-U1 watch originally retailed for almost $165, but the Casio Amazon storefront has once again slashed the price of the watch by 33%, making it more affordable than before. The watch features a shock-resistant build, 200 m (20 bar) water resistance, five daily alarms, and world time across 31 time zones.

New Sony patent shows potential DualSense PS6 controller that ditches all physical buttons

A Sony patent has surfaced with an unconventional concept for a future controller. Without sticks, buttons, or triggers, inputs would register through touch controls. A candidate for a PS6 controller, with a virtual layout, the device could adapt to the position of the hands.

New Xiaomi soundbar with wireless subwoofer launching globally

Xiaomi is set to release the Desktop Speaker Pro Set in various countries worldwide, such as the UK and Germany. The kit includes a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer, each with a minimalist design. Features include RGB lighting, offering a range of lighting effects, and several listening modes. 

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra appears in allegedly official images, leak purportedly confirms specs

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has surfaced for the first time in allegedly official product images, and in two colors. This latest leak also appears to confirm some of the specifications of the next-generation flagship smartphone, including a 200 MP camera and Wireless Power Share.

Anbernic reveals more details about new wireless controller with Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility

Anbernic has shared new details about its upcoming wireless controller release. Rivalling the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless, Manba One V2 or the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro, among others, the new controller will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 out of the box and contains a few other distinguishing features too, like swappable faceplates. The RG G01 will come in three colours at launch.

Garmin confirms new app update fixes connectivity problem

Garmin has acknowledged a recent Connect app connectivity issue and confirmed that this has been resolved in a recent update. This problem has been reported by many users of smartwatches, including the Fenix 8. However, some users may need to take additional steps to repair their wearable and iOS device.

New Amazfit smartwatch update brings BioCharge feature to more users

The Amazfit Active 2 smartwatches are receiving another software update. Version 6.9.0.1 appears to resolve an issue linked to BioCharge energy level monitoring, a feature which was only available for some customers after another recent update. Plus, there are other improvements linked to Sleep Score, Weather and brightness controls.

Xiaomi releases 6mm ultrathin magnetic power bank in another country

29 January 2026 at 21:35
Xiaomi has launched its Ultrathin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 15W in the UK. Already on sale in Japan and parts of Europe, the slim pack is barely thicker than an iPhone Air at 6 mm. It delivers up to 15W of wireless charging and fits perfectly on different phones, including the iPhone 17 series.

Affordable AMD-powered Topton mini PC launches with OCuLink and RDNA 3.5 iGPU

Topton has introduced a new mini PC, the refreshed D12 Ultra. It's powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors, and the top-end configuration features the AI 9 HX 370 with the Radeon 890M iGPU. There's eGPU support through the OCuLink port, and the starting model currently costs $296.

Less than $500: Acer Aspire 14 AI with long battery life records big 44% discount vs list price

Deal | The Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop is now on sale on Amazon at a pretty affordable price after a massive 44% discount. Packing an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Lunar Lake APU and a 65 Wh battery under the hood, the laptop manages to be both relatively fast and long-lasting.

New $10 Steam Deck-playable game bundle packs 5 well-rated crafting and survival games

Deal | Green Man Gaming is offering a new game bundle, which is centered on crafting, survival, and exploration titles. All the games in the package are well-rated and playable on the Steam Deck, with a total retail value of over $100. Update: Even better price now available.

With improved battery life and performance upgrades: New Xiaomi smartphone leaks before global release

New details about the Xiaomi 17T have turned up in new leaks. Reportedly, the unreleased Xiaomi smartphone will launch globally with upgrades like MediaTek's Dimensity 9500s chipset and a 6,500 mAh battery. Camera improvements are not on the cards, though.

New free-to-play MMORPG launches on Steam with promising reviews, but with a major caveat

Legend of Mortal Cultivation (凡人修仙传奇) debuted on Jan 30, 2026, securing an 86% "Mostly Positive" rating from its first 124 reviews. The free-to-play idle MMORPG is winning over fans, though, unfortunately, it lacks any English support and is still unverified (yet playable) on the Steam Deck.

LG Gram Pro 17-inch with 32GB RAM and RTX 5050 gets a $500 discount plus a free 300Hz QHD monitor

29 January 2026 at 16:06
Deal | The LG Gram Pro 17-inch weighs just 3.26 lbs and is only 0.6 inches thin, despite packing an RTX 5050 GPU. Paired with an Intel Core Ultra 7, 32 GB of RAM, and a 2 TB SSD, it's now $500 off at LG and includes a free 27-inch QHD 300 Hz monitor as part of the deal.

Modder liberates ThinkPad T430 from Intel's secret backdoor

While the ThinkPad series of laptops has always lent itself to customization, the Intel processors powering them have limited complete control over the device due in part to Intel’s Management Engine. However, thanks to the work of dedicated security researchers, there is a method to build a fully open-source laptop, from the BIOS up.

Next Nintendo Direct may be a Partner Showcase, with no first-party Switch 2 games shown

If a dependable leaker is correct, a 3D Mario experience won’t be appearing at the next Nintendo Direct. NateTheHate2 claims that the early February spectacle will take the form of a Partner Showcase. Instead of exclusive Switch 2 games, viewers would learn more about projects from other publishers.

No Rest for the Wicked dev claims he never liked Baldur’s Gate 3’s $60 Early Access price, saying early supporters should get “some extra love”

30 January 2026 at 03:00
No Rest for the Wicked’s developer recently explained why the game launched at a lower Early Access price. According to him, players who support a game early should get something extra in return.

PS5 and Switch 2 dominate GDC survey, with only 20% of devs prioritizing Xbox consoles

A survey sponsored by the Game Developers Conference shows declining support for Xbox consoles. While implementing a multi-platform strategy, Microsoft may have boosted PC gaming’s popularity. In the GDC report, devs also prefer creating PS5 and Switch 2 games by a growing margin.

Leica Noctilux-M 35 mm f/1.2: New camera lens is made in Germany and supposed to outperform Summilux

Leica finally adds a third focal length to the Noctilux series after 60 years. The brand-new Leica Noctilux-M 35 mm f/1.2 lens promises extremely high image quality and speed in a compact format, but Leica also charges a premium for this quality.

New limited edition Cuktech 10 GaN Charger Ultra launches

Cuktech has launched a new limited edition version of the 10 GaN Charger Ultra in China. Celebrating the new year, this model has a sleek black and gold design. Features of the 4-port accessory include up to 120W power via USB-C and a bright integrated display showing charging information.

New 100W Cuktech 6 Charger Ultra 6 on the way

Cuktech is working on a new 6 GaN Charger Ultra for the Chinese market. This unreleased accessory recently received CCC certification in this country, with the official database entry revealing some of its features. For example, we already know that it will offer two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with a maximum output of 100W.

Alliwava GH8 Mini-PC review: Top model with AMD Ryzen 9 power attacks Minisforum, Geekom & Co

The Alliwava GH8 positions itself as a powerful mini PC with AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and promises a successful combination of high performance and efficient operation. In this review, we put the compact system under the microscope in everyday use, compared it with comparable models, and checked how convincing the cooling, noise level, features, and price are in the overall package.

Xiaomi re-releases larger Android tablet with new version

Xiaomi has refreshed one of its large Android tablets. Offered as part of a long-awaited launch in its home market, the new release expands upon existing models in various aspects, including multiple exclusive accessories. The Redmi Pad 2 Pro Harry Potter Edition remains exclusive to China for now.

New Huawei smartwatch for runners with professional insights on the way

A new Huawei running smartwatch has been announced. The wearable has been developed in partnership with professional athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, using their professional experience to inform its functionality. Features are expected to include GPS tracking, health metric monitoring and an energy level monitoring tool.

Dispatch Switch and Switch 2 censorship has Nintendo Support giving rare eShop refunds

Dispatch on the Switch and Switch 2 blocks adult content that’s viewable on the PS5 and PC. Players who were unaware of the restrictions are requesting and receiving refunds from Nintendo. Publisher AdHoc Studio may have opted not to distribute versions that comply with region-specific guidelines.

Philips Hue announces new update with improvements for Hue Bridge

The Philips Hue Bridge v2 and the Philips Hue Bridge Pro are about to receive software versions 1975134020 and 2071209010, respectively. These updates arrive a couple of weeks after the last releases for the smart hubs. The release notes indicate that they bring small improvements to both devices.

Heybike’s new Villain electric dirt bike now available globally with discount

Heybike’s recently launched Villain electric dirt bike is now officially available for purchase via the company’s official website. The Villain is an off-road as well as city-friendly dirt bike, which comes with a mid-drive motor and a large 1,352 Wh battery. It offers a 45 mph (72 km/h) top speed and 50 miles (80 km) of range on a single charge.

iPhone 16 is best-selling smartphone of 2025 as Galaxy S25 Ultra makes top 10

The list of best-selling smartphones worldwide continues to be dominated by Apple. According to data compiled by Counterpoint Research, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was the most popular non-Apple flagship phone, whilst the Galaxy A series also proved a hit among consumers.

New Dreame smart lock now Matter-certified

Dreame’s upcoming Navo Smart Lock A10 has received Matter certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This is one of the first smart locks from the brand, offering both fingerprint and passcode unlocking. Plus, users will be able to receive alerts in real time via one of Dreame’s apps.

Five new Philips Hue smart strip light accessories now available

A range of accessories for the Philips Hue Flux strip light and Flux ultra bright strip light are now available at some European retailers. Yet to be officially released in this market, these products were on show at IFA 2025. The line-up includes three connectors, an extension cable and mounting brackets.

New dark fantasy adventure game debuts with Dark Souls and Resident Evil inspirations

Asthenia has been formally revealed with a new reveal trailer. It's from a solo creator who has taken inspiration from games like Resident Evil 7, Dark Souls, Silent Hill, and Outlast to develop this indie dark fantasy game. Launch is set for 2027, but a playable demo will be out soon.

iPhone 18 Pro: Apple rumoured to be testing new variable aperture and innovative camera accessory

It seems that Apple may finally be jumping aboard the teleconverter accessory bandwagon. Already offered by Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi, the new accessory is said to be designed for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are also rumoured to ship with built-in variable aperture camera hardware.

Tesla shifts 4680 battery supply from Cybertruck to Model Y with charging speed and repairability implications

Tesla has finally mastered the touted dry electrode production method for its 4680 batteries, helping lower their costs. The dry 4680 battery production lines are now working to equip some Tesla Model Y versions instead of the Cybertruck.

Upgraded Philips Hue outdoor wall light now available

A new version of the Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light has arrived. Currently available in Europe, this new version of the smart light has a couple of upgrades compared to the original model. These include a higher maximum brightness level, white and colored lighting, and Matter compatibility.

Amazfit smartwatch update brings new Podcast app to users

Amazfit’s T-Rex 3 smartwatch is currently receiving the firmware version 4.4.1.3 update. This brings a new Podcast app to the wearable and also resolves several bugs. While such releases are typically rolled out in phases, starting with North America, this update has already been received by some users in Europe.

"This is amazing": WoW player recreates Asmongold’s streaming room – streamer reacts with surprise

With WoW’s new housing system now available to everyone who pre-ordered the Midnight expansion, players are already showcasing their creativity. One standout example is a highly detailed replica of Asmongold’s streaming room, which the streamer himself praised as "amazing."

The throwback Maingear Retro98 prebuilt gaming PC includes an AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D and RTX 5090

Gamers who fondly remember the 1990s may appreciate the Maingear Retro98. The prebuilt gaming PC combines cosmetics inspired by the Windows 98 era with today’s most powerful CPUs and GPUs. The version with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D with Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics card costs $4,999.

Amazfit smartwatch users get ten new Mini Apps

Zepp Health has announced several new Mini Apps for Amazfit smartwatches. Popular new arrivals include a professional on-watch lux meter and a virtual pet. Plus, one customer has also spotted a new Food Log app, allowing users to view information on the wearable, which was previously only available in the Zepp smartphone app.

With 100 W charging and a 3,500 nit display: Xiaomi releases new affordable smartphone

Xiaomi has updated its Redmi Turbo series with a comparatively compact option. Available for ~$288, the new smartphone still features a 7,560 mAh battery and a 6.59-inch display that outputs at an ultra-bright 3,500 nits. Xiaomi bestows 100 W wired charging and a 50 MP primary camera on the Redmi Turbo 5, too.

Xiaomi releases first Dimensity 9500s smartphone with huge 9,000 mAh battery

The Redmi Turbo 5 Max is the first smartphone featuring MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 chipset. Also equipped with a 9,000 mAh battery and a 50 MP primary camera, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max retails for just (~$317) and could launch later this year globally as the Poco X8 Pro Max.

Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra: Countless cases attest to impending launch

Semi-official renders of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra are currently circulating in early images from case manufacturers like UAG. Official cases from Samsung itself are also making the rounds on social media. A prevalent theme is magnets and, consequently, Qi2 charging.

Musk pegs Optimus better than Chinese robots as new Helix 02 humanoid platform opens bottle caps on its own

Elon Musk went on record saying that Optimus is the best humanoid robot outside of China and then some. The American Figure.AI, however, just detailed its new Helix 02 humanoid robot platform with enviable full-body autonomy and finger dexterity.

New Garmin watch face arrives in beta smartwatch update

Garmin is currently rolling out beta version 13.18 to users of three of its smartwatch models. This brings a new watch face for some users, alongside a Strength activity-related bug fix. Plus, users of the Instinct 3, Instinct E and Instinct Crossover smartwatches are also getting a range of more minor improvements.

Realme P4 Power 5G: Realme’s new mid-range smartphone debuts with gigantic 10,001 mAh battery

Realme has launched a new mid-range smartphone, the Realme P4 Power, with a massive 10,001 mAh battery. The silicon-carbon battery is rated at 1,650 charge cycles and promises to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 8 years of use. Other features include a 144 Hz AMOLED display, a 50 MP OIS-enabled primary camera, and a Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset.

Amazfit fixes several workout related bugs in new smartwatch update

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro is currently receiving the firmware version 4.4.1.3 update. This release focuses on bug fixes, tackling problems linked to paired headphones and page stutter. Plus, it resolves issues related to a range of workout types, including Rucking, Track Run and Strength Training.

Lenovo Legion Go handheld with Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 144 Hz display receives 37% discount vs list price

Deal | The Lenovo Legion Go has now reached a pretty excellent price point if you are looking to get into handheld gaming consoles. Currently retailing for less than $450 on Lenovo's official store, the Lenovo Legion Go on sale comes with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage.

Nintendo announces list of Virtual Boy games that will be available at launch

The Nintendo Virtual Boy accessory for the Switch and Switch 2 is a few weeks from release. Nintendo has now released a video that reveals the games that will be available on launch day. It has also revealed additional games and features that will be added later this year.

Free Steam demo for highly anticipated action RPG pulls nearly 20,000 players in hours

The free game demo for Nioh 3 is available on Steam, and within 6 hours of the release, it drew over 19,000 concurrent players, and the all-time peak player count is still climbing. It's available to pre-purchase, with the full launch date being February 06, 2026.

Survival crafting hops the tracks: Snowpiercer-style train bases are the genre’s next big trend

A new twist on the survival crafting genre is the addition of a moving train being used as a home base. With titles like Enginefall, Frostrail, and EverRail in play, there is something for everybody looking to try their hand at a train-centric survival crafter in 2026.

GOG uses generative AI image to promote DRM free games, drawing criticism from own artist

GOG reminds fans of a simpler time when games didn’t rely on online-only launchers. Even so, with a suspicious banner, it’s embracing the modern trend of AI art replacing the work of humans. An artist for the storefront confirmed that generative AI was responsible for a wonky New Year Sale graphic.

Lenovo releases new Intel Panther Lake gaming laptop with 165 Hz OLED display

The Legion 5i Gen 11 is one of the first Intel Panther Lake-based gaming laptops that is actually available to order. Configurable with either a Core Ultra 7 356H or Core Ultra 9 386H, the Legion 5i Gen 11 also features a 165 Hz OLED display, an 80 Wh battery and up to 32 GB of RAM.

Leak shows official Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Qi2 charger with disappointing limitation

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch with numerous magnetic accessories. A leak has already revealed Samsung's official Qi2 charger, which can charge smartphones at up to 25 watts, but the description suggests a limitation when used with Galaxy smartphones.

Google Aluminium OS leaked: Android-based alternative to Windows and macOS

Android is reportedly set to replace Chrome OS in the future in order to compete with Windows 11 and macOS on desktops and laptops. Google has now accidentally provided a glimpse of the user interface of its upcoming operating system, which is internally called Aluminium OS.

New Casio Edifice x Toyota Racing watches could be on the way

A recently announced partnership between Casio and Toyota Racing suggests that new Edifice collaboration watches could be on the way. The brands have already confirmed that the Casio and Edifice logos will feature on its racing cars in the upcoming season, and the team will wear Edifice wearables during events.

This adventure game, set in a galaxy far, far away, is currently 92% off on Steam, which is its lowest price

Deal | Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order immerses you in the story of Cal Kestis, a young Padawan who survived Order 66. You are hunted by the Empire and must face numerous enemies alongside your allies. Mastering the Force and your lightsaber will be essential to defeat them.

Slip of the tongue: Airbnb CEO confirms Apple's secret car project

28 January 2026 at 23:57
For years it was the worst-kept secret in Silicon Valley: Project Titan, Apple's attempt to build its own car. But Apple never officially confirmed its existence, not even when it was reportedly finally canceled in early 2024. Now, Airbnb has provided this confirmation, breaking Apple's ironclad code of silence.

Limited edition Seiko collab watch with playful design on the way

Seiko is about to release a new 5 Sports collaboration watch in Thailand. This limited edition timepiece features a playful design from artist Poorboy, with an image of a monkey on a brightly colored dial. It comes with interchangeable straps, one made of metal and another of nylon.

Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2: New information about possible MicroLED smartwatch leaks

Features of the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2 smartwatch could have been leaked. Two sources appear to have revealed some of the wearables' specifications, including a MicroLED screen and a possible titanium casing. Plus, there are rumors about the release date and pricing of the premium watch.

Gaming laptop with 300 Hz QHD display sports up to 128 GB DDR5 memory, RTX 5070 Laptop GPU and plenty of ports

28 January 2026 at 21:51
The Intel-powered Tuxedo InfinityBook Max 15 gaming laptop is now available for pre-order, featuring a capable 16-core Intel Core Ultra 7 255H CPU. The laptop also sports up to an RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, and can be fitted with up to 128 GB of memory and 8 TB storage.

Casio’s military-inspired G-Shock GA-2100 watches hit stores ahead of the official launch

Casio’s G-Shock GA-2100 series watches (G-Shock GA2100CM-5A and GA-2100CM-8A) are now available for purchase via Zumiez ahead of the official launch. The new military-inspired G-Shock GA-2100 watches with full camouflage treatment are said to launch in February 2025, according to Casioblog.

New leak reveals pricing details for Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra

Update | A reliable leaker has offered insights into the state of Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra launch pricing. Apparently, Samsung's new flagships will not receive price rises. In fact, most Galaxy S26 Ultra SKUs could end up being cheaper than last year's Galaxy S25 Ultra. Update: New pricing information reveals a different picture.

Xiaomi 17 Pro Max shows two major drawbacks in DxOMark camera analysis, fails to make top 10

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max stands out particularly with its unconventional camera module featuring a secondary display. Whilst its triple 50MP cameras delivered impressive performance in many areas during DxOMark’s analysis, they also exhibited some significant weaknesses.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra is way faster than Google Pixel 10 Pro despite throttling

With its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Xiaomi’s new high-end smartphone delivers impressive performance. We take a closer look at how the Qualcomm SoC behaves under sustained load. Even after a stress test and significant heat buildup, Google’s latest flagship doesn’t stand a chance.

Garmin releases new update with more than a dozen new features and improvements for multiple smartwatches

Garmin has launched a new update for multiple smartwatches. Rolling out now, the update brings more than a dozen new features and improvements to compatible smartwatches, including multiple changes relating to Garmin's heart-rate variability chart.

"We’re not stupid": Ubisoft suspends employee after LinkedIn post

A Ubisoft developer was reportedly suspended without pay for three days after criticizing the company’s return to a five-day office schedule in a LinkedIn post. According to Insider Gaming, Ubisoft cited a violation of the employee’s “duty of loyalty” as the reason for the disciplinary action.

Motorola launches two new entry-level smartphones with Helio G81 chipset and 50 MP camera

Motorola has launched two new smartphones in its G-series lineup: the Moto G17 and the Moto G17 Power. The company’s two new entry-level smartphones share very similar specs and design, including a MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme processor, a 60 Hz LCD display, a 50 MP Sony LYTIA 600 main camera, and up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage.

Microsoft issues out-of-band patch for actively exploited Microsoft Office zero-day vulnerability

28 January 2026 at 16:46
Microsoft has released an out-of-band security update to fix an actively exploited Microsoft Office vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-21509. The flaw allows attackers to bypass Office security protections via malicious documents and has been added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra display may have more tricks up its sleeve

Several weeks ahead of the Galaxy S26’s launch, new information has emerged about previously unknown features of Samsung’s upcoming flagship phone. In particular, the new AMOLED screen with Privacy Display may not just be more versatile than expected but also deliver improved visual quality thanks to an additional enhancement.

Peak60 launches as premium kiln-fired ceramic keyboard case for Wooting 60HE and other 60% gaming keyboards

Cerakey has officially announced its latest product, the Peak60, which is a new case for the Wooting 60HE, 60HE V2, and all other GH60 PCBs. The 60% keyboard case is kiln-fired ceramic, and it will be available in three different colourways and finishes, with a 30% launch discount.

Anker launches stunning Black Myth: Wukong edition of its 220W Prime Power Bank

28 January 2026 at 15:05
The Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) has received a Black Myth: Wukong edition. Now available in the US and UK, the power bank features a sleek black-and-gold design inspired by the action RPG. With 3 USB ports and a 20,100 mAh battery, it can juice up to three devices at once, including a laptop.

30+ hour battery life: Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i Gen 11 with Intel Panther Lake reportedly lasts long time on single charge

Lenovo updated the IdeaPad Pro 5i with the new Intel Panther Lake CPUs at CES 2026. Armed with a 99.9 Wh battery and up to a Core Ultra X9 388H, the IdeaPad Pro 5i 2026 promised phenomenal endurance. Per reviews, the IdeaPad Pro 5i indeed delivers extraordinary battery life.

Xiaomi reveals more core specs of affordable Redmi Turbo 5 ahead of January 29 launch

The Redmi Turbo 5 series is around the corner, and right ahead of the Chinese launch, Xiaomi has revealed more about the non-Max smartphone. This affordable phone with Dimensity 8500 is now confirmed to feature a large battery, a bright display, and fast reverse charging.

New farming-sim launches on Steam with solid reviews, 2,466-player peak, and launch discount

Halcyon Days at Taoyuan launched on Steam Jan 20, 2026, and it’s already built a solid following with a 2,466-player peak. It’s sitting at a "Very Positive" 86% rating. Players love the deep dive into Chinese folklore, even if the text is a bit of a nightmare to read on a Steam Deck.

From $13.99 to $0: Story-rich visual novel game with 89% positive 400 reviews goes free on Steam for a limited time

Deal | Along the Edge is 100% off on Steam until January 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT, saving players the usual $13.99 entry cost. The choice-heavy visual novel holds an 89% rating from 400+ reivews and features 60 distinct endings, plus over 38 character appearance evolutions.

Sennheiser launches in-ear CX 80U and over-ear HD 400U headphones with USB-C support for 24-bit, 96 kHz playback

28 January 2026 at 05:53
Sennheiser has released two USB-C headphones for users who want to save the earth by eliminating difficult-to-recycle lithium batteries. Both are tuned with a U-shaped response that emphasizes the bass in music and come with in-line mics.

Capcom could ship Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 remakes for Switch 2 in 2026, following Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem may prelude an onslaught of frightful remakes invading the Switch 2. A reliable leaker believes that non-cloud versions of Resident Evil 2-4 will debut in 2026. Enhanced Switch 2 specs allow more Capcom games to run on the Nintendo handheld without compromises.

Casio Edifice metal bezel watches with colorful dials now available in the US

Two Casio Edifice EFB-730 watches are now available at the brand’s online store in the US. Already released in Europe, the EFB730D-2BV and the EFB730D-3AV have silver colored metal casing and straps, with colorful dials. Features of these analog watches include triple indicator dials and a basic date display.

Amazfit smartwatch users get new feature in app update

Some Amazfit smartwatch users are receiving a refreshed version of the Zepp smartphone app. Alongside the tweaked design, there is a new feature designed to motivate you to reach new fitness goals. However, it is unclear when this functionality will be available for all users of Amazfit wearables.

Two Apple Watch app updates bring new route and offline maps features to users

The Strava and Komoot apps for Apple Watch were recently updated. In both cases, these releases bring a range of new features, including navigation tools and support for offline maps. However, while the latter is available for all users of one app, it is only offered to subscribers for the other.

DDR4 RAM prices climbing twice as quickly as DDR5, as memory shortage boosts demand for older CPUs

Facing soaring memory prices, some buyers are looking to last-gen hardware for relief. Unfortunately, as a new report documents, DDR4 costs are surging even faster than DDR5 RAM. The situation is unlikely to improve, since contract prices with manufacturers don’t align with market value.

Blizzard Showcase 2026: Major announcements about WoW, Diablo, Overwatch and Hearthstone

28 January 2026 at 00:36
Blizzard Entertainment is kicking off 2026 with a large wave of announcements. To mark the company's 35th anniversary, the games developer and publisher, which is part of the Microsoft division, is organizing a series of "showcase" events in the coming weeks. Starting at the end of January, the teams from World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone and Diablo will provide a detailed overview of plans and updates for the current year in various live streams.

This turn-based RPG, with "Very Positive" reviews, is at its lowest price on Steam, at 90% off

Deal | Expeditions: Rome is a turn-based RPG that immerses you in Ancient Rome. You will have to win battles in Greece, Gaul, and North Africa and improve your skills. But your choices will have consequences, and you'll be able to choose your own destiny.

No chance for AMD: Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H trounces AMD Strix Halo at low power signaling handheld gaming domination in 2026

The Intel Panther Lake APUs are here, and they are looking quite good. From multi-core performance to power efficiency, Panther Lake APUs like the Core Ultra X9 388H have a lot going for them. However, the Core Ultra X9 388H and its Arc B390 iGPU is particularly impressive at low TDP ranges.

Shelly releases new Matter-compatible Dimmer Gen4 in the US

The Shelly Dimmer Gen4 is now available in the US. The smart home product is designed to allow the user to turn a regular light into a smart light, which can be controlled via an app or with voice commands. Already available in Europe, this is a compact gadget with support for the Matter smart home protocol.

Asus geo-restricting top-end 48 GB VRAM SKU for new 14-inch gaming laptop release

Asus has confirmed US pricing for its first 14-inch gaming laptop powered by AMD's Strix Halo architecture. While 48 GB of VRAM will be assignable in Europe, China, and Japan thanks to a 64 GB of RAM variant, Asus will restrict gamers to 32 GB RAM when purchasing the TUF Gaming A14 FA401EA in the US.

16 years ago, Apple introduced the iPad — and quietly reshaped personal computing

Sixteen years ago today Steve Jobs introduced the original iPad, Apple’s first tablet stands as the product that quietly reshaped personal computing. What began as a bold experiment between smartphones and laptops, went on to create a new product category and became one of Apple’s key platforms.

Asus launching new 4K OLED gaming monitor later this year

Asus has confirmed plans to launch a new 4K OLED gaming monitor. Set to receive a global launch too, the new ROG Strix example also delivers a 240 Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility too. The ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS should reach some markets within the next few months.

This Acer Predator 27 QD-OLED gaming monitor with a 280 Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution is 30% off its original price

27 January 2026 at 23:08
Deal | The Acer Predator X27U A1 is a 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor with a 2560 × 1440 resolution, a listed 280 Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. It also carries VESA DisplayHDR True Black certification and has received mixed customer feedback.

Shelly smart temperature and humidity sensor now available in the US

The Shelly BLU H&T ZB sensor can now be purchased at the brand’s online store in the US. Already available in Europe, this smart temperature and humidity sensor could be used in your home or in a greenhouse. Features of this battery-powered product include two connectivity options and remote controls via the company’s smartphone app.

Apple iPhone will soon be able to prevent location tracking via certain carriers, but only with Apple modem

Network operators can locate smartphones relatively precisely via the mobile network without having to access the location data or the GPS module of the respective smartphone. Apple now intends to prevent precise location tracking via network operators, but this will only work with selected iPhones and networks.

AMD Ryzen 7-powered mini PC with 32 GB memory, OCuLink support, and dual 2.5G Ethernet wins attractive $140 discount

27 January 2026 at 21:27
Deal | The GMKtec K12 mini PC with 32 GB DDR5 memory and 1 TB storage is now available with a sizeable $140 discount on Amazon. With a decently capable 8-core Ryzen 7 H 255 APU, OCuLink support, and plenty of ports, the mini PC should be a great fit for folks with moderately intensive workloads.

Smartphones entering laptop territory in future? Xiaomi 17 Ultra in review

If you want to buy a notebook, you should know that CPUs offer very different performance values depending on the TDP limit. Our review of the new high-end phone from Xiaomi with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 indicates that there could be also differences in performance between smartphones due to different power consumption limits.

More Xbox games cancelled, as slow console sales and lack of exclusives make PS5 a priority

Console owners could see the selection of new Xbox games start to dwindle. 1348 Ex Voto and Nickelodeon Splat Pack will not have Xbox Series X|S versions as expected. Declining sales, price increases, and fewer exclusives are incentives for publishers to focus on the PS5 and Switch handhelds.

Video Shootout: Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra - Which camera smartphone is better?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, equipped with its Leica camera system, is one of the best high-end smartphones of 2026. But can this Android flagship also deliver when it comes to video quality? We take a look at 4K footage to see what the new Xiaomi device is capable of and compare its performance with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

UK tribunal clears £656 million class-action lawsuit against Valve over Steam pricing, commissions, and overcharging users

27 January 2026 at 19:18
Valve is facing a major legal battle in the UK after a £656 million class-action lawsuit against Steam was cleared to move forward. The case claims Steam’s pricing and commission rules may have caused UK gamers to pay more than they should.

Vivo X200T launches with four 50 MP Zeiss cameras as cheaper alternative to the X300

The Vivo X200T is a premium mid-range smartphone launching in India that is designed to deliver without any major compromises. Vivo has equipped the device with the fast MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, four 50 MP cameras and a 6,200 mAh battery that can also be charged wirelessly.

DRAM crisis hits Apple as company reportedly failed to secure traditional LTA, iPhone 18 price hike expected

Apple is expected to raise prices for the iPhone 18 series amidst the DRAM crisis that has taken over the tech industry. It is unclear if there will be some models in the series that will be safe from the hike given that some are launching this year and others in the following year.

New Samsung Galaxy Z 'Wide Fold' foldable to receive broader release than Galaxy Z TriFold

According to new reports, Samsung's alternative to the Apple iPhone Fold is still on track for release later this year. Not only that, but the so-called Galaxy Z 'Wide Fold' should be available in significantly more numbers than the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, Galaxy Z TriFold and even the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE.

Steam: Hyped roguelike (95% positive) drops below $10 for the first time

Deal | In Cult of the Lamb, you take on the role of a fanatical lamb building its own cult. The game blends roguelike action with base-building elements – a mix that has been well received by players. For the first time, it is available on Steam with a 60% discount, dropping the price below $10.

Unbloated: Open-source alternatives to Armoury Crate, Vantage, and other control centers – part 1

Control center apps from major laptop manufacturers such as Asus Armoury Crate or Lenovo Vantage have grown into bloated, resource-hungry packages packed with ads and tracking. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Slim open-source tools, often just a few megabytes in size, can offer a very similar feature set—without the bloatware. In this new article series, we take a close look at the best open-source alternatives for gaming laptops and explain who actually benefits from switching.

This is our first look at the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion thanks to leaked renders

Recently surfaced renders of the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion show multiple Pantone-inspired color options and a textured back finish. Previous leaks also point to a high-refresh-rate OLED display, a large battery with fast charging, and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. The device is also expected to ship with Android 16.

Garmin rolling out new stable smartwatch update with course related bug fix

The Garmin System Software 5.10 update is rolling out to users of one of the brand’s older smartwatches. This is the first release for this wearable in around two years. According to the change log, users of the Approach S12 are receiving two bug fixes with this stable update.

EF-24: Artemis delivers three high-speed ferries with hydrofoil technology to Belfast for outfitting

The first three EF-24 high-speed ferries with electric propulsion and hydrofoil technology have arrived in Belfast. These are intended to improve connections between Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England in the future, using small hydrofoil vessels capable of speeds up to 60 km/h.

Nextgear gaming tower becomes transparent at the touch of a button

The EG series is one of Nextgear's most unusual gaming towers on the market, as the two large viewing windows can be switched to stealth mode at the touch of a button, concealing the internal components. Thanks to the frosted glass effect, the RGB lighting is still fully visible.

Two new limited-edition Seiko chronographs launched as collab watches with Caliber 7T92

Seiko has unveiled a dual-model collaboration featuring limited-edition chronographs dedicated to Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi. Scheduled for an August 31, 2026 release, these timepieces utilize the Caliber 7T92 movement, and come with 1/20-second precision plus 10-bar water resistance.

Reolink’s new TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi surveillance camera launches with 20% discount

Reolink has announced the TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi surveillance camera with local AI video search. The latest member in the Floodlight series features a 2-in-1 dual-lens design, which offers 360° coverage with 6x hybrid zoom. Other features include dual-band Wi-Fi 6, auto-tracking, 24/7 continuous recording, and app-based controls.

New free-to-play online shooter launches on Steam as the most-played, least-liked game today, with 97,000-player peak

Highguard officially dropped on Jan 26, 2026, peaking at 97,249 players. Despite the free-to-play status and a high volume of players, it’s drowning in over 16,000 reviews, mostly negative, due to severe optimization issues and a 3v3 loop that players find boringly slow.

Final Fantasy 16 Switch 2 port may surface in 2026, but game could tax console's specs

Nintendo’s handheld is a major part of Square Enix’s plans to expand its customer base. After a positive reception for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, a Final Fantasy 16 Switch 2 release is also possible. Still, the game pushed the PS5 to its limits, leading to reports of overheating consoles.

Affordable 0.6-litre mini PC revealed with Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, dual USB4, and up to 16 TB of storage

27 January 2026 at 02:57
The GMKtec NucBox K13 has hit the scene, boasting an octa-core Intel Core Ultra 7 256V "Lunar Lake" CPU with 16 GB LPDDR5X memory. The mini PC sports a compact 0.6-litre enclosure, and is priced to compete in the ever-growing mid-range mini PC segment.

Medicom Toy and Rinaro Isodynamics unveil limited-edition Be@rbrick Audio x Maneki-Neko omnidirectional speaker

27 January 2026 at 01:36
The limited‑edition Be@rbrick Audio x Maneki Neko speaker blends designer‑toy aesthetics with QUAD’360 omnidirectional sound in a metallic gold lucky‑cat form. Launching January 31, 2026 for $999, it offers paw controls, Bluetooth 5 wireless music playback, and a user-replaceable battery.

Free Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab software simulates studio monitors for professional sound production and mixing

26 January 2026 at 23:50
The free Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab plugin for DAWs turns DT‑series headphones into studio-monitor substitutes with adjustable virtual room settings and speaker placement. The virtual environment enables accurate stereo mixing on the go.

Vivo iQOO 15 Ultra expected to launch very soon with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 24 GB of RAM

In just a few days, Vivo will unveil the iQOO 15 Ultra, a brand-new performance flagship that will combine a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with an active cooling system and up to 24 GB of RAM. Vivo has now released a teaser video of the smartphone, while a leaker has revealed its key specs.

Leak hints at Apple MacBook Pro with Face ID and iPhone Air 2 with upgraded camera

The Apple iPhone Air is one of the thinnest smartphones on the market. However, Apple’s competitors have shown that ultra-thin smartphones could offer much more. According to the latest rumors, Apple tries to create more space for upgrades in the iPhone Air 2 via a smaller Face ID module.

Nintendo Direct rumored for early February, with first and third-party Switch 2 games possibilities

Reliable leaker NateTheHate2 reports that the next Nintendo Direct will take place in the first week of February. With a barrage of Switch 2 games anticipated, he can't provide further details. Some gamers are looking past other first-party Nintendo releases and are calling for a new 3D Mario game.

New upgraded Philips Hue smart lamp on the way

Philips Hue is about to release a new version of the Flourish table light. This upgraded smart lamp appears to come with a new light source, offering a higher maximum brightness level. Plus, it is Matter compatible, and users will be able to use MotionAware technology when connected to a certain accessory.

Cheaper alternative to Edge 70: New Motorola smartphone rears its head in latest leak

The launch of a new Motorola Edge smartphone could be coming sooner than a recent rumour suggested. Now, the cheaper alternative to the Edge 70 has appeared on Geekbench with 50% more RAM and a more powerful chipset than its predecessor. The Edge 70 Fusion could launch with a massive 7,000 mAh battery too.

Xiaomi: Leaks reveal performance of new Redmi smartphone ahead of time

Fresh leaks have identified the performance of a new mid-range smartphone that Xiaomi will be launching before the end of the month. Despite featuring a new MediaTek Dimensity SoC, the Redmi Turbo 5 may struggle to outperform competitors like the Redmi Turbo 4, Poco X7 Pro or the Xiaomi 15T.

Limited-time 51% discount: 48-inch LG B5 OLED TV records massive $750 price drop vs list price

Deal | The 48-inch LG B5 OLED TV is now on sale at Best Buy at an incredible discount. Currently retailing below $600, the LG B5 48-inch TV is one of the best entry-level OLED TVs on the market, as it boasts features like 120 Hz refresh rate, inky deep blacks, and Variable Refresh Rate.

Nintendo launches My Mario collection to capture the next generation of gamers

Nintendo's strategy for capturing a new set of fans includes toys, clothes, books, apps, and videos designed for infants, toddlers, and kids based on Mario and his friends. Dubbed My Mario, the collection of products will help Nintendo get the younger generation familiar with its products as early as possible.

This Mac mini-sized PC’s 65 W Ryzen processor nearly matches an RTX 2050 without a GPU and can also connect an external graphics card

26 January 2026 at 20:29
Minisforum’s X1 Lite enters the mini PC segment as a performance-focused system that prioritises higher power limits. In a recent video, ETA Prime put the device through a series of gaming and thermal tests to evaluate how it behaves under real-world workloads and how far its integrated graphics can be pushed.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Enhanced for PS5 and Switch 2 may not come until after GTA 6 release date

PS5 and Xbox gamers continue to wait for a Red Dead Redemption 2 upgrade to boost visuals. Unfortunately, an insider revealed that it may not come until after GTA 6 ships. Even though the Switch 2 lacks any compatible port, Rockstar Games reportedly wants all of 2026 devoted to the next GTA.

New The Pill by Shelly compact sensor accessory released in US

Shelly has added a limited stock of a new device, named The Pill, to its online store in the US. Launching in Europe in late 2025, this compact device is designed to make regular sensors smart. It offers dual connectivity and supports various input and output types, with applications including voltage and temperature monitoring.

Shelly 7-in-1 weather station now available in the US

The Shelly Ecowitt WS90 7-in-1 weather station is now available in the US, following its recent launch in Europe. The device can be used to track various weather related metrics, with insights available in the brand’s smartphone app. However, it appears that the stock of this product is currently limited.

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