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Today β€” 2 April 2026Notebookcheck.net: News RSS Feed

Cheaper digital games could signal Switch 2 price increase, says ex-Nintendo sales lead

Lower cost digital Switch 2 games have given budgets a slight reprieve. Even so, a former retail-focused Nintendo employee believes a more expensive console could wipe out those savings. If the memory shortage prompts a price increase, the company might counter with other discounts.

Cyberpunk is the most successful TCG in the history of Kickstarter

The Cyberpunk Trading Card Game is now officially the most successful tabletop game ever funded on Kickstarter. The game has now raised well over $15 million and should also benefit from the frustration of TCG players who are no longer satisfied with Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh!

Oppo K15 Pro+ and K15 Pro launch with large 8,000 mAh Si-C battery and built-in cooling fan

Oppo has officially announced the K15 Pro series smartphones in China. The K15 Pro series consists of two smartphones, the K15 Pro Plus and the K15 Pro. The Pro+ variant comes with built-in cooling fans, LED lighting, and a large 8,000 mAh Si-C battery with 100 W wired charging support.

Yesterday β€” 1 April 2026Notebookcheck.net: News RSS Feed

Vivo X300 Ultra at half price: Importing from China can be worth it

Just a few days after the official Vivo X300 Ultra launch event, it is becoming increasingly clear how fans of the ultimate Zeiss camera phone can save a lot of money. Anyone primarily looking for the best camera in a phone form factor and willing to live with some day-to-day limitations as a smartphone should go for the China version. Here is an overview of current import prices and some tips for dealing with a China phone.

New cheap board with Raspberry Pi form factor supports WiFi 6 and PoE

A new developer board comes in a Raspberry Pi form factor and supports connecting external sensors, among other things, while also featuring two microphones. Displays can also be connected. It is essentially built around two separate chips, which also enables wireless network connectivity.

Lenovo releases new 14-inch laptop in North America with 120 Hz OLED display

Lenovo has finally started selling one of its new Intel Panther Lake laptops in North America. Equipped with up to 32 GB of RAM and a 70 Wh battery, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (14IPH11) also comes with an optional 2.8K OLED display that combines 1,100 nits peak brightness with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Audi unleashes the RS 5 PHEV: 639 hp, torque vectoring and a $115,000 price tag

Audi Sport combines its proven V6 biturbo engine with a powerful electric system in the new Audi RS 5 PHEV. The result is a compelling total system output of 639 hp and an all-electric driving range of up to 80 km. Below are the key details of this performance plug-in hybrid, which starts at €106,200 (approximately $115,000).

Analyst says $1000 PS6 price will establish cloud gaming as a console alternative

One researcher anticipates a cloud gaming boom due to skyrocketing console costs. Michael Pachter predicts that a high PS6 price will drive buyers to the more affordable streaming solution. Even so, latency and a limited catalog of titles may keep some gamers loyal to PlayStation hardware.

Oppo K15 Pro+ and K15 Pro launches with large 8,000 mAh Si-C battery and built-in cooling fan

Oppo has officially announced the K15 Pro series smartphones in China. The K15 Pro series consists of two smartphones, the K15 Pro+ and the K15 Pro. The Pro+ variant comes with built-in cooling fans, LED lighting, and a large 8,000 mAh Si-C battery with 100 W wired charging support.

Sony PS6 Portable to beat Steam Deck 2 to market, leaker comments on performance

The market for gaming handhelds remains exciting, because after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 last year, the launch of the first real PlayStation handheld since the PS Vita is getting closer. However, those waiting for the Steam Deck 2 will apparently have to wait a little longer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro gets Lightning port through protective case

Anyone switching from an Apple iPhone 14 or an even older model to an iPhone 17 Pro will have to replace accessories with a Lightning connection or constantly bring a dongle with them. A modder has now shown that Apple's current flagship smartphone could be upgraded to Lightning with a protective case.

Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami’s Unbound studio acquired by Shift Up, new game in development

Shift Up, the studio behind Stellar Blade, has acquired Shinji Mikami’s Unbound studio as it expands beyond mobile into PC and console gaming. The move also hints at a new project currently in development, with more details expected to be shared later.

New Harry Potter stars are reportedly earning a fortune – but Radcliffe made even more

According to insider reports, the new stars of HBO’s Harry Potter series are expected to earn a combined Β£500,000 in season 1, which is a very strong payday for young actors in a new series. Daniel Radcliffe, however, was reportedly paid even more for the first Harry Potter film.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite shows impressive battery life and performance in early tests

Thanks to the outstanding Snapdragon X2 Elite implementation, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Gen 11 model is shaping up to be the new battery life ultrabook champ of 2026. Performance is up there with the latest Intel and AMD competition, but the $900 starting price is iffy considering the market conditions.

Lightweight distro 4MLinux 51.0 brings new media playing options and much more

The Polish lightweight distro 4MLinux returns with version 51.0, which includes Firefox 149 and Chrome 146, LibreOffice 26.2, improved support for ZX Spectrum and Atari music thanks to the AY/YM emulation library, as well as many updated firmware packages and apps, alongside the usual set of tweaks and fixes.

iQoo 15 Apex edition goes official with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor

iQoo has officially launched the iQoo 15 Apex edition smartphone in the Indian market. Its distinctive rear panel design makes it different from the standard variant. The smartphone features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a large 7,000 mAh battery, and a Samsung M14 LTPO 144 Hz display.

QD-OLED gaming monitor under $300: 27-inch AOC QD-OLED 240 Hz QHD monitor on sale in certified-refurbished condition

Deal | The AOC Q27G41ZDF QD-OLED gaming monitor is now on sale on eBay for under $300. Available as a certified-refurbished product from eBay, the gaming monitor comes with a two-year Allstate warranty. The AOC Q27G41ZDF features a 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED panel with a fast 240 Hz refresh rate.

Casio's feature-loaded Pro Trek PRW-B1000 watch scores a big discount on Amazon

Deal | Casio’s Pro Trek PRW-B1000-1CR is now down to $434 on Amazon, thanks to a 25% discount. This brings it closer to its lowest tracked price. With Triple Sensor, Tough Solar, and dual time sync, the current deal gets you strong value for a feature-loaded outdoor-focused watch.

CRKD releases pro gaming controller with 1,000 Hz polling and rich feature set

Boasting multiplatform support and a 1,000 Hz maximum polling rate, the ULT Pro is a new gaming controller striving to stand out with advanced features and deliver reliable controls even in fast-paced games requiring quick reflexes. It also comes with extra programmable buttons for added flexibility.

Casio unveils five stealthy new Electro Green G-Shock watches

Casio has introduced five β€œBlack and Electro Green” G-Shock models, ranging from the fully digital GD-010BEG-1 to analog-digital options including the GA-100, GA-700, and the octagonal GA-B2100 β€œCasiOak,” all pairing stealthy black cases with high-contrast green displays and accents.

EU to tax old emails and photo clutter: New "Data waste" law effective April 1, 2026!

The EU Commission is set to introduce the so-called "Data Carbon Tax" on April 1, 2026. This tax on 'dark data'β€”such as old emails or duplicate photosβ€”is designed to offset the surging energy consumption of AI data centers powering ChatGPT, Gemini, and similar applications. In the future, users who fail to clean up their data within specified deadlines must expect financial penalties or even the mandatory deletion of their cloud storage. However, a little more tidiness can't hurt ;)

More than 11,000 GitHub projects affected: Copilot posted ads for Raycast

GitHub users have reported massive amounts of spam in over 11,000 projects. Microsoft Copilot has been inserting suggestions that reference the productivity tool Raycast. Developers are calling it advertising, but Microsoft has denied this, attributing it to a technical error that has since been fixed.

New Analogue 3D firmware update solves flash cart headaches by tracking each N64 ROM separately

Analogue’s firmware 1.2.4 update for the FPGA-based Analogue 3D addresses a major pain point for N64 flash cart users by detecting ROM header changes and treating each title on a single cartridge as a separate library entry. The β€œadvanced library detection” feature preserves per-game saves and settings, such as Virtual Controller Pak data and controller configurations, while additional OS tweaks, such as a cartridge-dependent β€œReady” prompt, streamline startup.

Tim Sweeney: Epic to resolve insurance hurdles for terminally ill laid-off dev

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said the company is working directly with the family of Michael Prinke, a laid-off Epic employee with terminal brain cancer, and pledged to β€œsolve the insurance” gap that left him without life coverage. Sweeney added that Prinke’s medical condition was not a factor in the layoff due to confidentiality rules, as the case reignites scrutiny of how mass layoffs affect workers with serious health conditions.

β€œA computer should be yours”: Framework CEO calls out MacBook Neo design

Framework CEO Nirav Patel posted a teardown comparing Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo with the similarly priced Framework Laptop 12, arguing they embody opposing philosophies despite both targeting budget buyers. He praised Apple’s improved access to parts like the battery and ports, but criticized its soldered RAM and storage, and the costly display replacement, positioning Framework’s modular, upgradeable design as a longer-lasting alternative that reduces e-waste and avoids pulling users into Apple’s β€œwalled garden.”

EU to tax old emails and photo clutter: New "Data waste" law effective July 2026

The EU Commission is set to introduce the so-called "Data Carbon Tax" on July 1, 2026. This tax on 'dark data'β€”such as old emails or duplicate photosβ€”is designed to offset the surging energy consumption of AI data centers powering ChatGPT, Gemini, and similar applications. In the future, users who fail to clean up their data within specified deadlines must expect financial penalties or even the mandatory deletion of their cloud storage.

Leaked Forza Horizon 6 preview addresses gameplay concerns ahead of release date

On its May 19th release date, Forza Horizon 6 will refresh the open-world racer series with a new location. Some players have wondered if the diverse Japanese map would seem too barren. A leaked Forza Horizon 6 preview describes abundant traffic and detailed Tokyo and countryside scenery.

Samsung's 2026 flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar is here, but you should get the 2025 model instead

Samsung’s new HW-Q990H flagship soundbar brings AI-driven features like Sound Elevation and Auto Volume, but leaves the hardware largely unchanged from last year. At $1,999, it’s a tough sell when the HW-Q990F or even the older Q990D offer nearly identical performance for significantly less. Unless you really want the latest software tweaks, last year’s model remains the smarter buy.

DDR5 RAM prices fall by as much as 30%, but memory shortage likely far from over

If Asia is any indication, other parts of the world could see memory prices fall further. After U.S. and European buyers noticed fluctuations, TrendForce found sharp declines in retail DDR5 RAM costs in China. Yet, critical DRAM manufacturers insist that demand from AI data centers remains steady.

Slimbook Creative Linux laptop packs RTX 5070, Thunderbolt 4 and 99 Wh battery into 1.9 kg chassis

The Slimbook Creative Linux notebook returns, and the new edition promises even better performance thanks to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 in a lighter chassis. With a keyboard with RGB lighting and a 180 Hz QHD display, the laptop is also suitable for Linux gaming enthusiasts.

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ROG Zephyrus G16: Asus confirms over 50% higher starting price for new 16-inch gaming laptop

Asus has finally confirmed pricing for this year's ROG Zephyrus G16. While the 2025 edition currently starts at Β£2,099, this year's 16-inch gaming laptop runs to over 50% more. Even comparable variants are considerably more expensive than last year's, too.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra: Hasselblad camera phone gets official global release date

Alongside numerous other Oppo phones, tablets, and wearables, Oppo today revealed in both global markets and China the official launch date for what is likely to be one of the most exciting camera flagships of the year. At least in China, the Oppo Find X9s Pro, the Oppo Pad Mini and Pad5 Pro, the Watch X3 Mini, and the Enco Clip2 earbuds will also launch at the same time.

Rare find: Lenovo tablet comes with unusual accessory in the box

The Lenovo Tab K12 is fairly light for its size and comes with a number of business features, but it is also interesting for regular buyers. Specifically, the tablet includes a charger, which has unfortunately become a rarity with tablets and smartphones. We summarize our findings from the review.

Minor bug: Microsoft Copilot included unsolicited ads in GitHub pull requests

GitHub users have reported massive amounts of spam in over 11,000 projects. Microsoft Copilot has been inserting suggestions that reference the productivity tool Raycast. Developers are calling it advertising, but Microsoft has denied this, attributing it to a technical error that has since been fixed.

Jack Black teases The Super Mario Galaxy Movie sequel in 2029, as Nintendo films multiply

The actor voicing Bowser in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has alluded to a sequel. In a recent interview, Jack Black suggested a third Mario movie may arrive in 2029. Nintendo films are growing in number, with The Legend of Zelda set to premiere in 2027 and a Star Fox picture rumored.

SpaceX suffers another Starlink satellite anomaly: ISS and Artemis II safe

SpaceX has suffered two Starlink satellite incidents in three months, both explained as 'anomalies' with root causes yet to be disclosed. While SpaceX insists the debris field doesn't threaten the ISS or the Artemis II mission to the moon, with 9,500 satellites and counting, space debris is a growing concern.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED with Core Ultra 7 255H drops below $700 at Best Buy

Deal | Asus' Zenbook 14 OLED (model UX3405CA) comes equipped with a bright 1,200p OLED touch display, Intel's Core Ultra 7 255H, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. The thin-and-light notebook also has a couple of Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as support for the latest Wi-Fi standard.

ARC Raiders stays on course: New Flashpoint update arrives on March 31

The ARC Raiders update "Flashpoint" goes live on March 31 and expands the extraction shooter with new ARC threats, fresh equipment, a new map event, convenience improvements for crafting and additional cosmetic rewards, among other things. Insider Gaming also ranks Flashpoint as the third biggest update on the roadmap to date.

PokΓ©mon Champions is just around the corner – and it could be here to stay

PokΓ©mon Champions is meant to become more than just a new PvP spin-off: according to producer Masaaki Hoshino, the game is designed as a long-term platform that, in the best-case scenario, could keep running β€œforever.” To achieve that, The PokΓ©mon Works and Game Freak are relying on a live-service model with rotating PokΓ©mon pools so that the battle system remains manageable even with thousands of possible pocket monsters. The free-to-start title launches on April 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

OpenClaw in China: Lobster-fueled hype behind new AI agent

OpenClaw has become a massive trend in China, with lobster-themed merchandise and government subsidies fuelling the hype. In contrast, Europe and the US remain sceptical. While Chinese companies use the agent to increase efficiency, Western companies are primarily concerned about the potential risks.

Apple confirms strict rules for new iPhone features for Garmin Fenix 8 and other third party smartwatches

After Apple resisted for a long time, the Apple iPhone is finally getting better support for smartwatches other than the Apple Watch. However, smartwatch manufacturers who want full access to an iPhone's push notifications must agree to strict guidelines.

Disney reportedly wants to acquire Fortnite and Epic Games, as layoffs hit publisher

If founder Tim Sweeney leaves Epic Games, a tech insider says Disney may seek a controlling interest. Disney already made a massive investment in Fortnite to create an interactive world with its characters. The owner of the Star Wars IP has floundered when developing and publishing games in-house.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 English translator says Warhorse studios replaced him with AI to cut costs: β€œI was told my role was now obsolete”

Czech-to-English translator and editor Max Hejtmanek says Warhorse Studios abruptly ended his four-year role on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, telling him his position would become β€œobsolete” as the company shifts all future translation work to AI to boost efficiency and cut costs. Hejtmanek, who says he handled much of the game’s English text from dialogue to promotional material, urged fans not to harass staff or review-bomb the game, while Warhorse and its publisher have not publicly responded.

Samsung Pro Keyboard turns Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra into laptop, but is extremely expensive

The Samsung Pro Keyboard is now also available in the US and in Europe. The keyboard features a high-quality aluminum body and a large multi-touch trackpad, effectively turning the 14.6-inch flagship tablet into a laptop replacement. However, the keyboard is extremely expensive.

Sony rumored to lower PS6 price using 1TB SSD and smaller than PS5 game sizes

To keep the PS6 price reasonable, Sony may sacrifice a larger SSD and an optical drive. A leaker thinks that neural texture compression could result in trimmer game sizes than expected. The PS5 price increase and storage shortage have other analysts predicting a $1000 MSRP.

GTA 6 sleuths deduce that Rockstar North has spent likely over $2 billion on the title

Fans awaiting Grand Theft Auto VI have begun scrutinizing Rockstar Games’ UK financial filings, with online analyses suggesting Rockstar North alone may have spent more than Β£2.1 billion (over $2.7 billion) since 2019, fueling speculation that the project could ultimately exceed $3 billion. The estimates, drawn largely from wages and expenses and popularized by a YouTuber and a Reddit user, remain unverified and may also reflect ongoing support for other Rockstar titles rather than exclusively for GTA VI development.

Citizen’s newest Promaster Dive is bigger, bolder, and now available in the US

If you’re a fan of big dive watches, Citizen’s newest limited-edition Promaster might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. At 44mm, it has a prominent wrist presence, and its iridescent dial reflects light in vivid aquatic shades. Following its release in Canada and China, the watch is now officially available in the US for $495 starting today.

Xgimi unveils Titan Noir series 4K projectors with launch discount

Xgimi has officially launched the new Titan Noir series 4K projectors in the global market with a launch discount. The Titan Noir series consists of a total of three projectors, including the Titan Noir, the Titan Noir Pro, and the Titan Noir Max. The high-end Noir Max features up to 7,000 ISO lumens of brightness and a 240 Hz refresh rate.

Kliff actor wanted cohesive Crimson Desert story, but devs prioritized open-world gameplay

The voice actor for Kliff agrees with Crimson Desert reviews that call the open-world game’s story shallow. Alec Newman details how Pearl Abyss procrastinated about deciding on a plot. Despite his objections, the title shipped with a narrative that many players find nonsensical.

SimRacing: Truck driver keeps driving virtually while stuck in traffic

A long-haul truck driver shows on Reddit just how far gaming in a truck can go: instead of a simple console in his cab, he has installed a complete SimRacing station. The setup, which costs around $6,000, may seem a little over the top, but it could be entirely justified in the monotonous day-to-day life of a trucker.

Laptop crisis: Insane prices, sales slump, yet Apple thrives with MacBook Neo

The global laptop is set for a dramatic downturn in 2026. Rising costs driven by AI chips and memory shortage are pushing laptop prices sky-high and scaring off buyers. While the rest of the industry is bracing for a sharp decline, Apple is bucking the trend and seeing rapid growth thanks to its wallet-friendly MacBook Neo.

A phone that impresses with a great display and long battery life - Oppo Reno15 Pro 5G

In our review, this compact Oppo smartphone impresses with a strong overall package and boasts an impressive array of megapixels in its cameras. It also features an exceptional design and many premium features, though there are a few shortcomings. We’ve summarized the key points below.

Anker’s new 45 W Nano charger with smart display drops to lowest-ever price on Amazon

Deal | Anker’s recently announced 45 W Nano charger has dropped to its lowest-ever price on Amazon for a limited time. The compact charger ships with a single USB-C port, which delivers a maximum of 45 W output. Plus, it has dual foldable prongs and a smart display.

Vivo releases new high-end smartphone with massive battery and 144 Hz VRR AMOLED display

Vivo has now released a new high-end smartphone with a huge 7,100 mAh battery. Also sporting a trio of impressive cameras, the device boasts an AMOLED display with a 1-144 Hz variable refresh rate. The Vivo X300s can be configured with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, too.

Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Leica optical zoom lens may get these upgrades

Two leakers, one message: After plenty of camera-related details have emerged about the Xiaomi 18 and 18 Pro, a new leak now hints at a key upgrade coming to the successor of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The innovative 200 MP optical zoom lens on the upcoming Ultra model will apparently receive several notable improvements.

Review verdict: Apple iPhone 17e remains highly coveted despite cutbacks

During our review, the Apple iPhone 17e proved to be a solid smartphone, easily handling everyday tasks and impressing us in particular with its performance and camera quality. As a result, the device will likely appeal to many consumers despite its steep $599 starting price – and being the most affordable iPhone 17 model certainly helps.

BYD spins off electric taxi unit: Linghui gives away $2,300 in free charging

BYD, the Chinese EV giant, is hitting the brakes. Too many BYD electric cars are being used as taxis, which is damaging its premium image among private customers. The solution is the new Linghui brand. The premium electric model e7 comes with completely free flash charging for one year, saving frequent drivers the equivalent of over $2,300 or €2,000.

CRKD ULT Pro: New gaming controller offers 1,000 Hz polling and rich feature set

Boasting multiplatform support and a 1,000 Hz maximum polling rate, the ULT Pro is a new gaming controller striving to stand out with advanced features and deliver reliable controls even in fast-paced games requiring quick reflexes. It also comes with extra programmable buttons for added flexibility.

Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake to launch together

According to a prolific leaker, a new Nintendo Switch 2 limited edition console is on the way. The console will launch alongside the much-anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. The leaker also hints at the scope of the remake, as Nintendo is seemingly pulling out all the stops for the remake.

Skoda Peaq revealed: Large 7-seater electric SUV with over 600 km range

Skoda is entering the large family SUV market with its largest EV to date, the Peaq. This new flagship model towers above the Kodiaq, offering optional space for seven people and boasting an enormous 1,010 litres of trunk space. Thanks to the new 91 kWh battery, the extra long-range model surpasses a range of 600 kilometres.

Panther Lake-equipped GMKtec Evo-T2 launches with powerful Intel Arc B390 iGPU

The GMKtec Evo-T2 is now available to purchase. This new Panther Lake mini PC will be available in limited quantities at first, and the initial batch will feature the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H. The pre-order price starts at $1,839 with the introductory discount in place.

New Blood CEO slams Nvidia DLSS 5: β€œWho asked for this?”

New Blood Interactive CEO David Oshry and Dusk creator David Szymanski have criticized Nvidia’s forthcoming DLSS 5, set to launch this fall on RTX 50-series GPUs, arguing that its shift toward generative AI goes beyond super-sampling and muddies what DLSS is meant to be. Both warn that β€œoptional” adoption may become effectively mandatory as games are built around the tech, and they urge developers and consumers to push back by withholding collaboration and spending.

Epic Games layoffs: developer with terminal brain cancer loses life insurance

Epic Games’ latest round of layoffs, which cut roughly 1,000 roles, has drawn renewed scrutiny after reports that a longtime programmer with terminal brain cancer lost his employer-sponsored life insurance immediately upon termination. While the company offered severance and six months of continued health coverage, the employee’s family says a pre-existing condition prevents obtaining new coverage, prompting outreach to Epic executives and an update that discussions are now underway.

God of War dev reveal Kratos' ashen design happened 'by accident'

Retro Gamer reports that Kratos’ iconic pale, ashen skin in God of War was not a lore-first design choice but the result of director David Jaffe approving an unfinished concept sketch that simply looked β€œreally cool.” Developer Stig Asmussen says the team later integrated the accidental look into the narrative, while the stark white palette also helped Kratos stand out amid the game’s marble environments and blood-soaked combat.

New Blood CEO slams NVIDIA DLSS 5: β€œWho asked for this?”

New Blood Interactive CEO David Oshry and Dusk creator David Szymanski have criticized Nvidia’s forthcoming DLSS 5, set to launch this fall on RTX 50-series GPUs, arguing that its shift toward generative AI goes beyond super-sampling and muddies what DLSS is meant to be. Both warn that β€œoptional” adoption may become effectively mandatory as games are built around the tech, and they urge developers and consumers to push back by withholding collaboration and spending.

New Switch 2 game leaks including Star Fox make Nintendo furious, says ex-employee

A reliable leaker has disclosed Nintendo’s release schedule as far out as 2027. NateTheHate discussed Switch 2 games like Star Fox and an Ocarina of Time remake on his latest podcast. A former PR Manager for the company believes an irate Nintendo may need to reshuffle its marketing strategy.

The Sims creator continues to bet on AI memory game Proxi despite funding lapse

Will Wright, creator of The Sims, is continuing to push forward with Proxi, an AI-driven β€œmemory game” that turns players’ personal recollections into a navigable world populated by avatar-like Proxies, despite years of technical uncertainty and investor skepticism. After Gallium Studios’ funding dried up in October 2024 and its 30-person team was laid off, Wright has kept the project alive with an unpaid skeleton crew while still searching for backers in 2026, framing the effort as a high-risk pursuit he’d rather see fail spectacularly than succeed modestly.

Crimson Desert PS5 patch improves performance massively, boosted by FSR upscaling

Crimson Desert got off to a rocky start on Sony’s popular base console. Performance mode offered the highest frame rates but degraded the lush scenery of Pywel. A new PS5 patch adds 4K output and FSR upscaling to this preset, resulting in smooth gameplay with less blurriness.

No GPU, no problem. Hosting your own LLM is infinitely more fun than the censored offerings from the big players and works surprisingly well

CheckMag | Whether you are looking to host a D&D campaign, troubleshoot code, generate ideas, create NSFW content, or bypass the guardrails set out by the big players, hosting your own LLM is easy with KoboldCPP, and works surprisingly well, even without a GPU.

No GPU, no problem. Hosting your own LLM is infinately more fun than the censored offerings from the big players and works surprisingly well.

CheckMag | Whether you are looking to host a D&D campaign, troubleshoot code, generate ideas, create NSFW content, or bypass the guardrails set out by the big players, hosting your own LLM is easy with KoboldCPP, and works surprisingly well, even without a GPU.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra: Faster camera than Vivo X300 Ultra and best 3x telephoto

Both an Oppo executive and a well-known leaker have shared additional details about the Hasselblad camera on the Oppo Find X9 Ultra in recent hours, and these indications are highly promising for anyone looking for the best smartphone camera of the year. In direct comparisons, even some of the camera specs of the Vivo X300 Ultra appear weaker.

DDR5 RAM prices show rare drop amidst memory shortage after TurboQuant announcement

U.S. buyers are starting to see memory prices level off at major retailers. Amazon shoppers will find that some Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM is now slightly more affordable. Google’s TurboQuant algorithm may allow AI data centers to use fewer modules, increasing supply for gamers.

HP OmniBook 5 with OLED and Snapdragon processor slides under $500

Deal | The HP OmniBook 5 ships with a 1,200p OLED screen, Qualcomm's entry-level Snapdragon X SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. For buyers who can live with the quirks of Windows on ARM, this notebook should be a great deal with long battery life and the excellent contrast ratio afforded by an OLED panel.

Vivo X300 Ultra: Official Euro and China import prices leaked

For several days, a supposed poster has been circulating in China revealing the retail prices of all Vivo X300 Ultra storage configurations. Ahead of the launch in China next week, there is now more concrete information available. Not only the import prices from China, but also the official euro pricing for Austria and Germany are known, and one of the accessories aimed at video creators will also be available in the EU.

This open world survival game, loved by 85% of players, is 65% off on Steam

Deal | Survival: Fountain of Youth is an open-world survival game set in the 16th century. You embody an explorer and must collect the resources essential to your survival. Build shelters and various buildings to improve your bases and uncover the secrets of a lost civilization.

PS6 and Project Helix consoles projected to cost $1000+ after PS5 price increase

Gamers are afraid that the PS6 and new Xbox console will stretch even generous budgets. The PS5 price increase has made the prospect of upgrading to the Sony and Microsoft consoles frightening. Multiple analysts expect that the PS6 and Project Helix could cost buyers $1000 or more.

Study: Balcony solar systems almost always pay off – but storage is more complicated

A new study by Anker based on real usage data from Germany shows that balcony solar systems are economically worthwhile in most cases. The equation becomes more complicated when storage solutions are involved because of higher costs and shorter warranty periods.

Leak: Xbox Game Pass may get cheaper first-party tiers with Halo, Fallout and DOOM

A new leak is giving Xbox fans hope for a cheaper Game Pass option. The possible new tier is said to focus on first-party titles and could include games such as Halo 5, Fallout 76 and DOOM Eternal. Not everyone in the community would be happy about that, however.

Slay the Spire 2 reverses course: New patch rolls back criticized changes

Developer MegaCrit is responding to the massive criticism of the latest changes in Slay the Spire 2 and is rolling them back with beta patch v0.101.0. Specifically, the patch reverses changes to cards such as Prepared, Borrowed Time and Capture Spirit, as well as frustrating encounter and difficulty adjustments.

Despite emulation, Apple M5 Max brute forces its way to smooth AAA Windows gaming

Although the Apple M5 Max is not meant for gaming, the presence of a 40-core GPU on the SoC makes it a prime candidate for gaming. To that end, a YouTuber has tested the Apple MacBook Pro with the M5 Max in a slew of Windows games. The results are impressive considering that the M5 Max had to play the games through an emulation layer.

Next‑gen 3D printing: The Scrapβ€―1 turns metal into precision parts

A new 3D printer should be able to print with various metals or alloys, not plastic. This opens up completely new possibilities for producing extremely resilient models with complex shapes and high stability. The Scrap 1 is quite limited in terms of installation space.

Lenovo releases new lightweight 16-inch laptop globally with AMD Gorgon Point or Intel Panther Lake

Lenovo has updated its 16-inch multimedia laptop range with new AMD Gorgon Point and Intel Panther Lake options. Equipped with optional 120 Hz and 2.8K OLED displays, the 16IPH11 and 16AGP11 are Lenovo's latest entries in its long-standing IdeaPad Slim 5 series.

Lenovo releases new 16-inch laptop with Intel Panther Lake and dedicated 105W GPU

Lenovo has released a new 16-inch laptop in North America with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and a 120 Hz OLED display. The 16IPH11 also combines a 16-core Panther Lake processor with an Nvidia dGPU that has a 105 W TGP. Currently, the IdeaPad Pro 5i is only available as a 16-inch laptop in North America.

Steam Machine should undercut PlayStation 5 price hike

The PlayStation 5 and 5 Pro price hikes make this the best time for Valve to secure truly competitive Steam Machine pricing, which matters greatly even if the product does end up trailing PlayStation 5 Pro in graphics performance. The beefier CPU of Steam Machine and superior PC upscalers versus base PS5 turn the coming showdown into an interesting battle, indeed.

Deal on flagship LG G5 OLED TV offers bright gaming at below lowest Amazon sale price

Deal | It’s not often that buyers will find a deep discount on a manufacturer’s top OLED TV. The LG G5 improves on WOLED panels, with class-leading brightness and more precise colors. A Greentoe deal on the 65-inch and 77-inch models beats the previous Amazon low sale price for the LG TV.

Analyst expects Switch 2 and Xbox consoles to follow PS5 with price increases

Higher PS5 and PS5 Pro prices have rocked the industry and strained already depleted budgets. Even so, one analyst predicts the Switch 2 may not be an affordable alternative for long. Nintendo and Xbox consoles are facing a stubborn memory shortage and challenges due to the Iran conflict.

LG releases new 17-inch laptop with Intel Panther Lake and 32 GB RAM

LG has now released its latest 17-inch laptop across China and Japan. Scheduled to receive a global launch later this year, the Gram Pro 17 combines a 2.5K display with up to 32 GB of RAM, Panther Lake processors and a 77 Wh battery inside a housing that weighs less than 1.4 kg.

Less than 1.2 kg: LG releases lightweight new 16-inch laptop with 120 Hz OLED display

LG has started selling new 16-inch laptops with AMD Gorgon Point and Intel Panther Lake processors. Featuring a new Aerominum composite body, the Gram Pro 16 has reached China and Japan with optional 120 Hz OLED displays and a 77 Wh battery across all SKUs before an eventual global release.

There are five free games to claim on the Epic Games Store right now

Deal | One can currently add five games to their Epic Games library for free. Available to claim for a short time in some cases, the new freebies span Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Havendock, Hyper Echelon, Lucky Goal, Symmetry and The Wreck giveaways end at different times.

Leaker reveals 3D Mario Switch 2 release date in 2027, but Zelda game coming sooner

NateTheHate provided followers with a mixed bag of unofficial Switch 2 announcements. A 3D Mario release date in 2027 will cause groans, but a new Zelda game could headline the holiday season. The insider says a full-fledged The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is incoming.

Garmin releases new update with Garmin Coach improvements to older smartwatches

Garmin claims to have improved its Garmin Coach service across multiple high-end smartwatches. Also featuring a potential Garmin Connect issue, v26.06 is currently being beta tested across Enduro 2, Fenix 7, Quatix 7 and Marq Gen 2 smartwatches with Pro versions to follow.

iQoo launches Z11 5G smartphone with massive 9,020 mAh battery, alongside affordable Z11x

iQoo has launched two new smartphones, the Z11 and the Z11x, in China. iQoo packs massive batteries in both smartphones. To be more precise, the former ships with a 9,020 mAh battery, while the latter comes with a 7,050 mAh cell. The Z11 features an AMOLED panel and a Dimenity 8500 chipset.

This LG laptop is much cheaper than MacBook Neo with 2x RAM and longer battery

Deal | The LG UltraPC 16 (2023) is now on sale at Staples for much less than the MSRP of MacBook Neo. However, despite costing less than $500, the LG UltraPC 16 features 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, both of which are double the amount of RAM and storage that you get in the MacBook Neo.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Jobs Edition contains piece of Steve Jobs' turtleneck

Apple was founded in 1976, so the iPhone manufacturer is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. One of the most unusual products to celebrate this anniversary is the Jobs Limited Edition of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, which includes a piece of the Apple founder's turtleneck sweater.

EU customs crackdown on Temu and Shein: New €3 flat fee creates hidden cost trap

The European Union is putting an end to cheap, duty-free parcels from China by introducing new fees that will greatly impact platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Recent media reports have missed a crucial detail of the new EU customs reform, which is set to become a major cost trap for online shoppers starting July 1, 2026.

Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Potential upgrades to Leica optical zoom lens

Two leakers, one message: After plenty of camera-related details have emerged about the Xiaomi 18 and 18 Pro, a new leak now hints at a key upgrade coming to the successor of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The innovative 200 MP optical zoom lens on the upcoming Ultra model will apparently receive several notable improvements.

Sony Honda Afeela scrapped: PlayStation EV abruptly cancelled following multi-billion losses

Sony and Honda's ambitious EV project has come to a surprising end. Despite recently opening a showroom in California, the joint venture has completely halted development of the Afeela 1. This is due to a drastic change in Honda's strategy, collapsing US markets and huge financial losses.

This β€œpro” laptop has a problem: Gigabyte A16 Pro in a reality check

The Gigabyte A16 Pro promises a lot: a slim chassis, RTX 5070 Ti, a bright display, and solid battery lifeβ€”all at a relatively low price. But in everyday use, unexpected weaknesses show up in connectivity, drivers, and efficiency. Can it still deliver as an affordable creator laptop?

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS beta sports GNOME 50 and the Linux kernel 7.0

On the path to the planned April 23 release, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS beta is here with the new GNOME 50 desktop and several new default apps, including the Resources system monitor, not to mention the latest release candidate version of the yet-to-be-released Linux kernel 7.0. New GPU drivers and plenty of package updates are also included.

Cuktech unveils new 100 W wall laptop GaN charger with built-in display

Cuktech has launched the new 10 Ultra wall charger with a built-in smart display that supports touch control. The GaN-powered charger delivers a maximum 100 W of output across four ports, including three USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. Plus, it comes with 8-layer safety protection, including overvoltage and short circuit safeguards.

New Dell Pro 3 Laptops will not come with Intel Lunar Lake

Update | (Update: Original reporting inaccurate; headline and teaser heavily edited) Dell originally announced the new affordable Dell Pro 3 laptops with Intel's last year chips, Lunar Lake. Dell has since updated the spec sheet, and the new Dell Pro 3 laptops will not ship with Core Ultra 200V after all.

Affordable Lenovo Idea Tab Pro gets 39% price cut, sports 144 Hz display and powerful Dimensity 8300 SoC

Deal | The well-equipped Lenovo Idea Tab Pro tablet comes with a 12.7-inch 144 Hz display with a pixel density of over 270. Powered by the Dimensity 8300 SoC, the budget tablet should be a great choice for the majority of folks with casual workloads.

Half-Life 2 writer: Valve devs quietly testing generative AI for game writing

Half-Life 2 and Portal writer Erik Wolpaw says a small group at Valve is quietly experimenting with generative AI tools, though he argues the technology remains β€œpretty bad” at creative writing and isn’t a near-term threat to human authors. He suggests AI may be more useful for improving real-time, reactive NPC dialogue systems, while emphasizing Valve’s efforts are informal and exploratory rather than a company-wide initiative.

Kingdom Come Deliverance director defends DLSS 5: "No way haters will stop this"

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 creative director Daniel VΓ‘vra has publicly defended Nvidia’s DLSS 5 amid widespread backlash over its early β€œuncanny” visual demos, arguing the neural-rendering tech will improve and may eventually reduce reliance on costly ray tracing. VΓ‘vra says β€œhaters won’t stop” DLSS 5’s adoption, predicting developers will learn to tune it to specific art styles even as he acknowledges his past skepticism toward AI-generated art.

Hideo Kojima ordered devs to make Death Stranding 2 more enjoyable so β€œmore people finish the game”

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach lead level designer Hiroaki Yoshiike says Hideo Kojima explicitly ordered the team to make the sequel more enjoyable so more players would finish it, a response to feedback that the original could feel slow and overly elaborate. By trimming mandatory worldbuilding and adding optional supplemental elements, Kojima Productions aimed to improve pacing and accessibility, an approach Yoshiike claims is reflected in stronger completion metrics and early critical and player praise.

Google Translate for iOS gets game-changing "Live Translate" feature

Google is expanding its "Live Translate" feature to iOS, allowing iPhone users to experience real-time audio translation through headphones. Supporting over 70 languages, the tool preserves the speaker's original tone and cadence for more natural conversations. The update is currently rolling out across major global markets, including the UK, Japan, and Europe.

Battlefield 6 devs used generative AI heavily without adding Steam disclosure

A new report explains how Battlefield 6 may have taken years longer to surface without AI tools. Developers relied on machine learning to make lip movements appear more natural and modify facial animations. Despite the lack of a Steam disclosure, gamers also believe the company approved AI images.

Siri to become the most flexible AI chatbot with Gemini and Claude support

Apple plans to introduce "Extensions" in iOS 27, allowing users to replace or expand Siri’s AI capabilities with third-party chatbots like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT. This might turn Siri from one of the least helpful AI assistants to one of the most flexible ones.

Siemens unveils heavy battery locomotive with 2 MWh capacity and pantograph

Siemens Mobility will also offer the Vectron Dual Mode with a large battery pack in the future. Instead of a diesel generator that's found in the ICE L and other trains, a battery capacity of 2 MWh is intended to provide the electric locomotive with range when no overhead wire is available.

Major PS5 and PS5 Pro price increase rumored, as Sony faces memory shortage

European gamers are anxious following a rumor about a PS5, PS5 Pro, and PS Portal price increase. While unconfirmed, the MSRP of the PlayStation consoles may rise by €100. Sony previously claimed that it could survive the memory shortage that has disrupted the gaming world.

Asus confirms global launch for new 18-inch gaming laptop with 1,600-nit Mini LED display

Asus has revealed the extent of its global launch plans for one of its next 18-inch gaming laptops. Launching in eight SKUs, the ROG Strix G18 2026 departs from last year's model in a few areas while retaining an ultra-bright Mini LED display and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU.

Asus details new 16-inch gaming laptop with global launch confirmed

Asus has revealed more details about its new 16-inch gaming laptop. Set for a global launch, the laptop will be available in six variants with Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. The ROG Strix G16 2026 will be configurable with up to Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU, too.

Vivo Pad6 tablet tipped to depart from Vivo Pad6 Pro in crucial areas

The Vivo Pad6 Pro is days away from receiving an official release. According to a reliable leaker, Vivo will not be launching a cheaper alternative simultaneously. Instead, the probable Vivo Pad6 is set to arrive separately and with a different display from its Pro-branded counterpart.

CRKD ULT Pro gaming controller debuts with 1,000 Hz polling and rich feature set

Boasting multiplatform support and a 1,000 Hz maximum polling rate, the ULT Pro is a new gaming controller striving to stand out with advanced features and deliver reliable controls even in fast-paced games requiring quick reflexes. It also comes with extra programmable buttons for added flexibility.

Insider says Project Helix won't be last new Xbox console, as handheld looms

Microsoft may already be thinking about a successor to Project Helix. A popular insider insists that another new Xbox console will follow the hybrid system. An Xbox handheld could appear on or after the Helix release date, but the company faces stiff competition from Valve and Sony.

Intel officially kills Core Ultra 9 290K Plus at the last minute

Intel has confirmed it will not release the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus, abandoning the planned 24-core flagship as part of its Arrow Lake Refresh lineup. Instead, the company is focusing on the more broadly positioned Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, which it considers sufficient in terms of performance and value.

"Pure magic": Jon L. Noble plays World of Warcraft with his thoughts

Jon L. Noble, one of the British participants in Neuralink’s clinical trial, describes his first 100 days with the N1 implant as β€œscience fiction” that has become part of everyday life. Particularly remarkable is his statement that he can now even play World of Warcraft using his thoughts. Golem reported on the case on March 25, referring to Noble’s own X post from March 22.

Another Lord of the Rings film announced – and that’s not the only surprise

Warner Bros. has announced another Lord of the Rings film alongside The Hunt for Gollum, one that will take a more detailed look at some of the early chapters Peter Jackson left out of his film adaptation. As if that were not surprising enough, the idea reportedly came from Stephen Colbert, who is co-writing the project together with his son Peter McGee.

Community outraged: Some users appear to be paying significantly less in the PS Store

A report from Insider Gaming suggests that Sony is experimenting with individualized discounts in the PlayStation Store. Apparently, not all users are receiving the same discounts on the same games. That has sparked criticism, as some players are reportedly paying nearly twice as much as others for identical offers.

First trailer for Harry Potter series reveals surprisingly early release window, community divided

The first trailer for HBO’s new Harry Potter series has arrived, offering not only a look at many iconic locations and characters from the first book, but also revealing a surprisingly early release window. Opinions on the trailer, however, are sharply divided.

New Vivo X300 Ultra photo samples: Zeiss camera kit unboxed in video

A new promotional video reveals what is likely the most comprehensive camera kit for the Vivo X300 Ultra, not only unboxing and testing the Zeiss camera but also the two teleconverters. New camera samples, both with and without the telephoto extenders, primarily showcase portrait shots.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide compared to Fold8 as mini-foldable with 5.4" cover display

Whether the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide is a mini-foldable, a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold8 or simply a counter to the similarly compact Apple iPhone Fold remains to be seen. Comparative images already visualize how Samsung's next-generation folding flagships look in comparison.

Intel Arc Pro B70 performance metrics: significantly faster than Nvidia's RTX 4000 Pro at half the price and 33% more VRAM

Intel published slides comparing the Arc Pro B70 GPU with Nvidia's RTX 4000 Pro. The Intel card appears to have up to 2.2x larger context windows thanks to its 33% larger VRAM capacity, which leads to 2x tokens per dollar performance increase and up to 6.2x faster responses in multi-agent or multi-user workloads.

DJI unveils Avata 360 flagship 360Β° drone to take on Antigravity’s wild A1

DJI has officially launched its first-ever Avata 360 drone with a massive transmission range of up to 20 km (12.4 miles). The new 360 FPV drone is equipped with DJI’s 1-inch imaging system, O4+ video transmission, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing. The 1-inch-equivalent sensors can capture footage up to 8K/60 fps and 120 MP photos.

This Nothing Phone (4a) Pro deal makes it clear winner over Google Pixel 10a

Deal | The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is now enjoying a sweet pre-order promotion on Amazon. You can pre-order the phone now, and Amazon will include a gift card with the purchase. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro can be had with either 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage or 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

Mova launch: AtomForm Palette 300 36-color 3D printer goes hard on features

Mova recently held a launch event for the AtomForm Palette 300, and one thing is clear: creators are excited for this release. With hot-swapping nozzles, 36-color support, and an all-new software suite, the Palette 300 is bringing some massive features to the maker space.

PlayStation 5's PSSR 2.0 uses AMD's FSR 4's INT8 version that may skip PC RDNA 2 & 3 GPUs

A leaked AMD GitHub repository revealed an INT8 build of FSR 4 that appears capable of running on RDNA 2 and RDNA 3 GPUs, even as AMD positions official FSR 4 support exclusively for newer RDNA 4 hardware. Sony has effectively deployed this same INT8 technology as the PlayStation 5’s upgraded PSSR (often dubbed PSSR 2.0), prompting modders to port the leaked libraries to Radeon RX 6000 and 7000 cards while AMD remains publicly silent.

From Megaswitch HD to SNES: YouTuber showcases new digital-bus 1080p mod

A prototype mod dubbed the Super Switch HD taps the SNES’s internal digital video bus to deliver native, lag-free 1080p output over a pure digital signal, avoiding analog RGB and external upscalers. Created by modder Stanislav Parhomovich, it adds an on-screen interface for resolution, aspect ratio, and processing tweaks, but has no announced release date or price.

Dnsys releasing second batch of limited-edition Kojima Death Stranding 2: On the Beach x Dnsys Z1 knee exoskeletons

The second batch of limited-edition Dnsys Z1 knee exoskeletons made in collaboration with Kojima Productions will be released on March 26, 2026. The exoskeleton reflects the world of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach while providing mobility assistance.

Google says Android can (finally) Google things faster than iPhone; shows the receipts

Google says that Android is now faster than iPhone in web browsing. The performance boost stems from software-hardware integration between Chrome, the Android OS, and flagship processors. There's a catch - the speed difference might not be as big as the benchmarks suggest.

Sony may be prioritizing PS6 games after moving away from PlayStation PC ports

If the PS6 ships by late 2027, Sony needs studios to prepare for its arrival. According to industry veteran Jeff Gerstmann, plans to support the new console may be progressing rapidly. A recommitment to exclusives could signal that PlayStation is thinking about PS6 games for its launch.

Historic change: Samsung Galaxy S26 is receiving AirDrop support in US, Europe, India

This one's for the history books: Samsung is finally breaking down the "walled garden" by bringing native AirDrop support to the Galaxy S26 series in the US, Europe, and India via a new Quick Share update. Galaxy owners in those regions can now share res files seamlessly with iPhones, iPads and Macs. No third-party apps required.

New Sony patent attaches smartphone to DualSense PS5 controller, enhancing games

Sony’s new concept caters to console gamers who are also smartphone addicts. The patent shows a mobile phone connected to a DualSense PS5 controller, providing additional inputs. PS5 and PS6 games may support touchscreen controls or make use of a second screen.

Nintendo Switch 2 games are getting more expensive, but only on cartridge

Nintendo is responding to rising storage costs and will sell games for the Nintendo Switch 2 at a higher price if they are purchased on a cartridge instead of being bought and downloaded digitally from the Nintendo eShop. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is the first game to use this pricing model.

Garmin: Users caught between open ecosystem and premium subscription model

Garmin Connect is a very comprehensive and capable ecosystem that offers plenty of options, especially for athletes. A recent in-depth report suggests that, ever since the introduction of Garmin Connect+, the company has been navigating a delicate balance between maintaining openness and delivering added value for paying customers.

Google’s new music AI here to steal more jobs; you can drop an album with a few clicks

Google is turning up the volume on generative AI with the launch of Lyria 3 Pro, capable of composing full three-minute songs with pro-grade control. This new model allows users to ask Lyria for specific verses, choruses, and bridges. From original gaming soundtracks to cost-cutting corporate jingles, Lyria 3 Pro is set to disrupt the music industry by putting studio-grade production in the hands of everyone.

DJI sues Insta360 for patent theft as drone market rivalry heats up in China

Update | (Update: official statement from Insta360) The rivalry between DJI and Insta360 has escalated into the courtroom, with the leading drone manufacturer filing a lawsuit in China against its competitor for alleged patent theft. The case involves employees who switched companies, plagiarised technologies, and a bitter fight for market share. This article outlines the key facts surrounding the lawsuit.

Developer questions if PS6 specs will convince PS5 owners to upgrade on release date

With a potentially high PS6 price, there are concerns that the console will struggle. The Alderon Games founder thinks improvements in ray tracing won’t tempt many buyers. Sony could find more success converting PS4 owners who have been waiting for a substantial upgrade.

Xiaomi SU7 lands: Tesla Model 3 rival with aggressive price tag

The Chinese tech group is following up. Prices for the new generation of Xiaomi SU7 electric cars start at 219,900 yuan (around $ 31.900) in China. Its range has increased to up to 902 kilometres. 800-volt architecture and LiDAR sensors are now standard features. Below are the official data, equipment and order figures for the market launch.

Historic crash: German car industry collapses as Chinese imports and US slump destroy market

The German automotive industry is gradually grinding to a halt. It is currently experiencing an unprecedented decline. Consequently, its most important export markets and core regions are also being pulled towards the abyss. The bare figures for the past year reveal an unprecedented turning point that poses a massive threat to the survival of the entire industry.

Steam surprise hit: This quirky scratch-off idle game is delighting thousands

Barely released and already a small Steam hit: Scritchy Scratchy is winning players over with a simple but apparently highly addictive idle concept built around scratch-off tickets. In just one week, the game has already racked up more than 16,000 reviews – 94% of them positive. It is currently still available with a 20% launch discount for $5.59.

Seiko Credor Kuon GCLX995 adds blue ceramic dial to Spring Drive range

The Credor Kuon GCLX995 is the latest watch from Seiko's ultra-premium segment. It sports a blue ceramic dial and hand-wound 7R31 Spring Drive in a 39 mm steel case. Initially a Japan-focused release, the model is expected to reach wider global availability through select retailers.

Sony’s new old strategy: Why exclusives make me feel like collateral damage as a PC gamer

According to reports, PlayStation is rethinking its strategy around exclusives. In the long term, AAA games from PlayStation Studios may no longer come to PC, which is a pretty bleak prospect for me as a die-hard gamer. After all, some of my personal highlights of recent years originally came from Sony’s console.

Rolling Square's Supertiny 100W GaN charger is no bigger than an AirPods' case

After the success of its 65W GaN charger, Rolling Square is back with a 100W charger that it also claims is the smallest in the world. The Supertiny 100W GaN charger can power high-energy devices such as ebikes and computers, as well as low-power devices such as a smartwatch or earbuds.

Significant regressions for mid-range smartphones – but many users would welcome one old feature back

Rising RAM and storage prices could soon have noticeable consequences for mid-range smartphones. A leak suggests that manufacturers in the roughly $400 segment may increasingly return to older technology such as 90 Hz waterdrop displays, plastic frames, and hybrid SIM slots. The microSD slot, which has long been on the decline, could make a comeback as a result – much to the delight of many users.

"Thinnest and lightest" Dell Pro Precision 5 14S and Pro Precision 16S mobile workstations debut

Dell has debuted the Pro Precision 5 14S and Pro Precision 5 16S mobile workstation laptops. Dell claims that these entry-level productivity machines are the company's "thinnest entry-level mobile workstation with H-class processors". Both laptops comes with either Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra 300 or AMD Ryzen AI 400 Gorgon Point processors.

Amazon acquires robotics start-up Rivr: Robotic dogs to replace delivery workers soon

E-commerce giant Amazon has just acquired Swiss delivery robot start-up Rivr, known for its autonomous delivery robots. The goal is total automation through robotics and AI, further streamlining Amazon's delivery operations and cutting down on costs. Meanwhile, former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has bigger ideas.

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G launched with new 4nm Exynos SoCs and promise of better low-light photos

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy A57 5G and the Galaxy A37 5G mid-range smartphones. Both phones come with new 4 nm Exynos SoCs, a new Image Signal Processor (ISP) for better photos, and in the case of the Galaxy A57 5G, a smaller overall footprint.

Epic Games lays off 1,000 employees while trying to stay afloat

Due to the downturn in Fortnite engagement that started in 2025, Epic Games is laying off over 1,000 employees in a move aimed at keeping the company afloat. Alongside these job cuts, the company also identified over $500 million to save in contracting, marketing, and closing open roles.

Xiaomi in crisis? E-car success collides with plummeting smartphone sales

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has just published paradoxical quarterly results. While its new electric vehicle business, centered around the top-selling SU7 and YU7 models, is outperforming competitors such as Tesla and BYD with record margins, profits in the smartphone sector have plummeted. Exploding hardware costs are taking a toll.

Tinder's radical AI update changes all the rules of online dating

The golden age of dating apps is over. Alongside dating pioneer Tinder, competitors such as Bumble are now also struggling with a massive drop in user numbers. It seems singles have grown tired of "endless swiping". Now, the industry leader from the US is responding to the growing frustration by implementing a plan that has been on the back burner for over a year.

Kali Linux 2026.1 delivers several new tools and a classic desktop theme

Looking back at the first BackTrack Linux release, which arrived two decades ago as Kali's ancestor, the update 2026.1 features a classic theme directly inspired by its looks. Additionally, there are several new tools included, such as WPProbe, Fluxion, and GEF, while the Discord community can still enjoy the Kali 13th Birthday Event.

Intel claps back hard as Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus give tough time to AMD Ryzen rivals

Intel's new Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus "Arrow Lake Refresh" are here, and they are excellent. In fact, based on several reviews, including our own testing, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus deliver some of the best price-to-performance on the market.

Core Ultra 9 290K Plus seems out of Ryzen 9 9950X's league with 22% faster multi-core and 15% faster single-core Geekbench performance

Intel Core Ultra 9 290K has reportedly been canceled. So, there will be, for the time being, only two CPUs in the Core Ultra 200S Plus Arrow Lake Refresh lineup. However, the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus has now popped up on Geekbench with impressive performance.

Brenda Romero calls Xbox exclusive Dungeons & Dragons Heroes a β€œmiracle” after last-minute RPG overhaul

Brenda Romero says the Xbox-exclusive *Dungeons & Dragons Heroes* was effectively rescued just five months before release, after an internal reckoning prompted the team to pivot from Atari’s intended Gauntlet-style hack-and-slash into a more authentic RPG with quests, items, NPCs, and progression. Though the 2003 game ultimately received mixed reviews and Romero calls it β€œmediocre,” she describes the late-stage overhaul as a development β€œmiracle” given the compressed timeline.

Crimson Desert player denied Steam refund for post-release date generative AI disclosure

Developers apologized for failing to disclose the role of generative AI in the Crimson Desert Steam listing. Some players have appealed to Valve anyway, noting that the announcement came after its release date. The marketplace may not issue refunds due to the small number of placeholder AI Images.

Anti-AI filmmakers celebrate: OpenAI shuts down Sora, controversial AI video platform

OpenAI just announced the abrupt shutdown of its AI video app, Sora, just six months after its record-breaking debut and the collapse of a $1 billion Disney partnership. While the move marks a rare failure for the AI giant, creators are left wondering if this is a win for human artistry or simply a tactical retreat before a more powerful successor arrives.

OnePlus shutdown: Exiting America and Europe by April, claims new exclusive report

Another exclusive report sounds the alarm: OnePlus to leave the EU and North America markets by April 2026 to focus on the Chinese and Indian markets. Driven by rising costs and strategic consolidation under Oppo, the move marks a potential end to the brand's international flagship presence.

The Meadow launches as an ultra-compact smartphone without web browser, social media or e-mail

The Meadow is intended to replace the classic smartphone, at least temporarily. The compact device offers important functions such as navigation, music streaming and a camera, but deliberately forgoes a web browser or social networks in order to focus on life in the moment.

This turn-based tactical RPG with a procedurally generated map is 65% off on Steam

Deal | Stolen Realm is a turn-based tactical RPG in which you control six heroes and lead expeditions to find your missing father. Discover more than 700 items that will help you defeat powerful enemies, and make choices that will impact the rest of your adventure.

Former Rockstar Games artist: Crimson Desert's water physics "better" than Red Dead Redemption 2's

Former Rockstar Games artist David O’Reilly, who helped develop Red Dead Redemption 2’s water systems, praised Crimson Desert’s rivers and creek simulation after analyzing the game on the Game World Art YouTube channel. He called its live particle-based approach a clear step beyond RDR2’s fluid mechanics, while noting minor inconsistencies he plans to examine in a later deep dive.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra: Native 10x optical zoom compared to teleconverter setups

A radically new periscope zoom module may deliver quite a sensation. On 24 March, Oppo for the first time officially likened the Find X9 Ultra’s optical zoom lens to a built-in 10x teleconverter. Early teasers and sample images reveal the underlying principles and offer a look at the kind of performance you can expect from the lens compared with its competitors.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang backtracks on DLSS 5 criticism after gamer backlash in podcast

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has softened his stance on criticism of DLSS 5 after initially dismissing gamers as β€œcompletely wrong” following the technology’s GTC 2026 showcase. In a Lex Fridman podcast interview, Huang said he understands concerns about β€œAI slop” and insisted DLSS 5 is intended as an optional, artist-controlled development tool amid controversy sparked by an altered Resident Evil Requiem demo and Capcom’s subsequent rejection of generative AI for final assets.

Xbox Game Pass could see cheaper tiers and Netflix bundle to soften price increase blow

With Game Pass Ultimate straining budgets, Microsoft may add more lower-cost alternatives. An article from The Information builds on rumors that hinted at a free ad-supported plan. A Netflix bundle could also reduce the burden caused by the October 2025 Xbox Game Pass price increase.

Arch-based ML4W OS 2.12.0 now available with Quickshell and other changes

German-made ML4W OS is another piece of code based on Arch Linux, and its latest version, labeled 2.12.0, comes with multiple package updates, as well as several system elements replaced with Quickshell widgets. Only available for 64-bit machines, it comes in a 2.4 GB ISO file.

This new retro-inspired boombox brings 270 W output, USB recording and fan-cooled amplifier

Bumpboxx's BB-777 is now official - it is a new 270 W portable vintage-styled boombox with cassette, CD, radio, and Bluetooth support - you can digitize your media as well. It runs up to 15 hours on battery, has a powerful audio output setup and is launching via Kickstarter.

Windows 11 to soon get improved RAM management, snappier UI experience, faster File Explorer and better drivers

After focusing on too much OS-level AI integration and the small reality check delivered by Apple's MacBook Neo with its 8 GB of RAM, Microsoft now promises to scale back on the AI features and actually bring much needed improvements for Windows 11, including lower RAM footprint, WebUI3 user interface, a more responsive File Explorer and drivers for the latest hardware tech.

Panasonic Lumix ZS300 compact camera launches with 1-inch sensor, 15x zoom and OIS

The latest compact camera from Panasonic is designed to outperform smartphone cameras and still fit in your pocket. Panasonic combines a 20 megapixel sensor in 1 inch format with a 24 - 360 mm zoom lens, which should be able to record convincing 4K videos even when walking thanks to five-axis image stabilization.

Titan 2 Elite Pro: Kickstarter smash hits $1.8 million with Dimensity 8400

The Titan 2 Elite Pro is Unihertz's more powerful alternative to the compact Titan 2 Elite. Powered by the same chipset as the Xiaomi 15T, the Titan 2 Elite Pro also comes with 512 GB of storage, an optically stabilised primary camera to distinguish itself from the cheaper Titan 2 Elite.

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