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Today β€” 14 July 2026Notebookcheck.net: News RSS Feed

EV sales bounce back in the US due to surging gas prices, California introduces $3,500 rebate

US electric vehicle sales are rebounding as gasoline prices soar to nearly $5 per gallon, though demand remains below last year’s levels. California is bolstering the recovery with rebates of up to $3,500 for eligible first-time EV buyers, including smaller incentives for qualifying used vehicles.

TSMC's 2nm chips may debut in Pixel 11 before reaching Apple's iPhone 18

TSMC’s 2nm process could debut in Google’s Pixel 11 series in August, giving it a brief lead over Apple’s iPhone 18 models and its anticipated A20 chips. The Tensor G6 is expected to bring better power efficiency, battery life, and on-device AI rather than major performance gains.

Dutch and Mexican lawyers retaliate against Sony's decision to end physical games

Sony’s plan to end physical PlayStation releases in 2028 faces legal challenges from Dutch consumer advocates and Mexican lawmakers over competition, pricing and ownership concerns. Critics argue the move would eliminate resale markets and give Sony monopolistic control over game sales.

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Several US states introduce legislation to prevent production of guns on 3D printers

California and New York are advancing legislation that would require 3D printers to detect and block firearm components, aiming to curb the spread of untraceable "ghost guns." Critics question the technology’s reliability, effectiveness and privacy implications.

Ubisoft announces layoffs following successful launch of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

Ubisoft plans to cut a number of jobs despite the successful launch of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, amid a broader wave of gaming-industry layoffs. Affected employees have launched a strike, citing mistreatment, weakened worker rights and an increasingly top-down management culture.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sells over two million copies in 24 hours

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sold more than two million copies in its first 24 hours, prompting Ubisoft to reward players with exclusive in-game items. However, the remake’s commercial success has been tempered by layoffs at Ubisoft Barcelona, one of the studios involved in its development.

LG study: 480Hz OLED monitors increase FPS hit accuracy by 38% over 60Hz

A study suggests that gamers using 480Hz OLED monitors achieve 38% higher hit scores than at 60Hz, alongside faster reactions and improved target tracking. However, independent research suggests performance gains may diminish beyond 144Hz, leaving LG’s claims about OLED’s advantages open to further scrutiny.

LG Study: 480Hz OLED monitors increase FPS hit accuracy by 38% over 60Hz

A study suggests that gamers using 480Hz OLED monitors achieve 38% higher hit scores than at 60Hz, alongside faster reactions and improved target tracking. However, independent research suggests performance gains may diminish beyond 144Hz, leaving LG’s claims about OLED’s advantages open to further scrutiny.

University professor switches to in-person exams amid AI cheating concerns, scores drop 50%

A Brown University economics professor made his final exam in person after suspecting AI-assisted cheating on a take-home midterm. Among those who took the final, the average score fell from 96 to 48, intensifying debate over how universities should regulate AI use while preserving academic integrity and critical-thinking skills.

Google defeated in bid to overturn record €4.1 billion EU antitrust fine

The EU’s top court has upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google, confirming findings that the company abused Android’s market dominance by requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google Search, Chrome and Play. The ruling marks another major setback for Google in Europe.

Steamroller: First SteamOS prebuilt gaming PC now available for pre-order

MetaPCs has opened preorders for the Steamroller, a standard desktop gaming PC with SteamOS pre-installed alongside a Ryzen 5 9600X, Radeon RX 7600, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. While more powerful than Valve’s compact Steam Machine-style hardware, the Steamroller targets a different audience.

Researchers develop method for reviving dead lithium batteries to near 100% capacity

Researchers have developed a new process that restores worn lithium-ion batteries without the need for complete recycling. Early tests recovered up to 95% of original capacity and suggest the method could extend battery lifespans while sharply reducing recycling costs, pollution and water use.

Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10 security update support to 2027

Microsoft has extended Windows 10 Extended Security Updates through October 12, 2027, giving enrolled users an additional year of security patch coverage after mainstream support ends. The move offers a reprieve for millions of users delaying Windows 11 upgrades amid rising hardware costs.

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