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Today — 17 February 2026Main stream

Galaxy S26 Ultra selfie camera finally sees a sensor upgrade, claims tipster

16 February 2026 at 23:40

With Samsung’s February 25 Unpacked event getting closer, attention is starting to shift to smaller details. According to tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will keep a 12-megapixel selfie camera. That part isn’t surprising. What’s new, however, is the reported switch to a Sony sensor, possibly the IMX874, instead of Samsung’s usual ISOCELL hardware.

The reported Sony sensor is said to retain the same 1/3.2-inch size and 1.12μm pixel pitch as the ISOCELL unit used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and older flagships. The aperture also remains at f/2.2, suggesting there’s no major change in light intake on paper.

In other words, Samsung appears to be swapping suppliers rather than altering the physical hardware layout, likely a deliberate move to avoid internal redesigns.

So why switch at all?

Sony sensors have a long-standing reputation for strong dynamic range and more natural color rendering. That doesn’t automatically mean better selfies, but it could influence how skin tones, highlights, and HDR scenes are handled.

Image quality isn’t just about size: processing plays a big role, and Samsung’s AI-enhanced software tuning is expected to be optimized differently around Sony’s sensor characteristics.

The slightly wider 85-degree field of view (vs 80-degree field of view on the S25 Ultra) is also worth noting. If accurate, it would allow a bit more flexibility for group selfies and vlogging without going overly wide.

Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new camera island design

At this stage, nothing points to a dramatic overhaul of the S26 Ultra’s selfie hardware. The resolution stays the same, and the physical specs are largely unchanged.

But small sensor changes can still affect real-world results, especially when paired with smarter image processing and AI integration.

Whether this translates into noticeably better selfies will depend on tuning more than megapixels. And as always, leaks this far out should be taken with caution.

With Unpacked just days away, we won’t have to wait long to see if the Sony swap is real — and if it makes a difference.

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(Source: Ice Universe)

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Samsung Demos Galaxy S26 Ultra’s “Zero-Peeking Privacy” Feature in Action

16 February 2026 at 20:26

Samsung has started teasing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ahead of its February 25 Unpacked event, and this time the focus isn’t cameras or AI features, it’s screen privacy.

In a short YouTube video titled “We don’t scroll and tell,” Samsung shows a woman using her phone on a metro train while two passengers next to her try to glance at the screen. She toggles a setting called “Zero-peeking privacy,” and instantly the display becomes unreadable from the sides, while remaining perfectly clear from her direct viewing angle. The ad ends with a simple question: “Can your phone do that?” along with the launch date.

It confirms earlier rumors about a built-in Privacy Display feature for the S26 Ultra. Unlike physical privacy screen protectors, which permanently narrow viewing angles and often dull brightness, this seems to be a dynamic, hardware-level solution.

The underlying tech is believed to be based on Samsung Display’s Flex Magic Pixel concept, which has been shown in prototype form in recent years. Instead of blocking visibility with a dark overlay, it controls how light is emitted from the OLED panel. When activated, the viewing angle narrows electronically, making the screen difficult to see from the sides without affecting clarity straight on.

In practical terms, that should mean minimal dimming or color shift for the main user, without the need for a separate filter.

AI integration makes it smarter

Samsung also hints at Galaxy AI involvement. If implemented as rumored, users might be able to enable privacy mode for specific apps rather than the entire display. There could also be automation triggers based on environment or usage. That flexibility would make it more useful than traditional privacy solutions, which are typically all-or-nothing.

Based on the teaser and past product positioning, the feature appears exclusive to the Ultra model. The standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are unlikely to include the same hardware.

What’s notable about this teaser is the emphasis on everyday use. It’s not about benchmark scores or zoom ranges. It’s about a small but common annoyance: people trying to peek at your screen in public.

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(Source: Samsung)

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PS6 Reportedly Won’t Use Full RDNA 5 GPU Architecture

16 February 2026 at 19:04

Early details about the Sony PS6 are starting to surface, and one of the more interesting claims involves its graphics architecture. According to AMD-focused leaker Kepler_L2 on the NeoGAF forums, Sony’s next console may not adopt the full RDNA 5 GPU design. Instead, it could use a hybrid approach, combining parts of RDNA 5 with elements from earlier RDNA generations. If accurate, that wouldn’t be unusual for Sony.

The original PS5 didn’t use a clean, full RDNA 2 implementation. It was closer to RDNA 1 with custom ray-tracing hardware layered in. Later, the PS5 Pro reportedly integrated newer RDNA 4 features while still maintaining a custom structure. Sony has historically worked closely with AMD to tailor architectures rather than simply adopting them wholesale.

Cost appears to be the main factor

Rumors suggest the PS6 could feature a Zen 6 CPU and around 30GB of memory, possibly GDDR7. That alone would push component costs higher than previous generations, especially if memory pricing remains volatile over the next few years.

A full RDNA 5 GPU, particularly one sized for high-end console performance, would add even more expense. By selectively implementing features instead of using the complete architecture, Sony may be trying to strike a balance between performance gains and retail pricing.

That strategy would align with how Sony has positioned past consoles: strong performance, but still within reach for mainstream buyers.

There are also reports that Microsoft’s next Xbox could move closer to a “PC-like” approach, potentially pushing into higher price territory. If that happens, Sony may choose to differentiate by keeping costs under control rather than chasing absolute top-end specs.

Of course, we’re still years away from launch. The PS6 is widely expected around 2028, and a lot can change between now and then — including GPU roadmaps, fabrication costs, and overall market conditions.

A hybrid RDNA 5 design doesn’t automatically mean weak performance. Custom console GPUs often include targeted optimizations that matter more for real-world gaming workloads than raw architectural purity.

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(Source | Image)

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OPPO Find X10 could finally bring Built-In Magnets for true MagSafe-like charging support

16 February 2026 at 16:18

Oppo’s next flagship series, the Oppo Find X10, is still months away, but early leaks are already pointing to a potentially practical change: built-in magnets.

According to Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu, Oppo may introduce what’s described as a “domestically produced magnetic closure” in the second half of 2026. While the wording is vague, most observers believe this refers to integrated magnets inside the phone itself , similar to Apple’s MagSafe system.

If that’s the case, it would mean magnetic accessories could attach directly to the phone without requiring a special case.

Oppo could be moving beyond “Qi2 ready” standard

Oppo‘s recent flagships have supported Qi2, but only in a limited way. The devices are often marketed as “Qi2 ready,” meaning they can work with magnetic wireless charging, but only when paired with a compatible magnetic case.

Built-in magnets would simplify that. Accessories like wireless chargers, power banks, and wallets could snap into place directly on the phone. For users already invested in magnetic ecosystems, that removes an extra step.

The Find X10 series is expected to launch in China in the second half of 2026, likely around Q3 or Q4. Smart Pikachu’s wording also mentions “the second half of the year,” which suggests the magnets could arrive with the Find X10 series.

If Oppo does integrate magnets directly into the chassis, it would make it one of the first major Chinese brands to move in that direction natively rather than relying on cases.

Magnetic accessory ecosystems are slowly gaining traction across Android as Qi2 adoption spreads. But full integration still isn’t standard.

Camera and performance upgrades are also expected for the Find X10 lineup, based on other leaks. But practical changes like built-in magnets sometimes matter more long-term than headline specs.

For now, it remains a rumor. Still, it’s an interesting one, especially if Oppo is looking to differentiate in a premium segment where most hardware already feels similar. We’ll likely know more closer to launch.

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(Source)

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Unreleased Galaxy S26 Plus was allegedly being sold for a whopping $1,650

16 February 2026 at 04:29

With Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25, leaks around the Samsung Galaxy S26 series are already everywhere. But this one’s unusual.

A device claimed to be a Galaxy S26 Ultra recently appeared in a Craigslist listing, priced at $1,650, well before the phone has even been officially announced.

Photos from the listing, shared on X by tipster @Kakooli98, show what looks like a fully working device running official Galaxy S26 series wallpaper. At first glance, it seems legitimate. But there’s a catch. Despite being mentioned as a Galaxy S26 Ultra, the camera layout in the photos features a single pill-shaped camera island. That design, paired with the size, aligns more closely with what’s rumored for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus.

The $1,650 asking price is well above what the S26 Plus is expected to cost at retail. Current estimates put it somewhere around the $1,000–$1,100 range, depending on storage.

That premium alone makes the listing questionable. Even if authentic, pre-release devices can carry risks. They may run unfinished software or lack warranty support.

The unit shown in the listing appears in a Black finish, which recent leaks have pointed to as one of the launch colors for the S26 Plus.

Beyond that, the overall design doesn’t appear radically different from recent Galaxy models, though subtle refinements are expected across the lineup.

It’s still unclear how this device ended up on Craigslist. It could be a legitimate internal sample that slipped out, or something less straightforward.

Either way, it’s one of the first instances of a seemingly functional Galaxy S26 unit appearing outside controlled leaks or dummy models.

With Unpacked just days away, official details will soon replace speculation. Until then, listings like this are best viewed with caution.

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(Source)

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Yesterday — 16 February 2026Main stream

Insta360 Luna Leak Points to Dual-Lens Pocket Camera With Optical Zoom

16 February 2026 at 02:33

Insta360 appears to be working on a new compact vlogging camera, and early details suggest it could take a slightly different approach from DJI’s Osmo Pocket lineup.

The device, reportedly called the Insta360 Luna, has been referenced in recent leaks and patent filings. At the company’s annual conference, CEO Liu Jingkang reportedly confirmed that a vlogging-focused camera is in development and said it would launch before July 2026. That likely puts the release window somewhere between March and June, though no exact date has been shared yet.

What makes the Luna interesting is its rumored dual-lens setup. Instead of relying on a single wide sensor and digital crop, the Luna is said to feature two distinct lenses: a standard wide (1x) camera and a dedicated 3x optical telephoto module. If accurate, that would allow users to switch focal lengths without losing image quality, something pocket gimbal cameras haven’t traditionally prioritized.

Based on patent sketches and early reports, the zoom transition could be controlled through a small joystick or touchscreen gestures on a fold-out display. The concept feels closer to smartphone-style zoom switching than the fixed wide-angle approach most pocket cameras use.

Leaks also point to an emphasis on image processing. Reports suggest the Luna may use a dual-stage system, where initial image enhancement happens before final processing. In practical terms, that could mean better noise handling and improved dynamic range, particularly in mixed or low lighting. Of course, how much difference that makes will depend on sensor size and real-world tuning.

For context, the current DJI Osmo Pocket 3 remains one of the most popular compact gimbal cameras in this space. There are also rumors that DJI is preparing an upgraded model with dual cameras, which could arrive before Insta360’s launch window closes.

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(Source: Igor Bogdanov)

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World’s First 10,000mAh Sodium-Ion Flashlight Delivers 2,500 Lumens, Works at -40°C

16 February 2026 at 01:09

A new crowdfunded flashlight called the Sodiumfrostglow is getting attention for one specific reason: it uses a sodium-ion battery instead of the usual lithium-ion pack. That might not sound dramatic at first, but in very cold weather, battery chemistry matters a lot.

According to the campaign page, the Sodiumfrostglow is designed to keep working in temperatures as low as -40°C. The makers claim that while lithium-ion batteries can lose a significant portion of their capacity in extreme cold, this sodium-ion battery retains much more of its usable charge. They’re quoting around 88% capacity retention at those temperatures, compared to roughly 15% for lithium under similar conditions.

If accurate, that’s a big deal for winter campers, mountaineers, or anyone dealing with long outages in freezing climates. The device includes a 10,000mAh battery, which also allows it to function as a power bank. It supports USB-C charging at up to 10W and can output 5W to charge smaller electronics like smartphones or GPS units.

Brightness is rated at 2,500 lumens, which puts it firmly in the “serious outdoor tool” category rather than basic household flashlight territory.

The campaign also highlights longevity claims: more than 3,000 full charge cycles and improved tolerance to deep discharge compared to lithium-ion packs. Sodium-ion chemistry is generally considered safer and less prone to thermal runaway, though it’s still a relatively new technology in consumer electronics.

The project first appeared on Kickstarter in late 2025, where it surpassed its $10,000 funding goal and reportedly raised over $20,000 from around 200 backers. It has since moved to Indiegogo for continued funding. Early backer pricing currently sits around $73 plus shipping, with a projected retail price closer to $90.

What makes the Sodiumfrostglow interesting isn’t just the lumen output or battery size. It’s the chemistry choice. Cold weather has always been a weak spot for lithium-ion batteries in everyday hardware.

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(Source)

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Before yesterdayMain stream

Amazon CPU sales drop 51% YoY as rising component costs stall PC upgrades

14 February 2026 at 18:21

New data tracking CPU sales on Amazon US shows a sharp year-over-year decline in January 2026. According to figures compiled by analyst TechEpiphany, just 26,100 processors were sold during the month. That might not sound terrible on its own, but it represents a steep 51% drop compared to January 2025.

That’s a significant contraction for one of the largest online retailers, and it adds to a broader downward trend that’s been visible in recent months.

At the same time, prices are moving in the opposite direction. The average selling price of CPUs rose from $227 in January 2025 to $305 in January 2026, a jump of roughly 34%. That suggests buyers who are still upgrading may be choosing higher-end chips, or simply paying more across the board.

Despite the slowdown, AMD continues to lead by a wide margin. The company reportedly sold 23,050 Ryzen CPUs in January, accounting for more than 88% of total units. Revenue share was nearly identical. Intel, by comparison, moved just 3,050 units.

What’s interesting is where demand seems concentrated. AMD’s newer Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 series performed well, but older Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000) and even Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000) chips continue to sell in meaningful numbers.

Building or upgrading a PC right now means paying more for nearly every major component. Memory prices have climbed noticeably in recent months, affecting both DDR4 and DDR5 kits. SSD pricing has also increased. Graphics cards haven’t helped the situation either. Even mid-range options have seen pricing pressure.

When RAM, storage, and GPUs all cost more, the appeal of upgrading “just the CPU” weakens. Most enthusiasts don’t upgrade in isolation; it’s usually part of a broader platform refresh. And right now, that refresh isn’t cheap.

Between higher component costs, platform transition expenses, and general economic caution, many consumers seem comfortable holding onto existing systems a little longer.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Lava Yuva Star 3 launches with 90Hz display, IP64 protection, and Unisoc SC9863A chipset

14 February 2026 at 11:25

Lava has introduced a new entry-level smartphone in India, the Lava Yuva Star 3, and it’s clearly aimed at buyers who just want a simple, reliable phone without spending much.

Priced at ₹7,499 for the single 4GB + 64GB variant, the device will be available in Indus Black and Siachen White. Sales are expected to begin in March 2026 through offline retail stores.

The Yuva Star 3 features a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. In daily use, the higher refresh rate should make scrolling and basic navigation feel smoother. There’s a waterdrop notch at the top housing a 5MP front camera.

Powering the device is the Unisoc SC9863A processor. It’s designed to handle basic tasks like calling, WhatsApp, YouTube, and light apps.

The phone runs Android 15 Go Edition, Google’s lightweight version of Android designed specifically for entry-level hardware. If Lava keeps it close to stock, that could actually improve long-term usability.

The Yuva Star 3 packs a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging via USB-C. The charger is included in the box.

On the back, there’s a 13MP main camera along with a secondary depth sensor. For selfies, you get a 5MP front shooter. This setup is basic and clearly meant for casual photography rather than anything serious. Interestingly, Lava claims an IP64 rating for dust protection and resistance to water splashes. For security, there is a side-mounted fingerprint sensor

At ₹7,499, the Yuva Star 3 isn’t trying to compete with mid-range devices. Instead, it focuses on essentials: a smooth display, clean software, solid battery life, and service support. For anyone looking for a secondary phone, this could be a practical option.

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Galaxy S26 Ultra realistic looking dummy surfaces in hands-on video with rounder corners

13 February 2026 at 20:18

Leaks around the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are picking up pace, and the latest one gives us a closer look at the phone in a White finish, thanks to a newly surfaced dummy unit.

The clip, shared by tipster Phonenurd, doesn’t show the display powered on, so it’s unclear whether this is a functioning unit or simply a realistic-looking dummy with camera lenses and premium finish details. Non-functional mockups are typically used by accessory makers to prepare cases ahead of launch. But even as a dummy, it reveals quite a bit about the design direction Samsung may be taking this year.

The White variant looks surprisingly clean. While Cobalt Violet is reportedly the hero color for the lineup, this white finish feels understated and premium.

One noticeable change is the shape of the corners. The S26 Ultra appears to lean even further into rounded edges compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which had already softened the sharp, boxy look seen in earlier Ultra models.

If this holds true in the final version, it could make the device more comfortable to hold without sacrificing the Ultra’s premium feel. It’s a subtle change, but ergonomics matter.

The camera setup also seems to be evolving. Since the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung has stuck with a relatively clean look: individual camera rings sitting directly on the rear panel. The S26 series, however, introduces a more noticeable camera bump across the lineup.

It’s a shift from minimalism toward something slightly more aggressive. Some fans may prefer the older floating-lens aesthetic, but this new approach does give the device a stronger visual identity.

The Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to arrive in four standard colors: Violet (likely Cobalt Violet), Black, Blue (possibly Sky Blue), and White. Samsung is also likely to introduce a few online-exclusive shades.

If these early looks are accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra doesn’t reinvent the design, but it does refine it in a few meaningful ways.

Now the real question is whether those tweaks will be enough to stand out in an increasingly competitive flagship market.

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(Source: @Phonenurd)

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User spent 16 hours a day on Instagram, CEO tells court it’s not “clinical addiction”

13 February 2026 at 15:31

Mosseri, who leads Instagram, is among the first major tech executives to testify in a growing wave of cases accusing platforms of harming young users. The current case targets Meta, Instagram’s parent company, along with YouTube. Similar lawsuits have also been filed against TikTok and Snap.

At the center of this particular trial is a 20-year-old plaintiff, who says she began using Instagram and YouTube heavily as a child. Her legal team argues that the platforms’ design encouraged compulsive use that contributed to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Mosseri did not deny that excessive use can happen. But he pushed back strongly against the term “clinical addiction.”

When attorneys pointed to testimony that the plaintiff sometimes spent up to 16 hours a day on Instagram, Mosseri described it as “problematic use,” not addiction in a medical sense. He compared it to binge-watching a TV series.

“I’m sure I’ve said I was addicted to a Netflix show after staying up too late,” he told the court. “But that’s not the same thing as clinical addiction.” In his framing, personal factors and broader lifestyle patterns play a significant role, not just platform mechanics.

That distinction is central to the defense. Plaintiffs are trying to show that the platforms’ design directly contributed to psychological harm. Meta’s position, at least as articulated in court, is that heavy use alone does not equal medically recognized addiction, and that correlation should not be confused with causation.

Critics argue that this minimizes growing evidence linking prolonged social media use to mental health challenges among teens. US Surgeon General advisories and multiple academic studies have found associations between extended daily use and higher rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and body image concerns.

Meta, for its part, says it has introduced parental controls, time-management reminders, and youth safety features, and that it tests new features with younger audiences in mind.

As the case moves forward, the debate remains less about screen time alone and more about responsibility. Are these platforms simply tools that some users overuse? Or are they engineered in ways that exploit developing brains?

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(Source | Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash)

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Honor teams up with Telesin on Camera Grip Kit for Magic 8 Pro

13 February 2026 at 10:05

A new accessory kit developed in collaboration with accessory maker Telesin is designed specifically for the Honor Magic 8 Pro, turning the flagship into something that feels closer to a compact camera. While the Porsche Design variant already has its own official kit, the Magic 8 Pro didn’t. This new “Professional Photography Grip Kit” fills that gap.

The Magic 8 Pro already has solid camera hardware. It features a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor and a 50MP main camera with a bright f/1.6 aperture. On paper, it’s more than capable. What this kit changes is how you interact with it.

The kit starts with a custom protective case that supports standard 67mm screw-on filters. That means users can attach ND filters, polarizers, and other accessories typically reserved for dedicated cameras. There’s also a mounting point for a wrist strap and magnetic support for quick attachments.

The more interesting piece is the detachable grip. It magnetically snaps onto the case and adds physical controls, including a prominent red shutter button, a zoom slider, and additional shortcut keys. One button handles quick video recording, while another can act as a power switch or programmable function key. A front dial allows for exposure adjustments or other manual tweaks. It’s clearly aimed at users who prefer tactile controls instead of tapping a screen.

The package also includes a 200mm teleconverter lens attachment. It connects via an adapter ring and effectively increases the phone’s optical reach. Combined with the Magic 8 Pro’s existing periscope camera, it should help with distant subjects like wildlife or sports.

As with most clip-on or add-on lenses, real-world performance will depend on alignment and optical quality. But in theory, this gives the phone a bit more versatility than stock hardware alone.

Honor and Telesin have been teasing the kit ahead of a full reveal at Mobile World Congress 2026, where pricing and broader availability are expected to be confirmed.

For Magic 8 Pro users who want more control without carrying a separate camera, this kit could make sense. For everyone else, it’s at least a reminder that smartphone photography still has room to evolve beyond just bigger sensors and software processing.

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(Source)

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Asus launches ROG Kithara open-back gaming headset with 100mm planar drivers and HIFIMAN tuning

12 February 2026 at 15:48

Asus is stepping a little outside its usual gaming headset formula with the new ROG Kithara. Instead of focusing on RGB lighting or wireless features, this one leans heavily into sound quality, and it does so with help from HIFIMAN, a brand better known in audiophile circles than esports arenas.

The Kithara is an open-back headset built around large 100mm planar magnetic drivers. That alone makes it unusual in the gaming space, where dynamic drivers are far more common. At $299, the Kithara is clearly aimed at enthusiasts rather than casual players.

The headset uses a fully open-back design, which helps create a wider, more natural soundstage. That can be useful for competitive games where spatial awareness matters, but it also means there’s no isolation.

Asus claims a frequency response of 8Hz to 55kHz, which is wider than human hearing, but the real takeaway is likely the tuning. It’s expected to offer a fairly balanced sound signature with good separation between bass, mids, and treble. In theory, that should make footsteps and directional cues easier to pick out without muddying everything with exaggerated low-end.

Unlike many gaming headsets, the Kithara includes a 4.4mm balanced connector, alongside standard 3.5mm and 6.3mm options, plus a USB-C adapter. The detachable boom mic uses MEMS technology and covers a typical 20Hz to 20kHz range.

The frame uses metal in key areas, including hinges and headband supports, and extra earpads are included in the box. At around 420 grams, it’s not lightweight. That’s often the trade-off with planar designs. Whether it feels comfortable over longer sessions will depend on head shape and tolerance for weight.

Reportedly, there’s no wireless mode, no active noise cancellation, and no flashy lighting. That may disappoint some ROG fans, but it seems intentional. Asus seems to be prioritizing sound over features this time.

A Different Direction for ROG

The ROG Kithara feels less like a traditional gaming headset and more like a crossover product. It’s positioned somewhere between an audiophile headphone and a competitive gaming too

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(Source)

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