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Jan 30
Pictured - an ingame screenshot from the game Legend of Mortal Cultivation (凡人修仙传奇). (Image source: Steam - edited)

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

Legend of Mortal Cultivation (凡人修仙传奇) debuted on Jan 30, 2026, securing an 86% "Mostly Positive" rating from its first 124 reviews. The free-to-play idle MMORPG is winning over fans, though, unfortunately, it lacks any English support and is still unverified (yet playable) on the Steam Deck.
Anubhav Sharma, 30 Jan 2026 08:58
Windows 11 banner shown on Microsoft News (Image source: Microsoft News with edits)

Windows 11 KB5074109 kills support for older modems

Windows 11 KB5074109 removes four legacy modem drivers, disabling dial-up and telephony modems that rely on them as a security hardening move.
Darryl Linington, 30 Jan 2026 08:55
HP's OmniBook X Flip 16 convertible (model 16t-as00) is offered in the Eclipse Gray colorway (Image source: Allen Ngo / Notebookcheck)

Deal | HP OmniBook X Flip 16 with OLED and Core Ultra 7 256V discounted by $500

The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 is equipped with a vibrant 2K OLED, a Lunar Lake processor, 16 GB of non-upgradable memory, and a 512 GB SSD. Thunderbolt 4 support and a 5-megapixel webcam with IR complete the package.
Tudor Cibean, 30 Jan 2026 08:13
The AYN Odin 2 has reached the end of its product life. (Image source: AYN)

AYN discontinues the Odin 2, drops the Odin 2 Portal to $249 for a limited time

AYN has announced that its Odin 2 handheld has reached its end of life and will no longer be available for purchase. However, it has revealed that the newer Odin 2 Portal will be available at a discount for a limited time.
Habeeb Onawole, 30 Jan 2026 08:10
Pictured - ingame cinematic artwork from Bandai Namco's Code Vein II. (Image source: Steam)

New souls-like RPG from Bandai Namco launches on Steam with nearly 2,000 reviews, but a "Mixed" aggregate

Code Vein II hit Steam Jan 30, 2026, peaking at 8,235 players during early access. While the time-travel narrative is a hit among players, the 53% "Mixed" rating shows frustrations over muddy UE5 textures and "stiff" combat animations.
Anubhav Sharma, 30 Jan 2026 06:58
From left to right: Citizen CB1160-55L, CB1160-55E, CB1160-55A, and CB1160-55W. (Image source: @plus9time on Instagram - edited)

Citizen launches quad-model H149 Eco-Drive compact radio-sync series watches

Citizen Japan is adding four new watches to its compact radio-sync lineup, featuring the H149 Eco-Drive calibre. The new references, headlined by the CB1160-55A, utilize 37.5 mm Super Titanium cases and offer 26-zone world time display.
Anubhav Sharma, 30 Jan 2026 06:10
An Image of the Helix Nebula (Image source: see sources; cropped)

Anyone can now search for new planets using NASA’s new tool

An improved AI model by NASA scientists dug into TESS data and found 7,000 possible exoplanets on just its initial run. The model which has proven to be effective is available to the public via GitHub, meaning anyone can hunt for planets themselves.
Chibuike Okpara, 30 Jan 2026 04:11
Monster Hunter Wilds [Image Source: Capcom]

Monster Hunter Wilds fixes DLC bug, greatly reduces FPS drops, and runs at 30 FPS on Steam Deck

Monster Hunter Wilds gets its PC-specific performance patch, including a fix for the DLC check bug that was lowering FPS, and the results have been fairly impressive, prompting a wave of positive reviews on Steam.
Christopher Harper, 30 Jan 2026 03:44
Intel Inside could mean intel outside of your control (Image Source: Livny)

Modder liberates ThinkPad T430 from Intel's secret backdoor

While the ThinkPad series of laptops has always lent itself to customization, the Intel processors powering them have limited complete control over the device due in part to Intel’s Management Engine. However, thanks to the work of dedicated security researchers, there is a method to build a fully open-source laptop, from the BIOS up.
Stephen Pereyra, 30 Jan 2026 02:25
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase with Mario is shown (Image source: Nintendo of America with edits)

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

If a dependable leaker is correct, a 3D Mario experience won’t be appearing at the next Nintendo Direct. NateTheHate2 claims that the early February spectacle will take the form of a Partner Showcase. Instead of exclusive Switch 2 games, viewers would learn more about projects from other publishers.
Adam Corsetti, 30 Jan 2026 01:16
Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3. (Image Source: Larian Studios)

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

No Rest for the Wicked’s developer recently explained why the game launched at a lower Early Access price. According to him, players who support a game early should get something extra in return.
Abdul Haddi, 30 Jan 2026 00:00
Jan 29
Garmin Connect has connection issues after the latest update (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin Fenix 8, Venu 4 and more smartwatches encounter issues after Garmin Connect update

The latest Garmin Connect update is apparently causing serious issues. According to numerous users, smartwatches can no longer properly connect to smartphones after the update. A workaround solves the problem at least temporarily.
Hannes Brecher, 29 Jan 2026 23:24
Rogbid puts an OLED display in its smart ring (Image source: Rogbid)

Casio Ring Watch and Oura in one device: Rogbid Fusion is a smart ring and mini smartwatch

A smart ring, a ring watch, and a smartwatch – the Rogbid Fusion is supposed to combine three devices in one. The wearable can be used like a smart ring with adjustable sizing or as a smartwatch, and is intended to collect a wide range of health data.
Hannes Brecher, 29 Jan 2026 22:56
GDC banner with Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox consoles is shown (Image source: GDC, Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, Xbox Gaming with edits)

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

A survey sponsored by the Game Developers Conference shows declining support for Xbox consoles. While implementing a multi-platform strategy, Microsoft may have boosted PC gaming’s popularity. In the GDC report, devs also prefer creating PS5 and Switch 2 games by a growing margin.
Adam Corsetti, 29 Jan 2026 22:38
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D-powered Alienware Area-51 is now orderable (Image source: Dell)

Alienware Area-51 with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, 64GB RAM, 8TB SSD and RTX 5090 now available

The Alienware Area-51 gaming tower is now available with the AMD Ryzen 7 9950X3D. The stylish desktop gaming PC is supposed to offer top-tier performance with a 1,500W power supply and a GeForce RTX 5090 with 32GB GDDR7 VRAM.
Hannes Brecher, 29 Jan 2026 22:27
A Space Marine. (Image Source: Saber Interactive)

Xbox adds a highly rated third-person shooter with more than 85,000 reviews to Game Pass

A major action title from 2024 has finally arrived on Xbox Game Pass, giving subscribers another big game to jump into without extra cost.
Abdul Haddi, 29 Jan 2026 22:00
The Leica Noctilux-M 1.2/35 ASPH. is very compact but relatively heavy (Image source: Leica)

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

Leica finally adds a third focal length to the Noctilux series after 60 years. The brand-new Leica Noctilux-M 35 mm f/1.2 lens promises extremely high image quality and speed in a compact format, but Leica also charges a premium for this quality.
Hannes Brecher, 29 Jan 2026 21:50
An alleged look at how the Galaxy S26 Ultra will shape up when it launches next month. (Image source: Android Headlines & OnLeaks)

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

Updated: New pricing information reveals a different picture. A reliable leaker has offered insights into the state of Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra launch pricing. Apparently, Samsung's new flagships will not receive price rises. In fact, most Galaxy S26 Ultra SKUs could end up being cheaper than last year's Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 21:05
The Xiaomi 17 will soon be available globally with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi 17: Global pricing for new Xiaomi flagship leaks

A major retailer has revealed global pricing information for Xiaomi's next compact flagship. Seemingly launching internationally within a few weeks, the Xiaomi 17 will ship with a key downgrade on its Chinese sibling, too.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 20:58
A screengrab from This War of Mine (image source: SteamDB)

Deal | This critically acclaimed survival strategy game was an indie best seller, and is on sale for a limited time

The game centers on a group of citizens trying to survive while trapped in a city under siege, with several real-world scenarios being playable, focusing on resource management.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 29 Jan 2026 20:36
Epic Games is ending another month with a single free game for Android and iOS, logo pictured. (Image source: Epic Games Store)

Deal | For mobile gamers: Epic Games Store launches new free game giveaway

The Epic Games Store is ending the month with a new freebie for mobile gamers. Available between January 29 and February 5, Faily Brakes 2 is a racing game that is highly rated on Android and iOS.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 20:14
The Radeon 8060S uses raw power to blow past the new Intel Arc B390 at the cost of some efficiency (Image source: AMD)

Arc B390 vs. Radeon 8060S: Two very different GPUs for the same 14-inch screen size

How close does Intel's newest Panther Lake Arc B390 iGPU come to the Strix Halo Radeon 8060S?
Allen Ngo, 29 Jan 2026 20:12
The Xiaomi 15T in its Rose Gold finish. (Image source: Xiaomi)

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

New details about the Xiaomi 17T have turned up in new leaks. Reportedly, the unreleased Xiaomi smartphone will launch globally with upgrades like MediaTek's Dimensity 9500s chipset and a 6,500 mAh battery. Camera improvements are not on the cards, though.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 19:39
The limited edition New Year Cuktech 10 GaN Charger Ultra (pictured) has launched in China. (Image source: Cuktech)

New limited edition Cuktech 10 GaN Charger Ultra launches

Cuktech has launched a new limited edition version of the 10 GaN Charger Ultra in China. Celebrating the new year, this model has a sleek black and gold design. Features of the 4-port accessory include up to 120W power via USB-C and a bright integrated display showing charging information.
Polly Allcock, 29 Jan 2026 19:30
A squad in Helldivers 2. (Image Source: Arrowhead)

Helldivers 2 has reportedly surpassed 20 million copies sold, generating over $700 million in revenue

Nearly two years after launch, Helldivers 2 has reached a major milestone. A report from Alinea Analytics estimates that the game has sold over 20 million copies across all platforms, with Steam being the biggest contributor.
Abdul Haddi, 29 Jan 2026 19:28
The upcoming Cuktech 6 GaN Charger Ultra will join existing models like the GaN Supercharger 10 (pictured). (Image source: Cuktech)

New 100W Cuktech 6 Charger Ultra 6 on the way

Cuktech is working on a new 6 GaN Charger Ultra for the Chinese market. This unreleased accessory recently received CCC certification in this country, with the official database entry revealing some of its features. For example, we already know that it will offer two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with a maximum output of 100W.
Polly Allcock, 29 Jan 2026 19:26
DJI may replace the Osmo 360 by the summer with a second-generation model. (Image source: DJI)

Osmo 360 II: New DJI action camera reveals itself with battery upgrade

Early details about a new DJI action camera have emerged online. A direct successor to the Osmo 360, the Osmo 360 II will depart from its predecessor with longer battery life. The same leak has indicated when the Osmo 360 II will be available, too.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 19:16
The Baseus Blade power bank is now available with a sizeable 60% discount on Amazon. (Image source: Amazon)

Deal | Ultra-slim Baseus Blade 100-watt power bank sees 60% discount on Amazon

The Baseus Blade 100-watt, 20,000-mAh power bank can once again be purchased for an all-time low price on Amazon, courtesy of a fresh coupon. The ultra-slim power bank sports a total of four output ports, including dual Type-A and Type-C ports.
Sambit Saha, 29 Jan 2026 19:12
The Nothing Phone (3) will remain the brand's 2026 flagship. (Image source: Nothing)

Nothing CEO spills details regarding flagship Phone (4) and budget-oriented Phone (4a)

Nothing CEO Carl Pei has revealed what the contentious company has in store for its customers in 2026, For starters, those holding out for a flagship refresh will be disappointed, while budget-oriented customers may have some reason to celebrate.
Sambit Saha, 29 Jan 2026 18:51
A close-up view of a portion of a crater photographed during the third Apollo 15 lunar surface moonwalk (Image source: NASA; cropped)

This NASA discovery questions an existing idea about Earth’s water history

New NASA research provided evidence that the amount of water supplied to Earth by meteorites may not have been significant. The researchers discovered this using a novel method for studying the Moon’s surface.
Chibuike Okpara, 29 Jan 2026 18:48
Alliwava GH8 with AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and 32 GB DDR5 RAM (Image source: Notebookcheck)

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

The Alliwava GH8 positions itself as a powerful mini PC with AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and promises a successful combination of high performance and efficient operation. In this review, we put the compact system under the microscope in everyday use, compared it with comparable models, and checked how convincing the cooling, noise level, features, and price are in the overall package.
Sebastian Bade, 29 Jan 2026 18:39
The new Xiaomi UltraThin magnetic power bank is 6 mm thin and perfectly fits the iPhone Air. (Image Source: Xiaomi via Amazon)

Xiaomi launches sleek 6mm Ultrathin magnetic power bank in another country

Xiaomi has launched its Ultrathin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 15W in the UK. Already on sale in Japan and parts of Europe, the slim pack is barely thicker than an iPhone Air at 6 mm. It delivers up to 15W of wireless charging and fits perfectly on different phones, including the iPhone 17 series.
Elvis Shida, 29 Jan 2026 18:35
Huawei's new running watch will arrive around five years after the Watch GT Runner (pictured). (Image source: Huawei, edited)

New Huawei smartwatch for runners with professional insights on the way

A new Huawei running smartwatch has been announced. The wearable has been developed in partnership with professional athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, using their professional experience to inform its functionality. Features are expected to include GPS tracking, health metric monitoring and an energy level monitoring tool.
Polly Allcock, 29 Jan 2026 18:23
The Geeek Exo 1 micro-ATX open-air PC case is now available for pre-order, at just under $70. (Image source: Geeek)

Geeek Exo 1: Pre-orders open for attractive open-air micro-ATX case under $70

The Geeek Exo 1 is a brand-new microATX case with an open-air design. With an affordable price tag of just under $70, the PC case provides a lot of value for gamers and enthusiasts who like to show off their gear.
Sambit Saha, 29 Jan 2026 18:15
Dispatch Switch 2 censorship graphic shown (Image source: AdHoc Studio, Nintendo of America with edits)

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

Dispatch on the Switch and Switch 2 blocks adult content that’s viewable on the PS5 and PC. Players who were unaware of the restrictions are requesting and receiving refunds from Nintendo. Publisher AdHoc Studio may have opted not to distribute versions that comply with region-specific guidelines.
Adam Corsetti, 29 Jan 2026 17:55
The Poco X8 Pro should launch globally with a larger battery and faster charging than its predecessor, latter pictured. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Leak reveals new details about the Poco X8 Pro before global release

A new leak has revealed previously unknown details about one of Xiaomi's upcoming Poco X smartphones. While the Poco X8 Pro could be a few months away from receiving an official release, its battery and charging information have already emerged online.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 17:54
The Philips Hue Bridge (pictured) and Bridge Pro are about to be updated. (Image source: Philips)

Philips Hue announces new update with improvements for Hue Bridge

The Philips Hue Bridge v2 and the Philips Hue Bridge Pro are about to receive software versions 1975134020 and 2071209010, respectively. These updates arrive a couple of weeks after the last releases for the smart hubs. The release notes indicate that they bring small improvements to both devices.
Polly Allcock, 29 Jan 2026 17:51
The Poco X8 Pro Max will get close to the battery capacity of its Chinese sibling, Redmi Turbo 5 Max pictured. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Poco X8 Pro Max: New Xiaomi smartphone launching globally with unrivalled battery life

The Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max has surfaced in a new leak. Set to receive a global release, the smartphone should be available with a significantly larger battery capacity than even Xiaomi's modern flagships.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 17:44
Upcoming PC giveaway will offer a DLC and a standalone game. Pictured: edited cover photos of the two freebies. (Image source: Epic Games Store)

Epic Games Store pairs upcoming cozy free game with unexpected DLC bonus

The free games section on Epic Games Store has been refreshed, and this update has officially revealed the first PC giveaway planned for February 2026. The upcoming game giveaway is Botany Manor, which is paired with a DLC for a free game.
Abid Ahsan Shanto, 29 Jan 2026 17:38
The Heybike Villain electric dirt bike offers a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h) (Image source: Heybike)

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

Heybike’s recently launched Villain electric dirt bike is now officially available for purchase via the company’s official website. The Villain is an off-road as well as city-friendly dirt bike, which comes with a mid-drive motor and a large 1,352 Wh battery. It offers a 45 mph (72 km/h) top speed and 50 miles (80 km) of range on a single charge.
Abhinav Fating, 29 Jan 2026 17:03
Lawsuit claims WhatsApp chats are not private after all. (Image source: Mariia Shalabaieva, iMattSmart on Unsplash, edited)

Shocking lawsuit slams WhatsApp encryption, claims employees can access complete user data without a hassle

A recently filed lawsuit claims that WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption is practically useless, since Meta engineers can allegedly gain access to customer data with a single request which is approved more often than not.
Sambit Saha, 29 Jan 2026 16:48
The Apple iPhone 16 was by far the highest-selling smartphone of 2025. (Image source: Bram Van Oost)

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

The list of best-selling smartphones worldwide continues to be dominated by Apple. According to data compiled by Counterpoint Research, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was the most popular non-Apple flagship phone, whilst the Galaxy A series also proved a hit among consumers.
Hannes Brecher, 29 Jan 2026 16:45
Epic Games Store logo. (Image Source: Epic Games)

Epic Games Store's first free PC game of February 2026 leaked ahead of schedule

Epic Games Store is expected to reveal the next free PC game today. However, it looks like the title may have leaked ahead of the official announcement.
Abdul Haddi, 29 Jan 2026 16:42
The Redmi Pad 2 Pro is now available with a Harry Potter Edition in China. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi re-releases larger Android tablet with new version

Xiaomi has refreshed one of its large Android tablets. Offered as part of a long-awaited launch in its home market, the new release expands upon existing models in various aspects, including multiple exclusive accessories. The Redmi Pad 2 Pro Harry Potter Edition remains exclusive to China for now.
Alex Alderson, 29 Jan 2026 16:24
The Redmi Turbo 5 Max starts at $399 on Giztop. Pictured: a promo picture showing the back of the phone. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi's new affordable Dimensity 9500s phone becomes available globally through imports

The Redmi Turbo 5 Max launched in China as the first phone powered by the Dimensity 9500s. While Xiaomi hasn't shared global launch plans yet, the affordable smartphone is now available for international buyers, but via import.
Abid Ahsan Shanto, 29 Jan 2026 16:15
Dreame’s Navo Smart Lock A10 (pictured) will support Matter-over-Thread. (Image source: Dreame)

New Dreame smart lock now Matter-certified

Dreame’s upcoming Navo Smart Lock A10 has received Matter certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This is one of the first smart locks from the brand, offering both fingerprint and passcode unlocking. Plus, users will be able to receive alerts in real time via one of Dreame’s apps.
Polly Allcock, 29 Jan 2026 16:09
Philips Hue Flux strip light accessories (mounting bracket pictured) have arrived in Europe. (Image source: Philips Hue)

Five new Philips Hue smart strip light accessories now available

A range of accessories for the Philips Hue Flux strip light and Flux ultra bright strip light are now available at some European retailers. Yet to be officially released in this market, these products were on show at IFA 2025. The line-up includes three connectors, an extension cable and mounting brackets.
Polly Allcock, 29 Jan 2026 16:01
Asthenia will get a playable demo soon. Pictured: edited cover picture of the game. (Image source: Matthaios Lappas)

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

Asthenia has been formally revealed with a new reveal trailer. It's from a solo creator who has taken inspiration from games like Resident Evil 7, Dark Souls, Silent Hill, and Outlast to develop this indie dark fantasy game. Launch is set for 2027, but a playable demo will be out soon.
Abid Ahsan Shanto, 29 Jan 2026 16:00
With a $31 discount, the Samsung Tab A11+ budget tablet is now even more affordable. (Image source: Walmart)

Deal | Budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ tablet with 90 Hz display and 128 GB storage scores attractive discount

Courtesy of an ongoing sale, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ can now be purchased with a $31 discount on Walmart. The newly-launched affordable tablet boasts a powerful SoC, a 90 Hz FHD display, and decent build quality.
Sambit Saha, 29 Jan 2026 15:26
Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is 70% off on Steam until February 9. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | Total War alternative hits rock-bottom price: Beginner-friendly medieval strategy game 70% off on Steam

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign delivers accessible grand strategy with real-time battles and is now available on Steam for its lowest price yet. A 70% discount brings it down to around $13.50 until February 9.
Marius Müller, 29 Jan 2026 15:04

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Notebookcheck, 2021-10-10 (Update: 2026-01-16)