Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Samsung recommends using Link to Windows instead (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung confirms end of DeX for PC on Windows with One UI 7 update

With the rollout of One UI 7, Samsung Galaxy phones will lose support for DeX for PC on Windows. The company recommends users use the Link to Windows feature as an alternative.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 01 Dec 2024 12:49

Popular Roguelite shooter now free on Epic Games Store over Black Friday

The Epic Games Store is giving away another free game in time for Black Friday. This time, the storefront has discounted a 'top-down arena shooter roguelite' game that has been well-received by critics and gamers alike.

Alex Alderson, 28 Nov 2024 12:18

Terraria community members deliver comment on the Palworld X Terraria collaboration

Terraria causes upset with upcoming Palworld collaboration

Palworld and Terraria are teasing an upcoming collaboration, and, although not much has been revealed about the cross-over, some members of the Terraria community have expressed concerns over Terraria's development and even potent...

Julian van der Merwe, 27 Nov 2024 18:32

Keychron K15 Max with a split space bar Alice design

Split space bar mechanical keyboards are dumb — until they aren't

CheckMag Nobody needs two space bars, but that's not the point of a split space bar design. A split space bar can help reduce finger strain and even increase typing speed and accuracy, as long as you put in the effort to make it work for y...

Julian van der Merwe, 27 Nov 2024 05:49

Sanwa Supply launches wireless handheld mouse for VR and regular users. (Image source: Sanwa Supply)

Sanwa Supply unveils wireless handheld mouse with media control pad for regular and VR users

Sanwa Supply has unveiled the 400-MAWBT204BK wireless handheld mouse. The mouse has buttons for direct control of media players and can control computers while in VR.

David Chien, 26 Nov 2024 07:09

The latest batch of ARM64 devices began rolling out almost six months ago. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Google Drive for Desktop Beta now supports Windows 11 ARM64 devices

Google has released a new version of its Drive for Desktop program that contains native ARM64 binaries. As a result, Google Drive for Desktop is now available across recent Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite machine...

Alex Alderson, 25 Nov 2024 20:03

Microsoft confirms some Ubisoft games may stop responding on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has confirmed that the 24H2 update for Windows 11 may cause some Ubisoft games to stop responding and, in some cases, cause an unresponsive black screen. The company says it's working with Ubisoft to fix the issues.

Rohith Bhaskar, 25 Nov 2024 09:12

SoundSlide adds volume controls to laptops with a USB-C port. (Image source: SoundSlide)

SoundSlide: This $18 USB-C dongle adds a volume slider to your computer

SoundSlide is a small device that adds volume controls to almost any computer. It plugs into a USB-C port and allows users to adjust their computers' volume with a swipe or tap.

Habeeb Onawole, 24 Nov 2024 13:15

It looks like Valve might be considering an Nvidia APU for its next-gen Steam Deck 2. (Image source: Valve / Nvidia - edited)

Proton DLSS 3 update fuels Steam Deck 2 Nvidia rumors

Valve has officially added support for DLSS 3 to Proton and SteamOS, leading to speculation that the Steam Deck 2 may use an Nvidia GPU. Valve also recently started testing ARM64 support in SteamOS, and Nvidia is reportedly workin...

Julian van der Merwe, 22 Nov 2024 18:44

Valve is putting its foot down over vague, unfulfilling season passes on Steam. (Image source: 2K games / Wikipedia - edited)

Steam clamps down on vague promises and missed deadlines with new season pass guidelines

Valve has revealed new season pass guidelines for game developers and publishers selling on Steam. Game sellers will no longer be allowed to hide behind mystery boxes when selling season passes, and they will be held accountable w...

Julian van der Merwe, 22 Nov 2024 00:48

Opera GX UI facelift (Image source: Own)

Opera GX gets major facelift and performance improvements

The most immersive since the 2019 debut of Opera GX comes with a major visual refresh that includes "an expanded modding universe" while also providing improved performance and usability. Aimed at gamers, Opera GX now has over 30 ...

Codrut Nistor, 21 Nov 2024 22:52

Microsoft pushing out full-screen ads to Windows 10 users

Windows 10 users have been served full-screen upgrade warnings for Windows 11 before, but now, Microsoft is using the same tactic for full-on ads. Users are being shown the newest in the Microsoft Surface lineup, and being urged t...

Daniel Fuller, 21 Nov 2024 22:25

Epic Games Store is giving away another free game before Black Friday but only for a short time

The Epic Games Store has updated its free game giveaway service with a new indie title. Available from later today, Beholder has received positive reviews from critics and gamers alike.

Alex Alderson, 21 Nov 2024 14:11

Deal | Epic Games Black Friday 2024 Premium Edition sale is a patient gamer's delight with up to 95% off yesteryear's top hits

Epic Games is slashing game prices on plenty of its best PC games in its Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, with many games discounted by over 80%. The sale starts today and will only last for two weeks. What's more, all the gam...

Julian van der Merwe, 20 Nov 2024 02:46

War Thunder 2.41 "Firebirds" update now available (Image source: Own)

War Thunder 2.41 "Firebirds" comes with the iconic F-117A stealth fighter, several ships, light vehicles, and more

Released yesterday, War Thunder 2.41 comes with a mix of military hardware, new and tweaked locations, missions, and technical improvements alongside bug fixes. Alongside the world's first stealth airplane, the "Firebirds" update ...

Codrut Nistor, 20 Nov 2024 00:55

The Windows 365 Link is Microsoft's newest $349 cloud PC (image source: Microsoft)

Windows 365 Link: Small form factor cloud PC announced for $349

Microsoft has announced an interesting new mini PC for enterprise users. Unlike regular PCs, the Windows 365 Link does not boot Windows locally and relies exclusively on the cloud.

Anil Ganti, 19 Nov 2024 18:25

The return of the clunkpad? Lenovo ThinkPad trackpad comparison - Sensel vs. Synaptics

The battle of the clickpads. Ten years ago, Lenovo tried to integrate the dedicated mouse buttons for the ThinkPad TrackPoint into the touchpad, to make the trackpad bigger. In 2024, they are trying it again. We compare ThinkPad P1 G7 with the ThinkPad T440s ...

Benjamin Herzig, 19 Nov 2024 09:05

Anbernic may soon return to releasing a new Windows-based handheld. (Image source: via NITTRX)

Anbernic Win701 surfaces again as high-end gaming handheld but now with Asus ROG Ally looks

Anbernic may still be working to deliver the long-rumoured Win701 gaming handheld. Based on new evidence, it seems that Anbernic has taken a leaf out of Asus' book not just in terms of the Win701's design but also its AMD Ryzen 7 ...

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2024 18:48

Windows 11 ARM ISO now available for everyone (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

Microsoft finally fulfills the promise to deliver the Windows 11 on ARM ISO

Previously available only to Windows Insider members, Windows 11 ISO for ARM machines is now available to the general public. The ARM64 ISO file can be used to create virtual machines for development/testing as well as bootable me...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Nov 2024 13:04

The new Xbox Home Compact mode is tailored for Windows gaming handhelds. (Image source: Microsoft)

Xbox App gets Windows gaming handheld UI overhaul in time for holiday game binge

An update to the entire line-up of Xbox software interfaces is re-introducing previously removed features and adding some console-like optimisations to the Xbox App for Windows in the process. The new UI changes should make the Xb...

Julian van der Merwe, 16 Nov 2024 00:08

The Xbox Black Friday sale is in full swing until December 2. (Image source: Microsoft)

Xbox early Black Friday game deals offer massive discounts for PC and Xbox games

Microsoft is kicking off Black Friday early, with discounts on everything from Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Alan Wake 2, and Spirit of the North to the entire Assassin's Creed franchise, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and many m...

Julian van der Merwe, 15 Nov 2024 21:32

The official ChatGPT app for Windows. (Image source: Microsoft Store)

The ChatGPT app for Windows is now available for all users

OpenAI has expanded access to the ChatGPT Windows app, which now includes support for free-tier users. The app brings key features from the web version including Instant Answers, Advanced Voice, ChatGPT Search, and more.

Huzefa Baloch, 15 Nov 2024 15:49

Ruckus Games looks to combine elements from several game genres in its upcoming debut release. (Image source: Ruckus Games)

Ruckus Games: New game studio with Borderlands 3, Elder Scrolls alums reveals secret project that eschews risk-averse industry trends

The new game studio has already secured $19 million in funding, and it is working on a debut project with some unique visuals that blend cartoon graphics, zany weapons, and darker visuals. "Smash, Grab, and Grow in this upcoming s...

Julian van der Merwe, 14 Nov 2024 19:08

Epic Games Store is giving away two free games this week but only for a short time

The Epic Games Store has updated its free game of the week service with another two titles. Available later today, the deal traces the origins of a historic vampire franchise and also includes a well-regarded indie puzzler.

Alex Alderson, 14 Nov 2024 13:48

Sanwa Supply releases micro retracting wireless mouse for on-the-go workers. (Image source: Sanwa Supply)

Sanwa Supply unveils retracting mouse for travelling workers

Sanwa Supply has unveiled a retracting wireless mouse that is smaller than a credit card. The pocketable design allows frequent flyers and remote workers to travel light, without the bulk of a regular mouse.

David Chien, 14 Nov 2024 07:16

VMware Fusion Pro 13 on macOS (Image source: Broadcom)

VMware Fusion and Workstation now also free for commercial and educational use

Turned into freebies in May 2024, VMware Workstation and VMware Fusion were only made free for personal use back then. However, now Broadcom has just decided to apply the same treatment to the commercial versions, which can now be...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Nov 2024 17:00

Nvidia GeForce Game Ready Driver 566.14 details (Image source: Own)

Nvidia GeForce Game Ready Driver 566.14 arrives with support for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl

While it brings day-one support for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the latest Nvidia driver package also comes with one-click optimal settings for five titles, including Delta Force and C...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Nov 2024 11:15

Microsoft is killing off Windows Mail and its associated calendar app. (Image source: Microsoft)

Windows 11 to lose Calendar and Mail apps

Microsoft is pushing Windows Mail and Calendar users to use other services, including the new Outlook for Windows program. From January 1, the Redmond-based company will stop supporting the applications and will prevent anyone fro...

Alex Alderson, 12 Nov 2024 20:24

Re-Logic announced that Terraria has sold over 60 million copies in its 13-year stint on the market, and the team behind it shows no signs of slowing down. (Image source: Re-Logic - edited)

Terraria once again puts AAA titles to shame with over 60 million sales

Terraria recently proved that it has earned the trust of more than just a small, loyal community. The devs announced that the indie game has been installed on 60.7 million systems, despite — or maybe as a result of — launching ove...

Julian van der Merwe, 12 Nov 2024 18:55

Raid: Shadow Legends from AI's perspective (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

Raid Shadow Legends developer Plarium sold to Modern Times for $820 million

Available since early July 2018, Raid: Shadow Legends launched as a mobile role-playing game that was also ported to PC since its introduction. Both loved and hated by gamers and critics, this game, which is played by more than on...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Nov 2024 18:37

Anthropic launches improved Claude AI with computer control and Palantir partnership for US Government Intelligence and Defense Operations. (Image source: Dall-E-3 AI)

Anthropic advances AI with Claude 3.5 Haiku, improved Claude 3.5 Sonnet with computer control, and Palantir partnership for US Government Intelligence and Defense Operations

Anthropic has unveiled improved Claude AI that can control computers directly, allowing the AI to complete complex tasks that previously required direct human input. A partnership with Palantir provides the US government with AI c...

David Chien, 09 Nov 2024 23:17

Microsoft is gradually adding more emulation features to Windows 11 for ARM chipsets. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Microsoft adds welcome performance improvements for Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite chipsets with new Windows 11 build

Microsoft is preparing to add a bunch of new performance improvements to Windows 11 aimed specifically at ARM chipsets. Not only has the company integrated AVX2 support within its Prism emulation layer, but it has also added AVX, ...

Alex Alderson, 09 Nov 2024 10:52

The Asus Zenbook S 16 (UM606WA) weighs 1.5 kg (3.31 lbs). (Image source: Asus/Best Buy, Unsplash, edited)

Deal | Thin Asus Zenbook S 16 OLED laptop with latest Ryzen AI 9 365 APU and 24 GB RAM drops to lowest price ever

The latest Asus Zenbook S 16 laptop with a Ryzen AI 9 365 APU, 24 GB of memory, and 1 TB of storage has been priced down by a cool 18% at Best Buy. The laptop demonstrates the capabilities of AMD's new APUs rather well with good p...

Fawad Murtaza, 08 Nov 2024 20:41

Nvidia's upcoming ARM APU for Windows will apparently have a powerful NPU. (Image source: Nvidia, Notebookcheck, edited)

Nvidia ARM APU vs AMD Strix Halo on cards as Team Green is reportedly preparing APU for gamers and creators

Nvidia is allegedly preparing to go head-to-head with Strix Halo APUs in late 2025 or early 2026 with the release of an ARM-based APU on Windows. According to the latest leak from Moore's Law Is Dead, Team Green is planning to pit...

Fawad Murtaza, 08 Nov 2024 11:56

Epic Games Store announces new free game giveaway ahead of time

The Epic Games Store has revealed that it will be giving away a classic collection of games in a week's time. Offered as the only giveaway next week, the collection consists of eight games and e-book summarising the hugely popular...

Alex Alderson, 07 Nov 2024 23:18

Epic Games Store is giving away a new free game but only for a short time

The Epic Games Store is now offering a new free game to download and keep indefinitely. Not only that, the storefront has decided to throw in a new bundle for a popular battle royale-hero shooter too.

Alex Alderson, 07 Nov 2024 15:05

Generative AI content rewrite dialog in Notepad (Image source: Windows Insider Blog)

Microsoft Paint and Notepad get AI-infused capabilities on Windows 11

While Paint 11.2410.28.0 gets generative fill and erase, an improved model for Cocreator, and an updated Image Creator, Notepad 11.2410.15.0 comes with AI-assisted content rewriting. Currently, only Windows Insiders in the Canary ...

Codrut Nistor, 07 Nov 2024 13:32

Mozilla Foundation fires 30% of its staff, shuts down advocacy division

The Mozilla Foundation has announced it has let go of 30% of its staff, eliminating its advocacy and global programs divisions. This marks the second round of 2024 layoffs for the company that dismissed 60 people in February 2024.

Rohith Bhaskar, 06 Nov 2024 08:56

Minisforum V3 SE starts at ~$628 (Image source: Minisforum - edited)

Minisforum V3 SE launches as cheaper alternative to non-SE V3 tablet PC

The Minisforum V3 SE has launched as a refreshed variant of the non-SE tablet PC that launched in early 2024. This new model comes with some tweaks but has a less capable APU than the regular option.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 06 Nov 2024 07:56

Microsoft offers $1 million prize in massive Bing search engine push

Microsoft launches its largest-ever Bing sweepstakes with a $1 million grand prize across six countries. The campaign integrates with Microsoft Rewards program, allowing users to earn up to 200 entries through platform engagement.

Nathan Ali, 05 Nov 2024 17:33

The gaming handheld pictured is said to have borrowed its display from the RedMagic Nova. (Image source: via NITTRX)

Unusual new gaming handheld shown with Nintendo Switch-like controllers and RedMagic Nova display

Early details about a new ultra-large gaming handheld have emerged online. Almost as large as the OneXPlayer X1, the device features a Nintendo Switch-like design with a display that is said to originate in the RedMagic Nova.

Alex Alderson, 04 Nov 2024 23:17

Windows Hello will soon get a fresh design and better passkey support. (Image source: Microsoft / Dell, edited)

Windows Hello gets a fresh design for login with fingerprint sensor, facial recognition or passkey

In future, anyone logging into Windows will be greeted by a fresh Windows Hello user interface, which is designed to simplify login using a fingerprint sensor, facial recognition or passkey. The design of other login screens in Wi...

Hannes Brecher, 04 Nov 2024 22:33

Microsoft compares Copilot+ PCs to popular 5-year-old PCs, highlighting performance and battery improvements

Microsoft's new Copilot+ PCs are not just focusing on AI capabilities. A recent comparison from Microsoft demonstrates performance and battery life improvements over popular 5-year-old Windows PCs.

Huzefa Baloch, 03 Nov 2024 22:57

Intel efficient once again: Asus ExpertBook P5 achieves 16 hours of battery life with Lunar Lake

Up until now, you had to choose when buying a laptop with an Intel processor - either the screen was a low resolution panel, or the battery life was bad. This changes with Intel Lunar Lake, as the Asus ExpertBook P5 achieved stron...

Benjamin Herzig, 03 Nov 2024 21:50

Monster Hunter Wilds is stacking up to be a very successful ARPG. (Image source: Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds free open beta blows past games away with over 450,000 players in first 2 hours

Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds free open beta may have been a genius marketing ploy disguised as a development exercise. Despite the franchise's somewhat niche history, Wilds has attracted over 450,000 players on Steam in the first...

Julian van der Merwe, 01 Nov 2024 22:32

qBittorrent quietly fixes 14-year-old security hole

qBittorrent, a popular torrent client, has left a key backdoor open for 14 years. A security measure that began getting skipped back in 2010 is now being re-implemented. There was no word to users about this fix, beyond the usual ...

Daniel Fuller, 01 Nov 2024 17:18

Microsoft delays Recall for Copilot+ to December

Microsoft has again delayed the controversial Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs to December. The feature was supposed to roll out in June this year, but Microsoft moved the release date to November after backlash from users.

Rohith Bhaskar, 01 Nov 2024 12:29

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