Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

The Casio Ring Watch (pictured) has been restocked in the UK. (Image source: Casio)

Casio CRW001-1 Ring Watch now restocked in the UK

The Casio Ring Watch CRW-001-1 has been restocked again in the UK. This digital wearable was launched in 2024, and was recently available to some customers via a lottery-style draw. Features of the ring watch include support for d...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jul 2025 13:36

The solid-state battery in this EQS allows covering 620 miles on charge. (Image source: Mercedes)

First cheap EV with semi solid-state battery to cost $15,000 as BMW and Mercedes suppliers start pilot cell production too

Batteries with 95% solid electrolyte and all-solid-state cells are having a moment as they go from prototypes into production vehicles. The first affordable electric car with semi solid-state battery will be launched on August 5.

Daniel Zlatev, 23 Jul 2025 13:06

Lumo AI Assistant by Proton (Image Source: Proton)

Proton launches Lumo, a privacy-centric AI assistant

The company says it protects Lumo’s chats with ‘zero-access’ encryption while storing them on users’ devices.

Antony Muchiri, 23 Jul 2025 12:43

Bee offers a budget AI wristband with two microphones. (Image source: Bee)

Amazon acquires Bee, maker of budget-friendly AI wearable without mandatory subscription

Amazon has acquired a startup offering an affordable AI wristband equipped with two microphones and a range of intriguing features, marking the online retail giant’s entry into the AI wearables market after several setbacks.

Hannes Brecher, 23 Jul 2025 12:15

The Lenovo watch Pro costs around $70 in China. Pictured: a promo image of the smartwatch. (Image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo launches new affordable smartwatch with up to 20 days of battery life

The Lenovo Watch Pro has made its official debut in China. It has a rated battery life of up to 20 days, 3 ATM water-resistance rating, and a 1.43-inch AMOLED display. The smartwatch has a launch price of CNY 499, around $70.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 23 Jul 2025 10:50

A new version of the Nothing X app is now available on the Play Store and App store. (Image source: Nothing)

Nothing X app gets a design refresh and better support for devices including CMF watches

Nothing has released a new version of the Nothing X companion app for Android and iOS users. The app has a new look and also adds support for CMF smartwatches.

Habeeb Onawole, 23 Jul 2025 10:49

Image from Gearbox Software's next game, Borderlands 4. (Image source: Borderlands | Official Website)

Borderlands 4 to be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on this date

Gearbox Software's next game, Borderlands 4, will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on this date. And that's good news for gamers on this platform.

Alexis Stegmann, 23 Jul 2025 10:47

Supercharged Gummies come in Cyberberry, Mango Bolt, and Dog Mode Chill flavors. (Image source: Tesla)

Tesla outs Model Y frunk LED lighting strip and pricey Supercharged Gummies candy

Tesla keeps adding paid accessories to a list of vehicle options that could have come standard, like LED lighting for the frunk of the Model Y. It has also finally released its patented set of gummy candies that carry the unfortun...

Daniel Zlatev, 23 Jul 2025 09:49

The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 might launch in TSMC and Samsung variants (image source: Qualcomm)

Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 version made on Samsung's 2 nm node could be adopted by other OEMs

A new leak from Weibo says Qualcomm has not cancelled the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 variant manufactured on Samsung Foundry's SF2 node. The chip is said to be much cheaper than its TSMC counterpart, which has prompted some OEMs to opt ...

Anil Ganti, 23 Jul 2025 09:42

A Steam Deck displaying the SteamOS home screen lies on a glowing white desk next to various Windows-based handheld gaming PCs, including the ASUS ROG Ally and Ayaneo devices. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Steam Deck 2 and Valve home console in the works as quiet Sony partnership hints at strategic alliance

Valve may be gearing up for a major hardware expansion, with speculation around a Steam Deck 2 and a dedicated home console gaining traction. A recent podcast discussion also hints at a quiet but strategic alignment between Valve ...

Anmol Dubey, 23 Jul 2025 09:29

The electric 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup truck (Image source: Chevrolet)

Deal | Pickup truck deal: 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV at 0% APR for 60 months plus $1,250 Costco member discount

The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV is available for financing at 0% APR in the US until August 4. Costco members get an additional discount of up to $1,250 on the electric pickup truck.

David Odejide, 23 Jul 2025 08:44

Audio-Technica launches Mimio brand with two assistive hearing products

Audio-Technica has launched Mimio, a new brand in Japan that focuses on assistive hearing products. Two new products, the Mimio Assist One earbuds and the Mimio Sound Move TV speakers, increase the intelligibility of voices.

David Chien, 23 Jul 2025 06:03

An image of a woman flossing. Dental flossing could become a new means of vaccination (Image source: AI-generated image)

Researchers successfully test needleless vaccination using dental floss

A group of researchers has successfully tested a novel means of vaccination using dental floss — leveraging the permeable area between the teeth. The researchers flossed some mice using dental floss coated with inactive flu virus,...

Chibuike Okpara, 23 Jul 2025 04:11

The Forerunner 965 is one of five Forerunner smartwatches eligible to download and install Beta Version 24.10. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin releases new updates for popular mid-range smartwatches before future major stable rollout

Garmin continues to prepare to deliver v24.xx software to its older Forerunner smartwatches. Available across the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965, Beta Version 24.10 is the first new update in ove...

Alex Alderson, 23 Jul 2025 02:06

The Surface Laptop 5G will be released in August and available only to business customers. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft launches Surface Laptop 5G with eSIM and Nano SIM support, starting at $1799

First revealed in late January, Microsoft has announced the Surface Laptop 5G for business. The laptop will be available in August and will have a physical SIM card tray in addition to eSIM support.

Habeeb Onawole, 23 Jul 2025 00:56

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, an entry-level tablet that launched in 2023. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11: Upcoming budget Android tablet receives FCC certification

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Tab A11, a new tablet in its budget Tab A series. The device has appeared on the FCC, revealing details regarding its connectivity options and battery.

Huzefa Baloch, 23 Jul 2025 00:04

The Sidephone (pictured) is an upcoming dumb phone, scheduled to launch this year. (Image source: u/chrisristovski on Reddit)

9 dumb phones that are actually smart purchases in this day and age

CheckMag As dumb phones gain popularity, here are 9 great models you can invest in if you're in the market for one right now. Some of these are merely functional, while others are more design-focused - and one specific model is poised to l...

Anubhav Sharma, 22 Jul 2025 23:57

Trailer confirms EA Sports FC 26 on Switch 2 will have same current-gen features as Series X and PS5 game

Nintendo fans will soon have access to the latest EA Sports FC 26 innovations. For the first time, the Switch 2 game will boast identical features as other current-gen consoles. Improved Switch 2 specs have encouraged more third-p...

Adam Corsetti, 22 Jul 2025 21:44

A screengrab of the Shadow of the Colossus 2017 E3 trailer (image source: PlayStation YT)

Shadow of the Colossus designer Fumito Ueda believes the age of creating new game mechanics may be over

The game designer feels that developers and studios are better off focusing on refining existing game mechanics while focusing on aesthetic, art, and emotional resonance.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 22 Jul 2025 20:55

Samsung Foundry is among the world's largest semiconductor chip manufacturers ( a semiconductor wafer pictured here). (Image source: Unsplash)

Samsung shortsightedly rejected Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's reported HBM production and Foundry business proposals in 2018

A new report now claims that Samsung rejected three proposals made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in 2018. The proposals were reportedly about joint HBM production, cooperation on Samsung Foundry to develop new process nodes, and CUDA...

Fawad Murtaza, 22 Jul 2025 20:47

Razer Cobra HyperSpeed gaming mouse with underglow RGB lighting. (Image source: Razer)

Razer's new Cobra HyperSpeed gaming mouse is lighter yet more durable

Razer expands its Cobra gaming mouse portfolio with the Cobra HyperSpeed. The mouse is 15 grams lighter, more durable, and lasts a bit longer than the more expensive Cobra Pro.

Vineet Washington, 22 Jul 2025 20:37

Artwork from Battlefield's recent Community Update (image source: Battlefield X)

Battlefield 6 Open Beta might be coming soon as EA API leak suggests potential August 4 access

Battlefield 6 just became official today, and the Open Beta might be only a few days away as per data mined by Redditors on the Battlefield subreddit.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 22 Jul 2025 20:35

The OnePlus 13T. (Image Source: Pacific Technology)

Latest OnePlus 15T leak promises "more attractive" pricing for the next-gen compact premium phone

The OnePlus 15T will launch next year as a compact, premium phone rivalling the Xiaomi 16 and vanilla Samsung Galaxy 26. According to a new leak, the 15T will arrive with a more attractive price than this year's OnePlus 13T too.

Ricci Rox, 22 Jul 2025 20:28

The official image of the game Silent Hill f. (Image source: Epic Games)

Silent Hill: Two retro games could make a comeback on PS5 and Xbox Series

Two retro games from the Silent Hill franchise could be making a comeback thanks to fans. But beware, nothing is official yet, and we'll have to wait a while before we can potentially play them again.

Alexis Stegmann, 22 Jul 2025 19:48

A Matter compatible version of the Govee Floor Lamp Basic (blue variant pictured) has arrived. (Image source: Govee)

Govee Floor Lamp Basic: Matter compatible version now available

Govee has released a new version of the Floor Lamp Basic that is Matter compatible. Available in two colorways, gold and blue, the new variants also support the brand’s AI assistant. Features of the slim smart light include up to ...

Polly Allcock, 22 Jul 2025 19:28

The 8BitDo Pro 3 controller can be connected to a Steam Deck via Bluetooth or USB. (Image source: 8BitDo)

8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth controller gets Steam compatibility

8BitDo's list of controllers with full Steam compatibility has grown by one. The manufacturer has announced that the newly launched 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth controller is also compatible with Steam, Steam Deck, and Steam OS.

Habeeb Onawole, 22 Jul 2025 19:25

Lenovo's new tablet is compatible with the company's Stylus Pro which supports up to 8,192 pressure levels with 4 ms input latency. (Image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo's latest lightweight flagship tablet now available to pre-order with high-end stylus experience

Lenovo's latest 12.1-inch tablet is now available to reserve in China. Available in one of three colour options, the Xiaoxin AI Tablet Pro GT promises to outperform the Legion Tab Gen 3 and Yoga Tab Plus while also providing an ex...

Alex Alderson, 22 Jul 2025 19:25

Nothing Phone (3) pictured in white. (Image source: Nothing)

Nothing wants to expand its smartphone lineup with more budget options that are 'Lite' or 'T' branded

Looks like the Pro models aren’t cutting it for Nothing as the company is seemingly considering ‘Lite’ and ‘T’ branded budget options. The exact strategy is unclear at this point considering there are budget friendly ‘a’ series ph...

Vineet Washington, 22 Jul 2025 18:57

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will offer a feature eagerly awaited by gamers

Two new features will be introduced in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and one of them will be very popular with players. But you'll have to be patient before you can enjoy it.

Alexis Stegmann, 22 Jul 2025 18:49

Nvidia is giving away an Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 gaming laptop - essentially the same model is pictured here (image source: Notebookcheck)

Deal | Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 gaming laptop with RTX 5080 GPU up for grabs via Nvidia's latest giveaway

Nvidia is giving away a high-end ROG Strix Scar 16 gaming laptop from Asus. It features an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5080 laptop GPU and a 16-inch 240 Hz mini-LED screen.

Anil Ganti, 22 Jul 2025 18:47

Wavetale has a really cool art style, as evident from the screenshot of the game (pictured) alongside. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | "Beautiful, ingenious, and mesmerizing" - Indie action-adventure game now down to $1.49 on Steam after a 95% discount

Wavetale just hit 95% discount on Steam at $1.49, near its all-time low. This narrative adventure features sea exploration and story-driven gameplay. Deal is live until August 4th.

Anubhav Sharma, 22 Jul 2025 18:37

Huawei Pura 80 slated for imminent launch with new version of last-gen silicon

Even Huawei seems to concede that its next new smartphone will be a much less aspirational version of the Pura 80 Ultra in its new teasers. The vanilla 80 is backed to launch with the latest version of the OEM's HarmonyOS and an o...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 22 Jul 2025 18:22

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown retail box art is shown (Image source: Amazon with edits)

Test Drive Unlimited dev downplays low Steam player counts, claiming stronger support as a PS5 game

Even with depressing Steam player counts, Nacon continues to update Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown. A developer for the racing title claims it has more support as a PS5 game. Sebastian Waxin warns critics against depending on si...

Adam Corsetti, 22 Jul 2025 18:05

The Anker 165 W 25,000 mAh power bank has a built-in display (Image source: Anker)

Deal | Anker’s display-equipped 25,000 mAh power bank with retractable cables gets substantial price cut on Amazon

Anker’s 25,000 mAh capacity power bank with triple 100 W USB-C ports, built-in display, and retractable cable is currently available at a significant discount on Amazon in the US. The portable accessory boasts a 25,000 mAh battery...

Abhinav Fating, 22 Jul 2025 18:01

The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus is expected to land before the end of the summer, predecessor pictured. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus tipped to feature three major upgrades over Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus in new early leak

Xiaomi is expected to release the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus before the end of the summer. In the meantime, a reliable leaker has revealed three major upgrades that Xiaomi will use to distinguish the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus from the cu...

Alex Alderson, 22 Jul 2025 18:00

A close-up of Insta360's first compact drone has already emerged online. (Image source: via Photorumors)

Insta360 drones shown in early leaks with 360-degree camera and 'invisible' innovative design

More details about Insta360's first drones have emerged online. Allegedly sporting two fisheye lenses, one unreleased drone can produce 360-degree images. Meanwhile, a second drone is said to utilise several design innovations tha...

Alex Alderson, 22 Jul 2025 17:56

Battlefield 6 reveal trailer premiering on July 24. (Image source: Battlefield on YouTube)

Battlefield 6 official reveal confirmed, coming much sooner than expected

Finally, we have a reveal date for Battlefield 6 after months of leaks and rumors. EA will showcase a reveal trailer for the game on July 24 and it may include the date for the open beta.

Vineet Washington, 22 Jul 2025 17:53

The Fenix 8 is set to receive a major update later this season with over 100 changes. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin releases new update for flagship smartwatches with focus mode improvements and other changes

Garmin has furnished its beta testers with a new update for those who own an Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 or Tactix 8. Following on Beta Version 17.17, the new update arrives as Beta Version 17.18 with fresh bug fixes and a new cust...

Alex Alderson, 22 Jul 2025 17:53

An "iPhone 17 Pro" render. (Image source: Majin Bu)

iPhone 17 series backed to sell over 10% better than 16 series

The iPhone 17 series might comprise some of the most innovative Apple handsets for several generations in 2025 - not the least the brand's first ever ultra-slim model. Now, they are backed to sustain at least as much growth on the...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 22 Jul 2025 17:39

The rumored Anker 150W Charging Base would follow the original 100W accessory (pictured). (Image source: Anker)

New Anker power bank 150W charging base appears

Anker is rumored to be working on a new 150W Charging Base for Anker Prime Power Bank models. This upcoming accessory will support the brand’s new 150W fast charging protocol, and is said to be compatible with various existing and...

Polly Allcock, 22 Jul 2025 17:30

The Galaxy A17 will run the same SoC as the Galaxy A16 pictured here (image source: Notebookcheck)

Galaxy A17 Geekbench listing confirms no SoC upgrade

The Galaxy A17 has shown up on Geekbench with the same Exynos SoC found on its last-gen counterpart. It has 6 GB of RAM and runs Android 15.

Anil Ganti, 22 Jul 2025 17:11

A 1-inch camera smartphone. (Image source: Huawei)

Latest 1-inch camera for smartphones might debut with eerily familiar specs

China's most recent home-grown imaging tech company is reportedly working on a new product that might feature in the next generation of flagship Android smartphones. It uses the industry's current top-end 1-inch form-factor and on...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 22 Jul 2025 16:57

Battlefield 2042 artwork. (Image source: EA)

Battlefield 6 open beta will allow players to choose open or closed weapons

EA seems to want to satisfy both sides of the Battlefield fan base after deciding to have unlocked weapon classes in Battlefield 6. With the open beta, there will be an option to choose between open and closed weapons.

Vineet Washington, 22 Jul 2025 16:41

Descenders Next was released on July 21 as a shadow drop for Xbox Game Pass. (Image source: Xbox)

Xbox Game Pass: Sequel to one of the service’s most popular games drops unexpectedly

The latest Game Pass lineup was already revealed, so no one expected an extra surprise this week. But that’s exactly what happened – and it’s not just any game; it’s the sequel to one of the service’s most popular titles....

Marius Müller, 22 Jul 2025 16:16

The Amazfit Balance 2 XT (pictured) will not support scuba diving like the original smartwatch. (Image source: Best Buy, edited)

Amazfit Balance 2 XT vs Balance 2: Differences now confirmed

An Amazfit representative has confirmed the main differences between the upcoming Balance 2 XT and the recently released Balance 2 smartwatches. Responding to a customer question at a US retailer, the company listed a couple of fe...

Polly Allcock, 22 Jul 2025 16:09

The BH iLynx+ NX (pictured) in action. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor in the e-MTB supports a maximum torque of 100Nm and up to 400% pedal assistance. (Image source: BH Bikes)

BH iLynx+ NX: New e-MTB officially announced with Bosch Performance Line CX motor

The BH iLynx+ NX e-mountain bike launches for 2026 with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, 800Wh battery, carbon or aluminum frame, trail and enduro versions, and a starting price of €4,799.90.

Anubhav Sharma, 22 Jul 2025 16:00

The Quick Recap function is designed to use AI to summarize up to five WhatsApp chats. (Image source: Microsoft Store)

Quick Recap: Upcoming WhatsApp feature could make chats more convenient

Analysts report that Meta is developing a new AI-powered feature for WhatsApp, specifically designed for users with many chats. Although it is not available yet, this could change soon.

Marius Müller, 22 Jul 2025 15:42

Last year, only DeepMind’s AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2 model reached the silver-medal standard. Pictured - abstract art from Google. (Image source: Google)

Google DeepMind’s Gemini earns gold at the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad

Google DeepMind’s Gemini solved five of six IMO 2025 problems, earning gold-level recognition. It produced solutions in natural language within the allotted 4.5-hour contest window.

Anubhav Sharma, 22 Jul 2025 15:37

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is now available in two orange colorways (steel on steel pictured). (Image source: Omega)

Omega launches new orange Seamaster Diver 300M premium watches

Omega has revealed two new versions of the Seamaster Diver 300M watch with orange colorways. These premium timepieces feature the Omega 8806 calibre, with a helium escape valve and diving scale. One model comes with a bright orang...

Polly Allcock, 22 Jul 2025 15:34

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