Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

The ThinkBook Plus Gen6 houses a 16.7-inch OLED screen in a 14-inch form factor (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus with 16.7-inch rollable OLED avoids all the pitfalls of the ThinkPad X1 Fold

Unlike most dual-screen concepts, the ThinkBook Plus Gen6 rollable actually looks and feels like a regular laptop to be easier to use with no learning curve or cumbersome accessories needed.

Allen Ngo, 15 Aug 2025 22:12

The Nintendo 3DS is shown above the Switch 2 console (Image source: Nintendo of America, Amazon with edits)

Updated Nintendo patent for potential Switch 2 second screen excites fans of 3DS games

An updated Nintendo patent may justify rumors about a dual-screen Switch 2 . The illustrations depict a second display attached to what resembles the new console below it. The accessory could add realism to streaming 3DS games on ...

Adam Corsetti, 15 Aug 2025 22:04

Valve rolls out new Steam Store update with wider store page for larger monitors

Valve's latest update to the Steam client offers a better experience for higher resolution displays while adding support for uploading a multitude of media files for developers.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 15 Aug 2025 21:53

A screengrab of Monster Hunter Wilds (image source: SteamDB)

Former PlayStation exec says game prices should increase with each console generation

Ex-CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, Shawn Layden, has a more nuanced take on where video game prices should be as AAA budgets continue to increase.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 15 Aug 2025 21:33

The super-loud fan noise levels on Overdrive mode are arguably not worth the very small gains in performance (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Loud Overdrive mode on the Alienware 16X Aurora is not worth the small gains in performance

For the vast majority of scenarios, owners will want to game on the quieter Performance mode instead of the louder Overdrive mode as gaming performance will be nearly the same, anyway.

Allen Ngo, 15 Aug 2025 21:24

Metal Gear Solid 2 introduces players to Raiden, who's the protagonist instead of Snake from MGS1. (Image source: u/cokeadope via r/MetalGearSolid subreddit)

One of the best game sequels ever made, it is even more relevant in 2025

CheckMag Metal Gear Solid 2 took the stealth action of the first game and pushed it to a whole new level. It surprised players with bold story choices and twists that still spark debate over two decades after its release. That's why MGS2 i...

Anubhav Sharma, 15 Aug 2025 21:22

Boombox 4: New Bluetooth speaker. (Image source: JBL)

JBL Boombox 4: Powerful Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a power bank

The JBL Boombox 4 is a new Bluetooth speaker that is said to be slightly lighter than its predecessor, promises up to 34 hours of music playback and delivers powerful audio. Other features include IP68 certification, Bluetooth 5.4...

Silvio Werner, 15 Aug 2025 21:03

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, shown here in official renders, is unlikely to be cheaper but will also be available with 512 GB of storage. (Image source: Android Headlines, edited)

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will not be cheaper after all but still has a surprise in store

Samsung's Fan Edition is unlikely to be cheaper than last year's Galaxy S24 FE. After a leaker recently hinted at a lower starting price for the Galaxy S25 FE, a reliable source now contradicts this with more up-to-date euro price...

Alexander Fagot, 15 Aug 2025 21:00

Thick, but with some targeted upgrades, as an official Google spec sheet now confirms. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold. (Image source: Evan Blass)

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold will also feature 10x zoom and exclusive IP68 certification according to spec sheet leak

Visually, it's not an upgrade compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and by far the thickest foldable phone of the year. But inside, there are some specific and very useful upgrades, as a leaked Google spec sheet now confirms. Unfortun...

Alexander Fagot, 15 Aug 2025 20:58

The successor to the Galaxy S25 (pictured here) is said to offer a larger 4,300 mAh battery, but this is modest compared to the Xiaomi 16 and others. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Big differences in battery sizes between Samsung Galaxy S26, Xiaomi 16 and other flagships expected in 2026

The Galaxy S26 series will finally receive much-needed battery upgrades next year. Even the comparatively compact 6.3-inch Samsung flagship, rumored to be launching under the name Galaxy S26 Pro, is said to offer more capacity tha...

Alexander Fagot, 15 Aug 2025 20:55

Gamescom exec says E3's demise mixed bag for organizer as it contends with added 'responsibility'

Gamescom's executives see the yearly event as a potential heir of the now-defunct E3 trade show but claim they never perceived the two as rivals.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 15 Aug 2025 20:54

Image from the game Survival: Fountain of Youth. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | These two games are free this weekend with Xbox Game Pass

If you are an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscriber, you can try two games, a survival and a sim, for free this weekend allowing you to explore diverse environments from an island to various water bodies.

Alexis Stegmann, 15 Aug 2025 20:47

Iqunix EZ63 macro creation firmware update

Iqunix Hall effect gaming keyboards finally surpass Wooting: New firmware update adds macros to EZ63

CheckMag Iqunix has finally updated its EZ and EV series Hall effect gaming keyboards with the ability to record on-board macros, making them officially more useful than Wooting's 80HE and 60HE for those of us looking for a one-keyboard-fi...

Julian van der Merwe, 15 Aug 2025 20:29

Like its pricier Pro sibling, the Beelink SER9 mini PC can now also be equipped with the China-only AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 APU. (Image source: ITHome)

Beelink SER9: Affordable mini PC gets new 8-core, 16-thread AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 variant

Following in the footsteps of the SER9 Pro mini PC, the vanilla SER9 from Beelink is now also available with the fresh new China-specific AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 APU based on the Zen 4 architecture. Featuring a decent array of ports and...

Sambit Saha, 15 Aug 2025 20:19

An image announcing Ratatan's Early Access release date (image source: Steam)

Ratatan, the spiritual successor to Pataopon, finally gets a release date

Ratatan, a rogue-like action game that was largely financed via Kickstarter, is now expected to become available to gamers across the world on Steam from the 19th of September 2025.

Rahim Amir Noorali, 15 Aug 2025 20:09

Smartwatch tech fails to measure stress in new study

A number of smartwatch and smartwatch-like wearables boast stress-tracking technology as part of their health-tech bragging rights. It might not live up to the hype, however, according to new research. It claims to have found that...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Aug 2025 19:48

Lil Gator Game is 50% off on Steam until August 18. (Image source: PlayStation Store)

Deal | Steam: Cozy 3D adventure with 4,000 reviews (99% positive) lets players feel like kids again – back at its lowest price ever

Uninhibited, curious and full of energy – that's how most of us feel as kids, but that carefree spirit often fades with age. Lil Gator Game, a laid-back 3D adventure, sets out to bring that feeling back. Right now, it's 50% off on...

Marius Müller, 15 Aug 2025 19:42

The GMK M6 Ultra mini PC is an afforably priced Ryzen 5 7640HS-powered compact desktop with plenty of ports. (Image source: JD.com)

Affordable mini PC: GMK M6 Ultra mini PC arrives with Ryzen 5 7640HS and dual 2.5 G Ethernet

After a round of teasers, GMK has finally revealed the affordable M6 Ultra mini PC. Priced at just above $200 for the barebones variant, the Ryzen 5 7640HS-powered mini PC packs a healthy number of ports including dual 2.5G Ethern...

Sambit Saha, 15 Aug 2025 19:39

Eufy’s Robot Vacuum S2 (pictured) could launch in 2025. (Image source: u/FarConcern2308 via Reddit)

Eufy Robot Vacuum S2 powerful new model on the way

Details about the upcoming eufy Robot Vacuum S2 appear to have been leaked. One report suggests that it could offer up to 30,000 Pa suction power for vacuuming and the brand’s HydroJet roller mopping. Another source indicates that...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 19:31

Aqara’s upcoming Touchscreen Switch S100 (pictured) has gained Matter certification. (Image source: Aqara)

Aqara Touchscreen Switch S100 now Matter-certified

Aqara’s Touchscreen Switch S100 has been certified as a Matter compatible device by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. This smart home switch, which can be used to control wired lights and a range of smart home devices, was unve...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 19:26

Roborock’s P20 Plus Ultra robot vacuum (pictured) has launched in China. (Image source: Roborock)

New powerful Roborock P20 Ultra Plus robot vacuum launches

The Roborock P20 Ultra Plus robot vacuum and mop has officially launched. Currently only available in China, this model is more powerful than the older P20 Ultra, with the same slim body. Another upgrade is the enhanced mopping fu...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 19:20

The Magic7 Pro. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Honor Magic8 leaks as upcoming Android flagship with wired charging downgrade

Honor's next generation of Android flagships have started to surface in a fresh leak that hints at one of the more vital of their specs. The new tip suggests that the Magic8 will charge slower via USB-C compared to its predecessor...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Aug 2025 19:12

The GamerSir Jade Green Ultimate controller features a translucent jade green shell (Image source: 8Bitdo)

Deal | 8Bitdo’s Jade Green Ultimate Xbox controller with Hall Effect joysticks gets 29% price cut on Amazon

8Bitdo’s Jade Green Ultimate Xbox controller with tri-mode connectivity and Hall Effect joysticks and triggers is now 29% off on Amazon, reaching its all-time low price. The wireless controller features remappable buttons and moti...

Abhinav Fating, 15 Aug 2025 19:04

During a D&D session, a game master noticed that a child had difficulty distinguishing between yellow and blue – a sign of a rare form of color blindness. (Image source: OpenAI)

"The pen must be broken": How a D&D game uncovered a rare disorder

A sharp-eyed Dungeons & Dragons game master realized during a session that a 12-year-old player had a rare disability. The story quickly gained traction on Reddit, praised as a touching example of empathy and awareness.

Marius Müller, 15 Aug 2025 18:48

The Sony Inzone H9 II wireless gaming headset is shown (Image source: billbil-kun X account with edits)

Sony Inzone H9 II specs leak, as wireless gaming headset with WH-1000XM6 drivers adds Xbox support

The Inzone H9 exudes PlayStation styling, but its overall sound quality falls short for some buyers. At a higher price, the Inzone H9 II features drivers from the WH-1000XM6 Sony headphones. Wired connectivity and Bluetooth LE sup...

Adam Corsetti, 15 Aug 2025 18:19

Image from the trailer of Jurassic Park: Survival. (Image source: Saber Interactive)

Jurassic Park: Survival back in the news and promises to plunge you into the world of films

The game Jurassic Park: Survival has finally received a progress update following two years of silence. The news comes in the form of a video that lets you discover the behind-the-scenes of this narrative game.

Alexis Stegmann, 15 Aug 2025 18:18

In Whispers from the Star, the story centers around a stranded astronaut on a mysterious alien planet - Gaia. (Image source: Steam)

Steam launch: New interactive fiction game debuts to "Very Positive" reviews, may divide gamers over heavy AI integration

Whispers from the Star has officially hit Steam, with a unique AI-driven, voice-based storytelling mechanic. You have to guide a stranded astronaut Stella on the planet Gaia. The game is priced at $7.99 after a 20% launch discount...

Anubhav Sharma, 15 Aug 2025 18:08

Black Ops 7 official teaser image. (Image source: Activision)

Black Ops 7 release date potentially confirmed, final campaign mission to merge singleplayer and multiplayer

Black Ops 7 will most likely release on November 14 but what’s more interesting is that the final mission of the campaign will merge singleplayer and multiplayer modes. As to how the developers plan to pull this off, is a mystery....

Vineet Washington, 15 Aug 2025 17:38

Xiaomi’s Robot Vacuum H40 (pictured) has been released in Europe. (Image source: Xiaomi)

New Xiaomi Robot Vacuum H40 with anti-tangle tool now available in Europe

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum H40 has arrived in Europe. Released in China last year, this model features anti-tangle technology, making it easier for the robot to pick up hair. Plus, the self-emptying docking station provides up to 90 ...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 17:00

The leaked Philips Hue Festavia Globe String Lights are expected to launch soon. (Image source: Philips Hue)

New Philips Hue outdoor string lights coming soon

The Philips Hue Festavia Globe String Lights have been leaked. Briefly shown on the brand’s website, these smart lights are designed for outdoor use. They offer both white and colored lighting with a range of effects. Plus, their ...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 16:54

Garmin’s Fenix 8 (pictured) and related smartwatches have received beta version 17.27. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin releases new high-end smartwatch beta update with watch face bug fix

The Garmin beta version 17.27 update recently rolled out to users of some of the brand’s premium watches. This release tackles two issues, one linked to the watch face and the other to multisports activities. The related post in t...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 16:48

The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch (pictured) is receiving a new update. (Image source: Amazfit)

Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch update brings new heart rate related feature

Amazfit’s Balance 2 smartwatch is receiving a new update: version 3.16.6.1. This release brings two optimizations for users who also own a Helio Strap fitness tracker, one of which is linked to heart rate monitoring. Plus, there a...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 16:44

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan (Image source: Hyundai)

Deal | 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range lease offer: $169/month with $7,500 EV bonus

Hyundai is running a lease deal on the Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range for $169/month. The offer is available in the US until September 2.

David Odejide, 15 Aug 2025 16:30

Mini router powered by Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Image Source: Amazon)

Fanless Intel Core Ultra 7 155H mini PC with 6x 2.5 GbE NICs now available on Amazon

The 32 GB DDR5-4800 RAM + 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD configuration offers the best value. Besides the mini router setup with 6x NICs, it also comes with a robust port selection including Thunderbolt 4 and DP + HDMI video outputs.

Bogdan Solca, 15 Aug 2025 15:02

The Honor X9b after two years of use. (Image source: Darryl Linington - Notebookcheck)

Honor X9b: The two-year journey from wrecking ball survivor to AI workhorse

Once a device celebrated for almost surviving a wrecking ball and defying complete destruction, the Honor X9b has undergone a remarkable two-year transformation. While it launched as a testament to physical durability and a long-l...

Darryl Linington, 15 Aug 2025 14:03

Casio's MTP-B185D-1AVEF watch (pictured) is coming to the UK. (Image source: Casio)

Casio releasing new MTP-B185 stainless steel watch in the UK

The Casio Standard MTP-B185D-1AVEF watch is on the way to the UK. This analog timepiece has a classic design, with a black square face featuring three hands and a date display. Plus, both the casing and the strap are made from sta...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 13:33

Xiaomi’s Mijia Constant Temperature Kettle 3 Pro (pictured) has arrived in China. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi launches new smart Constant Temperature Kettle 3 Pro

The Xiaomi Mijia Constant Temperature Kettle 3 Pro is now available in China. It has a 2.0L capacity, an integrated display on the base and various smart features. These include incrementally adjustable heating temperature and a 2...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 13:28

Casio’s new MTP-B146G collection watches (pictured) will be released in the UK. (Image source: Casio)

New Casio MTP-B146G retro metal watches launching in the UK

Casio has announced that the Standard MTP-B146G-3AVEF and MTP-B146G-9AVEF watches are on the way to the UK. They both feature a gold-plated stainless steel casing and strap, with different colored dials. Plus, these analog timepie...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 13:22

The soundcore Nebula X1 Pro Mobile Theater will launch on Kickstarter. (Image source: Anker)

Anker Nebula X1 Pro unusual mobile theater on the way

The Anker soundcore Nebula X1 Pro Mobile Theater has been announced. This product, said to be a world first, will launch via a crowdfunding campaign. It combines a 4K triple laser projector with an auto micro gimbal and a 7.1.4 ch...

Polly Allcock, 15 Aug 2025 13:19

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M comes with anti-magnetic construction, a transparent caseback, screw-in crown, and date complication. (Image source: Omega)

Omega adds new turquoise dial to Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M watch lineup

Omega is expanding the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M line with new turquoise dial models in 38 mm and 41 mm sizes. They are now available on steel bracelets or rubber straps.

Anubhav Sharma, 15 Aug 2025 13:14

Biwin’s Mini SSD promises PCIe SSD speeds in a MicroSD-sized package (Image source: GPD)

Biwin’s Mini SSD blends microSD size with up to 3,700 MB/s speeds

How about this: A new "Mini SSD" from Chinese manufacturer Biwin promises to revolutionize removable storage by delivering NVMe-like speeds in a package barely larger than a microSD card. The tiny, hot-swappable drives use a SIM-t...

Andrew Sozinov, 15 Aug 2025 12:57

The RedMagic Shadow Blade Gamepad 3 can fit smartphones and small tablets. (Image source: RedMagic)

RedMagic Shadow Blade Gamepad 3 wireless controller now available globally for $129/€129

RedMagic has brought its latest telescopic controller to global markets after its debut in China in June. The controller connects via Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets and can also work with PCs via a wired connection or 2.4GHz...

Habeeb Onawole, 15 Aug 2025 12:00

The Point Blank bundle will expire on September 4, 2025. Pictured: Steam Deck running Superhot. (Image source: Humble Bundle and Notebookcheck - edited)

Deal | Humble Bundle: $176 worth of well-rated shooting games playable on Steam Deck drop to $15

Humble Bundle has refreshed the game bundles section, and the new collection of games is called Point Blank. It contains seven well-rated titles that are worth $176 and are playable on the Steam Deck. They can all be scored for ju...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 15 Aug 2025 10:58

The Gotrax Apex XL electric scooter has a 250 W motor that delivers a top speed of 15.5 mph (25 kph) (Image source: Gotrax)

Deal | Gotrax Apex XL urban-focused e-scooter gets substantial price cut on Amazon for a limited time

Gotrax’s urban-focused e-scooter has been discounted by $85, which makes the Apex XL an adequate choice for consumers who are looking for a reliable e-scooter with decent power and an affordable price tag. Key features of the e-sc...

Abhinav Fating, 15 Aug 2025 10:54

The ISS in orbit (Image source: NASA; cropped)

Over 1.2 million dangerous debris in Earth's orbit: ESA set to automate crash avoidance with CREAM

Space is becoming increasingly crowded with debris. In a bid to avoid collisions in the future, ESA has stepped up with the CREAM project — a project that will automate the risk analysis and development of collision avoidance meas...

Chibuike Okpara, 15 Aug 2025 10:29

Lords of the Fallen game image on Steam. (Image source: Steam)

Lords of the Fallen 2 will be unveiled to the public at Gamescom 2025

Gamescom will start next week and a new game has just been announced. Indeed, Lords of the Fallen 2 will be revealed to the public at the beginning of this event, to the delight of fans.

Alexis Stegmann, 15 Aug 2025 09:38

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