Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Say Hello to better webcams, mics, and speakers in upcoming Windows 11 laptops across price ranges

Exclusive | Laptops coming in Holiday 2021 to have better webcams and mics, Microsoft mandates 1080p webcams in all premium Windows 11 laptops

We have accessed exclusive documentation from our sources that indicate Microsoft has set stringent webcam and real-time communication (RTC) requirements for all Windows 11 laptops coming this Holiday 2021. Microsoft's recommendat...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 23 Nov 2021 20:04

The next-gen 8cx pops up in another new leak. (Source: Qualcomm)

An allegedly Snapdragon 8cx Gen3-based Lenovo device shows up on Geekbench

Qualcomm is currently thought to have a successor to the Snapdragon 8cx Gen2 chipset for PCs in development. Now, more evidence of possible progress with this SoC has emerged on Geekbench, in the form of a mystery Lenovo machine t...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 23 Nov 2021 16:07

Windows 11 is slated to get more faster and responsive in 2022. (Image Source: Microsoft)

Windows 11 to get snappier and more responsive in 2022, Microsoft continues to accelerate Windows 11 rollout owing to net positive feedback

Early adopters of Windows 11 have been reporting several performance issues with the new OS including laggy File Explorer and context menus. That is likely to change next year as Microsoft is working on improvements to the WinUI f...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 23 Nov 2021 09:00

The ONEXPLAYER mini builds on the three ONEXPLAYERs that One-netbook has already released. (Image source: One-netbook via r/OneXPlayer)

ONEXPLAYER mini: More details about upcoming mini gaming handheld leak

More details about the ONEXPLAYER mini have leaked, a 7-inch gaming handheld. The ONEXPLAYER mini is expected to launch with a high-end Tiger Lake processor, perhaps even the Core i7-1195G7. The ONEXPLAYER mini will be much smalle...

Alex Alderson, 22 Nov 2021 00:20

The MagicBook View 14 has a 60 Wh battery that is quoted to last up to 15 hours. (Image source: Honor)

Honor MagicBook V 14 arrives in Europe as the View 14 with a 3:2 display and a complimentary Honor 50 smartphone

Honor has brought the MagicBook V 14 to Europe as the MagicBook View 14. The Core i7-11390H-powered laptop has a 90 Hz display, 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM. The MagicBook View 14 costs €1,499.90 and comes with a free Honor ...

Alex Alderson, 20 Nov 2021 02:13

The ONEXPLAYER is now available with a choice of five processors. (Image source: One-netbook)

The ONEXPLAYER is now available with AMD Ryzen 7 4800U or Ryzen 7 5700U APUs

One-netbook has made the AMD versions of the ONEXPLAYER available to order. The ONEXPLAYER can now be configured with either a Ryzen 7 4800U or Ryzen 7 5700U. The difference between the Ryzen 7 5700U and Core i7-1165G7 model can b...

Alex Alderson, 19 Nov 2021 14:30

Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kits are now widely available. (Image Source: Microsoft Store)

Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kit now available for all Windows-on-ARM developers for US$219 from the Microsoft Store

Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kits can now be purchased by all developers targeting the Windows on ARM platform. The Snapdragon Developer Kit is powered by an entry-level Snapdragon 7c Compute SoC and allows developers test, optim...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 19 Nov 2021 08:53

Microsoft showcases the new Media Player's mini player mode, which displays vibrant album art. (Image: Microsoft)

Microsoft updates the long-running Windows Media Player

Microsoft has announced that the Groove Media app will be replaced by a new Media Player developed for Windows 11. The new software will allow playback of both music and video files in a well-organised library. Windows Insiders ca...

Aleem Ali, 18 Nov 2021 20:22

The Huawei MateBook E has an OLED display and Intel Tiger Lake processors. (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei MateBook E: Surface Pro 8 competitor presented with a 2.5K OLED display and Intel Tiger Lake processors

Huawei has lifted the lid on the MateBook E, a 2-in-1 with a 2.5K OLED display. The device comes in three configurations, has a Thunderbolt 4 port and will be available in two colours.

Alex Alderson, 17 Nov 2021 17:56

All new Satellite Pro models retain a sub-US$1000 price tag. (Image Source: Dynabook)

Dynabook refreshes its budget-oriented Satellite Pro business lineup with Intel Tiger Lake-U processors and Windows 11

The latest Satellite Pro models feature Intel Core i5-1135G7 and i7-1165G7 processor options that integrate Iris Xe iGPUs, up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of NVMe SSD storage. Windows 11 is preinstalled and configurations cost...

Bogdan Solca, 17 Nov 2021 15:30

The HaxMini only has one CPU choice, the Core i5-8305G. (Image source: HaxMini)

HaxMini: Mini-PC arrives on Kickstarter for between US$499 and US$899

The HaxMini is now available to order on Kickstarter. The machine features an Intel Core i5-8305G processor and comes in two configurations, starting at US$499. HaxMini expects to ship its eponymous mini-PC in February 2022.

Alex Alderson, 17 Nov 2021 14:29

The Surface Pro X is the only Microsoft device to ship with Windows on ARM so far. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft is no longer bringing x64 emulation to Windows 10 on ARM

Microsoft has confirmed that you must use Windows 11 for x64 emulation on ARM chipsets. For some reason, the company has decided to drop Windows 10 on ARM, which has supported x64 emulation for nearly a year.

Alex Alderson, 17 Nov 2021 12:01

The next-generation Qualcomm SoC will scale existing IP while leveraging Nuvia talent to create a new custom CPU architecture. (Image: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm announces next-gen PC SoC to tackle Apple M-series by tapping its new team of former Apple Silicon engineers

Qualcomm has announced that its first serious high-performance Arm based Windows PC SoC will launch in 2023. The new chip will, as has been expected, be developed by the Nuvia team it recently acquired which includes several forme...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 17 Nov 2021 02:15

Google Chrome 96 now available for all platforms

In a rather silent move, Google introduced Chrome 96 on all platforms. However, it looks like this new piece of code is all about under-the-hood changes. The update will roll out to all devices in the coming weeks and — at least f...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Nov 2021 16:09

Halo Infinite multiplayer has launched with over 200,000 gamers currently playing on Steam (Source: Xbox)

Halo Infinite multiplayer passes 200,000 concurrent players on Steam and Season 1 extends to May 2022

Microsoft unveiled the release of Halo Infinite multiplayer on November 15. The free-to-play multiplayer crossed 200,000 concurrent players on Steam, which is a Steam launch record for Microsoft. However, Season 1 has been extende...

Aleem Ali, 16 Nov 2021 14:08

The KIWI310 features an Intel Celeron N3350 processor and up to 4 GB of RAM. (Image source: Axiomtek)

KIWI310: New single-board computer launched with an Intel Celeron processor and expandability within a Raspberry Pi form factor

The KIWI310 is a new single-board computer (SBC) built around the Raspberry Pi form factor. The SBC features an x86 processor rather than an ARM one though, and supports 5G connectivity.

Alex Alderson, 16 Nov 2021 00:45

Ryan Reynolds with the Surface Neo. (Image source: Netflix via @tomwarren)

Surface Neo prototypes appear in hands-on images and in new Netflix film

The Surface Neo may have never made it to market, but it has made a cameo in Red Notice, a new movie starring Ryan Reynolds, The Rock and Gal Gadot. The cancelled device has also leaked in several hands-on photos showcasing the Su...

Alex Alderson, 16 Nov 2021 00:38

A MateBook E teaser. (Source: Huawei via Weibo)

The Huawei MateBook E (2021) leaks onto the Microsoft Store ahead of its launch

Huawei has teased a new version of its MateBook E with strong overtones of the device being a Surface 8 Pro competitor on its launch. This may have been further underpinned by the reported release of a new app specifically for its...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Nov 2021 15:21

The Chromebox CBx2 with Parallels. (Source: CTL)

CTL partners with Parallels to offer a Chromebox that can run Windows apps out of the box

Chrome OS devices can be the path of least resistance to productivity on a budget or within space constraints. However, those potential advantages are not a lot of good to those who still need Windows apps such as those of MS Offi...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Nov 2021 15:27

Testing the Acer Spin 3 SP314-21N: A quiet 2-in-1 laptop with pen input

Acer Spin 3 SP314-21N: No active stylus with the 2-in-1 laptop

With a Ryzen 3 APU, 8 GB of working memory in dual-channel mode, and an NVMe SSD, Acer's 2-in-1 device is equipped for office and Internet operation. The touchscreen can not only be operated with the fingers but also with an activ...

Sascha Mölck, 12 Nov 2021 02:04

The LattePanda 3 Delta should start shipping in March 2022. (Image source: LattePanda)

LattePanda 3 Delta announced with an Intel Jasper Lake processor

LattePanda has announced the 3 Delta, another compact single-board computer. The LattePanda 3 Delta relies on an Intel Celeron N5105 processor and contains plenty of I/O for accessories, including an M.2 NVMe SSD.

Alex Alderson, 11 Nov 2021 01:58

The Surface Laptop SE starts at US$249 and is the first of many Windows 11 SE laptops. (Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft announces the Surface Laptop SE, the first of many Windows 11 SE laptops pitched to lure schools and students away from Chromebooks

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop SE and Windows 11 SE, its latest attempts to eat into Google's dominance with students and in classrooms. The Surface Laptop SE, pegged at US$249, will be the first of many laptops running...

Alex Alderson, 09 Nov 2021 23:14

The ONEXPLAYER AMD edition will be joined by a mini variant. (Image source: One-netbook)

One-netbook teases the ONEXPLAYER mini and an ONEXPLAYER with an AMD Ryzen processor

One-netbook has confirmed that it will be bringing an AMD Ryzen version of the ONEXPLAYER to market. Additionally, the company is planning on releasing an ONEXPLAYER mini too with a 7-inch display.

Alex Alderson, 09 Nov 2021 14:45

BAT value in the last week, Brave Browser inks deal with Solana Labs (Source: CoinMarketCap)

Brave Browser joins forces with Solana Labs, blockchain integration coming next year

By joining forces with the fastest blockchain in the world, Brave Browser is planning to provide the best-in-class wallet features to its desktop and mobile browsers starting in the first half of 2022. However, the company will co...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Nov 2021 13:25

Lenovo Legion S7 15ACH6 in review: 4K gaming laptop with good battery life

Lenovo Legion S7 15ACH6: 2 kg gaming laptop with 600-nit display

The Ryzen 9 5900HX APU and the GeForce RTX 3060 laptop GPU bring almost every computer game smoothly onto the matte 4K screen. The latter scores points with very good color reproduction (Pantone-certified) and high brightness. Thi...

Sascha Mölck, 08 Nov 2021 06:34

Elden Ring will feature horse riding, close combat, NPC interaction, exploration, and stealth gameplay. (Image source: Bandai Namco/FromSoftware - edited)

Official Elden Ring game specs and compatibility details published: PC locked at up to 60 FPS and no 4K or ray tracing for the Xbox Series S

Bandai Namco Entertainment has published the official game specs and compatibility details for Elden Ring. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X owners and PC users with powerful rigs should get to enjoy the potential of up to 4K resolu...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Nov 2021 21:58

The CoreBook X Pro now has a 144 Hz display. (Image source: Chuwi)

Chuwi CoreBook X Pro refresh released with a 144 Hz display

Chuwi has refreshed the CoreBook X Pro, a budget laptop that previously had a 120 Hz display. Now, the CoreBook X Pro contains a 144 Hz panel, but no other upgrades are forthcoming, such as a move away from its three-year-old proc...

Alex Alderson, 07 Nov 2021 01:14

Should you get the new Apple MacBook Pro 14?

The new MacBook Pro 14 was impressive in our comprehensive review and it is certainly one of the best compact multimedia laptops you can currently get. But is the additional price over the MacBook Pro 13 or the MacBook Air justifi...

Andreas Osthoff, 06 Nov 2021 13:59

The Hystou F9 relies on Kaby Lake-G processors. (Image source: Hystou)

Intel Kaby Lake-G with integrated AMD Radeon GPUs resurrected in a new mini-PC

The Hystou F9 has brought back Intel Kaby Lake-G processors. The mini-PC is available in numerous configurations and can drive four external monitors across using DisplayPort and HDMI.

Alex Alderson, 06 Nov 2021 00:27

Windows 11 gets the first out-of-band update so far (Source: Microsoft)

Windows 11 KB5008295 is a non-security update that patches some issues

Shortly after confirming that one expired Microsoft digital certificate lead to various problems with Windows 11 apps such as the Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, Emoji Panel, Getting started and Tips, as well as other...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Nov 2021 00:19

The GPD Pocket 3 starts at US$650 on Indiegogo. (Image source: GPD)

GPD Pocket 3 raises nearly US$300,000 from backers early in its crowdfunding campaign

GPD has brought the Pocket 3 to crowdfunding website Indiegogo. The mini-laptop is available in two configurations, both featuring an 8-inch IPS display, PCIe M.2 storage and pen input. The Pocket 3 will start shipping in January ...

Alex Alderson, 05 Nov 2021 23:53

Elden Ring now up for pre-order

Scheduled to launch across multiple platforms on February 25, 2022, Elden Ring is now up for pre-order in five editions, including a numbered and limited edition of 6,000 units worldwide. Unsurprisingly, it looks like the Premium ...

Codrut Nistor, 04 Nov 2021 18:50

The Vivobook 13 Slate is a budget Windows 11 tablet with an OLED display. (Image source: ASUS)

ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate revealed with a 16:9 OLED display and an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor for US$599

ASUS has unveiled the Vivobook 13 Slate, or Vivobook 13 Slate OLED (T3300) as the company calls it. The 2-in-1 supports pen input, has a detachable keyboard and decent connectivity. ASUS has included an OLED display too, but the d...

Alex Alderson, 03 Nov 2021 18:54

Minecraft now available via Game Pass for PC (Source: Minecraft)

Minecraft Bedrock and Java Edition, finally included in Game Pass for PC

Available for Game Pass on Xbox for a while, Minecraft is now also included in Game Pass for PC. Subscribers can play both editions, namely Bedrock and Java Edition, on machines loaded with Windows 10 and 11. Thankfully, PC player...

Codrut Nistor, 03 Nov 2021 18:33

The eagerly awaited Valve Steam Deck is set to launch in December. (Image: Valve)

Steam Deck developer day to examine the capabilities of AMD's "Van Gogh" APU

Valve has announced a Steamworks Virtual Conference set for next week. It will give developers a closer look at the company’s eagerly awaited Steam Deck handheld console and how to leverage the AMD Van Gogh APU powering it.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 Nov 2021 11:25

The Asus VivoBook 15 Pro multimedia laptop offers a high performance but outdated connections

Asus has updated its VivoBook Pro models, offering Intel as well as AMD processors in combination with dedicated Nvidia GPUs and OLED panels. While it takes good advantage of the component performance, Asus made some cuts in the c...

Andreas Osthoff, 03 Nov 2021 03:11

The Yoga 16s 2022 is Lenovo's latest 16-inch Ryzen 5000-based laptop

Lenovo has now unveiled the Yoga 16s 2022 in full to its initial market of China. The PC offers multiple ports in a CNC-machined metallic body with multiple ports. It plays host to a Ryzen 7 5800H processor that will run Windows 1...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Nov 2021 18:28

Firefox 93 to Firefox 94 update notification (Source: Own)

Firefox 94 now available with Colorways, site isolation, and more

Today, Mozilla unleashed Firefox 94.0 for desktop users across all relevant platforms, but also for Android devices. The list of new features and noticeable enhancements includes Colorways, site isolation enabled by default, as we...

Codrut Nistor, 02 Nov 2021 18:03

The Yoga Pro 14s Carbon 2022. (Source: Lenovo)

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 14s Carbon 2022 is a new OLED touchscreen laptop with an ultra-light-weight build

Despite part of its name, the Yoga Pro 14s Carbon 2022 has launched today (November 2, 2021). Lenovo has designed this new laptop to be as thin and light as possible, with a mass of just over 1 kilogram (kg). Nevertheless, it pack...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Nov 2021 17:30

War Thunder 9th anniversary Chinese tech tree discounts (Source: Own)

War Thunder turns 9

With only one year left until the anniversary of its first decade, War Thunder celebrates by offering 50 percent discounts on premium accounts, in-game vehicles, as well as on modifications, backup vehicles, and talismans. Obvious...

Codrut Nistor, 01 Nov 2021 22:05

A new Zephyrus Duo might be on the way. (Source: Evan Blass via Twitter)

Rumor | Asus will launch a new ROG Zephyrus Duo of a different size

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo is one of the most interesting 15.6-inch gaming laptops out there, thanks to its innovative dual-screen set-up. Now, a famous leaker claims that a possible successor or second variant for this machine is ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Nov 2021 18:13

The ROG Flow Z13 could combine the functionality of the ROG Flow X13 and the Surface Pro 8. (Image source: ASUS via @evleaks)

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 leaks with a 2-in-1 design ahead of probable November 3 launch

Evan Blass has leaked the ROG Flow Z13, ASUS' latest take on the Surface Pro form factor. The 2-in-1 has a USB Type-A port, a 13-inch display and what looks like an SD card reader. The compact device seems destined to launch on No...

Alex Alderson, 01 Nov 2021 14:58

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