Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

System76 ships powerful workstation laptops and desktops with its home-brew Pop!_OS Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. (Image source: System76)

System76 CEO blames Ubuntu flip-flopping for shift to Pop!_OS, talks up benefits of in-house OS development

In a recent interview, the CEO of System76, the company that makes the Pop!_OS Linux distribution, talks about what prompted the move away from Ubuntu and provides some insights into the end-goal of Pop!_OS.

Julian van der Merwe, 08 Feb 2024 01:25

Sony is offering the PlayStation 5 Slim at a lower price for Valentine's Day, at least for PS Plus subscribers. (Image: Sony)

Deal | PlayStation 5 Slim with accessories for $432 thanks to 10% discount at Sony

Sony is offering a 10% discount for Valentine's Day when two or more items are purchased from PlayStation Direct. This means that the PlayStation 5 Slim with accessories can be ordered for as little as $432. A valid PS Plus subscription is required to take part in the promotion.

Hannes Brecher, 08 Feb 2024 00:41

The AiSee headset describes objects to wearers with poor vision through AI image identification. (Source: AHL at NUS)

University of Singapore researchers showcase latest AiSee headset prototype enabling the blind to see the world through AI voice descriptions

National University of Singapore researchers have showcased the latest prototype of their AiSee headset for the blind. Initially a University of Auckland project, the headset utilizes a camera, bone conduction speakers, and AI to speak object descriptions to assist wearers with vision impairments.

David Chien, 07 Feb 2024 23:36

Motorola rolls out Android 14 for the Edge 30 Ultra. (Image: Motorola)

200-MP Motorola Edge 30 Ultra flagship makes the leap to Android 14 with major update

The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is getting Android 14. The update is being rolled out in selected regions first, namely Brazil and certain parts of Europe. The big leap to Android 14 comes with a range of new features and improvements to the flagship with its 200-MP camera.

Marcus Schwarten, 07 Feb 2024 23:22

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7 with RTX 4090 has dropped to $2,499 (Image: Alex Wätzel)

Deal | Decked-out Lenovo Legion Pro 7 with RTX 4090, Core i9 and 32GB RAM gets hefty $800 discount

The highest configuration of the 2023 Lenovo Legion Pro 7 is powered by a potent CPU-GPU pairing and further features a handsome 16-inch QHD display with 240Hz and a brightness of 500 nits. Thanks to a 24% discount, the RTX 4090 gaming laptop is now cheaper than ever before.

Enrico Frahn, 07 Feb 2024 22:59

The RTX 4050-equipped Dell G15 5530 gaming laptop has been marked down by more than 30% (Image: Florian Glaser)

Deal | Dell G15 5530 with RTX 4050 is $330 off in latest budget gaming laptop sale

Dell's RTX 4050-powered gaming laptop can now be ordered with a mentionable 31% discount, which makes the G15 5530 a viable choice for budget-conscious gamers who can only spend around $700 on a new 15-inch notebook.

Enrico Frahn, 07 Feb 2024 22:13

No need for coal. Try salt water instead. (Source: pixabay/zephylwer0)

Producing iron without carbon and without CO2 - but with salt water

Around 8 percent of global CO2 emissions are attributable to iron and steel production. As much as the entire transport sector. The potential for savings is therefore huge and even a negative CO2 balance is conceivable, as new research shows.

Mario Petzold, 07 Feb 2024 22:00

A glimpse of the Realme 12+. (Source: TENAA)

Realme 12 Plus tipped to launch with Android 14 and recycled SoC in new leak

The 12 Plus (or 12+) is tipped to become Realme's next new Android smartphone in the near future. In the meantime, its last leak purported to reveal quite a lot about the device, although it failed to name its SoC outright. Now, that mystery might be solved as the 12+ has allegedly made its way onto Geekbench in advance.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 07 Feb 2024 21:56

The RX 7900 XT features 20 GB of VRAM. (Source: Sapphire on Newegg)

Deal | Radeon RX 7900 XT beats the socks off the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER at the latest reduced price

The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT has dropped by a cool $50 on Newegg to become a full $100 cheaper than the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER. Needless to say, the Radeon card is an exciting value at the discounted price owing to its superlative QHD/4K rasterization performance that puts the GPU in line with the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER.

Fawad Murtaza, 07 Feb 2024 21:52

The Galaxy S24 series is just the beginning of Qualcomm's 'multiyear agreement' with Samsung. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Qualcomm CEO points to more Samsung flagship smartphones like Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy S25 Ultra launching with Snapdragon 8 series SoCs

Qualcomm has revealed elements of Samsung's plans for future flagship smartphones. According to Qualcomm's President and CEO, the release of the Galaxy S24 series was only the beginning of a multiyear agreement with Samsung, with more Snapdragon 8 series chipsets set to power future Galaxy devices, presumably the Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Galaxy S24 series.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 19:59

The alleged Pixel Fold 2 with what appears to be four rear-facing cameras. (Image source: Android Authority - edited)

Early Google Pixel Fold 2 picture leaks revealing OnePlus Open inspired redesign

The first image of Google's next-generation foldable smartphone has now leaked online. Provided by a reliable source, the image shows that little remains of the original Pixel Fold. Quite the opposite, the Pixel Fold 2 looks more like the OnePlus Open with a narrower and taller body, an overhauled cover display but four rear-facing cameras.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 19:54

Rocket Homes: now on Vision Pro. (Source: Rocket Homes)

Apple Vision Pro gets Rocket Homes and Wayfair support via new apps

Rocket Homes and Wayfair have announced that they see the Vision Pro's (astronomical) value as the ideal new platform for their respective sales apps. Accordingly, those with Apple's first-gen headset can now view their next dream home in virtual and/or augmented reality (VR/AR) with Real Estate Search, then make it their own with the Decorify app.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 07 Feb 2024 19:40

Minisforum reveals full specs for V3 3-in-1 tablet, AMD Ryzen 7 8840U confirmed with late March release

The V3 will sport a 28 W Ryzen 7 8840U processor with 8 Zen4 cores, integrated Radeon 780M and powerful XDNA NPU, along with a high-quality 14-inch touchscreen, up to 32 GB RAM and 2 TB storage. Pricing info is expected to be revealed by late March.

Bogdan Solca, 07 Feb 2024 19:26

Motorola is only selling the Moto Watch 40 in the US for now. (Image source: Motorola)

Motorola releases new affordable smartwatch with 10 days of battery life and Google integration

Motorola has unveiled a new budget smartwatch in two colour options. Sold as the Motorola Moto Watch 40 in two colour options, the smartwatch is IP67 certified and synchronises with a popular Google health tracking platform.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 19:18

Xiaomi has shown the Redmi A3 4G in two colour options so far. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi Redmi A3 4G confirmed to receive Valentine's Day launch with 90 Hz display and large battery capacity

Xiaomi has outlined plans to release a new Redmi A series smartphone. Arriving on Valentine's Day, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 4G will feature a 90 Hz display and a large battery, among other things.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 19:16

The Tecno Phantom Ultimate with rollable display will be demonstrated again at the MWC. (Image: Tecno)

Robot dog, Windows gaming handheld with AR display and rollable smartphone: Tecno unveils MWC plans

The Mobile World Congress at the end of February will be exciting, as the Tecno Phantom Ultimate, a smartphone with a rollable display, will be presented, while the company will also unveil an intelligent robot dog and the Pocket Go gaming handheld with Windows and AR display.

Hannes Brecher, 07 Feb 2024 18:57

Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen curved gaming monitor sees a $1,000 price cut (Image source: Samsung)

Deal | Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen 55-inch gaming monitor drops to record-low price

Launched last October, the Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen is currently enjoying a generous 33% discount. This deal brings the 55-inch gaming monitor down to $1,999.99 from the regular $2,999.99 price tag. In other words, the curved screen monitor can now be yours for $1000 less than what it sold for at launch.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 07 Feb 2024 18:55

The Twinkly Matrix smart LED curtain supports various gaming integrations. (Image source: Twinkly)

Twinkly Matrix smart LED curtain with gaming integrations now available

The Twinkly Matrix, a smart LED curtain, is on sale in North America and the EU. The lighting solution could be used to decorate various rooms in your home, with a wide range of colors and effects offered in the company’s app. Plus, the smart home product supports multiple gaming integrations and voice commands.

Polly Allcock, 07 Feb 2024 18:35

Nubia Z60 Ultra in Silver to drop as limited edition soon

The Z60 Ultra is one of the best-priced Android smartphones with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor on the market outside China right now. It comes in black or two-toned silver colorways, only one of which has been available in some markets such as the US to date. However, the other is now officially on the way, albeit in a way that might prompt prospective buyers to "act fast" in order to get one.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 07 Feb 2024 18:11

The Samsung Wireless Power Bank 10,000mAh features 25W Super Fast Charging. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung’s new 10,000mAh Wireless Power Bank with Super Fast Charging appears

Samsung looks set to release a new 10,000mAh Wireless Power Bank after the product appeared to leak online at a German retailer. The portable charger has two USB-C ports with a maximum output of 25W alongside the Qi-enabled wireless charging pad. Plus, built-in LEDs show how much battery remains.

Polly Allcock, 07 Feb 2024 17:41

The Epic Lab Editions feature new Knowles tech. (Source: JLab)

JLab Epic Lab Edition debut as inaugural Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve-enabled TWS earbuds

JLab touts its latest wireless earbuds as an industry first in that they introduce Preferred Listening Response Curve tuning from Knowles to their market. The Epic Lab Edition buds also support the LC3 codec, Spatial Audio and "Smart" ANC. They are also Hi-Res Audio certified and are rated to get up to 56 hours of battery life thanks to their "dual-mode" charging case.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 07 Feb 2024 17:33

Honor released the Pad 9 last year in China. (Image source: Honor)

Honor rumoured to be preparing new large Android tablet with Snapdragon 5G chipset

Reportedly, Honor is working to deliver a new Android budget tablet. While the device will be relatively affordable, it will still pack a large 2.5K display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G chipset and 35 W wired charging.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 17:30

The second-generation Pixel Fold is also subject to a codename change, current model pictured. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Google Pixel Fold 2 reportedly launching with 16 GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage amid codename change rumours

Supposedly, Google has tweaked the codenames under which it is developing the Pixel Fold 2. While not as drastic as the various Pixel Fold codename cancellations, the change coincides with new memory options being spotted.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 17:24

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to feature a bigger battery than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. (Source: Apple)

Alleged Apple iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro Max battery capacities revealed in new leak

A new leak has now revealed alleged information on the battery capacities of three of the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup phones: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Two of the devices are reported to get battery upgrades, but the third device apparently does the reverse.

Ricci Rox, 07 Feb 2024 17:20

Garmin is rumoured to be replacing the Forerunner 55 with the Forerunner 65 or Forerunner 165. (Image source: Garmin)

New Garmin Forerunner smartwatch rumours surface with AMOLED display upgrade

According to new reports, Garmin is preparing to deliver its first Forerunner smartwatch upgrade of 2024. Allegedly, the new Garmin Forerunner will feature an AMOLED display, amid other upgrades over its ageing predecessor.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 17:11

Samsung has now integrated various AI features within its default camera app. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung confirms which Galaxy AI features will be headed to older flagships

Samsung has now revealed which Galaxy AI features it plans to bring to older flagships. Not only has the Galaxy S23 series made the cut, but so has the Galaxy Tab S9 series, plus the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 17:01

Ford has cheap mass market EV in the works (image: Ford)

Ford preps cheap Tesla Model 2 rival

Tesla has nearly finished the development of its cheapest electric vehicle, tentatively named the Model 2, and Elon Musk mentioned it would be released next year. Ford may have a direct competitor in a similar timeframe.

Daniel Zlatev, 07 Feb 2024 16:34

The KardiaBand is an ECG monitoring band designed for the Apple Watch. (Image source: Kardia)

Apple receives favorable ruling for lawsuit linked to ECG technology

A US judge has ruled in favor of Apple on an antitrust lawsuit filed by AliveCor. The complaint relates to ECG technology from the two companies and dates back to 2015. While Apple has welcomed the ruling, AliveCor indicated it would appeal the decision and noted several other patent infringement cases.

Polly Allcock, 07 Feb 2024 16:28

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra looks set to maintain the design language of the 13 Ultra. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi 14 Ultra tipped to deliver more aesthetically pleasing photos thanks to collaboration with imaging "master"

According to a new leak, Xiaomi has employed the services of a industry-leading camera expert to aid with tuning the Xiaomi 14 Ultra camera aesthetics and color science. On the flip side, though, it appears earlier reports of an ultrasonic fingerprint reader were inaccurate.

Ricci Rox, 07 Feb 2024 16:21

The Nintendo 3DS was launched in 2011, followed by the Wii U a year later. (Source: Nintendo)

Nintendo announces the end of online services on the 3DS and Wii U

As Nintendo announced in an official announcement, almost all online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will be discontinued in April of this year.

Marius Müller, 07 Feb 2024 16:18

The only requirement for participation in the survey is a minimum age of 13 years. (Source: Capcom)

Capcom survey: video game publisher asks fans which game should get a remake, exclusive prizes available

Gamers currently have the opportunity to take part in a Capcom survey and tell the company which game they would like to see a sequel to in the future. Participants from Japan, Taiwan, England and Canada can look forward to exclusive prizes.

Marius Müller, 07 Feb 2024 16:14

Nokia branding isn't dead after all (Image source: HMD)

HMD Global confirms there will be new Nokia phones

A week ago, HMD Global uploaded a new video on YouTube, which went over the brand's plans for the future. It only focused on new HMD-branded devices, making many believe there won't be Nokia-branded phones anymore. The Finnish manufacturer later clarified the matter, saying, "You will continue to see new Nokia phones!"

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 07 Feb 2024 15:40

The Huawei Watch 4 is receiving software version 4.0.0.219. (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei pushes battery saving tool to more smartwatches in new update

Following the launch of version 4.0.0.219 earlier in February, the software is now rolling out to another newer Huawei smartwatch. The most exciting element of the update is a tool that you can use to extend the battery life of the wearable. The software file is relatively large, bringing three tools to the watch.

Polly Allcock, 07 Feb 2024 15:19

X/Twitter alternative Bluesky now available without invite

The decentralised social network Bluesky can now be used without an invite code. Alongside Mastodon and Metas Threads, the public now has another alternative to X/Twitter.

Alexander Pensler, 07 Feb 2024 14:39

Several design choices contribute to the Pixel Fold's comparatively large bezels. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Google Pixel Fold 2 rumoured to jump to Tensor G4 SoC with probable fall 2024 release alongside Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Watch 3

According to new reports, Google has decided against selling a second-generation Pixel Fold with the Tensor G3 chipset that powers the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Instead, the Pixel Fold 2 is now rumoured to join the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro on the Tensor G4, setting up a fall 2024 release with the Pixel Watch 3 in the process.

Alex Alderson, 07 Feb 2024 14:30

The YASHICA Vision camera binoculars have a 1,970 ft (~600 m) range. (Image source: YASHICA)

YASHICA Vision camera binoculars with 58 MP night vision now crowdfunding

YASHICA has launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for its Vision camera binoculars. The product has a 58 MP night vision camera with an f/1.0 aperture to help you capture footage in darkness. Other features include an infrared illuminator, digital zoom and a microSD card slot.

Polly Allcock, 07 Feb 2024 14:16

The Alienware m16 R1 has the majority of its ports located along the rear.

Deal | Huge Alienware m16 R1 price reduction brings RTX 4070 and Core i7-13700HX SKU to 31% below list price

The Alienware m16 can now be had for a whopping $600 off the list price straight from Dell. With the discount in place, the 16-inch machine becomes an extremely enticing deal thanks to its strong performance, capable display, healthy port selection, and plenty of upgradability options.

Fawad Murtaza, 07 Feb 2024 13:43

Kubuntu 24.04 will have to make use of KDE Plasma 5.27, with the switch to Plasma 6 coming in October with Kubuntu 24.10 (Image: FOSS Torrents).

Linux distribution Kubuntu 24.04 will use KDE Plasma 5 instead of Plasma 6

Due to inconsistencies in the release cycle of Ubuntu 24.04 and Plasma 6, Kubuntu 24.04 LTS must be released with KDE Plasma 5 instead of the new Plasma 6 desktop. The switch to Plasma 6 for the Ubuntu flavour Kubuntu will not take place until the 24.10 release in October 2024.

Alexander Pensler, 07 Feb 2024 13:18

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (above) has a 1.93-inch OLED display. (Image source: Apple)

Apple Watch Ultra with 2.12-inch microLED display delayed again

The release of an Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display has reportedly been delayed again due to problems with mass production. The wearable would be the first of its kind from the brand, with benefits including higher brightness and a longer lifetime. Plus, the model is expected to have a larger display than its predecessors.

Polly Allcock, 07 Feb 2024 13:06

EarFun Air 2: Headphones can be charged wirelessly

EarFun Air 2: Waterproof TWS headphones can be charged wirelessly

The EarFun Air 2 are new and completely wireless headphones that should impress with their high playback quality and the ability to use them with multiple devices. A game mode is available, and they are also said to be waterproof - to a greater extent.

Silvio Werner, 07 Feb 2024 12:31

The rumored Xbox handheld will support Switch-like docking. (Source: Tobiah Ens on Unsplash/Xbox/Edited)

Switch-like Xbox handheld and more powerful traditional console reportedly being prepared by Microsoft Surface team

Microsoft could be developing its own Xbox handheld console for launch in 2026. The latest rumor suggests that the handheld console is being prepared alongside a traditional console mimicking the company’s approach of releasing a less powerful and more powerful console.

Fawad Murtaza, 07 Feb 2024 12:24

Sony PlayStation 5 console (Source: Sony)

Sony rolls out PlayStation 5 Beta system update with DualSense controller audio and noise cancellation improvements

The latest PlayStation 5 beta firmware update is rolling out to a limited number of consoles in a few markets (Canada, Japan, Germany, France, the US, and the UK). Its highlights include enhanced noise cancellation and controller speaker audio, as well as the improved visual interaction with the host in Share Screen.

Codrut Nistor, 07 Feb 2024 11:30

Persona 4 original artwork (Source: Atlus)

Persona 4 remake and Persona 2 remaster allegeldy in the works

Two insiders familiar with Atlus revealed yesterday that Persona 4 and Persona 2 will return soon. The first will get a remake while the latter will be remastered for all consoles, including the next-gen Xbox and the Nintendo Switch 2. Sadly, there no release date was mentioned.

Codrut Nistor, 07 Feb 2024 10:13

Indiana Jones and other Xbox games are rumoured to be to be coming to PS5 and Switch (Image Source: Xbox - edited)

Xbox exclusive titles including Indiana Jones likely coming to PS5 and Switch, Microsoft to reveal multi-platform strategy next week

After weeks of rumours about popular Xbox exclusive titles being brought over to PlayStation and Nintendo, it seems Microsoft will finally be sharing its multi-platform plans next week in a “business update event”. Games rumoured to be made multi-platform include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves and Starfield.

Vishal Bhardwaj, 07 Feb 2024 09:12

Tencent is reportedly working on a mobile version of Elden Ring (image via FromSoftware)

Elden Ring mobile: Tencent supposedly plans to make FromSoftware's RPG playable on smartphones

Industry insiders say that Elden Ring will soon be playable on smartphones. However, it is said to launch as a free-to-play title with microtransactions. There is no word about when it will launch, and sources say it'll be a while.

Anil Ganti, 07 Feb 2024 08:50

The Omnichord OM-108 celebrates Suzuki's 70th company anniversary. (Source: Suzuki)

Suzuki launches latest Omnichord OM-108 electronic auto harp after 25 year wait to the delight of musicians

Twenty five years after the last model was launched, Suzuki has unveiled the latest Omnichord OM-108 to the delight of retro instrument collectors and musicians. These electronic auto harps have enjoyed a renaissance with today’s generation like vinyl albums and cassette tapes.

David Chien, 07 Feb 2024 07:05

The restructuring might extend into second quarter (Image source: Snapchat)

Snapchat to lay off 10% of staff worldwide

Snap Inc., the parent company of the popular social media app Snapchat, will be reducing its workforce by 10%. With this, Snap has become the latest tech company to initiate lay offs due to a dip in ad revenue, and other reasons.

Nitisha Upadhye, 07 Feb 2024 04:11

29.08	Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Falling behind
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29.08	Google Pixel 11 review: Minor buffs
29.08	Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Saved by software
29.08	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review: Decent sequel
29.08	Redmi Note 17 review: 8,000 mAh battery is star of Xiaomi's mid-range phone
29.08	Nothing Phone (4b) Review: Losing Some Of Nothing's Essence
29.08	Alienware 16X Aurora Gaming Laptop Review: A Middle-Ground With No Expense Spared
29.08	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: A Breath Of Fresh Air
29.08	Google Pixel 11 Pro Review: Google Finally Fixed Its Biggest Problem