Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Deal | Epic Games Store: Two well-rated games are now free as August 2025 draws to a close

With the end of August in sight, Epic Games is now giving away two new games worth around $40 when redeemed together. Both well-rated titles, Machinarium and Make Way can be grabbed for free until September 4, 2025.

Alex Alderson, 28 Aug 2025 14:16

The ROG Xbox Ally X running Windows 11's new Handheld Gaming Mode. (Image source: Microsoft)

MSI Claw 8 AI+ and other popular gaming handhelds confirmed to receive new Windows 11 gaming enhancements

Microsoft has confirmed which existing gaming handhelds will be eligible to receive Windows 11's new Xbox Handheld Gaming Mode. While the functionality will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, it will also be making it...

Alex Alderson, 26 Aug 2025 19:20

A screenshot showcasing the Windows 11 Phone Link feature. (Image Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft rolling out Spotify cross device-resume between Android and Windows 11 for Insiders, more apps to follow

Microsoft is gradually rolling out the ability to resume Android apps on Windows 11 for Insiders, starting with Spotify. The feature is currently limited to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels.

Rohith Bhaskar, 25 Aug 2025 16:13

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 (image source: Notebookcheck)

Intel's Arrow Lake processor is the worst choice for the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1

Lenovo equips its new business convertible with Intel's Arrow Lake processor, but combines them with onboard memory and a weak cooling unit. A Lunar Lake chip or an AMD Strix Point processor would have been a better choice.

Andreas Osthoff, 25 Aug 2025 14:24

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15Q8X10 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X (image source: Benjamin Herzig/Notebookcheck)

Intel's and AMD's weak point exploited: Why Qualcomm shines in the budget laptop sector

Old technology in new laptops: Many cheaper mobile PCs contain x86 processors from AMD and Intel that are no longer state of the art. Qualcomm is filling this gap with the Snapdragon X, as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15Q8X10 shows.

Benjamin Herzig, 25 Aug 2025 13:56

The TravelMate P6 14 AI on a white desk (Image source: Marc Herter - Notebookcheck)

Hidden talents: clever features of the Acer TravelMate P6 that shine in everyday use

Beyond its impressive battery life and low weight, the new Acer TravelMate P6 is packed with numerous thoughtful features that make a real difference in daily use. From smart maintenance to useful software tools.

Marc Herter, 24 Aug 2025 20:19

Iqunix Magi96 wireless mechanical keyboard on a desk with other tech

Iqunix updates sleek low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards with a num pad and 500-hour battery — Magi95 and Magi75 launch

Iqunix has officially announced the Magi75 and Magi96 series, which are layout updates to one of the best mechanical keyboards we've reviewed. The Magi96 and Magi75 feature the same low-profile design, high-quality keycaps, and fl...

Julian van der Merwe, 24 Aug 2025 18:58

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 Gen.1 (image source: Notebookcheck)

Lenovo's new business convertible ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 suffers from the 60 Hz display

The new convertible ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1 convinces with good business features including 5G connectivity, but you only get 60 Hz displays with the Full-HD resolution. Considering the high price, this is hard to justify.

Andreas Osthoff, 24 Aug 2025 01:22

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are priced at $549.99 and $899.99, respectively. (Image source: Asus, Unsplash, edited)

Potentially annoying: ROG Xbox Ally full screen experience requires restart for optimizations after switching from Windows desktop

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X are landing in October with a brand-new Windows handheld gaming experience. The new UI has considerable under-the-hood improvements. Windows Central took the ROG Xbox Ally for a spin,...

Fawad Murtaza, 22 Aug 2025 12:45

The Abxylute 3D One handheld gaming PC displays images in 3D thanks to display technology from Tencent Games. (Image source: Abxylute)

Abxylute teases 3D One handheld gaming PC with 3D display, detachable controllers, and optional keyboard

Abxylute has announced the 3D One handheld PC, delivering glasses-free 3D gaming via eye-tracking technology and AI depth enhancement. With detachable controllers and keyboard, it transforms seemlessly between handheld, tablet, la...

David Chien, 22 Aug 2025 00:07

Epic Games Store reveals new free game giveaway plans to end August 2025 with time to spare

Epic Games has only just started a new round of game giveaways on PC. Nonetheless, the popular storefront has already revealed next week's plans ahead of time, which will round off August 2025 with two more free games to claim.

Alex Alderson, 21 Aug 2025 18:57

Lenovo Legion Go with a 3D printed clamshell enclosure. (Image source: u/MysteriousAlarm897 on Reddit)

Chunky DIY Lenovo Legion Go Laptop case adds 400% battery increase and 4 USB ports

An enterprising Redditor has built a rather impressive mini PC with a Lenovo Legion Go, a 3D-printed enclosure, and a stack of 18650 Li-Ion cells that have increased the battery capacity by 400%. The case features a number of othe...

Julian van der Merwe, 21 Aug 2025 18:03

Deal | Epic Games Store is now giving away two new games for Windows gamers before August ends

The Epic Games Store has refreshed its PC game giveaway program with two new titles. Worth a combined $34.98, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge and Strange Horticulture are both well-rated by gamers and critics, but are only offered for Wind...

Alex Alderson, 21 Aug 2025 13:08

The OneXPlayer X1 Air with its detachable keyboard and controllers. (Image source: One-Netbook)

OneXPlayer X1 Air: New Intel Lunar Lake gaming handheld launching without OCuLink and later than expected

One-Netbook has shared more information about its next gaming handheld release. Another OneXPlayer X1 product, the OneXPlayer X1 Air adopts the Intel Lunar Lake architecture at the expense of OCuLink connectivity. One-Netbook will...

Alex Alderson, 21 Aug 2025 13:02

White PC case with side panel and mesh front showing internal components and cooling fans. (Image source: Anthony Roberts / Unsplash)

Linux gaming in 2025 shows big gains as Radeon 9070 XT hits 196 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 while RTX 5080 delivers 163 FPS

A YouTuber benchmarked AMD’s Radeon 9070 XT and Nvidia’s RTX 5080 across Windows 11 and Linux. Tests in more than 10 games show Linux gaming in 2025 coming surprisingly close to Windows performance.

Anmol Dubey, 21 Aug 2025 08:42

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will launch with one colour option apiece. (Image source: Asus - edited)

ROG Xbox Ally release dates and key specs revealed as $899 launch pricing also spotted

Asus has revealed all key hardware specifications for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Microsoft has also confirmed when and in what countries the two gaming handhelds will be available. Best Buy appears to have jumped the g...

Alex Alderson, 20 Aug 2025 17:27

Schenker Key 18 Pro (image source: Notebookcheck)

Schenker's mobile workstation Key 18 Pro offers high-end features and excellent maintenance options

Thunderbolt 5, two Ethernet ports, PCIe 5.0 and the fastest mobile components you can currently get - Schenker's mobile workstation Key 18 Pro offers all the features you could want and is also equipped with the most powerful comp...

Andreas Osthoff, 20 Aug 2025 10:39

Person using a Microsoft Surface laptop by a window (Image source: Surface on Unsplash)

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s back-to-school update lets you summarise books, create quizzes and track your budget

Microsoft is updating 365 Copilot with student-focused features ahead of the new semester. The update includes tools aimed at helping students both inside and outside the classroom.

Anmol Dubey, 20 Aug 2025 09:02

Phison is investigating into the issue and has promised to offer updates (Image source: Microsoft - edited)

Phison issues statement on SSD failures tied to new Windows 11 update

As reported by users, the latest Windows 11 update is causing SSD failures when heavy file transfers are initiated. Microsoft hasn't acknowledged the issue yet, but Phison has responded to it.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 19 Aug 2025 16:58

Windows 11 upgrade possible for older models: TPM 2.0 apparently not mandatory

Users report that Windows 11 updates are being offered on older systems without TPM 2.0 enabled. Observations from private users and businesses indicate that Microsoft's upgrade mechanism currently also considers incompatible hard...

Ulrich Mathey, 18 Aug 2025 23:30

Microsoft and SSD manufacturers are yet to verify the issue (Image source: Microsoft)

Latest Windows 11 update reportedly triggers SSD failures during heavy file transfers

The Windows 11 update KB5063878 is apparently causing SSD failures on PCs while attempting heavy file transfers. Japanese outlet NichePCGamer reports that SSDs from several brands are affected, but Microsoft has yet to verify the ...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 17 Aug 2025 17:50

Adesso announces the EasyTouch 130 (top) and EasyTouch 150 (bottom) mechanical keyboards. (Image source: Adesso)

Adesso unveils EasyTouch 130 and 150 keyboards with Microsoft Copilot AI keys and Cherry Brown switches

Adesso has introduced the EasyTouch 130 and 150, quiet mechanical keyboards featuring Cherry Brown switches and dedicated Copilot AI keys. Both models offer enhanced legibility, N-key rollover, and noise-dampening QuietTouch gaske...

David Chien, 17 Aug 2025 03:16

The updated Xbox app is currently only available to the Insiders. Pictured: gaming on a Windows on ARM laptop. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Native gaming via Xbox app arrives on Windows on Arm with latest update

Microsoft has released an update for the Xbox app, specifically for the Arm PCs running Windows 11. It's said to enhance the gaming potential of these computers by allowing them to run the games natively.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 16 Aug 2025 16:39

Celeste Steam screenshot. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | Steam sale slashes price on wildly popular precision platformer with 96% positive reviews and beautiful visuals

Celeste has been discounted on Steam by 75%, bringing the price down to just under $5. The 2D metroidvania features challenging platforming, excellent character-driven storytelling, and an award-winning score. In the seven years s...

Julian van der Merwe, 16 Aug 2025 08:24

Check Point has found vulnerabilities in Windows this month, including a system kernel vulnerability in a Rust component. (Image source: Check Point)

Check Point finds Windows kernel vunerability: Rust programming language fail

Check Point has uncovered critical flaws in Microsoft Windows, including a Rust-based kernel vulnerability that could let attackers crash systems. This marks the first publicly disclosed Rust kernel exploit, underscoring the need ...

David Chien, 15 Aug 2025 09:15

Keychron Q12 HE wireless gaming keyboard in Carbon Black. (Image source: Keychron)

New Keychron Hall effect gaming keyboard packs a num pad but keeps the compact layout benefits for gaming

The Keychron Q12 HE features a southpaw design, meaning it has a full num pad — with a wide zero key — and saves space for the mouse on the right side. It also features Keychron's excellent customisation suite and smooth Gateron D...

Julian van der Merwe, 14 Aug 2025 22:47

The Pocket Flip 1S DS and Pocket DS from left to right. (Image source: Ayaneo - edited)

Ayaneo schedules Pocket DS global launch event with pricing reveal but spells bad news for fans of Windows clamshell gaming handhelds

Ayaneo has shared new details about two of its clamshell gaming handhelds. While the Pocket DS is slated to arrive this month during a dedicated launch event, the company has warned that the Flip 1S DS could be hard to come by aft...

Alex Alderson, 14 Aug 2025 22:20

Windows 10 support extension: UpDownTool offers a free Windows 10 LTSC downgrade with updates until 2032. (Image source: GPT-image-1)

Extension of Windows 10 support: UpDownTool offers free Windows 10 LTSC downgrade with updates until 2032

Anyone not wishing to forgo Windows 10 can get extended support with UpDownTool. In just a few clicks, this tool enables a free downgrade to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 with ongoing updates until 2032.

Ulrich Mathey, 14 Aug 2025 17:23

Lawsuit against Microsoft over end of Windows 10 support. (Image source: GPT-image-1)

Lawsuit underway against Microsoft over end of Windows 10 support

Microsoft is facing a lawsuit in the US over the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The lawsuit is directed against the forced replacement of Windows 10 and its consequences for users and businesses.

Ulrich Mathey, 14 Aug 2025 16:56

Deal | Epic Games Store gives away two new games this August for macOS and Windows gamers

The Epic Games Store has started giving away two new games worth $14.99 each. Available from today, both titles can be added to your Epic Games library and enjoyed on Windows or macOS. Hidden Folks and Totally Reliable Delivery Se...

Alex Alderson, 14 Aug 2025 12:03

Asus ROG Strix G18 G814 (image source: Notebookcheck)

The Asus ROG Strix G18 2025 with the RTX 5070 Laptop GPU is too expensive at €2300

The Asus ROG Strix G18 is a large 18-inch gaming notebook that offers a powerful AMD processor and a good IPS screen. Priced at 2300 Euros, however, you only get the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, which does not really suit t...

Andreas Osthoff, 14 Aug 2025 09:27

Subnautica Below Zero Steam screenshot showing a frozen leviathan in a cave

Deal | Steam sale cuts 75% off 90%-rated open-world survival craft game with nearly 90,000 reviews

Subnautica Below Zero, the follow-up to the wildly successful open-world survivalcraft game, has been discounted in a recent Steam sale to a new all-time-low price of just $7.49 shortly ahead of the highly anticipated launch of it...

Julian van der Merwe, 14 Aug 2025 00:42

What is more important for a gaming laptop - performance or features?

We just reviewed the two gaming laptops Asus ROG Strix G18 and the XMG Focus 17 M25, which follow a completely different approach. While the XMG wants to offer the best price-performance ratio, Asus prioritizes features. But what ...

Andreas Osthoff, 13 Aug 2025 00:06

Asus ROG Ally windows gaming handheld on a desk with a mouse, controller, and earphones

Deal | Asus ROG Ally with Ryzen Z1 Extreme matches Black Friday price in new deal with free travel case and Game Pass Ultimate for a month

As the Windows gaming handheld intensifies, and with the launch of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally just around the corner, the original Asus ROG Ally has been discounted by 23% at Best Buy, bringing it down to its Black Friday price. The R...

Julian van der Merwe, 12 Aug 2025 05:59

XMG Focus 17 M25 (image source: Notebookcheck)

XMG's Focus 17 M25 with the RTX 5070 Ti is currently the best value gaming laptop

The highest possible gaming performance for the lowest price - this is the motto of the new XMG Focus 17 M25 with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU. Priced at 1849 Euros, it is cheaper than the comparable MSI Vector 16 HX,...

Andreas Osthoff, 11 Aug 2025 10:42

Stardew Valley Steam screenshot showing character holding a star in a thunder storm

Deal | Steam sale discounts genre-defining cozy RPG with 98% positive reviews, 120,000 daily players

Stardew Valley is on sale on Steam for 30% off, bringing it to $10.49 — just shy of its best-ever sale price of $7.49. The cozy RPG offers you an open-ended adventure in a quaint town quietly facing off against an outside enemy th...

Julian van der Merwe, 09 Aug 2025 01:43

InZOI Island Getaway free DLC snorkelling screenshot showing sharks and fish in shallow waters

Free DLC incoming in bid to salvage former Steam chart-topper life sim game

Once touted as a The Sims-killer, inZOI's popularity has tapered off, and Krafton is seemingly hoping to reinvigorate its life simulator with a new free FLC called Island Getaway. The free DLC will be available on 20 August, and i...

Julian van der Merwe, 08 Aug 2025 18:29

New compact wireless mechanical keyboard with 4,000-hour battery life and ZMK firmware goes on sale in-stock with launch discount

The CannonKeys Photon has is now available as an in-stock kit. The wireless mechanical keyboard kit comes with plentiful customisation options, minimalist design, and phenomenal battery life claims — despite its relatively small b...

Julian van der Merwe, 08 Aug 2025 07:36

Gatekeeper Steam teaser showing three gatekeepers with a red background

Deal | Under $10 Steam sale: New Steam Deck Verified co-op roguelike gets 1.0 launch with launch discount, immediately doubles player count and keeps positive review rating

Gatekeeper recently exited Steam Early Access with its 1.0 launch and a Steam deal offering 35% off the new co-op roguelike. In the week since launch, the game has nearly doubled its player base and continued its positive review s...

Julian van der Merwe, 08 Aug 2025 00:17

Deal | Epic Games Store gives away new games this August for PC and Mac gamers

The Epic Games Store has discounted another two games for PC gamers. Available to download and keep forever from today, the 112 Operator giveaway is exclusive to Windows users. Conversely, Road Redemption can be picked up on both ...

Alex Alderson, 07 Aug 2025 16:10

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 G7 (image source: Notebookcheck)

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 & ThinkBook 14 - Business vs. prosumer in comparison

It looks like Lenovo offers two very similar and affordable laptops ThinkPad E14 series as well as the ThinkBook 14. So where are the differences between the real business laptop and the prosumer device? We compare the two current...

Andreas Osthoff, 06 Aug 2025 20:08

Windows xp crocs with bliss wallpaper design and Microsoft jibbitz charms (image source: microsoft)

Microsoft’s XP Crocs bring Bliss to your soles and Clippy to your feet for $80

Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue with the launch of USD 80 Windows XP-themed Crocs, available initially to employees. The release follows a year marked by significant restructuring, including over 15,000 job cuts...

Anmol Dubey, 06 Aug 2025 14:41

28.08	Vivo X200FE review – proof, that good things come in small packages
28.08	I Tested the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and Had Mixed Feelings (Until I Saw the Sale Price)
28.08	The Dell Pro 14 Plus laptop is a pro that comes with cons
28.08	Moto G86 Power review: powerful and pretty, but with limits
28.08	Alienware 18 Area-51 Gaming Laptop Review
28.08	Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (G635LW) Review: A Cool Runner With a Dapper Display
28.08	Das beste Foldable bisher?
28.08	Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
28.08	Honor Pad 10 Ein neuer König der 300-Euro-Klasse
28.08	OnePlus Nord CE5 leistungsstark und günstig?