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With Smart Connect, the Tab P12 Pro can function as a wireless second screen for Windows PCs (Image source - Lenovo.com)

Lenovo's Tab P12 Pro as a portable monitor

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro with Precision Pen 3 doubles as a wireless second screen via Smart Connect. Setup, latency, and usability tested for students, pros, and creatives.
Darryl Linington, 22 Sep 2025 15:17
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra takes on the iPhone 17 Pro Max in camera comparisons (Image source: SuperSaf)

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple’s new camera outperforms Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in first reviews

It makes sense that most early tests and reviews of the new Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are comparing its camera to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Unlike the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra or the Vivo X200 Ultra, the Samsung flagship is available worldwide, making it a direct competitor. However, it’s apparently falling behind, even in areas that once were Samsung’s strong suits, such as the zoom camera.
Alexander Fagot, 22 Sep 2025 01:38
No, I’m Not a Human blends management horror and moral choice, forcing players to decide who lives, and who is a monster in disguise (Image source: Steam)

No, I'm not a Human review - spoiler free

CheckMag At its core, No, I’m Not a Human asks a deceptively simple question: who can you trust? You’re stuck in an old house as strangers come knocking. Some are desperate survivors. Others are shape-shifting monsters known only as “Visit...
Santiago Nino, 22 Sep 2025 01:11
The stock response from AliExpress when the wrong item is delivered (Image Source: ChatGPT)

When 50% of purchases are broken or wrong, it's time I stopped buying from AliExpress

CheckMag AliExpress has a selection of spare parts that in some cases, can't be found anywhere else. But with return policies that are largely for show, and 50% of items being broken or mis-sold, enough is enough.
David Devey, 20 Sep 2025 17:34
DIY projectors aren't anything new, but you don't need DIY Perks level skills to build this one (Image Source: Huy Vector via YouTube)

Pico projector from an old smartphone and the VapeServer - two of the week's best hardware hacks

CheckMag From building a pico projector that mere mortals might actually be able to achieve, to running a web server on a Vape battery, the hacker community never ceases to amaze. Here are two of the week's best hacks.
David Devey, 20 Sep 2025 09:46
One of the year’s biggest blockbusters, Tron: Ares, returns on October 10, 2025 (Image source: YouTube trailer)

Must-watch upcoming movies in 2025

Must-watch upcoming movies in 2025: From Tron: Ares to Bollywood blockbusters, explore the year’s top releases in sci-fi, action, fantasy, and horror.
Darryl Linington, 19 Sep 2025 14:18
Paul Rudd and Jack Black face off against a massive snake (Image source: X - Anaconda Movie)

Anaconda reboot’s first trailer drops and it’s just the right kind of chaos

Sony has released the first trailer for the Anaconda reboot, and it’s leaning hard into comedy‑horror chaos. Starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black, the film finds two lifelong friends confronting a real giant snake while trying to rem...
Jonathan Bester, 18 Sep 2025 08:45
The Timex 80 36mm (pictured) with a stainless steel expansion band watch. (Image source: Timex)

Sub-$100 Timex watches with style as well as substance

CheckMag Timex is still a go-to for affordable, reliable watches with styles ranging from retro digital to rugged field and dress designs. Here are 5 of the best models under/around $100 that get you a balance of value, durability, and eve...
Anubhav Sharma, 17 Sep 2025 14:48
Evil returns to its roots. The Conjuring: Last Rites—the final chapter begins. A still from the TV show. (Image source: Official trailer)

The Conjuring hits new heights — and now gets a TV future

The Conjuring: Last Rites just delivered the biggest horror opening weekend of all time, leaving every other spooky franchise trembling in its wake. With box office numbers climbing higher than any jump scare, it’s a record-breaki...
Jonathan Bester, 17 Sep 2025 09:39
GameSir's latest telescopic controller can now wake-up the Nintendo Switch 2. (Image source: GameSir)

Here's how to set up the Gamesir X5s to wake-up the Nintendo Switch 2

The GameSir X5s is now capable of waking up the Nintendo Switch 2. While it requires a software update, setting it up is quite straightforward.
Habeeb Onawole, 16 Sep 2025 19:46
Getting started with Xbox Remote Play on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro was straightforward. (Image source - Lenovo)

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro and Xbox Remote Play: A smooth combo

Released November 19, 2021, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro doubles as a portable Xbox Remote Play screen with 60 FPS, low latency, and stunning AMOLED visuals.
Darryl Linington, 16 Sep 2025 16:59
Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Nova with Sarah Michelle Gellar (Image source: Deadline)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is back: what we actually know about the 2025 reboot

Buffy is officially biting again. The pilot is wrapped, a new Slayer is on the scene, and Sarah Michelle Gellar is back—but not in the lead role, which might make you shed a single fang-shaped tear. Fans are buzzing, speculation i...
Jonathan Bester, 16 Sep 2025 14:37
Magnificent cities and pretty vineyards in Anno 117 (Image source: Screenshot - Steam Trailer)

Anno 117: How easy is it for beginners to get started? My first experience with the building strategy series

For my brief benchmark preview, I ventured into the Anno series for the first time. My only previous experience with the genre was with The Settlers 2 and Civilization 2 many years ago. Here are my initial impressions of how well ...
Christian Hintze, 16 Sep 2025 12:45
Every time I try to use the Portal with my Series S, I brace for disappointment. (Image source: bang-olufsen.com)

Beoplay Portal Xbox long-term review: Premium sound held back by connection issues

The Beoplay Portal Xbox headset offers audiophile sound and Dolby Atmos capabilities, but years of connection issues with the Xbox Series X/S render it unreliable.
Darryl Linington, 15 Sep 2025 14:40
To achieve the show's distinct, '70s-inspired aesthetic, the camera bodies were paired with Panavision C Series anamorphic lenses. (Image source: Apple TV+)

Severance season 3: The camera equipment that could shape this incredible show

It is anticipated that the production team for Season 3 will continue to utilize the same core equipment, including the Sony Venice 2 camera system.
Darryl Linington, 13 Sep 2025 11:33
Mozilla dropping Firefox 115 ESR from the list of supported browsers will make browsing the Web harder for older system owners. Pictured - Firefox for macOS installer (Image source: Screenshot - Notebookcheck)

Mozilla set to abandon Firefox 115 ESR in August 2025: Here's what older Mac, MacBook and iMac owners can do to keep browsing the Web safely

CheckMag Computers running macOS 10.14 and older, as well as Windows 8.1, 8 and 7 operating systems are set to lose critical software updates following Mozilla's decision, with Windows users having a lot more options to choose from when it comes to looking for alternative Web browsers. Update: 115 ESR is getting one more lease of life after all.
Sergey Tarasov, 12 Sep 2025 15:30
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro offers interesting camera upgrades, but Apple is cutting corners in some areas. (Image source: Apple)

Apple's misleading iPhone 17 Pro camera marketing distracts customers from the real weaknesses

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro has received two significant camera upgrades - a 48 MP telephoto camera with a larger sensor and an 18 MP selfie camera with a square sensor. However, Apple has failed to address a major weakness of the pre...
Hannes Brecher, 11 Sep 2025 21:19
Apple recently unveiled the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever. (Image source: Apple)

Apple iPhone Air vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Apple CEO Tim Cook successfully unveiled the thinnest iPhone ever on Tuesday, called the Apple iPhone Air. But Samsung was quicker off the mark, and a comparison is definitely in order.
Matthias Zellmer, 11 Sep 2025 12:24
The sense of menace in Season 2 is forever present, humming like a bass note. (Image source: Apple TV+)

Severance season 2 review: Bigger, stranger, and beautifully filmed

Severance Season 2 is a visually stunning, ambitious follow-up that deepens character arcs, expands Lumon’s world, and delivers bold, strange, and unforgettable storytelling.
Darryl Linington, 11 Sep 2025 11:13
Still from the movies described along with the official Netflix logo. (Image source: Notebookcheck, featuring press stills from Netflix, Sony Pictures, and official studio press kits)

Netflix and kill: From soft chills to savage screams

Looking for a horror binge that actually delivers? This Netflix challenge lines up five chilling films in order of intensity — from slow-burn hauntings to full-blown nightmare fuel. Whether you're after psychological tension, supe...
Jonathan Bester, 10 Sep 2025 21:18
Apple Music and Windows truly feel like they are incompatible - that Apple did a half-assed job of porting one of their key apps to the most popular PC OS in the world. (Image source: Apple, Microsoft, Anubhav Sharma - Notebookcheck)

Apple Music for Windows: Why its garbage listening experience has been failing loyal users since 2023

CheckMag What kind of music app doesn’t let you listen to music? Apple Music on Windows, that's what. Since its port to Windows in 2023, users face constant audio dropouts, broken volume controls, and sync failures, turning what should be ...
Anubhav Sharma, 10 Sep 2025 13:05
Dune: Awakening’s latest update adds a new story chapter, DLC, customization features, performance upgrades, and a powerful new weapon. (Image source : Dune: Awakening site)

Dune: Awakening Chapter 2 update finally adds heavily requested features

Funcom has rolled out the latest major update for Dune: Awakening, bringing with it a new story chapter, fresh gameplay systems, and a host of quality-of-life improvements that should make surviving Arrakis a little smoother. The ...
Santiago Nino, 10 Sep 2025 11:34
Close-up of the Apple iPhone Air rear camera module in white finish (Image source: Apple)

iPhone Air is cool, but I wanted an iPhone 17 Plus

CheckMag Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup brings major upgrades across the board, from ProMotion on the base model to a brand-new iPhone Air. But with the Plus variant missing this year, I’m forced into a choice I never asked for.
Anmol Dubey, 10 Sep 2025 09:20
RomM allows you to host your own ROM collection in a Docker container, enabling you to play your retro collection from almost any browser (Image Source: RomM via Github)

RomM is the Plex of self-hosted retro gaming. A beautiful ROM manager that lets you play games through any browser

CheckMag RomM is a self-hosted solution for managing and maintaining your ROM collection. With save state support, metadata scraping and RetroAchievements, it will let you play nearly everything up to PSX from a web browser. Here's how to ...
David Devey, 08 Sep 2025 20:42
The upcoming Apple iPhone 17 Air is widely rumored to be just 5.5 mm thin. (Image source: zellzoi, edited)

Tiny battery, single camera: All that we expect from the upcoming Apple iPhone 17 Air ultra-slim smartphone

Leak Lounge The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is arguably the most interesting smartphone of 2025 - in both good and not-so-good ways. Whether or not the ultra-slim flagship from Apple will be positively received remains to be seen, as the Cupertino...
Sambit Saha, 06 Sep 2025 19:51
Severance is also a sharp parody of office culture under late-stage capitalism. (Image source: Apple TV+)

Severance season 1 review: A chilling blend of satire, sci-fi, and identity

Severance on Apple TV+ delivers a chilling mix of sci-fi, satire, and corporate mystery, with Adam Scott leading one of the decade’s most original dramas.
Darryl Linington, 06 Sep 2025 14:46
Apple also advertises the saving of people via SOS features. (Symbolic image, no use of a satellite connection, image source: Apple)

Lifesaver or paywall disaster? Why the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could make Garmin look old in regard to satellite communication

Apple's Watch Ultra 3 may deal a significant blow to Garmin and its Fenix ​​8 Pro, particularly from a marketing perspective. For customers, the choice of manufacturer could not only have financial implications but also an impact ...
Silvio Werner, 06 Sep 2025 13:59
K-Pop Demon Hunters -Mira, Rumi and Zoey (Image source - Netflix)

K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animation and music behind Netflix’s record-breaker

Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters blends anime, 2D/3D fusion, and Korean culture to set new records and redefine modern animation.
Darryl Linington, 05 Sep 2025 13:27
The Acer Swift Air 16 weighs 2.2 lbs and can be held with one hand (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Acer Swift Air 16: Hands-on with the lightest 16-inch laptop on the planet

How does it feel to hold a laptop that weighs just 2.2 lbs (1 kg) but has a massive 16-inch display? We're taking a closer look at what is probably the lightest 16-inch notebook in the world and also tried typing on it. We wouldn't describe the experience with the ultralight device as completely convincing, but it feels quite impressive nonetheless.
Alexander Fagot, 03 Sep 2025 21:27
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are expected to feature notable redesigns. (Image source: Apple, @asherdipps, edited)

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro: What does Apple have in store for its 2025 flagships?

Leak Lounge The Apple iPhone 17 launch event is less than a week away, although the ever-so-restless rumor mill has already provided us with plenty of juicy details regarding the yet-to-be announced products. While the iPhone 17 Pro is expect...
Sambit Saha, 03 Sep 2025 14:48
Lois Lane and Superman pause amid Metropolis rubble (Image source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Jessica Miglio via Batman News)

Superman, rendered: The engineering that makes James Gunn’s reboot feel new

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) doesn’t try to win the loudness war. It wins the clarity war. The team stacked practical flight rigs, photographed skies on an LED stage, locked the show’s look before VFX, and built the sound mix in t...
Jonathan Bester, 03 Sep 2025 12:17
Fate Trigger will be playable again early next year (image source: Steam)

Fate Trigger initial impressions: Rough around the edges with plenty of scope for improvement

Fate Trigger is a free-to-play game that is somewhat reminiscent of Fortnite. Its closed beta ended recently, and the game will enter early access sometime in Q1 2026. It is a stereotypical Battle Royale game that attempts to stan...
Anil Ganti, 02 Sep 2025 14:34
Lion and Safari Park: A giraffe decided to join for lunch (Image source: Darryl Linington - Notebookcheck)

How one software update saved the Honor X9b's camera

Initially, the Honor X9b's camera delivered disappointing, flat images with poor dynamic range. But the latest software update has finally given it life in 2025.
Darryl Linington, 30 Aug 2025 14:05
Is the Nubia RedMagic 6R still a relevant gaming device? (Image source: Darryl Linington - Notebookcheck)

RedMagic 6R: A budget gaming champion in 2025

Is the Nubia RedMagic 6R still a good gaming phone in 2025? I revisit ZTE’s 2021 release to see if its performance and features hold up today.
Darryl Linington, 28 Aug 2025 01:11
From right to left (pictured) - Casio Edifice EFS-S641TMS-1A, and the ECB-S10NIS-7AJR Heritage Edition. (Image source: Casio)

Casio Edifice x motorsport: The history of collab watches with NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, and AlphaTauri

CheckMag Casio Edifice’s collabs span across Honda Racing/Type R, NISMO, TOM’S, Scuderia AlphaTauri/Toro Rosso, and Initial D/MF Ghost, with limited runs featuring team colors, special materials, and logos, including the new ECB-S10NIS-7AJ...
Anubhav Sharma, 25 Aug 2025 17:35
Users can chat with Eiliko over Wi-Fi, give it voice commands, or just watch it do its thing (Image source - energizelab.com)

Eiliko: Energize Lab’s emotional AI charm bot reaches Kickstarter goal

Discover Eiliko, Energize Lab’s next-gen charm bot with swappable shells, bonding features, and emotional AI that make it more than a desk toy.
Darryl Linington, 24 Aug 2025 18:30
The Vivo Vision mixed-reality headset is said to offer some advantages over the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3s (Image source: Vivo)

Lighter, more comfortable and cheaper than Apple Vision Pro: Hands-on comparison with the new Vivo Vision MR headset

CheckMag Weighing just 14 oz, the Vivo Vision has launched in China and is significantly lighter and smaller than the well-known mixed-reality headsets from Apple and Meta. An 8K micro-OLED display supposedly creates a huge virtual IMAX sc...
Alexander Fagot, 23 Aug 2025 20:50
Battlefield 1 feels like the perfect Battlefield game, no shade on Battlefield 6. (Image source: Anubhav Sharma/Notebookcheck)

I played Battlefield 1 immediately after Battlefield 6’s Open Beta - and I didn't want to leave

CheckMag I tried the Battlefield 6 Open Beta, then jumped back into Battlefield 1. These are my thoughts on how they feel different in gameplay, map size, pacing, and teamwork. It's impressive how BF1 holds up well to this day - and that i...
Anubhav Sharma, 23 Aug 2025 15:17
Just like the Pixel 9a, the standard Pixel 10 makes the more expensive Pro largely irrelevant (Image Source: Google)

The Pixel 9a made the standard Pixel 9 irrelevant. Now Google has done the same with the Pixel 10 Pro

CheckMag The Pixel 9a offered almost identical features to the Pixel 9, albeit with a somewhat later release window. Now Google has made the Pixel 10 Pro equally irrelevant.
David Devey, 23 Aug 2025 08:42
From left to right (pictured), the Shanling M0 Pro, FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini, and the FiiO M21. (Image source: Shanling, FiiO)

6 feature-loaded Digital Audio Players that are surprisingly affordable

CheckMag Budget digital audio players can now deliver premium features which were once exclusive to flagship models. From the $60 FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini to the $129 Shanling M0 Pro, this list sheds light on 6 affordable DAPs that offer mor...
Anubhav Sharma, 22 Aug 2025 18:12
Framework 16 laptop exploded view

Framework may soon launch a Laptop 18 as an upgrade to its 16-inch gaming laptop

Framework has been having a lot of fun with cryptic clues in its most recent device launches, and the latest hint seems to suggest that the Framework 16 might just be getting an 18-inch display and chassis upgrade.
Julian van der Merwe, 22 Aug 2025 07:18
Some Pixel 10 Pro camera reviewers are only partially convinced by Google’s new flagships (Image source: MrWhosetheboss)

First Google Pixel 10 Pro camera reviews: Much criticism, poor Pro Res zoom but a few improvements

CheckMag Two days after the Pixel 10 launch, the first camera tests, hands-on reviews from YouTubers and even an early review are already online. This year, Google is once again facing a lot of criticism for its Pixel flagships, partly due to the comparatively unattractive hardware. Even the new AI-based Pro Res zoom apparently doesn't deliver on all of Google's promises.
Alexander Fagot, 22 Aug 2025 02:40
How to spot a fake Labubu (Image source: David Kristianto - Unsplash)

How to spot a fake Labubu in the online wild

The Labubu character, created by artist Kasing Lung, has recently evolved from a niche art project into a global phenomenon. Fueled by viral social media trends and celebrity endorsements, this massive popularity has created a thr...
Darryl Linington, 21 Aug 2025 15:36
Analogue has only ever shown shiny Analogue 3D product renders. (Image source: Analogue)

The Analogue 3D is fast becoming another vaporware Smach Z disaster

Surprise, surprise, the Analogue 3D has been delayed again. Allegedly now 'at 99%' development after an original Q1 2025 release date, the Analogue 3D is going the way of the infamous Smach Z, with Analogue having never even shown...
Alex Alderson, 21 Aug 2025 13:14
On r/battlestations, you can find retro-futuristic builds that merely look good, as well as functional setups with high computing power. Pictured - three different setups from the subreddit. (Image source: r/battlestations - Edited)

The craziest, most upvoted PC setups on r/battlestations

CheckMag r/battlestations is a pretty popular subreddit, where users flex their PC setups. Amidst hundreds of builds being posted each week, some have reached the very top of that list. Here are 8 unique, striking PC builds that have garne...
Anubhav Sharma, 20 Aug 2025 17:57
Apple plans to use radically new camera sensors from Samsung with "hybrid shutter technology" in the future. (Image source: @AppleTrack)

Exciting future for the iPhone: Why Apple is utilizing Samsung's radically new camera sensor technology

Hybrid shutter is the magic word that apparently prompted Apple to abandon its long-standing collaboration with Sony as the exclusive supplier of camera sensors for iPhones. A report from South Korea about certain camera technology presented at ISSCC 2025 sheds some light on the background of Apple's new collaboration with Samsung and its investment in a manufacturing facility in the US, which doesn't appear to be as politically motivated as one might suspect.
Alexander Fagot, 16 Aug 2025 17:07
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
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
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
There are only four 8BitDo controllers with full compatibility with the Steam Deck and SteamOS. (Image source: 8BitDo)

How to connect an 8BitDo controller to the Steam Deck (or SteamOS)

A few 8BitDo controllers have gained official Steam Compatibility, allowing owners to use them with a Steam Deck or SteamOS device without the need for any workaround. Here's a guide explaining how to connect a compatible controll...
Habeeb Onawole, 10 Aug 2025 19:29
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Notebookcheck, 2022-04-20 (Update: 2025-11-17)