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Five weird gaming laptop features that we're probably never going to see again

Remember AMD Dual Graphics, Acer FrostCore, or the Lenovo UltraBay? We look back at some of the failed features that major OEMs have tried pushing onto their gaming laptops.

Allen Ngo, 26 Sep 2019 07:56

Gears of War 5 running in 8K is not impressed with your expensive GPUs. (Source: Microsoft)

8K gaming: we there yet? Gears 5 running in 8K brings Titan RTX GPU to its knees

Gears of Wars 5 running in 8K is too much even for the most expensive gaming GPUs out there. While 4K @60 fps is starting to look "doable" these days, running Gears 5 in 8K at 30 fps is already an impossible task for GPUs like the Titan RTX. 8K displays are not exactly mainstream either, so we might see GPUs properly handling the monstrous resolutions in 2-3 years.

Bogdan Solca, 25 Sep 2019 15:03

Nubia Red Magic 3S color options (Source: Red Magic)

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+-powered Nubia Red Magic 3S launches globally on October 16

Introduced back in May with a Snapdragon 855 onboard, the gaming handset Nubia Red Magic 3 is now ready to receive two essential performance upgrades (as the Red Magic 3S): the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor and high-end UFS 3.0 storage. The global launch of both 8 + 128 GB and 12 + 256 GB variants is set for October 16.

Codrut Nistor, 25 Sep 2019 14:38

The Acer Nitro 5 series features affordable gaming laptops. (Image source: Shopee)

Update | Acer Nitro 5 laptops appear on retailer website with AMD Ryzen 5 3550U APUs

A Southeast Asian retail website has listed two Acer Nitro 5 laptops sporting AMD Ryzen 5 3550U processors. The new APU has been mentioned on various sites in the past but has not been made official by the red team yet. It’s expected the Ryzen 5 3550U APU will feature a powerful Vega 9 iGPU and offer clock rates ranging from 2.1 GHz to 3.7 GHz.
Update: Acer has contacted Notebookcheck to confirm that these SKUs will actually come with AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processors.

Daniel R Deakin, 24 Sep 2019 23:44

The Asus ROG Phone 2 is now officially on sale in the US

The Asus ROG Phone 2 may be the most impressive mass-production smartphone in the world, hardware-wise, and it has finally made its way to the US, months after it was launched. Oh, and it will set buyers back a whopping US$900.

Ricci Rox, 24 Sep 2019 14:37

Is the Radeon RX 5500 series Navi 12? (Image source: AMD)

AMD Radeon RX 5500 rears its head and scores suspiciously well on GFXBench

A new entry for what claims to be the Radeon RX 5500 has appeared on GFXBench. The new listing seemingly confirms that AMD will bring two RX 5xxx series to market, with the RX 5300 series confirmed to be making an appearance too. The RX 5500 series, expected to be based on AMD's Navi 12 GPU, will likely challenge the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 16 series for midrange market dominance.

Alex Alderson, 24 Sep 2019 13:09

New 4K UHD 120 Hz display option coming first to the Razer Blade Pro 17 for $3699

You'll no longer have to choose between resolution and refresh rate soon enough. 4K laptop displays with fast refresh rates are finally here for both ultra-smooth movements and crisper images. Previously, panels with native 120 Hz, 144 Hz, or 240 Hz native refresh rates were limited to a native resolution of only 1080p.

Allen Ngo, 23 Sep 2019 17:00

Navi 14: The Radeon RX 5300 series? (Image source: AMD)

AMD Radeon RX 5300 XT and B550 chipset inbound: Navi 14 launching on October 8?

Navi 14 may be arriving earlier than we expected and in the form of pre-built desktops, at least according to new HP machines. The upcoming graphics chip looks set to be marketed as the Radeon RX 5300 series, which would suggest that Navi 12 will be the RX 5500 series. You will be able to get your hands on the RX 5300 XT from October 8, although perhaps initially only in pre-built form.

Alex Alderson, 23 Sep 2019 16:40

Will Navi 12 and Navi 14 beat the GTX 1650 Ti to market? (Image source: AMD via PCGamesN)

AMD's Radeon RX 5500 and RX 5600 series rumored to launch before the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti prior to October 15

Are you in the market for a midrange desktop GPU but are holding out until AMD releases its Navi 12 and Navi 14 GPUs? Well the graphics chips, currently expected to be called the Radeon RX 5500 and RX 5600 series, may beat the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti to market, which is rumored to launch on October 22. Navi 12 and Navi 14 should replace AMD's Polaris range.

Alex Alderson, 23 Sep 2019 12:12

A PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro or two PlayStation 5 SKUs? (Image source: Sony)

Sony rumored to release the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro simultaneously

Typically OEMs release several models during a console's lifespan, with Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo all doing so for their current consoles. However, the latest rumor is that Sony will launch the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro on day one, apparently to address interest for a high-end model. The rumor stems from Japanese journalist Zenji Nishikawa who has form for being correct about the Nintendo Switch Lite, so perhaps this one has legs too.

Alex Alderson, 23 Sep 2019 12:01

The Black Shark will get Android 9.0. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi updates the first-gen Black Shark to Android Pie

The Black Shark is the OEM's first attempt at a gaming smartphone. It was released with Android 8.0 (Oreo) out of the box, and had not had a major update since. However, it now has access to an OTA upgrade to Pie (9.0).

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Sep 2019 22:48

The new PuroGamer headset. (Source: Puro Sound Labs)

The latest Puro Sound Labs headset aims to boost aural health in gaming

Puro Sound Labs describes itself as "the world's leading manufacturer of premium, safe-listening headphones". It has developed the PuroGamer, a "studio-grade" headset with 50-millimeter (mm) graphene drivers for better audio at lower volumes. This product also has a noise-canceling, detachable boom mic.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Sep 2019 21:15

Narcos: Rise of the Cartels can be pre-ordered now. (Source: Curve Digital/Kuju)

Netflix Narcos: coming to a controller near you soon

Curve Digital & Kuju have announced that they are bringing a title based on the Netflix show Narcos to PCs and consoles. It will allow a user to play either for the Cartel in question or against it a DEA agent. This original content will be set in the 1980s El Patron era, and is available as a digital download from now.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Sep 2019 18:51

We've tested 15 gaming laptops with GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics thus far and the Razer Blade Pro 17 is the fastest

On the bottom end of the spectrum is the Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9 which offers approximately 20 to 30 percent slower performance than the Razer despite carrying the same GPU by name. Power consumption, however, is also highest on the Razer system.

Allen Ngo, 20 Sep 2019 08:29

Borderlands 3 Laptop and Desktop Benchmarks

We all need a little fun. With Borderlands 3, Gearbox seamlessly carries the tradition of the loot shooter series forward: Brightly colored comic graphics and exuberant action are supposed to create a popcorn mood for players. In our benchmark test, we clarify whether the technology generates enthusiasm too.

Florian Glaser, 19 Sep 2019 22:50

The GTX 1650 Ti is expected to have an MSRP of around US$185. (Source: Nvidia)

Nvidia's budget GTX 1650 Ti GPU rumored to launch on October 22

The upcoming GTX 1650 Ti is supposed to give AMD's Radeon RX 5600 a run for the money, replacing the older GTX 1050 Ti. Chinese insiders claim that the GTX 1650 Ti is scheduled for a late-October release, with an MSRP close to US$155, which would most likely translate to a US$185 pricing in the West.

Bogdan Solca, 19 Sep 2019 15:14

Official Asus website page confirms the imminent launch of the ROG Phone 2 in the US

The Asus ROG Phone has one of the most impressive specification sheets we've ever seen on a smartphone, and it looks like the device could be making its way to the US soon, as it's now been listed on the Asus US website. Even better is the fact that it comes with adequate LTE band support.

Ricci Rox, 18 Sep 2019 18:32

Bus Simulator 18 has come to consoles. (Source: Astragon Games)

Bus Simulator: now for Xbox One and PS4

Astragon Entertainment has announced that its popular PC title, Bus Simulator 18, has come to the Playstation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One. This game involves a fictional city with 12 "vibrant" districts, 8 high-fidelity models of the vehicle in question and a multiplayer mode. It can be downloaded now for US$39.99 from the Microsoft and PS Stores.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Sep 2019 23:05

Anyone for Radeon Image Sharpening on Vega GPUs? (Image source: AMD)

AMD leaves the RX Vega 56, RX Vega 64 and Radeon VII out in the cold; claims it is listening

AMD has already brought its Radeon Image Sharpening (RIS) algorithm to its Polaris GPUs, but Vega architecture GPUs may miss the cut. Enough demand for RIS from owners of an RX Vega 56, RX Vega 64 or Radeon VII may sway the company, as may response from Navi and Polaris users. AMD is making no promises for the time being, but it is actively seeking feedback from the gaming community.

Alex Alderson, 16 Sep 2019 18:08

Mobile GeForce RTX 2060 is 20 to 25 percent slower than desktop version: A closer look at mobile RTX and desktop RTX

Don't buy a laptop with GeForce RTX 2060 graphics if you want to maximize performance-per-dollar. The cheaper mobile GTX 1660 Ti is only about 5 percent slower than the mobile RTX 2060 while retailing for hundreds less. The mobile RTX 2060 can be up to 25 percent slower than the desktop RTX 2060 compared to "only" 10 to 15 percent between the mobile RTX 2070 and desktop RTX 2070.

Allen Ngo, 15 Sep 2019 18:41

Quick Game Review | Artifact Adventure Gaiden DX - a combat-focused RPG with retro flavor

Hearkening back to the early days of RPGs and channeling their 8-bit art styles and epic-yet-simple storylines, Artifact Adventure Gaiden DX is an interesting game that tries to add a dash of the modern to a tried-and-true gaming genre. While the game offers some fun early on, gameplay grows stale and repetitive.

Sam Medley, 14 Sep 2019 23:11

Opera GX has been downloaded over 1 million times by now. (Source: Opera)

The Opera GX browser attracts over 1 million downloads

GX is a version of the Opera browser specificially designed with gaming in mind. It has been available as an early-access build since June 2019, and has proved so popular that it has accrued over 1 million downloads to date. Opera GX offers Twitch support, a section for new releases and a network limiter.

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Sep 2019 14:47

The Apple A13 Bionic's GPU is 2.9x faster than that of the A12 Bionic. (Source: The Verge)

Apple offers an in-depth look at the A13 Bionic GPU's Metal Engine enhancements

Following the launch of the latest iPhones at its September 2019 event, Apple has detailed some of the improvements to Metal Engine on the A13 Bionic and how developers can implement them in their apps. These improvements result in a faster overall GPU performance with reduced power consumption.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 14 Sep 2019 09:37

G-SYNC is coming to big-screen LG OLED. (Source: LG)

LG announces NVIDIA G-SYNC support for select 2019 OLED TVs

LG has revealed that certain 2019 OLED TVs will gain G-SYNC compatibility via a firmware update. This will apply to 55- to 75-inch C9 and 55 or 65 inch E9 variants. The OEM asserts that this development will enhance immersion in gameplay using these devices.

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Sep 2019 20:28

A drawing of the Razer "gaming controller for mobile device" patent. (Image source: WIPO)

Razer design patent appears online: A Razer Phone accessory or an Edge Pro successor?

Razer has patented the perfect Nintendo Switch, or is it a Razer Phone accessory? What about a resurrected Wii U GamePad or a Razer Edge Pro? Your guess is as good as ours.

Alex Alderson, 13 Sep 2019 19:45

The next-generation Xbox, codenamed Scarlett, is set to arrive late next year. (Image source: Microsoft)

AMD and Microsoft are bringing hardware ray-tracing to the masses with the Xbox Scarlett

News about the Xbox Scarlett has been quiet lately. However, a recent Gamespot interview with Studio Technical Art Director at The Coalition, the studio behind the Gears of War series, has sparked debate about what GPU on which the Xbox One successor will be based. Whichever way you cut it, the AMD and Microsoft co-engineered custom graphics chip will bring features currently exclusive to high-end gaming GPUs to market.

Alex Alderson, 12 Sep 2019 17:34

Intel's first white label gaming laptop now available for $2200, will be adapted by resellers like Maingear, Schenker, and Eluktronics

Our full review on the promising Intel chassis will follow in the weeks ahead. Intel thinks it can out-design gaming veterans like MSI, Asus, Alienware, Gigabyte, and Clevo with its very own chassis that we will be eager to put to the test.

Allen Ngo, 12 Sep 2019 15:00

Lakefield processors are Intel's first to feature its Foveros 3D stacking technology. (Image source: Intel)

Intel Lakefield processor appears on GFXBench; Iris Plus Graphics G7 on a 7 W chip?

Lakefield processors will be the first example of Intel's Foveros 3D stacking technology. GFXBench confirms that the upcoming 10 nm chips will feature Gen11 GPUs with up to 64 execution units (EU), putting them technically on par with the Iris Plus Graphics G7. Iris Plus Graphics performance in thin 2-in-1s or dual-display devices? Not quite, according to GFXBench.

Alex Alderson, 12 Sep 2019 13:57

Square, Triangle, Circle, and Cross, apparently. (Image source: Sony)

Square, Triangle, Circle, and? Sony settles PlayStation debate

Think you know the names of all the buttons on a PlayStation controller? Think again, according to Sony. Are you an X or Cross person?

Alex Alderson, 11 Sep 2019 15:32

War Thunder 1.91 "Night Vision" is finally available

War Thunder 1.91 "Night Vision" goes live with more modern jets, Chinese hardware, a new tone mapping system, and more

The latest major update to War Thunder comes with Chinese ground and air tech trees for a total of no less than 38 new pieces of military hardware, as well as 8 helicopters, 12 aircraft, 11 ships, and 7 ground vehicles for other nations. The list of changes also includes a few new locations and missions, thermal sights and night vision devices, a map rotation filter, and more.

Codrut Nistor, 11 Sep 2019 13:46

The HiSilicon Kirin 990 comes an with integrated 5G modem. (Source: Android Authority)

IFA 2019 | Huawei's Kirin 990 5G sticks to Cortex-A76 but offers faster clocks, integrated 5G modem, and a new NPU design

Huawei has unveiled the Kirin 990 and the Kirin 990 5G at IFA 2019. The Kirin 990 5G offers a built-in 5G modem, faster CPU clocks, and a new Da Vinci 2+1 NPU architecture. The new SoC also features a 16-core Mali-G76 MP16 GPU and will first be seen powering handsets such as the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Sep 2019 08:19

The PIS2 handheld game console offers smooth full motion video playback. (Image source: Reddit/Darkwing)

Modder creates PIS2 functioning handheld game console by combining PlayStation 2 parts with Raspberry Pi 2 power

A dedicated modder has managed to create a working portable game console by utilizing the motherboard from a slimline PlayStation 2 in conjunction with the capabilities of a Raspberry Pi 2 single-board computer. Although it has taken a long time to build the device, the end product has been shown offering impressive results in a video shared on YouTube.

Daniel R Deakin, 08 Sep 2019 23:33

The GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1650 Ti may be Navi 14 challengers. (Image source: MyDrivers)

NVIDIA puts the GTX 1650 Ti back on the table; SUPER related price cuts for the GTX 1660 series too

Thought that AMD and NVIDIA had ended their tit for tat game for the time being? Think again, as the green team has a response to Navi 14, which will probably be called the RX 5600 series. NVIDIA may even take a leaf out of AMD's puerile 'jebaiting' strategies, not only flooding the market with more midrange GPUs, but also undercutting existing prices too.

Alex Alderson, 08 Sep 2019 19:46

A single GeForce RTX 2080 Ti was used in the production of Back Stage. (Image source: YouTube/Nvidia GeForce)

Back Stage demo highlights graphics tech that could find its way into the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Project Scarlett

A demonstration video created by Luminous Productions has shown the incredible level of graphics quality that could be wielded by next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Project Scarlett. Although the Back Stage clip was designed with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, the ray-tracing capability on show is something AMD should be providing for the upcoming gaming devices.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Sep 2019 22:22

Various sectors of the smartphone market may get 5G faster than expected. (Source: Qualcomm)

The next generations of Snapdragon 8-, 7- and 6- series SoCs will be 5G-ready by default

Qualcomm has announced that its chipsets for the premium, premium mid-tier and mid-tier mobile devices of the future will all come with 5G as standard. This is because they will have support for these next-gen data bands built into them directly as systems-on-chips (SoC). Of these, the 5G 7-series is already being used to design phones by OEMs such as Nokia and LG.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2019 19:18

The GPD handheld comes with two detachable controllers. (Image source: Baidu)

GPD channels Nintendo for unnamed console that borrows heavily from the Switch

Some images of a potential GPD prototype device have been leaked onto Baidu, showing something that is not entirely dissimilar to the Nintendo Switch. GPD has become renowned for its innovation in the gaming device field, and it could be possible that the Chinese company wants to take a bigger bite out of the hybrid console market.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Sep 2019 02:59

Razer Blade 15 just got $400 cheaper, now shipping with a new GeForce GTX 1660 Ti option

The price of entry for Razer laptops has always been on the high side. The new entry-level GTX 1660 Ti SKU should make it a little easier for users to pull the trigger by dropping the minimum price of a 2019 Blade 15 from $2000 to $1600 USD.

Allen Ngo, 06 Sep 2019 19:30

Schenker has partnered with Intel for the XMG Fusion 15. (Image source: Schenker)

IFA 2019 | Schenker announces the XMG Fusion 15, Europe's answer to the Eluktronics MAG-15

The Schenker XMG Fusion 15 features a Core i7-9750H processor, either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU and up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM. The XMG Fusion 15 comes with a 94 Wh battery, Thunderbolt 3 and a 144 Hz 1080p 15.6-inch IPS panel too. Schenker will officially launch the Fusion 15 on September 17.

Alex Alderson, 06 Sep 2019 13:48

VESA's DisplayHDR standards can improve a screen's performance. (Source: Pinterest)

VESA's updated HDR standards may improve the display panels of the future

The Video Electronics Standards Association (or VESA) is the body that can confer official certifications for state-of-the art quality standards such as DisplayHDR on new screens. Its latest update to the criteria by which they are granted is called version 1.1. It calls for ultra-modern specs such as active dimming, as well as tougher yardsticks for color gamut and luminance.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Sep 2019 18:43

The new Red Magic 3S will also be available in silver. (Source: JD.com)

Nubia Red Magic 3S powered by Snapdragon 855+ up for pre-orders

Upgraded with a Snapdragon 855+ SoC, improved liquid cooling solution and USF 3.0 storage, the Red Magic 3S from Nubia is scheduled to begin shipping on September 9 in China. As per usual, Nubia is looking to maintain aggressive prices, and the latest model is no exception, as the flagship variant costs ~US$531.

Bogdan Solca, 05 Sep 2019 15:16

Gaming

Five weird gaming laptop features that we're probably never going to see again

8K gaming: we there yet? Gears 5 running in 8K brings Titan RTX GPU to its knees

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+-powered Nubia Red Magic 3S launches globally on October 16

Laptops 101: What goes into selecting an ideal laptop display for content creators

Update | Acer Nitro 5 laptops appear on retailer website with AMD Ryzen 5 3550U APUs

The Asus ROG Phone 2 is now officially on sale in the US

AMD Radeon RX 5500 rears its head and scores suspiciously well on GFXBench

New 4K UHD 120 Hz display option coming first to the Razer Blade Pro 17 for $3699

AMD Radeon RX 5300 XT and B550 chipset inbound: Navi 14 launching on October 8?

AMD's Radeon RX 5500 and RX 5600 series rumored to launch before the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti prior to October 15

Sony rumored to release the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro simultaneously

Hands-on: Nintendo Switch Lite

84% No RTX? No Problem — Razer Blade 15 GTX 1660 Ti Base Model Laptop Review

Xiaomi updates the first-gen Black Shark to Android Pie

The latest Puro Sound Labs headset aims to boost aural health in gaming

Netflix Narcos: coming to a controller near you soon

We've tested 15 gaming laptops with GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics thus far and the Razer Blade Pro 17 is the fastest

Borderlands 3 Laptop and Desktop Benchmarks

Nvidia's budget GTX 1650 Ti GPU rumored to launch on October 22

Official Asus website page confirms the imminent launch of the ROG Phone 2 in the US

Bus Simulator: now for Xbox One and PS4

78% Lenovo IdeaPad L340-17IRH Review: The well-rounded mid-range gaming notebook is unable to reach its full performance potential

AMD leaves the RX Vega 56, RX Vega 64 and Radeon VII out in the cold; claims it is listening

Mobile GeForce RTX 2060 is 20 to 25 percent slower than desktop version: A closer look at mobile RTX and desktop RTX

Quick Game Review | Artifact Adventure Gaiden DX - a combat-focused RPG with retro flavor

The Opera GX browser attracts over 1 million downloads

Apple offers an in-depth look at the A13 Bionic GPU's Metal Engine enhancements

LG announces NVIDIA G-SYNC support for select 2019 OLED TVs

Razer design patent appears online: A Razer Phone accessory or an Edge Pro successor?

82% Double Trouble: HP Omen X 2S 15 Laptop Review

KFA2 GeForce RTX 2060 Super (1-Click OC) - Custom RTX 2060 Super Series Model in Review

Control Laptop and Desktop Benchmarks

AMD and Microsoft are bringing hardware ray-tracing to the masses with the Xbox Scarlett

Intel's first white label gaming laptop now available for $2200, will be adapted by resellers like Maingear, Schenker, and Eluktronics

Intel Lakefield processor appears on GFXBench; Iris Plus Graphics G7 on a 7 W chip?

Square, Triangle, Circle, and? Sony settles PlayStation debate

War Thunder 1.91 "Night Vision" goes live with more modern jets, Chinese hardware, a new tone mapping system, and more

Laptops 101: What goes into selecting an ideal laptop display for gamers

IFA 2019 | Huawei's Kirin 990 5G sticks to Cortex-A76 but offers faster clocks, integrated 5G modem, and a new NPU design

Modder creates PIS2 functioning handheld game console by combining PlayStation 2 parts with Raspberry Pi 2 power

NVIDIA puts the GTX 1650 Ti back on the table; SUPER related price cuts for the GTX 1660 series too

Back Stage demo highlights graphics tech that could find its way into the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Project Scarlett

The next generations of Snapdragon 8-, 7- and 6- series SoCs will be 5G-ready by default

GPD channels Nintendo for unnamed console that borrows heavily from the Switch

Razer Blade Pro 17 vs. Gigabyte Aero 17: Gigabyte is Catching Up

Razer Blade 15 just got $400 cheaper, now shipping with a new GeForce GTX 1660 Ti option

IFA 2019 | Schenker announces the XMG Fusion 15, Europe's answer to the Eluktronics MAG-15

VESA's updated HDR standards may improve the display panels of the future

Nubia Red Magic 3S powered by Snapdragon 855+ up for pre-orders

83% Acer Predator Helios 700 Laptop Review: Innovative gaming laptop with a lot of features

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