Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Pictured - a screenshot of a home office setting from Toy Tinker Simulator. You can build small toy museums to showcase completed restorations. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | $12.99 game for free: Steam is giving away a unique first-person simulation game at no cost for a limited time

For the holiday season, Steam is now giving away Toy Tinker Simulator for free for a limited time. Originally released in 2021, the toy repair simulation usually sells for $12.99 and currently holds a "Mixed" user rating, with cal...

Anubhav Sharma, 18 Dec 2025 21:12

Nothern ice cap of Mars (Image source: NASA/JPL Caltech/MSSS with edits)

Planet Mars: Scientists outline how ice could be used to build insulated, radiation-shielded habitats

A group of researchers has published their findings on how ice could be used in creating a human habitat on Mars. Their study concludes that thick ice can substitute as a material for insulation and radiation protection.

David Odejide, 18 Dec 2025 21:04

Dispatch Switch 2 banner (Image source: Adhoc Studio, Nintendo of America with edits)

Nintendo comes under fire for censorship of Dispatch artbook offered with Switch game

A Dispatch artbook is being portrayed differently on some Nintendo eShop listings. Fans recognized that the characters on the North American page are wearing more conservative outfits. The censorship exists even though the Switch ...

Adam Corsetti, 18 Dec 2025 18:17

The second mystery free game is Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel. Pictured: an edited artwork from the title. (Image source: Epic Games Store)

Deal | Epic Games Store surprises with unexpected second mystery free game

Epic Games Store has revealed the second mystery free game of the holiday 2025 season, and it didn't turn out to be what the leaked list or predictions suggested. Instead, the current freebie happens to be Jotunnslayer: Hordes of ...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 18 Dec 2025 18:16

A screengrab from the remake of Dead Space, released in 2023 (image source: Steam Community)

Dead Space creator Glen Schofield calls EA & Activision’s post‑acquisition era “bittersweet”

Veteran game director Glen Schofield reflected on his decade at EA and Activision, describing the post‑acquisition transformations of both publishers as “bittersweet” and a marked departure from their roles as rigorous, developer‑...

Rahim Amir Noorali, 18 Dec 2025 17:50

Starlink Router Mini (Image Source: Starlink)

If you own a first-gen Starlink router, SpaceX wants to replace it for free

SpaceX is informing customers that it will discontinue software updates for the Starlink Gen 1 router, making the device obsolete in the near future. As a thank you to longstanding customers, the company is offering a free upgrade...

Antony Muchiri, 18 Dec 2025 16:58

The global Redmi Note 15 Pro series starts at €399. Pictured: a promo picture of the 5G variant. (Image source: Xiaomi via GSMArena)

Global Redmi Note 15 Pro debuts in two variants with 6,500+ mAh batteries

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 series is now global, and among the new phones are the Note 15 Pro 4G and 5G. These two are among the five mid-range smartphones that the lineup has introduced, and both of them come with large batteries.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 18 Dec 2025 16:29

A Steam Deck device with the cover picture of Demonic Mahjong. (Image source: Valve; edited)

Deal | Legendary indie RPG with over 120,000 Steam reviews can be bundled for $7 on Humble Bundle

Humble Bundle's thirteenth holiday rebundle is here — Dice and Destiny Encore. The bundle, which had its first run back in April, is now available again with the same items as before. It will expire on December 20.

Chibuike Okpara, 18 Dec 2025 16:26

The Moz industrial humanoid robot testing batteries. (Image source: CATL)

CATL beats Tesla to humanoid robots matching skilled worker performance in mass EV battery production

CATL seems to have beaten Tesla Optimus when it comes to factory deployment in mass EV battery production. Its Moz humanoid robot now matches the performance of a skilled human.

Daniel Zlatev, 18 Dec 2025 15:43

The Redmi Note 15 5G features a 120 Hz AMOLED display (Image source: Xiaomi)

Redmi Note 15 5G launches globally with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and AMOLED display

Xiaomi has launched its latest Note 15 series smartphones in the global market. The Redmi Note 15 series consists of a total of five smartphones, including the Redmi Note 15 4G, the Note 15 5G, the Note 15 Pro 4G, the Note 15 Pro ...

Abhinav Fating, 18 Dec 2025 15:22

A screengrab of Half Life 2 RTX running on PC (image source: Steam Community)

Half-Life 3 rumored as Steam Machine launch title in Spring 2026

Rumors surrounding Valve’s long-absent Half-Life 3 have intensified, with industry insiders claiming the game will launch alongside the newly announced Steam Machine hardware ecosystem in Spring 2026. While component price volatil...

Rahim Amir Noorali, 18 Dec 2025 14:35

Instinct 3: New features and bug fixes are being rolled out in the form of an beta update. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin: New software update brings new features to Instinct models and fixes numerous bugs

Garmin is rolling out a new update for the Instinct model series, bringing significant improvements in certain areas. However,, the update to software version 13.08 is still in beta.

Silvio Werner, 18 Dec 2025 14:08

X user Financial Dystopia has collected around 12,000 video games in a single room. (Image source: Financial Dystopia via X / formerly Twitter)

12,000 games in one room: X user showcases private video game collection

A user on X is drawing attention with a video showing his private collection of around 12,000 video games, all housed in a single room. The collection is considered one of the largest of its kind.

Marius Müller, 18 Dec 2025 13:31

According to a court ruling by the Munich Regional Court, the advertisements on Amazon Prime Video are unlawful. (Image source: Pexels/KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA, edited)

Amazon in court: Prime Video advertising ruled unlawful

In 2024, Amazon introduced ads to its paid streaming service Prime Video. The regional court in Munich, Germany, has now ruled the move unlawful, citing a lack of proper user consent.

Marius Müller, 18 Dec 2025 13:26

Pictured - a screenshot from the Dead Weight: Prologue trailer, showing a floating ship in the sky. (Image source: Steam)

Steam launch: Free-to-play RPG prologue launches on Steam with turn-based combat and steampunk setting

A new free-to-play RPG, Dead Weight: Prologue, has landed on Steam with a playable prologue that introduces its combat systems, setting, and core mechanics. The release gives players a short standalone slice of the full game plann...

Anubhav Sharma, 18 Dec 2025 13:25

Google is currently testing the Expressive Calling feature in the Phone by Google app. (Image source: Pixabay/geralt)

Android: What the siren emojis on incoming calls are all about

Google is testing a new Android feature called Expressive Calling that highlights important calls with a red siren emoji and an urgency message. It is currently rolling out in the beta version of the Phone by Google app.

Marius Müller, 18 Dec 2025 13:23

The global Redmi Note15 Pro+ starts at €499. Pictured: the Mocha Brown colorway of the phone. (Image source: Xiaomi - edited)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus goes global with 200 MP camera, large battery, and more

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is now official in the international market. While Xiaomi tweaked the specs of the global variant, the SoC remains the same. This affordable mid-range phone starts at €499 in the EU.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 18 Dec 2025 13:23

The Anbernic RG477V is available in two colors. (Image source: Anbernic)

Anbernic RG477V: Early review calls it an excellent retro gaming handheld drawn back by its GPU

The Anbernic RG477V is yet to be released, but early reviews have already surfaced. One review praises several aspects of the handheld but also highlights some issues, including its Mali GPU.

Habeeb Onawole, 18 Dec 2025 11:46

Sony PS Vita was the last standalone portable PlayStation gaming console. (Image source: Sony, Unsplash, edited)

PS6 handheld CPU could only have four cores for gaming as Sony reportedly wants games that can run on eight threads

We have more confirmation that Sony is working on a portable PlayStation 6 console. A new leak from Moore's Law Is Dead claims that Sony is pushing developers to optimize their games for different CPU configurations. This suggests...

Fawad Murtaza, 18 Dec 2025 10:59

The Battery Bin deposit system. (Image source: Redwood Materials)

Battery recycler Redwood revolutionizes old phone, laptop, earbuds or power tools disposal

The battery recycling company of Tesla founder JB Straubel has created an automated nationwide deposit system called Battery Bin. It makes getting rid of anything with Li-ion battery an effortless process.

Daniel Zlatev, 18 Dec 2025 10:44

Deal | New game bundle offers 7 well-rated Steam Deck-compatible RPG games for just $10

Green Man Gaming is offering a new game bundle. Called RPG icons, it contains seven well-rated RPG titles that are playable on the Steam Deck. They can all be scored for a minimum payment of $10.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 18 Dec 2025 08:17

The first beta for the final Android 16 quarterly platform release is now out. (Image source: Manuel Masiero / Notebookcheck)

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 brings new features, UI tweaks, and a GPU driver update for Pixel 10

Google has kicked off the beta program for Android 16 QPR3, the third and final quarterly update of the Android 16 cycle. Pixel 6 and newer devices can now try the update ahead of its stable release, which is expected to arrive in...

Kristen Spradlin, 18 Dec 2025 07:31

The upcoming GameSir controller has a Made for iPhone/iPad badge. (Image source: GameSir)

GameSir's new MFi-certified controller will launch on Dec. 21

Just before 2025 wraps up, GameSir plans to release a new mobile controller that has been certified to work with iPhones and iPads. The new controller will be announced in a few days and will also offer compatibility with other pl...

Habeeb Onawole, 18 Dec 2025 07:28

Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to launch soon. Pictured: an edited version of the teaser post. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi confirms early Xiaomi 17 Ultra launch with upgraded Leica optics

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has been one of the anticipated camera flagship phones of the year. Past reports have hinted that it will launch in 2025, and now, the company has officially teased the imminent debut of the smartphone.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 18 Dec 2025 07:20

Decorative image. Pictured are two laptops and other consumer electronics laid out on a table (image source: Miguel Hernández via Unsplash; cropped)

New MIT tech could lead to longer lasting devices and more capable AI systems

MIT researchers have developed a technique to stack transistors and memory directly on the back of computer chips, potentially slashing the energy costs of AI and high-performance computing.

Chibuike Okpara, 18 Dec 2025 06:02

"You were looking for the game, so I MADE IT." - Dan Lespect has created the game of our ads, turning the concept into a satisfying title. (Image Source: Dan Lespect)

Someone actually made one of those fake ad games, and it's pretty good!

YouTuber The Greatest Developer has made a strong debut onto the platform. In his video released on Nov 27, 2025, The Greatest Developer unveils Real War (Not Fake), a take on one of the many fake ad games that's surprisingly fun ...

Santiago Nino, 18 Dec 2025 04:10

China has sucessfully reverse engineered an EUV lithography machine (image source: ASML)

China successfully develops EUV machine prototype

China has successfully reverse-engineered its first EUV lithography machine with the help of some former ASML employees. It isn’t fully functional and will only be able to mass-produce chips by 2028 or 2030.

Anil Ganti, 18 Dec 2025 03:53

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi 17 Ultra heads for global release as FCC certification surfaces

The flagship Xiaomi 17 series is expected to expand with the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Ahead of an official announcement, the device has cleared FCC certification, indicating that a global launch is likely.

Huzefa Baloch, 18 Dec 2025 02:55

The MV10 is a gaming-capable mini PC (Image source: msecore)

MV10: Core i9-powered mini PC comes with RTX 5060 Ti and up to 64GB RAM

The MV10 is a relatively compact PC that should be suitable for gaming thanks to a Core i9 processor and a fairly capable Nvidia RTX GPU. The model also sports a WiFi module for wireless network connectivity.

Silvio Werner, 18 Dec 2025 01:46

PS5 and Switch 2 sales ranking in November 2025 (Image source: Sony PlayStation, Nintendo with edits)

PS5 tops Nintendo Switch 2 sales for first time in November, but console spending falls

In November, Nintendo lost ground to PlayStation, with U.S. PS5 sales claiming the number one rank. Sony’s performance ends a winning streak that began when the Switch 2 debuted in June. Regardless, total console sales are lagging...

Adam Corsetti, 18 Dec 2025 00:51

The Casio G-Shock GM-5600BWD-1 Bamford collab watch, pictured against a stylized glass-shattering background. (Image source: Casio)

New Casio G-Shock collab watch with metal bezel now available to buy in the US

Casio’s latest G-Shock collaboration with Bamford London is now available in the US. Based on the GM-5600, the watch features a black ion-plated metal bezel, blue accents, standard G-Shock functions, and a $280 price tag.

Anubhav Sharma, 17 Dec 2025 23:54

Pictured - a screenshot from the Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy trailer, showing the protagonist holding a sword in front of a mine entrance. (Image source: Steam)

Steam release: Baldur’s Gate-style RPG with "Very Positive" reviews launches on Steam alongside launch discount

Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy has officially launched on Steam after exiting early access. You can now try out its full story, classless RPG systems, and dual combat modes. The 1.0 release marks AtomTeam’s complete vision for the fa...

Anubhav Sharma, 17 Dec 2025 22:23

An image showing the Milky Way and a shooting star. (Image source: D_Van_Rensburg - Pixabay)

The Ursids, the last meteor shower of 2025, will soon reach its peak

During the next few days, it will be possible to observe the last meteor shower of the year, the Ursids. And it will be necessary to follow some tips to enjoy the show.

Alexis Stegmann, 17 Dec 2025 20:44

A screengrab of a Karambit Case Hardened knife (image source: Skinflow)

Counter-Strike creator says skins, not gameplay, are fueling CS2’s Steam dominance

Counter-Strike co-creator Minh “Gooseman” Le said CS2’s grip on Steam is driven less by tactical gunplay than by a booming, speculative market for cosmetic weapon skins. In a wide-ranging interview, he reflected on how a dorm-room...

Rahim Amir Noorali, 17 Dec 2025 20:38

The Ricoh GR IV HDF is now available for pre-order. (Image source: Ricoh)

Ricoh GR IV HDF compact camera with APS-C sensor now available for pre-order

The Ricoh GR IV HDF compact camera with APS-C sensor, image stabilization and innovative Highlight Diffusion Filter is now available for pre-order. However, Ricoh is charging a premium for the high-quality compact camera.

Hannes Brecher, 17 Dec 2025 20:30

Nvidia is reportedly planning to drastically reduce its production of gaming graphics cards. (Image source: Alban)

DRAM crisis could cause new GPU shortages, Nvidia expected to drastically cut GeForce RTX production

Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5000 Super graphics cards and laptop GPUs have already fallen victim to the DRAM crisis. Now, the next GPU shortage could be imminent, as Nvidia is expected to reduce production of gaming graphics cards by up ...

Hannes Brecher, 17 Dec 2025 20:29

Nintendo Switch 2 shown with 16GB Game-Key Card (Image source: Nintendo of America with edits)

Lower-cost Switch 2 cartridges could be coming as a welcome Game-Key Card alternative

The only conventional physical option for Nintendo Switch 2 games is costly 64GB media. That could soon change, after reports that smaller cartridges are in the works. The decision may be a response to higher storage prices, but G...

Adam Corsetti, 17 Dec 2025 20:22

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 (pictured) is receiving a new update. (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei smartwatch update brings new eSIM and heart rate related features

Huawei is currently pushing a new software update, HarmonyOS 6.0.0.156, to a recently released smartwatch. It brings a new option for calls and SMS messages with an activated eSIM. Plus, users of the Watch Ultimate 2 can now conne...

Polly Allcock, 17 Dec 2025 19:50

Samsung’s 2026 Micro RGB TVs (one such model pictured) will be on show at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, US. (Image source: Samsung)

New upgraded Samsung Micro RGB TVs coming soon

The 2026 Samsung Micro RGB TVs have been teased. In an official announcement, the company confirmed that it will reveal its upgraded Micro RGB model at CES 2026. Available in sizes from 55-inch to 115-inch, the new TVs are expecte...

Polly Allcock, 17 Dec 2025 19:45

Xiaomi is now selling the 67W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) (pictured) in the UK. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi 67W power bank 10000 now available in the UK

The Xiaomi 67W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) is now available at the brand’s online store in the UK. Released a few weeks ago in other European countries, this model can be used to charge up to three devices simultaneously. ...

Polly Allcock, 17 Dec 2025 19:39

Casio’s G-Shock Maison Kitsuné watch (pictured) has been released in more European countries. (Image source: Casio)

Casio G-Shock watch with mini fox indicator now available in more countries

Casio has released the new G-Shock Maison Kitsuné collaboration watch in more European countries. This model has a beige and bright orange design, and features the brand’s iconic fox in several places. The hybrid watch supports wo...

Polly Allcock, 17 Dec 2025 19:30

An illustration showing the planet Mars and its atmosphere. (Image source: Aynur_zakirov - Pixabay)

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured its 100,000th image of Mars

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured its 100,000th image of Mars, showing unique landscapes. And that's not all, because scientists are also studying this image for future missions.

Alexis Stegmann, 17 Dec 2025 19:00

The OmniBook X Flip 16 will soon be available with Intel Panther Lake processors, current model pictured. (Image source: HP)

New HP OmniBook X Flip 16 rears its head with Intel Panther Lake at retailer for $999

A major US retailer has revealed HP's plans for the OmniBook X Flip 16 ahead of schedule. Currently available with Intel Lunar Lake, the 16-inch convertible is on the verge of being upgraded to newer Panther Lake processors while ...

Alex Alderson, 17 Dec 2025 18:59

Gnome desktop bans AI code in extensions

Gnome Linux desktop bans vibe-coded extensions over AI slop code

Gnome has officially banned the use of AI-generated code in its shell extensions, but the justification is more pragmatic than it is ideological. As of the announcement, any code submitted for consideration in the Gnome Extensions...

Julian van der Merwe, 17 Dec 2025 18:41

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 in its two launch colours. (Image source: OnePlus)

Pad Go 2: OnePlus reveals full global pricing, deals and availability for new 120 Hz tablet

OnePlus has now revealed the price of the Pad Go 2 and when it will begin shipping. Equipped with a 120 Hz display and a 10,050 mAh battery, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 can also be picked up with free Watch 2R or Buds 4 accessories in so...

Alex Alderson, 17 Dec 2025 18:05

The Viofo A119M Pro dash cam is equipped with a circular polarizing lens (Image source: Viofo)

Viofo A119M Pro front-only 4K dash cam launches with night vision and GPS

The A119M Pro is a new dash cam from Viofo, offering a 4K front camera. The single-channel camera is equipped with a Sony IMX678 1/1.8” 8 MP lens based on Sony Starvis 2 sensor tech, which is said to offer 4K 30 fps recording. Oth...

Abhinav Fating, 17 Dec 2025 18:00

Red Dead Redemption 2 might not be offered as a free game. Pictured: edited promo picture of the game. (Image source: Rockstar and Epic Games Store)

Epic Games Store fuels skepticism over mystery free games leak with sale promotions

The recently leaked Epic Games Store free games list for the holiday 2025 season claimed that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be offered during the giveaway event. MeguminShiro has just highlighted why this is less likely to happen.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 17 Dec 2025 17:49

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