Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

GTA 6 artwork with Jason, Lucia, and dollar sign (Image source: Rockstar Games with edits)

Venture capital firm predicts $80 GTA 6 price, generating $7.6 billion by 60 days after release date

If one investment firm is correct, GTA 6 will demolish previous sales records within two months. Konvoy believes that buyers will be more than accepting of a $80 GTA 6 price. Rockstar Games will earn additional revenue from subscr...

Adam Corsetti, 16 Jul 2025 01:08

Avowed is Obsidian's latest video game title available on Xbox, PC, and Steam. (Image source: Obsidian Entertaiment)

Avowed's latest update brings along Steam Deck verification, new weapons and abilities, and more

The latest update for Obsidian's Avowed brings several new changes including official support for the Steam Deck. The update has also fixed several bugs and added many new features, too.

Habeeb Onawole, 16 Jul 2025 00:59

Cyberpunk 2077 will be released soon for macOS. (Image source: Notebookcheck / CD Projekt Red, edited)

Cyberpunk 2077 to be released on Thursday for macOS with FSR frame generation and path tracing

Cyberpunk 2077 will be released for macOS on Thursday, July 17. Anyone with a Mac with Apple M1 or later and at least 16 GB of RAM will be able to explore Night City in just a few days, with support for AMD FSR frame generation, H...

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 23:41

The C64 returns with FPGA. (Image source: Commodore)

Commodore 64 Ultimate launches as authentic new edition with both modern and classic connectivity, keyboard and FPGA

The Commodore 64 is coming back as an Ultimate edition, which aims to provide a particularly authentic user experience. Licensed software is included and it runs not only on modern monitors but also on classic devices.

Silvio Werner, 15 Jul 2025 23:41

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox is officially Xbox licensed. (Image source: 8BitDo)

8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox is officially available on Amazon

8BitDo has confirmed that its latest leverless arcade controller for Xbox consoles is now officially available on Amazon. Shipping before the end of the month, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox features a significantly larger ...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jul 2025 23:35

MSI offers the Claw A8 in two colours at launch. (Image source: MSI)

MSI Claw A8: Availability of first AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme gaming handheld expanded following initial release

MSI has released its latest 8-inch gaming handheld in another market. While the company has not set a full global release date yet, early indications suggest that the Claw A8 could retail for between the Intel Lunar Lake-based Cla...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jul 2025 23:17

The Galaxy Z Fold7 appears to be thinner than the Ivory White version of the Magic V5 here, from right to left. (Image source: Ice Universe)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 undercuts Honor Magic V5 in crucial area despite official claims

Officially, the Honor Magic V5 is said to be thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 when opting for the former's Ivory White variant. Independent analysis suggests that the Galaxy Z Fold7 could be the thinnest foldable around, th...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jul 2025 23:04

Pictures of Pixel 10 series prototypes have already emerged online before Google's rumoured August launch event. (Image source: Goofish)

Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL edge closer to release after recent marketplace leak

Three of Google's forthcoming flagships have now turned up on regulatory bodies in the US and Singapore. Confirming that Google is developing multiple versions of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, the regulatory bodi...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jul 2025 22:37

Red Dead Redemption 2 was released on October 6, 2018. (Image source: Rockstar, Steam, edited)

Deal | Huge 75% Steam discount: Blockbuster single-player title with stunning open world reaches record-low price

Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar's 2018 blockbuster, is now on sale on Steam at its lowest price ever. Coming in under $20, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a phenomenal open-world adventure that blends cinematic action, expert storytellin...

Fawad Murtaza, 15 Jul 2025 22:32

Some Google Pixel 6a users have massive issues after the latest software update (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Google Pixel 6a owners complain about massive battery downgrade after mandatory update

Over the past few days, Google has rolled out an update to the Pixel 6a, which has drastically reduced the battery life and charging speed of some smartphones. Users are now reporting problems and some serious issues caused by thi...

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 22:22

Amazfit’s Active 2 (Round) smartwatch (pictured) is receiving an update. (Image source: Amazfit)

Amazfit releases new Active 2 update with strength training fix

Amazfit is pushing an update to the Active 2 (Round) smartwatch. Software version 6.1.20.3 is a relatively minor update, fixing a bug linked to strength workouts. However, it is unclear whether it resolves another issue flagged af...

Polly Allcock, 15 Jul 2025 22:19

The Output Co-Producer plugin for digital audio workstations leverages AI to create new music audio variations quickly. (Image source: Output)

Output adds Re-imagine to its Co-Producer plugin for digital audio workstations: AI-generated music sample variations

Output Co-Producer uses AI to generate endless sound sample variations from text prompts or existing tracks. Compatible with major DAWs, the plugin streamlines remixing and idea generation while avoiding copyright issues.

David Chien, 15 Jul 2025 22:19

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Smartwatch front view (Image source: Garmin)

Deal | The long-lasting Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar smartwatch is $400 off its regular price in Amazon sale

When battery life is a priority, the solar-powered Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire is a more appealing deal than its rivals. Reliable fitness and GPS tracking add to the value of this Garmin smartwatch. At a 44% discount, the Fenix 7 Pro is ...

Adam Corsetti, 15 Jul 2025 22:11

The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock has RGB lighting and an M.2 SSD slot (Image source: Razer)

Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock expands laptops by M.2 SSD and three 4K 144Hz monitors

Razer's new docking station connects to a laptop or gaming handheld via Thunderbolt 5, which allows the dock to drive three 4K monitors at up to 144Hz. With an M.2 SSD slot and total of 11 ports, the dock offers versatile connecti...

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 22:08

Ugreen will soon launch the first Qi2.2 power bank (Image source: Ugreen)

Faster wireless charging: Ugreen presents world's first power bank with Qi2.2 certification

Ugreen has introduced the first power bank that’s officially Qi2.2 certified. The so-called MagFlow 25W Magnetic Power Bank offers faster wireless charging at up to 25W and other advantages over the older Qi2 standard.

Marcus Schwarten, 15 Jul 2025 21:35

The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme powered MSI Claw 8 variant has been spotted on Geekbench (image source: MSI)

AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme shows up on Geekbench alongside new MSI Claw handheld

The AMD Ryzen Z2 has been benchmarked on Geekbench. While the listing gives us a decent idea about its GPU performance gains, the same can’t be said about the CPU.

Anil Ganti, 15 Jul 2025 21:14

Google’s best Pixel 8 Pro deal yet includes a free Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Image source: Daniel Schmidt / Notebookcheck)

Deal | Google Pixel 8 Pro hits lowest price ever with free Pixel Watch 2 LTE in tow

Google's knocking $400 off its still-excellent Pixel 8 Pro. Not only that, the company is also tossing in a free Pixel Watch 2 and a case. It's one of the best smartphone deals we've seen in a while.

Kristen Spradlin, 15 Jul 2025 21:09

The Form Smart Swim 2 Pro is said to be significantly more robust than the base model thanks to Gorilla Glass 3. (Image source: Form)

Form Smart Swim 2 Pro swimming goggles display heart rate, distance and more in field of vision

The Form Smart Swim 2 Pro swimming goggles display important metrics such as current heart rate or lap time directly in your field of vision, and collect metrics such as distance covered or stroke rate, which are then synchronized...

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 20:37

Hisense U75QG series smart TV in a living room. (Image source: Amazon)

Deal | This 55-inch mini-LED ULED TV with 165 Hz refresh rate and VRR is over 30% off on Amazon

The Hisense 55U75QG comes with up to 3000 local dimming zones and up to 3000 nits peak brightness, complimented by its 165 Hz refresh rate and VRR support. For a limited time, Amazon is selling it for under $600.

Vineet Washington, 15 Jul 2025 20:33

The front of the upcoming Apple iPhone 17 is likely to remain the same as the iPhone 16 pictured above. (Image source: Own)

Leak: Apple iPhone 17 gets major SoC upgrade in lastest analyst report

A fresh detail from reliable analyst Jeff Pu has revealed that the upcoming iPhone 17 is now expected to boast the A19 SoC, and not the soon-to-be last-gen A18 chip. This is great news for folks who prefer going for the entry-leve...

Sambit Saha, 15 Jul 2025 20:18

The upcoming foldable iPhone from Apple is rumored to boast a crease-free display. (Image source: Concept Creator via YouTube)

iPhone Fold might have the upper hand over Galaxy Fold7 in this key area, but not for long

A recent report by Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will have a nearly crease-free display, which will put it well ahead of other foldables which are still plagued by the creasing issue - assuming, of cou...

Sambit Saha, 15 Jul 2025 20:18

Seemingly minor SteamOS beta yet again expands support for the Lenovo Legion Go S gaming handheld

The latest SteamOS beta update brings additional support for the Lenovo Legion Go S hardware, again making it evident that it is dedicated to the widespread adoption of the Linux-based OS.

Julian van der Merwe, 15 Jul 2025 20:12

The Edifier MR5 studio monitors (pictured) come in both black and white. (Image source: Edifier - Edited)

Edifier launches new MR5 studio monitors with tri-amped design and high-res audio support

Edifier’s new MR5 studio monitors feature a tri-amped 3-way design, hi-res audio support, and Bluetooth LDAC. Priced at $349.99 (for the pair), they are debuting as a major upgrade over the earlier MR4 model.

Anubhav Sharma, 15 Jul 2025 20:06

The Realme 15 will be available in three colors including Flowing Silver (pictured). (Image source: Sudhanshu Ambhore)

Realme 15 to launch with a 144Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek processor, and a 7,000mAh battery

After revealing key specs of the Realme 15 Pro, Realme has also publicized some details of the Realme 15. Both phones will have a near identical design and even share some features, but there are enough differences to set them apa...

Habeeb Onawole, 15 Jul 2025 19:57

Official image from the game Life is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection. (Image source: Nintendo)

The Life is Strange saga will be released as a collection on PS5, and a date has already been announced

Fans of Life is Strange have something to look forward to, thanks to some exciting news from Square Enix. Five games will be available starting October 2, 2025, and pre-orders are already open.

Alexis Stegmann, 15 Jul 2025 19:53

A concept render of Apple's iPhone Fold prototype. (Image source: Digital Chat Station on Weibo)

iPhone Fold could be cheaper than expected

Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be cheaper than initially expected, but not by much. The company is said to save some money on the SoC, cameras, and memory which would theoretically bring the final MSRP down, a bit.

Vineet Washington, 15 Jul 2025 19:35

The Alpha-One is a new mini PC that's based on the RISV architecture (Image source: Pine64)

Alpha-One: Silent mini PC can run AI locally and is now available

The Pine64 Alpha-One is a new and compact computer that ’s designed for running AI models locally. The mini PC is passively cooled and should therefore be completely silent.

Silvio Werner, 15 Jul 2025 19:30

GNCA - GamersNexus Consumer Advocacy (image source: YouTube)

Multiple product recalls, device bans, and AI tensions hit tech industry this week

A new Tipline episode from Gamers Nexus highlights a series of consumer tech issues, including Alienware laptop fire reports, widespread Anker power bank recalls, Wikipedia rejecting AI-generated summaries, Switch 2 device bans fo...

Sebastian Jankowski, 15 Jul 2025 19:26

The Sony RX1R III puts a 61MP full-frame sensor in a compact body (Image source: Sony)

Sony RX1R III: Full-frame compact camera with 61MP sensor, Zeiss lens and OLED viewfinder unveiled

The Leica Q3 finally gets serious competition as Sony brings back the popular RX1R after almost a decade. This full-frame compact camera combines a 61-megapixel sensor with a 35mm lens and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder.

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 19:14

The Oukitel WP53 Pro smartphone has arrived with a plethora of durability features for camping and adventure enthusiasts. (Image source: Oukitel)

WP53 Pro: Affordable rugged smartphone boasts 11,000 mAh battery, camping light, and 6.52-inch display

The recently launched Oukitel WP53 Pro is an affordable rugged smartphone which, like many others in its class, boasts a massive 11,000 mAh battery for ultra-long battery life away from the grid. A built-in camping light is also p...

Sambit Saha, 15 Jul 2025 19:10

A Rivian EV running Google Maps. (Image source: Rivian)

Finally, Google Maps comes to Rivian R1T and R1S replacing annoying stock navigation

Both first- and second-generation Rivian R1T and R1S EVs are finally getting a much-requested update to navigation thanks to Google Maps integration. Rivian drivers should start seeing the update as there are no rollout timelines ...

Vineet Washington, 15 Jul 2025 19:02

Starlink download speeds are rising. (Image source: SpaceX)

Starlink tops satellite Internet download speeds and latency ranking

The satellite Internet download speeds of Starlink have been compared to rival providers of such services. Another important aspect of Internet connectivity - ping - has also been tested.

Daniel Zlatev, 15 Jul 2025 18:59

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Washing and Drying 12kg (pictured) has arrived in China. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi unveils new Mijia Washing Machine with extra large drum

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Washing and Drying 12kg has been released in China. This new large drum model is suitable for families, washing up to 12 kg loads and drying up to 9 kg loads. It features an AI laundry assistant, H...

Polly Allcock, 15 Jul 2025 18:48

John Wick Hex will no longer be purchasable digitally from July 17 (image source: Steam)

John Wick Hex to leave all digital storefronts soon

Bithell Games has announced it is pulling John Wick Hex from all digital storefronts on July 17. Thankfully, anyone who already owns the game can still play it after that date.

Anil Ganti, 15 Jul 2025 18:36

Apple last used Sky Blue on an iPhone for its iPhone 13 Pro generation. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

iPhone 17: Return of Sky Blue colour now tipped to arrive on ultra-thin new iPhone rather than Pro model

The iPhone 17 series is still expected to be a few months away from being released. Nonetheless, leaker Majin Bu has provided an update on the prospect of Apple returning to its long-lost Sky Blue colour option.

Alex Alderson, 15 Jul 2025 18:27

Stop Killing Games gains traction with EU parliament official - 'A game, once sold, belongs to the customer, not the company'

Stop Killing Games has largely put its weight behind an EU Citizen's Initiative, and that seems to be paying off, as the movement to protect the ownership of video games has earned its first endorsement in the EU parliament.

Julian van der Merwe, 15 Jul 2025 18:27

The Galaxy Z Fold7, Magic V5, Find N5 and X Fold5, from left to right. (Image source: Ice Universe)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 reigns supreme over Honor Magic V5, Oppo Find N5 and Vivo X Fold5 in early independent weight test

Discounting inner screen protectors is often used by smartphone manufacturers when advertising the weight of their foldables. However, an independent test conducted by Ice Universe highlights that the Galaxy Z Fold7 undercuts its ...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jul 2025 18:23

The Honor X70 5G is waterproof and should survive drops from certain heights (Image source: Honor)

8,300mAh, 80W wireless charging and 6,000 nits: Honor X70 5G debuts

Honor has introduced the X70 5G, a new mid-range smartphone with much endurance thanks to a gigantic 8,300mAh battery and a modern Snapdragon chipset. With a 6,000-nit AMOLED display and a waterproof chassis, the Honor X70 5G argu...

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 18:19

The Vention 20000mAh Power Bank is now available via Amazon in Europe. (Image source: Vention)

New Vention 20000mAh Power Bank with 165W power arrives

Vention’s 20000mAh Power Bank 100W is now available via Amazon in various European countries. This model can be used to charge three devices simultaneously, with an up to 165W combined output. Other features include an integrated ...

Polly Allcock, 15 Jul 2025 18:12

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX laptop CPU pulls ahead of the Core i5 14500HX CPU by quite a lot in Passmark. (Image source: Passmark, Intel, edited)

Intel Core Ultra 245HX laptop CPU shockingly defeats desktop counterpart in CPU benchmark

With the Arrow Lake generation, it appears that the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 Desktop CPU bewilderingly fails to keep up with its laptop counterpart, the Core Ultra 5 245HX. Both CPUs feature the same 14-core setup, although the 245H...

Sambit Saha, 15 Jul 2025 18:07

Mockup showing Donkey Kong Bananza as a Switch game (Image source: Nintendo of America with edits)

Donkey Kong Bananza devs describe benefits of Switch 2 specs and share original Switch game screenshot

A new Nintendo interview offers insight into how the Switch limited Donkey Kong Bananza development. Only as a Switch 2 game could the title's destructible environments become a reality. For the first time, the developers also pro...

Adam Corsetti, 15 Jul 2025 18:02

Portal 2 on the Nintendo Switch 2. (Image source: Nintendo Store)

Switch 2 backward compatibility improved with latest update

Firmware version 20.2.0 for the Switch 2, along with general stability improvements, has improved backward compatibility with some games that previously either crashed on startup or had stability issues. The patch notes, however, ...

Vineet Washington, 15 Jul 2025 17:59

A front-facing view of the Steam Deck with Elden Ring running on the left side of the screen and the Lossless Scaling plug-in settings visible on the right, including FPS Multiplier, Flow Scale, and Performance Mode toggles. (Image source: Deck Wizard/YouTube)

Steam Deck gets unofficial Lossless Scaling plug-in claiming up to 3x FPS boosts, but there's a catch

A new plug-in brings real-time frame generation to the Steam Deck, boosting FPS in demanding games and aiming to stretch the handheld’s capabilities further than ever before.

Anmol Dubey, 15 Jul 2025 17:36

The Descent S1 smart diving buoy. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin outs Descent S1 smart buoy to go with its watches for diver monitoring and communication

Rugged smartwatch maker Garmin continues its expansion into various sports and niche outdoor activities, which include diving as well. Divers and surface crews can now take advantage of its first smart buoy supported by the Garmin...

Daniel Zlatev, 15 Jul 2025 17:19

The Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus Bluetooth speaker comes in black, blue, and green color options (Image source: Tribit)

Tribit unveils new Stormbox Mini Plus portable speaker with 12 hours of playtime and special lights

The Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus portable speaker has launched in the global markets. The Bluetooth speaker features a compact design, customizable EQ profiles, 360° surround sound, interactive LED lights, up to 12 hours of battery l...

Abhinav Fating, 15 Jul 2025 17:19

Software version 3.2.10.1 for the Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch (pictured) is rolling out globally. (Image source: Amazfit)

Amazfit Bip 6 gets Zepp OS 5.0 in new update

Amazfit’s Bip 6 smartwatch is getting Zepp OS 5.0 with its latest software update. This brings a couple of new features to the wearable, like the ability to adjust the font size. Another arrival is Zepp Flow 2.0, which is accompan...

Polly Allcock, 15 Jul 2025 17:16

An image from season 21 of South Park. (Image source: Paramount+)

South Park is no longer available worldwide, except in this country

Since yesterday, South Park is no longer available worldwide, except in the United States, angering many fans. But there are reasons that explain this decision, even if no one knows when this cult program will reappear in the coun...

Alexis Stegmann, 15 Jul 2025 17:12

Recruit Holdings cuts 1,300 jobs as Indeed and Glassdoor pivot to AI (Image source: Dall-E 3)

Glassdoor and Indeed parent company to cut 1,300 jobs as AI hiring tools ramp up

Recruit Holdings to cut 1,300 jobs—about six percent of its HR-tech workforce—and fold Glassdoor into Indeed as it accelerates AI-driven hiring tools.

Nathan Ali, 15 Jul 2025 17:06

Stronghold Crusader returns with a definitive edition after 23 years. (Image source: Firefly Studios)

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition launches today, DLC roadmaps and reviews are here

One of the most beloved medieval strategy games of the early 2000s returns after 23 years with a definitive edition. The developers have unveiled a post-release content roadmap, whilst early reviews have flagged several issues.

Hannes Brecher, 15 Jul 2025 17:00

Jurassic World Evolution 2 was released in November 2021, and it still holds up as a depth-rich park management sim in 2025. Pictured - a cinematic screenshot from the game. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | Steam: "A dynamic and deadly experience" - 95% off a highly rated $59.99 dino sim brings it down to only $2.99

A well-rated dinosaur park-building sim based on the iconic film franchise, Jurassic World Evolution 2, is now 95% off on Steam. Originally $59.99, it has received a lot of praise for visuals and overall depth.

Anubhav Sharma, 15 Jul 2025 16:58

09.07	Fast überall einsetzbar - doch es gibt einen Haken
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