Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

Garmin’s Fenix 8 (pictured) is one of several smartwatches receiving beta version 21.18. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin fixes smartwatch HRV issue in new beta update

The Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3 and Tactix 8 smartwatches are getting a new beta update. The version 21.18 release tackles an issue linked to the wearable’s HRV feature. Plus, the change log also lists an improvement related...

Polly Allcock, 24 Jan 2026 13:43

The Apple Watch can detect atrial fibrillation. (Image source: Benedikt Winkel, Notebookcheck)

Study: Apple Watch detects atrial fibrillation "better" than standard medical check-up

A new study shows that the Apple Watch can warn of heart problems and thus potentially save lives. Using a wearable device even offers advantages over routine checkups with the doctor.

Silvio Werner, 24 Jan 2026 13:18

Microsoft hands over BitLocker keys in the event of a court order. (Symbolic image created with Nano Banana Pro)

Cloud risk with BitLocker: Microsoft occasionally hands over BitLocker keys to the FBI

While Apple and Google stress that they cannot unlock customer devices, the situation is different with Windows encryption: Microsoft routinely hands over BitLocker keys from the cloud to law enforcement agencies.

Marc Herter, 24 Jan 2026 13:14

The successor to the Samsung Galaxy A56 can now be seen for the first time in real-world images, in a new color option. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Samsung Galaxy A57: First real-world images reveal design and new color option

Following a recent certification that revealed the most important specs for the successor to the Samsung Galaxy A56, several real-world images have now been released, revealing not only the general design but also a new color opti...

Alexander Fagot, 24 Jan 2026 13:13

ZOTAC RTX 50-series GPUs. (Image Source: ZOTAC)

ZOTAC reportedly canceled RTX 50 series orders before relisting the same cards at higher prices

ZOTAC is facing criticism after reports of canceled RTX 50 series GPU orders followed by sudden price increases. The orders were canceled due to “system errors,” but the same cards reappeared with much higher prices.

Abdul Haddi, 24 Jan 2026 12:33

Lenovo LOQ 17 vs. Acer Nitro V 17 (image source: Gemini-created using real laptop pictures)

Acer Nitro V 17 vs. Lenovo LOQ 17: Which RTX 5070 gaming laptop is the better budget choice?

The Acer Nitro V 17 and Lenovo LOQ 17 are currently among the most affordable 17-inch gaming laptops equipped with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics. Both start at around €1,249, yet despite similar pricing and comparable core spec...

Christian Hintze, 24 Jan 2026 12:30

Xbox Game Pass free games for this weekend. (Image Source: Microsoft)

Xbox Game Pass members can play these four games for free this weekend

Xbox Game Pass subscribers can try a small lineup of full games for free this weekend as part of the Free Play Days program. All four games are also currently listed at discounted prices.

Abdul Haddi, 24 Jan 2026 11:36

Pictured - an in-game screenshot from the game Escape from Ever After. (Image source: Steam)

New action-RPG with corporate satire launches on Steam with launch discount in tow

Escape from Ever After officially landed on Steam on Jan 23, 2026. You won't find any mushrooms in this new Paper Mario-style RPG, but there is a lot of corporate satire. Players have to climb the literal corporate ladder of Ever ...

Anubhav Sharma, 24 Jan 2026 10:43

This collection has "Sid Meier's greatest games." Pictured: a picture showing the Steam Deck running Civ VI. (Image source: Valve - edited)

Deal | Humble Bundle offers 10 genre-defining Steam Deck-playable strategy games for $15

The game bundle section on Humble Bundle has seen another new addition, The Sid Meier Collection. It has 10 relatively well-rated strategy games from the legendary designer, all of which can be played on the Steam Deck and purchas...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 24 Jan 2026 09:21

The Motorola Signature features an IP69/IP68 water resistance rating (Image source: Motorola)

Motorola’s new Signature smartphone now available in India

Motorola has officially launched the Signature smartphone in the Indian market, starting at Rs 59,999 (~$654.47). Motorola’s new flagship smartphone boasts a 5,200 mAh battery, 50 MP triple rear cameras, and a 165 Hz AMOLED panel...

Abhinav Fating, 24 Jan 2026 09:18

Oppo Find N6 heads for global release as multiple certifications emerge

The Oppo Find N6 is expected to succeed the Find N5, which was released in February 2025. Following its recent certification in China, the global model of the upcoming foldable phone has now appeared in multiple regulatory listing...

Huzefa Baloch, 24 Jan 2026 08:28

A screengrab of Razer CEO Min Liang Tan on the podcast (image source: Decoder with Nilay Patel YT)

Razer’s CEO says gamers hate generative AI slop even as the company invests nearly 600 million dollars in AI tools

Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan acknowledges that gamers “are unhappy with generative AI slop” even as the company pours nearly $600 million into AI, insisting the technology should stay behind the scenes as a tool for QA, bug hunting, an...

Rahim Amir Noorali, 24 Jan 2026 07:54

A promotional poster of the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D (image source: AMD)

AMD’s Ryzen 7 9850X3D: 5.6 GHz Zen 5 gaming chip lands at $499 MSRP

AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a Zen 5-based octa-core CPU with 3D V-Cache, launches at $499 on January 29, 2026, positioning itself as a higher-clocked, better-binned successor to the 9800X3D. While it delivers top-tier gaming perfor...

Rahim Amir Noorali, 24 Jan 2026 07:37

Abxylute E1 Dual-OS retro handheld hands-on

Jack of two trades, master of one. The Abxylute E1 is a retro handheld well-suited for gaming up to the Sega Dreamcast. It's main gimmick allows users to boot into Android 11, opening the possibility of Android gaming and wireless file transfers. However, this feat...

Sam Medley, 24 Jan 2026 05:25

Webb finds the first conclusive evidence to explain a mind-puzzling mystery

Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have found the forging site of crystalline silicates. They also discovered how these particles are possibly distributed. The study provided evidence to explain how cold comets ge...

Chibuike Okpara, 24 Jan 2026 03:39

Auroras over Covesea Lighthouse, Scotland (Image credit: Scott Mellis via Space.com; edited)

Powerful solar storm brings Northern Lights to unexpected places

Earth was hit by a coronal mass ejection from the Sun. This event triggered a dramatic and beautiful phenomenon witnessed by skywatchers on January 19. Auroras (northern lights) lit up the sky in a colorful fashion.

Chibuike Okpara, 24 Jan 2026 03:20

16-inch Lenovo Legion Pro 7 OLED gaming laptop front shown at angle (Image source: Lenovo with edits)

Deal | 16-inch Lenovo Legion Pro 7 OLED gaming laptop with RTX 5070 Ti and 32GB RAM sees $1550 discount

The latest Lenovo laptop deal combines the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU with the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti graphics card. While not the lightest 16-inch candidate, the Legion Pro 7 prioritizes gaming performance. The display on the OLED gaming...

Adam Corsetti, 24 Jan 2026 02:49

Image of region G033.91+0.11. At the center of this image is a protostar (image source: several - see sources; cropped)

Hubble peers through thick dust to capture hidden young stars

Recently released images from NASA’s Hubble showed baby stars and their properties. By studying the properties of the stars, astronomers can try to determine the evolutionary stage of the star. All of these are important in unders...

Chibuike Okpara, 24 Jan 2026 02:34

The iQoo Z11 Turbo's display. (Image source: iQoo)

Global Vivo iQoo 15R surfaces on Geekbench with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

iQoo's next global release, the iQoo 15R, has appeared on Geekbench, confirming its chipset. The device is expected to be a rebranded version of the iQoo Z11 Turbo, which launched in China in January.

Huzefa Baloch, 24 Jan 2026 01:43

Windows 11 KB5074109 update: Microsoft advises rollback

The Windows 11 KB5074109 update is causing crashes, black screens, and app failures, prompting Microsoft to advise affected users to uninstall it.

Darryl Linington, 24 Jan 2026 00:02

The Tapo C630 Kit (pictured) has been released in Europe. (Image source: Tapo)

New Tapo 3K solar security camera now available in Europe

The Tapo C630 Solar-Powered Pan/Tilt Security Camera Kit from TP-Link is rolling out across Europe. This new model is designed for outdoor use, with a 3K 5MP camera and smart motion tracking functionality. It can also use AI to de...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 23:42

Garmin’s Approach R50 (pictured) is receiving software version 4.80. (Image source: Garmin)

Premium Garmin device gets new features in software update

A new update is rolling out to one of Garmin’s premium golfing products. Software version 4.80 brings seven new features to the device, including a new play mode. Plus, users of the Approach R50 also get several improvements linke...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 23:42

The UnifyDrive UC450 Pro and UC250 are now available for interested customers, packing a healthy array of features. (Image source: UnifyDrive, edited)

UnifyDrive UC250 and UC450 Pro NAS go on sale with up to 128 GB DDR5 memory, 152 TB storage, and 10 Gb Ethernet

UnifyDrive has now made the UC250 and UC450 Pro NAS systems available for purchase. Priced at $399 and $1,499 respectively, the two NAS systems target both the affordable and high-end segments, offering features that match their r...

Sambit Saha, 23 Jan 2026 22:48

A conceptual image of the James Webb Space Telescope (Image source: NASA)

Webb zooms in on the Helix Nebula to see what happens around a dying star

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope provided a detailed image of the Helix Nebula. The high-resolution image revealed the structure of the gas being shed off from the dying star. With this image, astronomers can see how stars recycl...

Chibuike Okpara, 23 Jan 2026 22:35

The JBL BandBox series is made for musicians (Image source: JBL)

JBL BandBox Solo and Trio combine amplifier with Bluetooth speaker and AI

JBL is introducing two new products in the BandBox series that combine an AI-powered amplifier for musicians and bands with a Bluetooth speaker. Thanks to the so-called Stem AI, individual elements of songs can be emphasized, and ...

Marcus Schwarten, 23 Jan 2026 22:28

Garmin’s Approach S44 and S50 (pictured) smartwatches are receiving system software 8.04. (Image source: Garmin)

Garmin releases new stable update with fix for music app

Garmin system software 8.04 is now available for two of the brand’s smartwatches. This new update tackles a range of issues with the wearables, one of which is linked to the music app. Plus, this release also addresses a range of ...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 21:53

Ugreen’s new 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger (pictured) has been released in the US. (Image source: Ugreen, edited)

Cheaper Ugreen 2-in-1 wireless charger now available in the US

Ugreen has released its Zapix 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger in the US. This product is designed primarily for Apple devices and could be suited to a desk or a bedside table. The accessory has a Qi2 certified wireless charging p...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 21:48

The Casio G-Shock x Hardies NYC DW-6900HH-5 watch (pictured) is coming to Europe. (Image source: Casio)

New Casio G-Shock watch with colorful display coming to more countries soon

Casio has officially confirmed that the new G-Shock x Hardies NYC DW-6900HH-5 watch will be released in Europe in the near future. This model has a brown and purple/pink design, with a purple colored digital display. Other feature...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 21:44

Tapo’s C545D Outdoor Security camera (pictured) is now available in Europe. (Image source: Tapo)

Tapo releases new dual-lens security camera with free smart notifications

The TP-Link Tapo C545D Outdoor Dual Lens Pan/Tilt Security Camera is now available in various European countries. The smart outdoor security camera has an upper wide-angle camera fixed in position, and a lower pan/tilt camera to t...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 21:33

Ubisoft Mobile HQ studio is shown (Image source: Ubisoft with edits)

Following cancelled Ubisoft games, employees reportedly set to mass quit before layoffs

Ubisoft talent who have so far survived layoffs are openly voicing their displeasure at management. A report suggests that many are already seeking employment elsewhere. Some developers had worked on cancelled Ubisoft games, inclu...

Adam Corsetti, 23 Jan 2026 21:20

The Machenike GTS mini-PC's status display can show key metrics in multiple postures. (Image source: Machenike)

Cheaper model now available: Intel Arrow Lake Machenike GTS mini-PC launches with new version

Machenike has updated its unusual-looking mini-PC with a cheaper variant. Still equipped with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, the new edition is around 30% cheaper than Machenike's original Core Ultra 9 285H-powered variant.

Alex Alderson, 23 Jan 2026 21:04

A die shot of a current AMD Strix Halo APU. (Image source: HKEPC)

New AMD Ryzen AI Max 400 APUs detailed as Gorgon Halo refresh looms

AMD has just updated its Strix Halo series with new options. Nonetheless, various sources have already obtained information about an alleged Gorgon Halo refresh that AMD will land before the end of 2026.

Alex Alderson, 23 Jan 2026 20:54

An alleged look at the Osmo Pocket 4 Pro from the front. (Image source: u/gtm_ray)

Osmo Pocket 4 Pro: New DJI vlogging camera reveals itself with first look at dual cameras

A new leak has provided a first look at the Osmo Pocket 4 Pro from the front. Highlighting dual cameras in the process, the leak implies that the launch of DJI's first 'Pro' vlogging camera could be right around the corner.

Alex Alderson, 23 Jan 2026 20:46

The Tecra A65-M has poor color reproduction despite its >$1000 asking price (Image source: Dynabook)

This one disadvantage really brings down the new Dynabook Tecra A65-M

The Tecra A65-M would have been a stellar budget-oriented business laptop if it weren't for its poor choice of IPS panels and lack of sRGB colors.

Allen Ngo, 23 Jan 2026 20:45

The Legion 7 could eventually be available with an Nvidia N1X chipset. (Image source: Lenovo)

New Nvidia N1X and Nvidia N1V laptops revealed

Lenovo has officially mentioned its first Nvidia N1X gaming laptop. A new Legion 7 machine, the unreleased laptop has allegedly been spotted alongside Nvidia N1V laptops too.

Alex Alderson, 23 Jan 2026 20:41

The Philips Hue app (pictured) has been updated to version 5.59. (Image source: Philips Hue)

Philips Hue rolls out app updates though new features are missing

A new version of the Philips Hue app has arrived. Version 5.59 is the first update for the software in 2026, and is available for both iOS and Android users. However, a range of recently announced features for the brand’s smart ho...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 20:40

Keychron's (more) affordable wireless mechanical keyboards with 660-hour battery life and 8K polling are now available

The Keychron V Ultra 8K wireless mechanical keyboards pack all of the enhancements that came to the Q Ultra 8K series earlier this year and pack it into a more affordable chassis. The V1, V3, and V5 Ultra 8K are now available star...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 Jan 2026 19:15

Banner for Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 upgrade pack (Image: screenshot, Nintendo of America YouTube with edits)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 upgrade price renews criticism about costly Nintendo ecosystem

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is being updated with new areas, modes, and characters. Yet, the price of the Switch 2 upgrade pack is too steep for some gamers who aren't interested in multiplayer. Nintendo detractors believe they are r...

Adam Corsetti, 23 Jan 2026 18:18

Alogic Aspekt Touch 32: Pen operation is possible. (Image source: Alogic)

Aspect Touch 32: Display turns Mac Mini into exciting AiO with pen support

A new product transforms the Mac Mini into an all-in-one PC in the style of an iMac, but with a special stand and pen support. High resolution and a large workspace are also advertised.

Silvio Werner, 23 Jan 2026 18:06

The Lenovo Magic Bay allows, among other things, laptops to be expanded with a second display. (Image source: Lenovo)

Lenovo ThinkBooks will also get Magic Bay accessories from third-party manufacturers in future

The Lenovo Magic Bay makes it easy to add a second display, a high-quality webcam, an SSD or even a fan to your laptop when you're on the go. The innovative accessory system is finally slated to be opened up to third-party manufac...

Hannes Brecher, 23 Jan 2026 18:04

BYD Atto 2 Boost: Electrically powered mini-SUV with solid features and a clear focus on everyday use. (Image: BYD)

BYD's electric car offensive: 250,000 km battery warranty, 15 million electric cars and 1000 kW charging

Chinese automotive giant BYD is starting 2026 with a massive overhaul. The company is significantly extending the warranty on its Blade battery, effective immediately, and retroactively for existing vehicles. At the same time, the...

Ronald Matta, 23 Jan 2026 18:02

Asus launches 2026 Zenbook 16 Air with bright OLED and Ryzen AI 9 H 465. Pictured: a promo picture showing the back of the laptop. (Image source: Asus - edited)

New AMD-powered Asus laptop debuts as rebranded Zenbook S16 with brighter OLED display

The Zenbook 16 Air is one of the many new products that Asus recently launched in China. This lightweight laptop is essentially a rebrand of the S16 2026 for the Chinese market, but with a slightly brighter OLED display. It has a ...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 23 Jan 2026 17:54

Garmin’s Venu 4 (pictured) is one of three smartwatches getting a new nutrition logging feature. (Image source: Garmin)

New Garmin smartwatch feature arrives in beta updates

Garmin is rolling out beta version 16.16 for one of its smartwatches. It is the third release in the 16.xx testing cycle, which began in December 2025. This release brings the recently announced Garmin Connect+ nutrition logging f...

Polly Allcock, 23 Jan 2026 17:45

According to YouTuber der8auer, rising GPU prices are not solely the result of the memory crisis. (Image source: der8auer)

Nvidia’s "MSRP lie": Why GPU prices aren’t rising solely because of the RAM crisis

Rising RAM prices are often cited as the primary reason behind increasingly expensive graphics cards, but YouTuber der8auer argues that Nvidia’s pricing strategy may be just as significant. In a recent video, he describes what he ...

Marius Müller, 23 Jan 2026 17:21

The Gigabyte GO27Q24G comes with a glossy WOLED display and higher brightness with HyperNits. (Image source: Gigabyte)

Gigabyte launches new 1440p gaming monitor with RealBlack Glossy WOLED display and 240Hz

Gigabyte has added another 1440p OLED monitor to its lineup. Built around an MLA+ WOLED panel with a RealBlack Glossy finish for deeper blacks and improved clarity, the new GO27Q24G also delivers a 240 Hz refresh rate and up to 1,...

Elvis Shida, 23 Jan 2026 17:14

Blue Estate is available on Steam at 92% off until February 2. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | For the first time at around $1: Crazy rail shooter with 92% positive reviews hits rock-bottom price on Steam

Blue Estate is a quirky rail shooter set in the world of organized crime. Blending dark humor with fast-paced shooting action, it caters to players looking for something a little offbeat. Right now, the game is available on Steam ...

Marius Müller, 23 Jan 2026 16:35

The Anbernic RG34XX SP in its Indigo finish. (Image source: Anbernic)

Anbernic: Silent downgrade revealed for popular clamshell gaming handheld

An investigation has revealed that Anbernic has downgraded one of its recent gaming handhelds without so much as a tweet about the change. Switched earlier this month, the change should not affect existing RG34XX SP stock held by ...

Alex Alderson, 23 Jan 2026 16:20

Fable protagonist kicking a chicken. (Image source: Xbox on YouTube, screenshot)

Fable could come to Switch 2, as long-awaited game finally gets release window

The gameplay videos and official teaser for Fable have revealed the release window for the game. This time, it will be releasing on the PS5 on day one, but another console could be in consideration for the reboot.

Vineet Washington, 23 Jan 2026 16:17

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