Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations

TikTok agrees to sell US operations to American-led investor group

TikTok’s US operations will be housed in a new joint venture, according to a memo sent to employees by CEO Shou Zi Chew. The entity is named TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. As part of the venture, TikTok has signed agreements with ...

Antony Muchiri, 19 Dec 2025 12:28

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at the Goddard Space Center

NASA telescope to reveal the mysteries that lie beyond the thick clouds of the Milky Way

NASA has announced a plan to use the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to view our Milky Way in unprecedented detail. Roman’s infrared vision is expected to pierce through the densest part of the galaxy and unveil up to 20 billion...

Chibuike Okpara, 19 Dec 2025 12:27

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is not a light machine, as it tips the scale at 5.07 lbs. (2.3 kg). (Image source: Acer, Unsplash, edited)

Deal | Black Friday price returns: Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI with RTX 5070 Ti and OLED display drops below $1,500

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop is back on sale at its Black Friday price. Retailing at a $450 discount compared to the list price, the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI packs some powerful internals, including the RTX ...

Fawad Murtaza, 19 Dec 2025 12:14

The new mobile free game will be available until Christmas. Pictured: edited cover photo of the title. (Image source: Epic Games Store - edited)

Deal | Epic Games Store drops surprise free game ahead of third mystery giveaway

The third Epic Games Store mystery free game for the holiday season will be revealed soon, and right before the reveal, the storefront has offered a new mobile freebie. It's Shotgun King – The Final Checkmate, available for Androi...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 19 Dec 2025 11:28

The Better With a Friend collection has six co-op games. Pictured: Steam Deck running Trine 4. (Image source: Warhorse Studios and Valve - edited)

Deal | New Humble Bundle rebundle offers 6 Steam Deck-playable adventure games for just $10

Humble Bundle has brought back the Better With A Friend games collection. This new holiday rebundle offers a total of six Steam Deck-playable games that are better when played in co-op mode. They can be scored for around $1.67 eac...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 19 Dec 2025 10:24

Oppo Pad Air 5 (Image Source: Oppo Shop)

Oppo Pad Air 5 key specs revealed ahead of December 25 launch

Oppo is set to wrap up the year with the Christmas Day launch of the Pad Air 5, which appears to be a rebranded OnePlus Pad Go 2. The tablet features a 2.8K display and a massive 10,050mAh battery. It will be available in three co...

Antony Muchiri, 19 Dec 2025 10:16

An image showing a battle between several knights. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | This medieval fighting game, enjoyed by 80% of players, is 90% off on Steam

Mordhau is a multiplayer fighting game taking place in the Middle Ages. You will have to face many other players and show your different skills in battle using various weapons.

Alexis Stegmann, 19 Dec 2025 09:34

Five units of the Motorola Razr 2025 FIFA World Cup Edition will be given away during CES 2026. (Image source: Evan Blass)

Leak reveals a FIFA 2026 World Cup Edition of the Motorola Razr 2025

A leak has revealed that Motorola will release a special World Cup edition of the Razr 2025 clamshell foldable. A few units of this special edition will be available to win at CES 2026, but it isn't known if it will be mass-produc...

Habeeb Onawole, 19 Dec 2025 07:51

Unofficial render of rumored Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable gaming laptop. (Image source: Windows Latest)

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable gaming laptop: New information about rolling mechanism, specs, and more

Lenovo is expected to showcase a gaming laptop with a rollable OLED display at CES 2026. It is targeting professional esports gamers with a large display mounted to a laptop, blending desktop like screen real-estate with portabili...

Vineet Washington, 19 Dec 2025 07:42

Sony's latest ANC headphones are back on sale. (Image source: Sony; edited by Notebookcheck)

Deal | You can still grab Sony's best ANC headphones at their lowest price

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 offer some of the best noise cancellation you can buy, along with excellent sound and a refined, foldable design. They’ve dropped back to their lowest price, giving you another chance to grab Sony’s best ANC head...

Kristen Spradlin, 19 Dec 2025 07:27

The BMX SolidSafe is a flight-approved power bank (Image source: BMX)

BMX unveils new affordable magnetic power bank with built-in cable and display

BMX has announced a new magnetic power bank, the SolidSafe. The company’s magnetic power bank is built with next-generation solid-state battery cells. Available in 5,000 and 10,000 mAh battery capacities, it offers a full-color LC...

Abhinav Fating, 19 Dec 2025 07:09

Spectacular sight captured over France is NASA Science Calendar Image of the Month

NASA Science Calendar Image of the Month is a sprite over Château de Beynac, France. Sprites are short-lived. They last only a few milliseconds. So, witnessing and capturing one is a big deal. Images of these transient events are ...

Chibuike Okpara, 19 Dec 2025 06:14

The Palette 300 is a new 3D printer with innovative auto-swapping nozzles (Image source: AtomForm)

Revolutionary 3D printer: Palette 300 sports 12 nozzles and automatic swapping for printing with dozens of colors

A new 3D printer is launching with 12 nozzles and is primarily intended to offer advantages when printing with multiple filaments or different colors. It’s also supposed to be very precise and offers a relatively large build volum...

Silvio Werner, 19 Dec 2025 04:50

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City running fully in Google Chrome from DOS Zone (Image Source: Screenshot - Christopher Harper - Notebookcheck)

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is now playable everywhere through a browser port

Fans have created an HTML5 browser port of the DOS version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, playable with touch, mouse & KB, or gamepad.

Christopher Harper, 19 Dec 2025 04:46

LG pairs its new soundbar with wireless speakers for a more immersive surround sound (Image source: LG)

LG Sound Suite combines soundbar with wireless speakers for 13.1.7-ch surround setup

The LG Sound Suite combines a soundbar with any number of wireless speakers and a subwoofer to produce a convincing surround sound. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is designed to let the Sound Suite adapt to the specific room.

Hannes Brecher, 19 Dec 2025 04:38

Star Wars Battlefront 2 banner is shown (Image source: Steam, EA with edits)

Deal | Star Wars shooter game is now 90% off in Steam sale, offering frantic multiplayer action

The holiday season still has some Steam deals left to entice Star Wars loyalists. Star Wars Battlefront 2: Celebration Edition has proved a resilient shooter game despite a rocky 2017 launch. At 90% off, diverse multiplayer modes ...

Adam Corsetti, 19 Dec 2025 02:30

The Legion Go 2 is expected to receive a cheaper SteamOS version too, just like the Legion Go S before it. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

New leak confirms Lenovo Legion Go 2 gaming handheld refresh with cheaper models planned

The Legion Go 2 is one of the most expensive gaming handhelds around produced by a major laptop manufacturer. According to a new leak, that could well change soon with a forthcoming refresh.

Alex Alderson, 19 Dec 2025 00:26

MSI Claw A8 (image source: Notebookcheck)

The new AMD version of the MSI Claw A8 is worse than the Intel version, despite the same price

MSI now also offers its gaming handheld Claw 8 with an AMD processor. The question is why though, because our review reveals some ergonomic drawbacks compared to the Intel SKU and you also get 8 GB RAM less. The price is identical...

Andreas Osthoff, 18 Dec 2025 23:47

The Retroid Pocket 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. (Image source: Retroid)

Retroid Pocket 6: New batch of pre-orders opens with a planned March 2026 shipping date

Retroid has ended the first batch of pre-orders for the Pocket 6, with a plan to begin shipping in January 2026. However, it has begun accepting a new batch of pre-orders without the launch discount that earlier buyers enjoyed, bu...

Habeeb Onawole, 18 Dec 2025 23:32

Samsung Taiwan Vision Lab (Image source: Samsung Newsroom with edits)

As DDR5 RAM prices surged, Samsung employees allegedly took bribes from desperate customers

Companies willing to cross ethical lines can still purchase memory at reasonable prices. A new report exposes Samsung workers who may have accepted kickbacks from anxious distributors. As the memory shortage escalates, AI data cen...

Adam Corsetti, 18 Dec 2025 22:44

The Beelink ME Pro is a mere 112 mm tall. (Image source: Beelink)

With up to 72 TB storage: Beelink launches new ultra-compact ME Pro NAS featuring unibody design

Beelink has launched a new NAS solution that can hold up to drives at once. Offering a combined 72 TB of storage, the Beelink ME Pro will be released globally too.

Alex Alderson, 18 Dec 2025 22:41

Sharge’s Shargeek 300 power bank (pictured) appears to be on the way. (Image source: Sharge)

Shargeek 300W power bank could be launching soon

Sharge has announced an early sign-up scheme for the Shargeek 300 power bank, suggesting it may be launching soon. This accessory debuted at the start of 2025, and it has since been listed on Kickstarter. Features include the abil...

Polly Allcock, 18 Dec 2025 22:39

The Framework laptop costs significantly more after two price increases. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Framework Laptop receives another price increase after just one week

Not only is RAM becoming increasingly expensive, but hard drives and SSDs now also cost significantly more than they did just a few weeks ago. Framework is now one of the first laptop manufacturers to react to this trend, raising ...

Hannes Brecher, 18 Dec 2025 22:10

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

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