Author: GizNews

  • Leaked: Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 & Surface Pro Prices Higher

    Key Takeaway

    – Snapdragon X2 Elite upgrade for Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro.
    – Price increase expected, with Surface Pro and 13.8″ Laptop 8 set at €1,699.
    – Surface Pro features OLED display and up to 32 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD.
    – Surface Laptop 8 uses LCD, offers up to 32 GB RAM / 2 TB SSD.
    – Battery life rated at 20 hours (13.8″) and 19 hours (15″).

    New Microsoft Surface Models Spotted Before Launch

    The next gen Surface Laptop 8 and the Surface Pro could already be seen in many images at the begining of June, the launch is expected on June 16, 2026. Both product lines are set to be upgraded to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite, but a price increase is also to be expected according to reports.

    Pricing Details for the Upcoming Devices

    According to the latest information from Roland Quandt the next-generation Surface Pro will cost €1,699, just like the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 8, while the Surface Laptop 8 with a 15-inch display will cost €2,299. As it is not yet known which processor and memory configurations these prices apply to, they cannot be directly compared with last years models.

    Comparing Costs With Previous Generation Models

    To put things in perspective: The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro with Snapdragon X, LCD, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD was offered for a list price of €1,399, while the Surface Laptop 7 was offered at prices starting at €1,669 and €1,769, depending on the screen size. The next-generation Surface Pro is said to combine a Snapdragon X2 Elite with twelve CPU cores with a maximum of 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD. Microsoft is reportedly installing a 120 Hz OLED display, two USB-C ports with support for USB 4 and is offering a keyboard case with space for the Surface Slim Pen 2.

    New Specifications for the Surface Pro and Laptop 8

    The Surface Laptop 8 offers similar features with a Snapdragon X2 Elite and a maximum of 32 GB RAM as well as an SSD with up to 2 TB of storage, although both the 13.8-inch and 15-inch models are said to rely on an LCD instead of an OLED display. The smaller model is expected to achieve a battery life of 20 hours with a 54 Wh battery, while the larger Surface Laptop 8 will achieve 19 hours with a 66 Wh battery. The base model is said to be equipped with a Snapdragon X2 Plus and only 256 GB of SSD storage.

     


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  • Wuthering Waves 3.4: Performance Strain on Mobile

    Wuthering Waves 3.4: Performance Strain on Mobile

    Key Takeaway

    – The Cyberpunk: Edgerunners crossover causes severe performance issues on mobile, including micro-stutters, frame drops, and lag spikes.
    – Riding the motorbike through dense areas overloads mobile storage, forcing rapid asset streaming that leads to sharp lag.
    – Phones overheat quickly due to intense lighting effects, triggering automatic performance throttling.
    – Lowering crowd density and shadow quality in settings can immediately stabilize frame rates without harming the art style.
    – Community-developed config files on GitHub are available to help Android users optimize performance.

    New Update Brings Hefty Load to Phones

    The newly released Wuthering Waves Version 3.4 update brings a massive Cyberpunk: Edgerunners crossover to mobile devices, but the patch is taking a heavy toll on smartphone performance. Handheld players report that the new content, titled “The Dream Not Dreamed,” places an intense load on standard mobile hardware. This has become a real issue for those using older devices, and its causing a lot of frustation in the community right now.

    Details on the Dream Not Dreamed Content

    The update introduces Somnoire: Night City, a dense, neon-lit zone featuring crossover characters Lucy and Rebecca. To capture the anime’s fast-paced style, the developers added an upgraded Expedition Motorbike for rapid travel. While the bike provides great mobility, its speed quickly exposes how much the game engine struggles to load assets on a phone. This makes the experience feel less smooth than what players were hoping for.

    Performance Issues Reported by Users

    On the official r/WutheringWaves Version 3.4 Feedback thread, player complaints center directly on persistent performance issues. Handheld users report frequent micro-stutters and sudden frame drops during open-world exploration. Riding the motorbike through the neon streets requires rapid asset streaming that quickly outpaces mobile storage drives. Because the phone has to pull heavy map data all at once, players experience sharp lag spikes whenever they cross into a new part of the city. Its pretty bad for alot of players right now.

    Hardware Limitations and Overheating Problems

    As per the thread, mobile phones are also running hot after only a few minutes of play. The expansion’s localized lighting effects demand maximum effort from mobile chipsets, causing the hardware to scale back performance to prevent overheating automatically. Once this protective slowdown kicks in, frame rates drop during chaotic combat encounters. These ongoing optimization issues have already driven independent developers to update the Arglax/Mobile-WuWa-Config GitHub repository, releasing custom configuration profiles to help Android users stabilize their game clients. This is a workaround for those who are expeirencing the worst of the lag.

    Quick Fixes for Players Right Now

    Players do not have to wait for an official optimization patch to get a stable frame rate. According to early community guides, changing just two options in the graphics menu can immediately fix the worst of the hitching. Lowering the crowd density and dialing back shadow quality cuts down the bulk of the processor’s rendering workload. This quick adjustment keeps the game’s cell-shaded art style intact while instantly smoothing out frame delivery during heavy boss battles. Its a simple change that has helped many people already.

    Overall Impact of the Crossover Event

    While early performance hitches are frustrating for mobile players, the actual crossover remains a massive content milestone. The new zone and characters have been well recieved by those who can run it stabley. The community is hopeful that an official patch will solve the overheating and stuttering issues soon, making the experience better for everyone on all devices.

    • New content titled “The Dream Not Dreamed”
    • Introduces Somnoire: Night City zone
    • Added crossover characters Lucy and Rebecca
    • Upgraded Expedition Motorbike for travel
    • Performance issues reported on forums
    • Custom configs available on GitHub
    • Quick fix: lower crowd density and shadow quality
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  • Amazfit Helio Strap Update: 3 Key Improvements

    Amazfit Helio Strap Update: 3 Key Improvements

    Key Takeaway

    – New training modes (basketball, swimming in pool) and ability to save favorite workouts in the app
    – Offline heart rate data syncing via smartwatch during swimming, with Helio Strap data having priority
    – Improved sleep tracking algorithm for more precise data
    – Extended pickleball mode adds data for forehand and backhand strokes
    – Positioned as an affordable, subscription-free alternative to Whoop 5.0 with reliable workout data

    Latest update brings fresh capabilities

    The Amazfit Helio Strap which costs $94 on Amazon got a big feature update last December and now Amazfit are announcing yet another patch that will bring a bunch of improvements. The release notes highlight some of the new things from that earlier patch and once again talk about new training modes like basketball and swimming in the pool, plus the abillity to save your favorite workouts in a list inside the phone app. This makes it easier to keep track of what you do often.

    Connection upgrades for better data

    However, there is also some new improvments included. After you do the update, it becomes possible to connect the Amazfit Helio Strap to a compatible Amazfit smartwatch. This lets the strap’s heart rate data be saved offline on the watch while your swimming, even if there is no Bluetooth connection to your phone. Amazfit says the Helio Strap’s heart rate info is more accurate than what a smartwatch gives, so it gets priority when recording any workout session.

    Better sleep tracking and new sport modes

    Amazfit also touts an improved sleep tracking algorithm, which should give you more precise data, along with an extended pickleball mode that collects extra stats such as the number of forehand and backhand strokes you make. For more details about the Amazfit Helio Strap you can check the official product page. In the press release for this software update, Amazfit points out again that the Helio Strap is a affordable, subscription-free alternative to the Whoop 5.0, and according to an analysis by The Quantified Scientist, it delivers extremely reliable workout data.

     

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  • OnePlus Launches New Orange Phone for $295

    OnePlus Launches New Orange Phone for $295

    Key Takeaway

    – Turbo 6X series features two models (standard and Pro) targeting the affordable segment.
    – 6.78-inch 144Hz display with 1,400 nits peak brightness.
    – Pro model packs a massive 8,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging.
    – Powered by Dimensity 7400 Super chipset, runs ColorOS 16 (Android 16).
    – Pricing starts at ~$295 (CNY 1,999) with launch discounts through June 30.

    OnePlus Launches Turbo 6X Series in China

    The new OnePlus Turbo 6X series has been formally unveiled in the Chinese market. This series comes with two models, the standard Turbo 6X and the Turbo 6X Pro, both of which are designed to compete in the budget-friendly smartphone category.

    Display Features and Resolution

    Equipped with a 6.78-inch flat screen, the device boasts a resolution of 1,272 x 2,772 pixels. This panel supports an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, alongside a peak brightness of 1,400 nits, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.

    Camera Specifications

    The Turbo 6X Pro model incorporates a dual rear camera system. This includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an additional 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Video recording on the rear cameras maxes out at 4K resolution with 30 frames per second. For front-facing photos, there is a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

    Performance and Battery

    Under the hood, the Turbo 6X Pro is powered by the Dimensity 7400 Super chipset, which is a 4nm octa-core processor paired with a Mali-G615 GPU. A key selling point is the massive 8,000mAh battery, which is larger than the 7,400mAh cell found in the high-end OnePlus 15R (currently priced at $699). The device supports 80W fast charging via its USB Type-C port.

    Dimensions, Colors, and Software

    Measuring 8.80mm in thickness and weighing 213 grams, the phone is available in orange and black color options. For connectivity, it includes Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 5G support, and NFC. The software experience is handled by ColorOS 16, which is built on top of Android 16.

    Pricing and Availability

    Three storage configurations are offered: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, and 12GB/256GB. Their prices are set at CNY 1,999 (~$295), CNY 2,099 (~$309), and CNY 2,399 (~$354), respectively. A launch discount is available from June 10 to June 30, with official sales begining on June 15.

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  • Beyond the Whistle: TORRAS & Portugal Football Passion

    Beyond the Whistle: TORRAS & Portugal Football Passion

    Key Takeaway

    – True progress in football comes from quiet training and preparation, not just big moments under stadium lights.
    – The TORRAS × FPF partnership (“Record Your Passion”) celebrates everyday dedication, helping athletes capture and review their training.
    – The Ostand case’s magnetic stand enables hands-free recording for form review, building consistency and confidence.
    – The Q3 AIR Portugal Edition’s design draws on national colors, maritime heritage, and the iconic No. 7 to connect fans to the team.
    – The case serves both athletes and fans, making it easy to record watch parties, workouts, and World Cup buildup moments.

    In football, the biggest moments often happen under stadium lights — the winning goal, the final whistle, the roar of the crowd. But real progress starts much earlier, in the quiet hours of training, repetition, and preparation.

    The Core of the Collaboration

    That is the spirit behind the partnership between TORRAS and the Portuguese Football Federation. Through “Record Your Passion,” the collaboration celebrates the everyday dedication behind the game — the moments athletes record, review, and build on as they prepare for the road to World Cup 2026. The partnership between TORRAS and the Portuguese Football Federation is built on a simple idea: football is shaped long before kickoff. Behind every goal and celebration are hours of training, repetition, and preparation. With the TORRAS Ostand case, those everyday moments are easier to capture. Its built-in magnetic stand lets players set up their phone hands-free, record drills or workouts, and review their movement, timing, and technique. Recording progress is not just about checking form. It helps athletes and fans see their consistency, build confidence, and stay connected to their passion. From professional training sessions to morning runs, TORRAS helps turn dedication into moments worth keeping.

    World Cup Mode Begins Early

    While the tournament may still be on the horizon, the “World Cup Mode” starts the moment the community begins to share in the buildup. The TORRAS x FPF co-branded Ostand case is designed as a season-ready essential that brings this energy to life long before kickoff. The Q3 AIR Portugal Football Edition uses a Jersey-inspired design language to create an immediate connection for supporters. The case features a bold red-and-green palette synonymous with the Portugal National Team, accented by wave-shaped textures that honor the country’s maritime history and spirit of exploration. Gold accents symbolize honor and achievement, while the inclusion of the iconic No. 7 sticker serves as a direct nod to the team’s historic heritage. For readers who want to take a closer look, explore the product here.

    Practical Innovation for Fans

    The design is paired with practical innovation centered on the magnetic stand, extending its value beyond athletes’ training routines into fans’ everyday lives. For fans, this means their device is game-ready for any scenario, from fast charging while planning a watch-party to securing the phone for a hands-free view of team countdowns and social posts. The World Cup is meant to be shared — with friends, family, and every fan who lives the game with passion. With its built-in stand, the TORRAS Ostand case makes it easy to record watch parties, celebrations, chants, and everyday football moments hands-free. It is also useful beyond matchday. Fans can use it to capture their own runs, workouts, or training sessions, turning personal progress into something they can look back on.

    Bringing Fans Closer to the Spirit

    The TORRAS × Portugal National Team collaboration brings fans closer to the World Cup spirit early, celebrating not only the players’ dedication but also the passion of everyone who supports the game. For more on the TORRAS Official Partner FPF collection, visit the TORRAS Official Website or follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.


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  • Acemagic Anniversary 2026: Big Discounts on Mini PCs & Laptops

    Acemagic Anniversary 2026: Big Discounts on Mini PCs & Laptops

    Key Takeaway

    – Acemagic is celebrating its 4th anniversary with discounts up to 62% on mini PCs, laptops, and NAS systems.
    – The brand is known for compact, powerful hardware with a strong price-performance ratio, suitable for home offices, multimedia, and AI workloads.
    – Key deals include the Acemagic F5A (from $729), the W1 mini PC (from $309), and the Retro X5 with NES-inspired design.
    – The RX16 notebook starts at $499, and the N3A NAS supports up to 136 TB storage for $289.
    – The anniversary campaign includes limited-time offers and special promotions across a broad product range.

    Mini PC manufacturer Acemagic is celebrating its forth anniversary and is using this milestone for an extensive anniversary campaign. Technology enthusiasts can look forward to attractive discounts on numerous products from the current portfolio. From mini PCs and laptops to modern NAS solutions, the manufacturer is offering numerous opportunities to purchase high-quality hardware at particularly attractive conditions as part of its birthday sale.

    Growth and Expansion into Compact Computing

    Over the past four years, Acemagic has became a major player in the field of compact computer systems. Mini PCs in particular are becoming increasingly popular, as they combine high computing power with a small footprint. At the same time, the manufacturer has continuously expanded its range and now offers solutions for a wide variety of applications – from home offices and multimedia applications to professional workloads and AI applications.

    Performance and Build Quality Evaluated

    We have also been able to test several of the manufacturer’s products extensively over the past few years. The systems regularly impressed us with their modern features, solid build quality, and overall attractive price-performance ratio. The combination of powerful hardware and compact dimensions, in particular, makes many models an interesting alternative to classic desktop PCs. Our previous test reports indicate that Acemagic scores particularly well where users are looking for as much performance as possible in a small space.

    Attractive Discounts and Special Offers

    To mark its anniversary, the company is now offering significant discounts on numerous products. Depending on the model, discounts of up to 62 percent are possible. In addition to selected mini PCs, various laptop models and NAS systems have also been included in the promotion. The anniversary campaign is complemented by limited-time special offers and other discount promotions that will be available during the campaign period.

    Product Highlights and Key Specifications

    For those interested in technology, the anniversary campaign offers an attractive opportunity to get to know Acemagic’s current portfolio better. Whether a compact office PC, a powerful AI system, a versatile multimedia computer, or a NAS solution for the home network, the selection is correspondingly broad. The Acemagic F5A seems particularly exciting with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which is available from just $729 as part of the promotion. Anyone looking for an affordable mini PC should also take a look at the Acemagic W1 with AMD Ryzen 7 H255, which is currently available from $309. Retro fans will be particularly interested in the Acemagic Retro X5, which evokes nostalgic memories with its NES-inspired design and also offers modern performance thanks to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

    The anniversary promotion also has interesting offers in store for notebooks. For example, the Acemagic RX16 is available from just $499 and is aimed at users who are looking for a powerful notebook at an attractive price. For users who need a compact and cost-effective storage solution, the Acemagic N3A is also available. The NAS system currently costs $289 and – depending on the configuration – supports a storage capacity of up to 136 TB, making it suitable for both data backups and extensive media libraries.

    Where to Find Current Deals and Reviews

    If you would like to see for yourself, you can find all current offers and promotions on the Acemagic anniversary page for all current offers and promotions. If you would like to find out more about the products, our test reports on the Acemagic M1A Pro and Acemagic F3A as well as an assessment of performance, features, and suitability for everyday use.


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  • BenQ 4K Nano Gloss 120Hz Monitor Now Available in US

    BenQ 4K Nano Gloss 120Hz Monitor Now Available in US

    Key Takeaway

    – BenQ MA320UG monitor is now available for $829.99 with no current discount.
    – Designed as a Mac-focused alternative to Apple Studio Display with Nano Gloss coating and Mac color-tuning.
    – Features a 32-inch 4K IPS panel, 120Hz refresh rate, 500-nit brightness, 98% P3 gamut, and 2000:1 contrast.
    – Offers extensive connectivity: two USB-C, two Thunderbolt 4 (96W PD), two HDMI, and two USB-A ports.
    – Includes macOS integration (keyboard control, brightness sync) and an adjustable stand with tilt, pivot, swivel, and height.

    BenQ’s Latest MA320UG Monitor Finally Hits Stores

    Earlier this year, BenQ announced the MA-series monitors, namely, the MA270S and the MA320UG. Now, the brand’s latest MA320UG monitor is officially available for sale via BenQ’s official website, Amazon, and other authorized retailers for $829.99. However, there’s no discount from the company at the moment.

    A True Apple Display Alternative for Creatives

    The monitor is designed to give Mac users the clarity, color, and intuitive experience they expect from a native Apple display, said BenQ in its press release. The monitor ships with a 32-inch IPS panel with BenQ’s Nano Gloss coating, which is meant to deliver the same fluid visuals, consistent Mac color, and clarity you get from a MacBook or Apple Studio Display. Advertised as the potential Apple Studio Display alternative, the monitor features BenQ’s exclusive Mac color-tuning technology to keep the colors consistent between your MacBook and the external monitor.

    Stunning Specs and Seamless Mac Integration

    On top of these features, the Nano Gloss panel delivers 4K (3840 x 2160) pixel resolution with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 500-nit brightness. Plus, the panel covers 98% of the P3 color gamut and supports a 2000:1 contrast ratio for vibrant color reproduction and crisp detail. Nevertheless, you can also control brightness and volume directly using your MacBook’s keyboard, thanks to macOS integration.

    Connectivity, Ergonomics, and Extra Tools

    As for ports, the monitor offers two USB-C ports, two HDMI ports, two USB-A, and two Thunderbolt 4 with up to 96 W power delivery. The MA320UG is equipped with a 150 mm adjustable stand with tilt, pivot, swivel, and height support. Other features include iKeyboard control, brightness sync, smart KVM, daisy chaining, picture-by-picture, and FocuSync.

    • 32-inch IPS panel with BenQ Nano Gloss coating
    • 4K resolution at 120 Hz, 500-nit brightness
    • 98% P3 color gamut, 2000:1 contrast ratio
    • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports (96W PD), two HDMI, two USB-C, two USB-A
    • 150mm adjustable stand with tilt, pivot, swivel, height
    • Price: $829.99 (no current discounts)


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  • The Weeknd Explored Persona 4 & 6 Before Official Trailers

    The Weeknd Explored Persona 4 & 6 Before Official Trailers

    Key Takeaway

    – Persona 4 Revival confirmed for February 18, 2027, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
    – Persona 6 teaser trailer shown at Xbox Games Showcase; expected late 2027 or early 2028.
    – The Weeknd got early hands-on access to Persona 4 Revival and a sneak peek at Persona 6 at Atlus.
    – He shared photos of playing an early build and receiving signed artwork from Shigenori Soejima.

    The Persona community has been waiting for months

    For new leaks and trailers, always speculating online. Fans finally got to see Persona 4 Revival locked in for a February 18, 2027, release date, while Persona 6 received a teaser trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase. Meanwhile, Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer The Weeknd had already booked a trip and headed to Atlus in Japan “a while back” and saw Persona 6 and Persona 4 Revival, but it doesn’t end there. The celebrity also had a hands-on session with Persona 4: Golden.

    On June 8, The Weeknd took to Instagram and X

    And stated, “Can finally post this. A while back, I got to visit Atlus and play P4 Revival and got an early peek at P6.” He also posted a few screenshots, which thrilled some individuals about the celebrity, while others expressed their jealousy coyly. The images showed him playing an early build of Persona 4 Revival, specifically exploring Yukiko’s Castle. Other pictures included shots with a life-sized Morgana mascot from Persona 5 and a signed piece of artwork from legendary character designer Shigenori Soejima. It wouldn’t be out of the question if The Weeknd received more details about Persona 6 than the average Persona fan.

    None of this is out of the ordinary

    Considering he has been an actual hardcore JRPG gamer while winning Grammys. He’s openly expressed his love for the Persona series and has previously streamed Persona 5 Royal and posted many real-life locations linked to the game during a visit to Japan. He’s also shaken hands and rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the video game industry, like NieR creator Yoko Taro and Dark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki. Given The Weeknd’s exclusive access to events and his VIP status, it’s not far-fetched that a simple request to Atlus would have granted him an exclusive tour of the company’s HQ and an early hands-on gameplay session of Persona 4 Revival.

    Meanwhile, the rest of us wait for Persona 4 Revival

    To release on February 18, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Rumors suggest that Persona 6’s marketing will follow after the release of P4 Revival, with an expected release window in late 2027 or early 2028. The celebrity’s post garnered alot of attention, though some fans where disapointed they couldnt get that kind of access. It remains to be seen if The Weeknd will share more about his experience, but for now the Persona community has plenty to talk about regarding these upcoming titles.

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  • Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 International Release

    Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 International Release

    Key Takeaway

    – Seiko officially launches the green-dial Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 for international markets, ending its 3-year Japan-exclusive status.
    – Design is nearly identical to the JDM SBEJ005, featuring a deep green dial, gold hands/markers, and a brown calfskin strap.
    – Powered by the automatic Caliber 6R54 with a 72-hour power reserve and GMT function, housed in a 200m water-resistant 39.5mm steel case.
    – Includes a 24-hour bezel for GMT and an inner rotating compass ring operated by the 4 o’clock crown, echoing the 1959 original.
    – Previously, the green GMT Alpinist was a gray-market favorite; the HBC007 now offers an official global purchase route.

    Seiko Debuts Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007 Internationally

    Seiko has announced the Prospex Alpinist GMT HBC007, an international release of a watch that Japan-based collectors have had to themselves for almost three years. This info was published by @plus9time on their Instagram account. The HBC007 is a direct international variant of the SBEJ005, which launched in Japan on October 7, 2023. The watch keeps practically everything intact from the JDM original.

    Design and Specs Kept the Same as the Japan Model

    It has a deep green dial with gold-tone hands and markers — it’s the colorway the Alpinist is most closely associated with, going back to the cult-favorite SARB017. The case is stainless steel measuring 39.5 x 46.4 x 13.6 mm, and it is fitted with a brown calfskin strap. Inside is the automatic Caliber 6R54, which offers a 72-hour power reserve alongside a GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. Water resistance is rated at 200 meters.

    Bezel and Crystal Features Explained

    The outer bezel carries a 24-hour scale for reading the GMT hand, while the inner rotating ring doubles as a compass — operated via the crown at 4 o’clock — again, another design trait that goes back to the original 1959 Alpinist. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on the inner side.

    How the Green GMT Alpinist was Previously Only in Japan

    When the mechanical GMT Alpinist line first came out in 2023, it was somewhat of a big deal — the Alpinist had previously only been available in a dual-time config as a quartz model. The black (SPB379) and blue (SPB377) variants launched internationally at the time, but the green dial SBEJ005 stayed as a Japan-exclusive, which made it a gray-market favorite. The HBC007 will give global buyers an official route to the green GMT Alpinist for the first time.

    Pricing and Final Availability Details

    Pricing for the international market hasn’t been confirmed yet; the SBEJ005 carries a Japan retail price of ¥141,800 (~$970). This new model is expected to be a sought-after addition for collectors who missed out on the Japanese version.

    • Caliber: 6R54 automatic
    • Power reserve: 72 hours
    • Case size: 39.5 x 46.4 x 13.6 mm
    • Water resistance: 200 meters
    • Strap: Brown calfskin
    • Crystal: Sapphire with inner anti-reflective coating
    • Japan retail price of SBEJ005: ¥141,800 (~$970)
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  • Gears of War: E-Day PS5 Logo Teased in Deleted Podcast

    Gears of War: E-Day PS5 Logo Teased in Deleted Podcast

    Key Takeaway

    – Evidence suggests Gears of War: E-Day’s Xbox exclusivity was a last-minute decision, with reports of a PS5 port existing internally.
    – A podcast posted by Xbox accidentally showed the PS5 logo on the game’s cover art, which was quickly deleted but widely captured.
    – Insider Jeff Grubb claims the decision to cancel the PS5 version was made just hours before the showcase.
    – Xbox VP Aaron Greenberg denies the last-minute change, citing a tight internal knowledge group and recent leadership shifts.
    – The conflicting narratives point to either intentional secrecy or a rushed, disputed exclusivity strategy for the title.

    While the Xbox Games Showcase made a huge statement with Gears of War: E-Day’s gameplay and positioned the title as an Xbox exclusive that will never leave the platform, many speculate that the exclusivity decision was rushed and made at the last minute. Evidence points toward a late change, with some insiders, like Jeff Grubb, reporting that a PS5 port of Gears of War: E-Day is sitting on a drive.

    The Podcast Blunder and The PS5 Logo

    The conversation flared up again during an episode of the Official Xbox Podcast featuring a deep dive into Gears of War: E-Day. During the podcast, viewers spotted cover art for Gears of War: E-Day featuring the PlayStation 5 logo, which was shocking given that this was broadcast on an official Xbox channel.

    Viral Screenshots and Video Removal

    Gamers quickly spotted this gaffe and circulated it online, and Xbox wasted no time in taking the episode off YouTube. However, people had already captured screenshots, so the evidence is out in the wild.

    Among the eagle-eyed viewers were users on ResetEra and Tom Warren of The Verge, who posted about it on X, stating:

    • “Microsoft changed Gears of War: E-Day to an Xbox exclusive at the last minute. If you want the ultimate proof of that, Xbox posted a podcast today and forgot to remove the PS5 logo from the E-Day art. Xbox has removed the video now.”

    Greenberg’s Denial and The Internal Shift

    Given the mixed messaging, Xbox’s vice president of games marketing, Aaron Greenberg, promptly responded to Tom Warren and pushed back against the narrative on X, stating:

    • “Hey Tom, I can confirm this is not true. We just limited the knowledge of this news to a very small internal group. The intention was to share this news first with our players and everyone watching the showcase.”

    However, when Aaron Greenberg was pressed further, he responded with:

    • “A lot has changed since Asha came into the role 107 days ago. We are moving fast, and it’s frankly pretty energizing inside the hallways here. I was made aware of these exclusives roughly a month in advance. Hope that helps!”

    Two Contrasting Narrative’s

    There are two sides to the story. Microsoft could have deliberately kept the exclusivity announcement tightly held to reduce the possibility of leaks. On the other hand, Jeff Grubb of Giant Bomb says that the call to drop Gears of War: E-Day’s PS5 port happened just hours before the Xbox Games Showcase.

     

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