Author: GizNews

  • Gazelle Premium E-Bikes Launch with Bosch Performance Line Sport

    Gazelle Premium E-Bikes Launch with Bosch Performance Line Sport

    Key Takeaway

    – Two new premium Class 3 e-bikes launched: Ultimate C380+ 2.0 and Ultimate T11+.
    – Both feature a redesigned Ultimate platform for comfort and stability at higher speeds.
    – Equipped with Bosch Performance Line Sport motor (85 Nm, upgradeable to 90 Nm via app).
    – Key features include 80mm suspension, 55mm tires, Gates belt drive, and Bosch PowerMore range extender.
    – Pricing: Ultimate C380+ 2.0 at $4,999; Ultimate T11+ at $4,499.


    Gazelle’s New E-Bike Lineup

    Gazelle have launched two new premium electric bikes, namely, the Ultimate C380+ 2.0 and the Ultimate T11+, in the US. The former comes as a direct successor to the Ultimate C380+, while the latter builds upon the Ultimate T10+. The notable upgrade is that both e-bikes now come with a completely redesigned Ultimate platform, which is said to remain comfortable, stable, and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds.

    Performance and Motor Specs

    The Ultimate C380+ 2.0 and the Ultimate T11+ are class 3 bikes from the Gazelle, meaning both can reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). Speaking of powered things, the company has incorporated Bosch’s new Performance Line Sport motor into the latest Ultimate platform. The sport motor is said to deliver 85 Nm of torque. Interestingly, you can also upgrade the torque of both electric bikes to 90 Nm through the Bosch Flow app.

    Chassis, Tires, and Extras

    The chassis of the Ultimate C380+ 2.0 and the Ultimate T11+ are paired with an 80 mm (3.2 inch) suspension fork and wider 55 mm (2.2 inch) tires. On top of these features, the motor is compatible with the Bosch PowerMore range extender, which further allows riders to further extend the range of the e-bike. Other features include a Gates belt drive, Bosch Purion 200 display, Quad Lock, a charging port, a headlamp, and a taillight.

    Pricing and Configuration Options

    Available in both step-through and high-step frame configurations, the Ultimate C380+ 2.0 is priced at $4,999. On the other hand, the Ultimate T11+ costs $4,499. There are no availability details for both e-bikes at the time of writing.


    Sources

  • Radio Interference in Toys: EU Finds Major Rule Violations

    Key Takeaway

    – 81% of tested radio-controlled toys failed to meet EU regulations.
    – Major violations occurred in transmission power and frequency ranges.
    – 67% of samples came from online retailers, 33% from China.
    – 63% of products had non-compliant user manuals.
    – 22 sales bans were issued, with products flagged in ICSMS.


    Radio Controlled Toys Failing Market Rules

    Products being sold through official channels usualy must comply with regulations which are sometimes highly market specific. This applies for example to foodstuffs cars or toys. If toys operate using radio waves they must not cause interference. For journalists these requirements are sometimes very advantageous as the conformity assesments and their results provide the public with reliable information about devices not yet released.

    Testing Results Show Major Failures

    As part of an EU funded market surveilance campaign 88 radio controlled toys were tested accordingly. 36 out of the 50 RC vehicles tested did not comply with the regulations all 16 radio controlled boats and trains failed and 14 out of 16 walkie talkies and smart toys failed. There were deviations both in terms of the permissible transmission power and the frequency ranges in which signals were generated.

    • 88 total toys tested
    • 36 of 50 RC vehicles non compliant
    • All 16 boats and trains failed
    • 14 of 16 walkie talkies and smart toys failed

    Origin of Samples and Additional Tests

    The samples were collected by market surveilance authorities in 13 countries but not in Germany. 67% percent of the samples originated from online retailers and a third were manufactured in China. In addition to labratory tests for radio frequency compatibility compliance with other regulations was also examined. Specificaly the user manual must meet certain requirements. 63% of the samples failed this test. Combined with the labratory results 71 samples or a staggering 81% did not meet the various requirements. Twenty two sales bans were issued and several products were listed on the ICSMS (International Consumer Electronics Management System).

     

  • Pebble Watch Round 2: Delayed by Manufacturing Issues

    Key Takeaway

    – Pebble Round 2 mass production not yet started, causing further delays.
    – Shipments now expected to begin in July, with all pre-orders shipped by September.
    – Delay caused by a cosmetic defect (small indentation) from CNC machining.
    – Fix involves adjusting the die for metal injection molding to avoid the CNC cut.
    – Smartwatch priced at $199, features a 1.3-inch e-paper display, two-week battery, but no heart rate monitor.


    Production Pushed Back Again

    The Pebble Watch 2 is facing further delays. Specifically, the model is yet to enter mass production, even though the company is very close to starting mass production. This is affecting the delivery schedule: shipments of the Pebble Round 2 are now expected to begin in July. The plan is to have all pre-ordered units of the Pebble Round 2 shipped by September. Furthermore, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has stated that leather straps will be available in black and brown.

    Behind The Scenes of The Holdup

    An X post from Migicovsky explains the reason for the delay in considerable detail and with complete transparency. During a visit to China, a cosmetic issue was discovered, caused by the manufacturing process. This was a small indentation near the point where the strap lug connects to the case, which was caused by the CNC machining process. The aim is to correct this defect by adjusting the die for the metal injection molding and to simply avoid the CNC cut.

    Current Pre-Order Pricing and Features

    The Pebble Round 2 is still available for pre-order at a price of $199. The smartwatch will sport a 1.3-inch display capable of showing 64 colors and processing touch input. Thanks to its relatively energy-efficient e-paper display, it reportedly reaches a battery life of around two weeks. However, the Round 2 doesn’t include a heart rate monitor, a feature now almost standard on smartwatches.

    Sources
  • Massive Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 upgrade tipped before launch

    Massive Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 upgrade tipped before launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 battery upgraded 35% to 784 mAh (advertised as 800 mAh)
    – 40mm Galaxy Watch9 gets 23% battery increase to 382 mAh (marketed as 400 mAh)
    – 44mm Galaxy Watch9 battery remains unchanged at 435 mAh
    – All three watches expected to launch alongside Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 next month
    – Information from Sammobile unconfirmed, take with a grain of salt


    Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Battery Upgrade

    As we approach Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked event, which is expected to air in July, leaks and rumors about the launch lineup keep surfacing. Weve herd alot about the new foldables and the new naming convention, and there have been some leaks about the smartwatches aswell. The latest peice of information relates to the latter, specifically the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and points to a huge upgrade.

    Battery capacity details

    According to Sammobile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will feature a 35% larger battery than its predecessor. This amounts to 784 mAh, which is likely to be advertised as 800 mAh. In comparrison, the original Galaxy Watch Ultra has 590 mAh. The massive upgrade to battery capacity, coupled with the new Snapdragon Wear Elite SoC, should translate to a significantly longer-lasting smartwatch.

    Galaxy Watch9 battery specs

    Furthermore, the publication states that the 40 mm variant of the Galaxy Watch9 will feature a 382 mAh battery, marketed as 400 mAh. This marks a 23% increase compared to the Galaxy Watch8’s 325 mAh. The 44 mm varient, on the other hand, is expected to stay the same at 435 mAh. Recently, it was reported that the Galaxy Watch9 will not come with a charging speed upgrade. Weather that is true for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 aswell remains to be seen.

    Information reliability and launch timeline

    The publication does not state how and where it made this discovery, so take this information with a grain of salt. All three watches, the Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch9 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, are expected to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8 next month.

    Sources
  • SanDisk 8TB SDUC Cards Launching: New Readers Required

    SanDisk 8TB SDUC Cards Launching: New Readers Required

    Key Takeaway

    – SanDisk will launch new SDUC cards up to 8 TB, including Ultra and Extreme Pro series.
    – These cards require new, dedicated SD card readers, as existing ones are incompatible.
    – Card readers supporting all three standards (UHS-II, SDUC, SD Express) are expected this year.
    – Pricing and specific release dates remain unannounced, but the cards are confirmed to be coming soon.


    New SanDisk SD Cards Coming With Up to 8TB

    Unlike its spun-off corporate counterpart Western Digital, SanDisk wasn’t at Computex exactly, but they was still their in a sense with a new product. This is because at the SD Association booth, a poster showed new SD and microSD cards with 4 to 8 TB, which are set to hit the market shortly, as several companies at the booth confirmed to us on-site. The capacity’s are huge compared to what we have now.

    Previous Announcements and New Plans

    This isn’t the first time they announced it. SanDisk already announced a SDUC card back in 2024, which however never actually launched. It was originally planned for 2025 but acording to current information, the 8 TB barrier will now be broken right out of the gate instead. SanDisk is accordingly planning SDUC cards both in its Ultra series and its high-speed Extreme series, so you have options depending on you’re speed needs.

    Series Details and Capacities

    The Ultra series is set to be available as both a microSDUC and a regular SDUC card. The latter is going to max out at 8 TB for the biggest size. The microSDUC card will presumably hit the market with 4 TB which is still a ton of space. The Extreme Pro series, on the other hand, is announced with a SDUC card in the 4 TB tier. Compared to the initial announcement, nothing has changed with this card, though a detailed spec sheet is still missing for it.

    Reader Compatibility Issues

    SDUC cards strictly require new SD card readers to work properly. As things stand, even brand-new SD Express card readers can not handle SDUC cards at all. This also applies to SanDisk’s Pro Reader, which is currently sold out anyway, and that is likely an indicator of new card readers coming soon. However, that was already known beforehand because the SD standard split in a sense in the past timeline.

    UHS-II, SDUC, and SD Express were mutually exclusive in the past, but it is expected that this year, for the first time, there will be card readers that support all three standards together in one single device. Corresponding solutions were on display at Computex. Incidentally, SanDisk reacted only late to several inquiries regarding the new cards, as well as the missing SD Express reader, saying “At the current time, we cannot make a statement on this,” was there general response.

    Pricing and Release Status

    Thus, there is no information on pricing or specific availability at this moment. Nevertheless, the release of the cards can be considered a done deal, because several employees from different companies at the SD Association booth confirmed to us that the cards will be coming soon. We just have to wait for more news from SanDisk and other manufacturers.

    Sources
    • Lenovo Yoga Pro 16 Laptop: RTX 5070, 64GB RAM, Double Price

      Lenovo Yoga Pro 16 Laptop: RTX 5070, 64GB RAM, Double Price

      Key Takeaway

      – Lenovo released a high-end Yoga Pro 16 variant with RTX 5070 (12GB VRAM), 64GB RAM, and 2TB storage.
      – Priced at ~$4,865 in China (~$4,350 with subsidy), it costs about double the US Yoga Pro 9i with RTX 5060.
      – The 12GB RTX 5070 offers significantly more graphics power than the 8GB versions, targeting creatives.
      – Features include Core Ultra 9 386H, 16-inch tandem OLED touchscreen (1600 nits, 120Hz), and enhanced cooling.
      – It has a 92.5Wh battery, rich port selection, six-speaker Dolby Atmos audio, and a Wacom-powered 7-inch pen tablet touchpad.


      Yoga Pro Hits New Heights

      Lenovo has maxed out its venerable Yoga Pro convertible line of laptops with a new variant that boasts a more powerful Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics subsystem, 64 GB of RAM, and 2 TB of storage. As can be expected in this day and age when AI computing infrastructure gobbles up all the world’s chip supply at an increasing pace, the newest Yoga Pro 16 version that just got released in China is not cheap.

      Price and Config Breakdown

      The beefier 16-inch Yoga Pro convertible laptop trim, combining a 12 GB RTX 5070 GPU with 64 GB RAM and a 2 TB SSD, can be bought directly from Lenovo at a $4,865 equivalent (32,999 yuan). Lenovo seems to have chosen this moment to release such a pricey variant because it can still capitalize on the local government’s “digital device” national subsidy campaign that brings down the price to $4,350 (24,999 yuan).

      • RTX 5070 GPU with 12 GB GDDR7 VRAM and 115W TDP
      • 64 GB LPDDR5X RAM
      • 2 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD in dual-bay M.2 2280 config
      • Core Ultra 9 386H processor

      Comparing US and China Trims

      Compared to the same Yoga Pro 9i that Lenovo sells on Amazon in the US for just $2,230 with an RTX 5060 GPU, however, that is still double the money difference for doubling the memory amount and shoehorning the beefier RTX 5070 laptop GPU version with 12 GB GDDR7 VRAM and 115W TDP that Nvidia just started shipping in it. Still, Lenovo obviously thinks that there would be a market for those creatives who need to squeeze more graphics power out of their Yoga Pro convertible.

      GPU Performance Nuances

      Heretofore, both the RTX 5060 and 5070 laptop GPUs were available with 8 GB of video RAM, so the actual performance difference in benchmarks would barely hit 20%, but the 12 GB RTX 5070 is a different ballgame for those who need it. Other than the graphics power upgrade, the new Yoga Pro 16 comes with the same great specs that the US-available trims offer, namely a Core Ultra 9 386H processor, LPDDR5X memory, and a PCIe 4.0 SSD in a standard M.2 2280 dual-bay configuration.

      Cooling and Display Design

      Lenovo, however, treated this one as a gaming laptop when it comes to cooling with more openings and an increase of the effective dissipation area of the island and square heat pipe. The display is the same 16-inch tandem OLED touchscreen with top-shelf characteristics such as 1600 nits HDR peak brightness, 100% wide color gamut coverage, a 120 Hz dynamic refresh rate, and ten-point touch sensitivity.

      • 16-inch tandem OLED touchscreen
      • 1600 nits HDR peak brightness
      • 120 Hz dynamic refresh rate
      • 100% wide color gamut coverage

      Dimensions and Battery Life

      The aluminum chassis weighs a little over four pounds (1.9 kg), and the whole Yoga Pro 15 with a 12 GB RTX 5070 GPU measures just 0.68 inches (17.3 mm) thin despite also housing a large 92.5 Wh battery promising up to 18.5 hours of endurance and a smorgasbord of ports and slots: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, an HDMI 2.1, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an SD card reader.

      Multimedia and Pen Input

      Since the Yoga Pro Aura edition laptops are billed for creatives, Lenovo payed attention to the multimedia chops of the new RTX 5070 edition by providing a rich sound subsystem supporting Dolby Atmos and Smart AMP with six speakers in a dual tweeter and four woofer crossover design as well as four surround-sound mics. Last but not least, the Wacom-powered touchpad can be used as a 7-inch writing tablet, complete with 4096 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and linear motor feedback to simulate realistic writing or drawing strokes.

      Global Availabilty Outlook

      This makes the new Yoga Pro SKU with a 12 GB 5070 GPU a well-rounded and futureproof convertible for creatives, but it remains to be seen if Lenovo will release it globally at some point, as its price seems posed to top four grand if and when it lands in the US.

      Sources
    • New Casio G-Shock MRG-B5000SA-2 Leak: Blue Sapphire & AIP Coating

      New Casio G-Shock MRG-B5000SA-2 Leak: Blue Sapphire & AIP Coating

      Key Takeaway

      – Casio is releasing at least three MR-G models for the sub-line’s 30th anniversary.
      – The second model, MRG-B5000SA-2, has leaked with blue accents and a possible new surface treatment.
      – The case may feature Arc Ion Plating (AIP), a hardening treatment similar to DLC used in aerospace.
      – Standard features include Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth, 200m water resistance, and pricing above $5,000.
      – An official announcement is expected within the next two months.


      Casio Teases New Square MR-G Model

      In a fresh new scoop, Casio appears to be preparing at least three new MR-G models to celebrate the sub-line’s 30th anniversary, and the second of them has just leaked. Casioblog, the Russian enthusiast publication that has a strong track record, has published the first image of the MRG-B5000SA-2 — a variant of the iconic square MR-G that gets blue accents and what could be a new surface treatment.

      Visual Highlights and Materials Speculation

      As one would expect, the most eye-catching detail in the render is a pair of blue inserts at the top and bottom of the case, between the bezel segments. Casioblog speculates these are either sapphire crystal elements or titanium designer accents. The “SA” suffix in the model name could likely be a direct reference to whichever material it turns out to be. Blue circular accents around the buttons complement the theme nicely.

      • The overall case tone also has a deep, lustrous blue-grey quality to it
      • the source suggests that it could be Arc Ion Plating (AIP)
      • this is a hardening treatment similar to DLC coating used in aerospace applications
      • it is associated with traditional Japanese metalworking

      Anniversary Lineup and Expected Features

      If the leaks hold weight, the MRG-B5000SA-2 would be the second MR-G 30th anniversary release after the MRG-BF1000EB, a high-end Frogman variant we saw earlier this year. A third model based on the MRG-B2000 series is also reportedly in development. The MRG-B5000 platform uses a Ti64 titanium case, a DAT55G titanium band rated at three times the hardness of pure titanium, and a Cobarion cobalt-chrome bezel alloy four times harder than pure titanium.

      Pricing and Availability Details

      The SA-2 is expected to secure the standard MR-G feature set: Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth, and 200-metre water resistance, with sapphire crystal and pricing north of $5,000. An announcement is expected within the next two months. Thats all the information we have right now about this exciting new release from Casios premium line.

      Sources
    • Apple uses Siri AI as anti-EU tool to push DMA exemption

      Apple uses Siri AI as anti-EU tool to push DMA exemption

      Key Takeaway

      – Apple introduced iOS 27 with new AI features led by Siri AI, which can access screen content, apps, and the iPhone camera.
      – In the EU, Siri AI is not available on iPhone or iPad due to the Digital Markets Act, only on Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
      – Apple claims the EU refused to cooperate on security/privacy, while the EU says Apple chose not to offer the feature.
      – Apple applied for an 18-month exemption that was rejected, and is reportedly working on an EU-compliant solution behind the scenes.


      Apple’s newest iOS 27 update hits iPhones hard

      On Monday, Apple has revealed iOS 27, the next major operating system update for smartphones such as the iPhone 17. In addition to performance optimizations and minor design adjustments, the update primarily introduces new AI features, led by Siri AI. Apple’s new chatbot is strongly reminiscent of products such as ChatGPT, including its own app, whereby Siri AI can also access the screen content, installed apps and the iPhone’s camera.

      Siri AI blocked in Europe for iPhones

      In the EU, however, Siri AI is only available at launch on the Mac, the Apple Watch and on Apple TV, but not on the iPhone or iPad, the platforms that the EU considers to be “gatekeepers” due to their large market share. According to Apple, the EU refused to work constructively with the iPhone manufacturer to find a way to offer Siri AI in the EU without compromising the security and privacy of users. Reuters now quotes a spokesperson for the European Commission as saying that it would be solely Apple’s decision not to offer Siri AI in the EU.

      Apple blames Brussels for the AI gap

      Instead of finding a viable solution that meets the requirements of the Digital Markets Act, Apple would have simply applied for an exemption valid for at least 18 months, which the Commission unsurprisingly rejected. The fact that Apple is choosing to incite customers against the EU’s policy and spread propaganda instead of developing a compliant solution is a strategy that the company has been pursuing for a long time, probably in the hope of influencing EU antitrust law. Behind the scenes, however, an EU-compliant solution is clearly already in the works, because as the screenshot embedded below shows, the Siri app can already integrate third-party chatbots.

       

      Sources
    • Deal: WW1 Shooter Drops to $13 on Steam for the First Time

      Key Takeaway

      – Over The Top: WWI offers a sandbox-style WWI experience with emphasis on environmental destruction and dynamic cover.
      – It has received its first major Steam discount (30% off), the lowest price to date, and is Steam Deck playable.
      – The game features France, Great Britain, and Germany with eight distinct classes including Riflemen, Engineers, and Heavy Gunners.
      – User reception is strong with 84% positive ratings from nearly 6,200 Steam reviews and a Metacritic user score of 9.0.
      – New players should expect a steep learning curve and frequent early deaths due to the frantic, fast-paced battles.


      Over The Top: WWI Gets Its Deepest Discount Yet on Steam

      Anyone who feels they have seen everything Battlefield 1 has to offer may find a refreshing alternative in Over The Top: WWI. Like DICE’s shooter, it focuses on massive WW1 battles, but places a much stronger emphasis on sandbox gameplay and environmental destruction. We previously covered the game at launch, and roughly three months later, it has now received its first major Steam discount. According to SteamDB, the current 30% price cut marks the lowest price the game has seen so far. The title is also playable on Steam Deck.

      Sandbox Destruction and Dynamic Battlefields

      What truly distinguishes Over The Top from Battlefield is the way it incorporates the environment into every firefight. Explosions leave behind craters that can immediately be used as cover, buildings can be demolished rather than assaulted room by room, and players can use shovels to create their own defensive positions wherever the battlefield demands. The game features France, Great Britain and Germany as playable factions, each offering eight classes. These range from front-line Riflemen and combat Engineers to Heavy Gunners capable of laying down sustained suppressive fire.

      Player Reception and Learning Curve

      Since release, Over The Top has built a respectable player base, regularly attracting more than 300 concurrent players. User reception has also been strong, with 84% positive ratings from nearly 6,200 Steam reviews. On Metacritic, the game currently holds a user score of 9.0, although that rating is based on only four reviews. Fans of large-scale multiplayer warfare should find plenty to enjoy here, and the current discount makes this the most affordable entry point yet. That said, reviews suggest newcomers should be prepared for a steep learning curve. The frantic nature of the battles can be overwhelming at first, and being eliminated moments after spawning appears to be a fairly common experience.

      Pricing and Availability Details

      The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. This title is currently available on Steam and playable on Steam Deck with a 30% discount applied.


      Sources

    • The Next OGame? Free 4X Strategy Game Now on Steam

      Key Takeaway

      – Free-to-play Early Access launched June 5, inspired by OGame and EVE Online
      – Persistent universe with 4X strategy: expand, raid, trade, and form alliances
      – Praised for strategic depth and restrained monetization (no paid advantages)
      – Heavy reliance on AI-generated artwork and minimal animations (menus/text-based)
      – 80% positive Steam reviews; full release planned within one year


      Classic Space Strategy Returns

      Nexus Legacy could be just the thing for players who once logged into OGame intending to “just send out the fleet” – only to spend the rest of the night calculating resources, construction timers and attack windows. Like OGame, it is built around a persistent online world with 4X strategy elements. The game launched in free Early Access on Steam on June 5 and has received mostly positive feedback so far. According to the developers at Nexus Legacy Team, Early Access is expected to last around one year. The title is also planned to remain free after its full release.

      Empire Building and Expansion

      Players start with a single planet, where they build mines, laboratories, shipyards and defensive structures. From there, the empire gradually expands through new colonies, outposts and space stations. These provide more resources and strategic options, but also increase the area that needs to be defended. All players share the same persistent universe, developing their empires in parallel, observing rivals, raiding weaker targets and forming alliances. When it comes to politics, diplomacy and trade, Nexus Legacy also appears to take some inspiration from EVE Online.

      What Players Think

      Players have praised the strategic depth and the clear influence of classic browser-based 4X games. Another positive point is the restrained monetization, which currently avoids paid gameplay advantages. The universe is described as large and offers several progression paths, allowing players to specialize as warlords, industrialists or diplomats. Criticism mainly concerns the extensive use of AI-generated artwork. It is also worth noting that Nexus Legacy does not play like a traditional 4X strategy game such as Civilization VII or Stellaris. The game is largely built around menus, images and text, with barely any animations. Of the roughly 30 user reviews currently available on Steam, 80% are positive. Steam Deck compatibility is still listed as “Unknown.”

      • Free-to-play on Steam
      • Early Access launched June 5
      • Expected one year in Early Access
      • Planned to remain free
      • Single planet start with mines, labs, shipyards
      • Colonies, outposts, space stations
      • Persistent universe with all players
      • Politics and trade inspired by EVE Online
      • Strategic depth praised
      • No paid advantages currently
      • Large universe with multiple paths
      • AI-generated artwork criticized
      • Menu and text based, few animations
      • 80% positive reviews
      • Steam Deck status unknown


      Sources