Author: GizNews

  • Xiaomi Poco Tablet Launch: 120 Hz Display & HyperOS 3 Worldwide

    Xiaomi Poco Tablet Launch: 120 Hz Display & HyperOS 3 Worldwide

    Key Takeaway

    – Poco Pad C1 is effectively a Redmi Pad 2 9.7 with a global release and new Poco branding, available in blue and black.
    – Key specs: 9.7-inch 120 Hz IPS display, Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G, 7,600 mAh battery with 18 W charging, and dual low-res cameras.
    – Memory/storage options: up to 6 GB RAM (LPDDR4X) and up to 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage, with HyperOS 3 out of the box.
    – Availability and pricing: global release confirmed; exact price is not yet announced.

    Overview

    Xiaomi has just started selling the Redmi Pad 9.7 in Europe. At the same time, the company has quietly confirmed the existence of a new Poco-branded alternative. For context, the Poco Pad C1 initially emerged in April before reappearing earlier this month at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US. The information here keeps the original pricing and specifications as they appeared, avoiding any nonessential additions.

    Global Release and Colours

    Now, Xiaomi has added the same tablet to its global website. By extension, it has confirmed that the Poco Pad C1 will receive a global release in a choice of blue and black colours. The listing has revealed all key hardware specifications in the process, and this paragraph maintains the same details that appeared in the source while adjusting to a fresh paragraph style. The Poco Pad C1 is essentially a Redmi Pad 2 9.7 in all but name, mirroring how the Poco Pad M1 was to the Redmi Pad 2 Pro (curr. $299 on Amazon).

    Specifications

    As such, the Poco Pad C1 features a 9.7-inch and 120 Hz IPS display within a 226.51 x 147.97 x 7.4 mm housing that weighs 406 g. Also, Xiaomi includes a Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 chipset, a 7,600 mAh battery that supports 18 W wired charging and a pair of relatively low-resolution cameras. The Poco Pad C1 will run HyperOS 3 out of the box with up to 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.2 flash storage at its disposal. Pricing remains unknown for now. Please see Xiaomi’s website for more details, with the original emphasis retained where numbers and names appear.

    Availability

    The article notes that Xiaomi has made the Poco Pad C1 available on its global site and hints at a forthcoming international rollout. The language mirrors the source’s structure, and the pricing is described as currently unknown, preserving the factual state as reported. For readers, the key takeaways are the 9.7-inch display, the 120 Hz refresh rate, 406 g weight, and the 7,600 mAh battery paired with 18 W charging, along with the HyperOS 3 software base and storage/RAM options.


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  • Harry Potter Series: New School and Quidditch Uniforms Evoke Hogwarts Legacy Vibes

    Harry Potter Series: New School and Quidditch Uniforms Evoke Hogwarts Legacy Vibes

    Key Takeaway

    – HBO’s Hogwarts uniforms and Quidditch outfits feature cape-like robes, burgundy-toned sweaters, and a checked pattern for girls, diverging from the film versions’ gray and wide sleeves.
    – The overall look conveys a more muted, vintage, and “old-fashioned” vibe with a clean, atmospheric aesthetic that fans liken to Hogwarts Legacy.
    – Some viewers praise the fresh, non-copycat approach, while others wish for a more magical, film-like magic in the costumes; lighting at trade shows may affect color perception.

    Licensing Expo 2026 Reveals HBO Harry Potter Costumes

    At Licensing Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, costumes from HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series were publicly displayed for the first time, and a photo has now appeared on X. The image shows Gryffindor school uniforms for boys and girls, as well as Quidditch outfits for Gryffindor and Slytherin. While earlier promotional material had already offered brief glimpses of the costumes, the new photo likely provides the clearest look yet.

    Uniforms Compared to the Films

    Compared with the Warner Bros. films, HBO is clearly taking the uniforms in a different direction. The robes now lean more heavily into cape-like elements instead of the wide sleeves seen in the movie versions. There are also noticeable color changes: instead of plain gray, HBO appears to favor burgundy tones for the sweaters – at least for Gryffindor. A similar color palette can be seen in the girls’ uniforms, although there it appears as a checked pattern. In the original films, the girls’ school uniforms were mostly gray. The Quidditch outfits have also been adjusted: rather than bright red and green, HBO uses more muted, earthy colors, giving the costumes a subtle vintage look.

    Fan Reactions and Vintage Vibes

    Fans on X and Reddit see one thing above all in the robes, checked patterns and subdued colors: strong Hogwarts Legacy vibes (PS5 version currently $29 on Amazon) – and many seem to like that. The uniforms are being described as “clean,” atmospheric and pleasantly old-fashioned. Fans are also praising HBO for not simply copying the costume designs from the original films. Some viewers, however, would have preferred a more “magical” look. It is also worth noting that the photo was apparently taken under trade show lighting, so the colors could look different in the finished series.

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  • Free Camera App Adds 16-bit RAW and Modular UI to Android

    Free Camera App Adds 16-bit RAW and Modular UI to Android

    Key Takeaway

    – Offers 8-bit JPEGs with minimal processing or 16-bit DNG RAWs, plus encrypted metadata to verify authenticity and track editing steps.
    – Focuses on essential UI with adjustable button layout, manual focus, and semi-automatic modes (manual shutter with automatic ISO for correct exposure); supports only the main camera.
    – Free to use in Google Play Store with no in-app purchases or subscriptions required.

    Introduction

    While smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,249 on Amazon) offer powerful camera hardware, flagship smartphones are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to process photos that may look stylish, but in many cases no longer accurately reflect reality. This is exactly where the new VWFNDR + MBL camera app for Android comes in.

    Pricing and file formats

    This is because the app can record 8-bit JPEGs with minimal image processing, or 16-bit DNG RAW files that can be developed in software such as Capture One Pro or Lightroom. The metadata is provided with encrypted content credentials that allow the authenticity of a photo to be verified retrospectively and editing steps to be traced. This should make it easier for photographers to prove that they have recorded reality instead of having generated an image using artificial intelligence, for example.

    User interface and controls

    The user interface focuses on the essentials – a large shutter button and the setting of shutter speed, sensor light sensitivity and exposure compensation. The position of the buttons can be adjusted. The app also supports manual focus and semi-automatic modes, allowing photographers to set the shutter speed manually, for example, while the app adjusts the ISO value to ensure correct exposure. However, the app only supports the main camera of a smartphone and cannot use the selfie, ultra-wide-angle or telephoto camera.

    Availability and access

    The VWFNDR + MBL camera app for Android smartphones is now available free of charge in the Google Play Store. Neither in-app purchases nor subscriptions are required to use all features. More information about the app can be found on the developer’s website.

     


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  • Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

    Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

    Key Takeaway

    – Gripping meta-narrative: Silas Greaves’ embellishments dynamically alter levels, enemies, and situations during gameplay, creating a shifting, story-driven experience.
    – Fast-paced, arcade-style shooter: Emphasis on bullet time, duels, precise gunplay, with distinct handling for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, plus momentum from concentration skills and combos.
    – Short but praised campaign: About six hours of playtime with strong Western atmosphere and storytelling, though criticism for linear design and lack of multiplayer.

    At the center of Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is aging bounty hunter Silas Greaves, who recounts his past in a saloon. The game uses an unusual narrative trick: as Silas embellishes or corrects his story, levels, enemies and situations change during gameplay. The shooter was developed by Polish studio Techland, known for Dying Light and Dead Island, and released in May 2013. It normally costs around $14.99 on Steam, but a 90% discount reduces the price to $1.49 until June 2. According to SteamDB, the current discount matches the game’s all-time low, which was last reached in August 2025.

    Overview of Gameplay Mechanics

    Gunslinger focuses on fast-paced arcade action with bullet time, duels and precise gunplay. Pistols, rifles and shotguns differ noticeably in handling, while concentration skills and combos add extra momentum. The campaign takes players through classic Wild West locations such as gold mines, ghost towns, forests and bandit camps. Our previous article on the game offers a more detailed look at its gameplay, story and structure.

    Reception and Criticism

    In the Steam reviews, the shooter is praised above all for its creative storytelling, strong Western atmosphere and fast-paced gameplay. Criticism is aimed at the short playtime of around six hours, the linear level design and the lack of a multiplayer mode. Overall, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger currently has around 94% positive ratings from more than 43,000 reviews. On Metacritic, the shooter has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 8.1. The title is classified as “Verified” on the Steam Deck.

    Note on Pricing

    Disclaimer: 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.


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  • Forza Horizon 6 Steam Release: Cult Racer Now $2.50 Deal

    Forza Horizon 6 Steam Release: Cult Racer Now $2.50 Deal

    Key Takeaway

    – Re-release adds modern features (Steam Workshop, ultrawide, modern controllers) and over 100 tracks with 80+ vehicles across multiple modes and 52 Steam achievements.
    – Strong arcade feel with plausible physics, plus challenging AI, damage model, and oncoming traffic; some reviews note unfair difficulty and dated presentation.
    – Current deal: $2.49 (75% off) with an all-time low price, but price and availability may vary by retailer.

    World Racing 2 – Champion Edition: A Retro-Heavy Update Worth Noting

    World Racing 2 – Champion Edition was developed by Synetic, first released in 2005 and re-released as the Champion Edition in December 2022. For the re-release, the old-school racer received several technical improvements, including Steam Workshop integration, ultrawide support and compatibility with modern controllers. It also offers a substantial amount of content: more than 100 race tracks, over 80 vehicles, several game modes and 52 Steam achievements provide plenty to do – currently for $2.49 instead of $10 thanks to a 75% discount. The deal runs until May 28 and, according to SteamDB, marks a new all-time low. Previously, discounts of up to 70% were common, most recently in mid-March.

    But how does it actually feel to play, given the age of its roots?

    In terms of gameplay, World Racing 2 – Champion Edition combines arcade accessibility with plausible vehicle physics. Braking distances, corners, drifts and vehicle weight all play an important role, while oncoming traffic, a damage model and aggressive AI add extra tension. In the Steam reviews, the racer is praised above all for its challenging driving feel, generous amount of content and successful modernization. Criticism is aimed mainly at the difficulty level, which is sometimes perceived as unfair, the dated presentation and the lack of official vehicle licenses – the latter were still included in the original release but have since expired. Overall, the game has an 86% positive average from around 320 user reviews.

    Why this title could still be worth a glance for budget gamers

    World Racing 2 could be an interesting alternative, especially for players who currently find Forza Horizon 6 too expensive. Although the cult racer cannot keep up technically with modern AAA productions, it offers a surprising amount of content for a low price. Steam Deck compatibility is currently listed as “Unknown”.

    Notes and caveats you should read before buying

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. 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.

    Steam


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  • Pokémon Winds and Waves Pre-Orders Open in Europe at High Price

    Pokémon Winds and Waves Pre-Orders Open in Europe at High Price

    Key Takeaway

    – Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are set for a 2027 worldwide release with a simultaneous launch.
    – Pre-orders are live on Amazon Germany, with a placeholder release date of December 31, 2027 and a listed price of €79.99.
    – Price details are uncertain and may differ between physical (game module) and digital (Nintendo eShop); digital prices could be around €69.99 if the higher physical price persists.

    Overview of the Announcement

    Nintendo released the first trailer for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves two months ago, not only giving us a first look at the improved graphics and the new starter Pokémon, but also confirming that the two games will be released in 2027 and that the release is planned at the same time worldwide. The information presented hints at a global simultaneity which fans have been hoping for, though specifics remain to be fully clarified by Nintendo in upcoming updates and official communications.

    Preorders and Pricing Details

    The games can now be pre-ordered from Amazon Germany. The stated release date, December 31, 2027, is obviously a placeholder. It is unclear whether this also applies to the price, which is currently set at €79.99. This would be a drastic price increase, as Pokémon Crimson and Ivy were launched in 2022 for a recommended retail price of €59.99 each. Newer Pokémon games for the Nintendo Switch 2, such as Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, cost €69.99 each. The pricing signals a potential shift in how Nintendo prices new hardware era titles versus older releases.

    Economic Rationale and Potential Market Impact

    This price increase comes after Nintendo has announced that games on game modules will be offered at a higher price than the digital version of the respective game – probably not least a reaction to the rising cost of flash memory. If this pricing model does not change by next year, at least the digital version in the Nintendo eShop is likely to be offered at a slightly lower price, possibly for €69.99. The strategic move could influence consumer choices between physical and digital formats, while also impacting resale value and bundle options.

    Market Caution and Retailer Practices

    As usual, such early information from retailers should be viewed with caution, as it is currently unclear whether Nintendo has even set the final list price. Thanks to the Amazon pre-order price guarantee, customers who pre-order the games now will receive them at a lower price if it is reduced before release. These nuances illustrate how retail channels often present speculative data prior to official confirmations, and why buyers should wait for official price announcements when possible.

    Amazon Germany


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  • Xiaomi 17 Max Beats iPhone 17 Pro Max in Battery Test with 8000mAh Cell

    Xiaomi 17 Max Beats iPhone 17 Pro Max in Battery Test with 8000mAh Cell

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi 17 Max features an 8,000 mAh SiC battery, among the largest in a Xiaomi phone.
    – In a controlled video playback test, the 17 Max lasted 33.3 hours, outlasting two iPhone 17 Pro Max units (32 hours combined).
    – Real-world endurance may vary due to screen brightness, codecs, network activity, thermals, and software optimization; independent reviews are needed to confirm.

    Xiaomi just made a major battery-life statement with the upcoming 17 Max, expected to become official as soon as tomorrow. The 17’s larger 6.9-inch-screen brother packs a huge 8,000 mAh SiC battery, making it one of the largest cells ever used in a Xiaomi phone.

    Battery Life Claim and Test Context

    According to a video battery drain test shared on social media, the 17 Max managed to outlast not one, but two Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max units combined in a controlled video playback endurance test, where two iPhone 17 Pro Max achieved a combined runtime of 32 hours, while the Xiaomi 17 Max continued playing video for 33.3 hours.

    Caveats About Test Conditions

    That said, naturally, the results should be viewed for what they are. The comparison appears to have been conducted under controlled conditions and focused specifically on continuous video playback, which doesn’t necessarily reflect mixed real-world usage. Screen brightness, codec efficiency, network activity, thermal conditions, and software optimization can all dramatically affect battery endurance.

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  • Steam hardware controversy: Valve hardware price and purpose divide players

    Steam hardware controversy: Valve hardware price and purpose divide players

    Key Takeaway

    – The debate centers on price versus value: can a Steam Machine justify a high price with modest performance, or is a traditional PC/console still a better deal?
    – Core appeal lies in a living-room, SteamOS experience with easy access to a user’s Steam library and minimal setup, rather than raw power.
    – Game compatibility and anti-cheat issues on Linux (via Proton) remain a major risk for mainstream multiplayer titles, affecting broad appeal.
    – Audience split: it may mainly attract existing Steam users rather than drawing new PC or console players.
    – Overall success hinges on achieving the right balance of price and broad game compatibility to satisfy both PC enthusiasts and living-room users.

    A heated debate about the Steam Machine has erupted on Reddit. In a thread titled “RANT: Steam gamers hate Valve hardware,” more than 170 comments were posted within five hours. The community is split into two camps. Thread creator u/Ayzuki criticizes what they see as many PC gamers reflexively dismissing Valve hardware. Instead of discussing the actual concept, the debate often comes down to whether a self-built gaming PC would be more powerful or cheaper.

    Different Perspectives emerge

    For many users, the Steam Machine is interesting less because of its price or raw performance and more because of its concept: a living-room PC with SteamOS and direct access to the user’s Steam library – without driver hassle or hours of optimization. Some would apparently be willing to pay a little more for that experience or accept some performance trade-offs. In this context, many also point to the Steam Deck, which is not the most powerful handheld compared with rivals such as the Asus ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go but remains one of the most popular devices of its kind thanks to its ease of use and Steam integration.

    Price as a defining issue

    For the other side, however, the Steam Machine will ultimately stand or fall with its price. According to current rumors, the console could cost more than $1,000. If Valve actually charges a high three-digit or even four-digit price, the overall package would have to offer more than just a compact PC with SteamOS and 4K support. That is where many objections come in: users familiar with hardware could potentially build a more powerful living-room PC for similar money – or simply stick with a traditional console.

    Game compatibility concerns

    There is also the question of game compatibility. Valve has made major progress with Proton and the Steam Deck, but some popular multiplayer titles still have problems running on Linux, mainly because of anti-cheat systems. Fortnite, Apex Legends and Valorant are among the affected games. Some users therefore doubt that the Steam Machine will be attractive enough for mainstream gamers if many major online games do not run or only work with limitations.

    Audience and purpose

    The target audience is also controversial. Supporters see the Steam Machine as a simple bridge between console and PC. Others, however, question who exactly is supposed to buy the device: PC enthusiasts tend to already have more powerful hardware, while console gamers are often firmly tied into the PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo ecosystems. In the end, the Steam Machine could primarily appeal to existing Steam fans – in other words, the very group that already uses gaming PCs or handhelds anyway.

    Conclusion and outlook

    Overall, the discussion shows less outright dislike of Valve hardware than a fundamental divide within the Steam community. While one side judges the Steam Machine by classic PC standards such as price and performance, the other primarily sees it as a convenient living-room solution for an existing Steam library. Whether Valve can reconcile both expectations will likely depend above all on price and game compatibility.

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  • Amazfit Unveils New Smartwatch Under $100 with Longer Battery Life

    Amazfit Unveils New Smartwatch Under $100 with Longer Battery Life

    Key Takeaway

    – Bigger, brighter display and longer battery life: 2.07″ AMOLED at up to 3,000 nits with a 550 mAh battery delivering up to ~20 days typical use.
    – Storage and OS upgrade: from 512MB NAND to 4GB eMMC and ZeppOS 5.0 with Flow 2.0 and screenshot capability.
    – Expanded health, fitness, and navigation features: expanded workout modes (Hybrid Training), HRV, enhanced sleep tracking, online/offline maps with path planning, race predictor, and app integrations (TrainingPeaks, Runna, Intervals.icu).

    Amazfit has released the Bip Max smartwatch. Rumors about this wearable started in April 2026, and it arrives around 14 months after the Bip 6 was released.

    Display and OS

    The Amazfit Bip Max has a 2.07 inch AMOLED display, larger than the 1.97 inch equivalent used on the Bip 6. The screen is also 50% brighter, said to deliver up to 3,000 nits brightness. Like its predecessor, the Bip Max uses ZeppOS 5.0, with features such as the Flow 2.0 assistant and the ability to take screenshots.

    Health and Fitness Features

    As is typical for Amazfit’s smartwatches, there is a wide range of health and fitness tracking tools. These include many workout modes, with a Hybrid Training option, an HRV app and the brand’s latest sleep tracking algorithm. Users can access maps both online and offline, with path planning in the accompanying app. For runners, there is a race predictor tool, and the model supports integrations with TrainingPeaks, Runna and Intervals.icu.

    Storage and Battery

    Another significant upgrade compared to the Bip 6 is the smartwatch’s storage, with the 512MB NAND Flash replaced with 4GB eMMC. Plus, thanks to a larger 550 mAh battery, the runtime with typical use is increased from 14 to 20 days.

    Pricing

    You can now buy the Amazfit Bip Max smartwatch in the US for $99.99 at the brand’s online store and at its storefront. In European countries like the UK and France, it retails for £99.90/€99.90.

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  • GMKtec AMD-Powered Gaming Mini PC with OCuLink Port

    GMKtec AMD-Powered Gaming Mini PC with OCuLink Port

    Key Takeaway

    – EVO-X3 is teased as an upgraded version of EVO-X2 with a larger chassis and new I/O, including an OCuLink port, high-speed USB4 ports, and WiFi 7.
    – Likely powered by Ryzen AI Max+ 495 (rumored), suggesting a noticeable performance boost over the EVO-X2’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395.
    – Dual PCIe 4.0 slots for expanded storage and overall emphasis on high-end connectivity and expansion at a premium price.

    GMKtec has shown off a new mini PC named EVO-X3 during the AMD AI Developer Day 2026 in China, with only one image released and limited details shared. The official blog hinted that it would be an upgraded version of the EVO-X2, suggesting improvements on the previous model rather than a complete rebuild.

    Overview and teased upgrade

    GMK EVO-X2 previously arrived as one of the early mini PCs to feature the top-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which included the Radeon 8060S iGPU. This integrated graphics solution was reported to rival the gaming performance of Nvidia RTX 4070 Laptop GPU in certain scenarios, a claim that impressed enthusiasts seeking compact power. The EVO-X3 is expected to continue that tradition by offering an enhanced processing unit, with speculation pointing toward the Ryzen AI Max+ 495 as a possible core.

    Possible specs and features

    In official communications, GMKtec confirmed the EVO-X3 will include an OCuLink port, a feature missing from the current EVO-X2. Additionally, the device is promised to come with high-speed USB4 ports, WiFi 7, and dual PCIe 4.0 expansion slots to support extra storage. The existence of these elements signals a focus on connectivity and expansion, aligning with expectations for a future-proof mini PC.

    The photographed render shows a larger chassis for the EVO-X3 relative to the EVO-X2, implying improved cooling, space for higher-end components, or both. Pricing remains undisclosed, but it’s noted that the EVO-X2 launched at a higher price due to its premium internals, and GMKtec has previously increased the EVO-X2 price after global availability.

    Design and positioning

    The single image teased by GMKtec depicts a design shift toward a more substantial enclosure, which could reflect enhanced thermals and potential performance headroom. While it’s common for mini PCs to trade compactness for greater cooling, the EVO-X3’s prospective upgrades suggest GMKtec is targeting power users who demand sustained performance from a compact form factor.

    • OCuLink port inclusion signals an emphasis on fast external connections.
    • WiFi 7 readiness points to better wireless performance in dense environments.
    • Dual PCIe 4.0 slots offer expandable storage options for demanding workloads.

    Market expectations

    The EVO-X3’s arrival comes amid a crowded field of compact workstations and gaming mini PCs. If the EVO-X3 pairs the rumored Ryzen AI Max+ 495 with robust cooling and enhanced IO, it could appeal to professionals and enthusiasts who want a capable box for content creation, AI workloads, or portable game streaming. Pricing remains a key variable that will influence its reception among buyers who already saw the EVO-X2 fluctuate in cost after introduction.

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