Author: GizNews

  • Xiaomi Air Canceled: Ultra-Thin Phone with 200MP Camera, Flagship Chip

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi reportedly considered an ultra-thin phone (cited by CEO Lu Weibing) but canceled it due to battery life and performance concerns.
    – The leaked specs suggest a Xiaomi “Air” with a 6.59″ 1.5K display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, dual 200MP rear cameras, and a battery likely between 5,000–5,999 mAh, under 6.0 mm thick.
    – Uncertainty remains whether Xiaomi will revive an ultra-thin model; competitors like Apple and Samsung are pushing their own ultrathin designs.

    In 2025, a handful of manufacturers launched ultra-slim smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, Apple iPhone Air, Motorola Edge 70, and the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air . It turns out Xiaomi also planned to release its own thin smartphone, but eventually had to cancel it. Now, a leak has revealed the key specs of the phone.

    Rumors and Confirmation

    The evidence that Xiaomi was working on an ultra-thin smartphone comes from Xiaomi’s own CEO, Lu Weibing, who is reported to have responded to a question asking if Xiaomi would release its own take on the iPhone Air. The question was reportedly posed to the Xiaomi executive during a live broadcast on May 16. The CEO stated that Xiaomi had begun development of an ultra-thin smartphone, and was even close to mass-producing it, before it decided to scrap it at. He cited issues with battery life and performance due to the phone’s extremely thin design. So rather than releasing a device users wouldn’t be satisfied with, they made the decision to cancel the phone.

    Emerging Details

    Now, the popular leaker, Digital Chat Station, has released the key specs of the phone based on a prototype. According to a post on Weibo, the phone, which is unofficially called the Xiaomi Air, would have a 6.59-inch display with a 1.5K (2712 × 1220) resolution. It would also have a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, while the back would house dual cameras that include a 200MP primary camera.

    Battery, Thickness, and Comparisons

    The leak didn’t reveal the battery capacity, but said the first figure is a “5” which means it would be between 5,000mAh and 5,999mAh. The phone’s thickness is also said to begin with a “5”, which means its thickness is less than 6.0mm. For comparison, the iPhone Air has a thickness of 5.6mm while the Galaxy S25 Edge is 5.8mm thick.

    Future Prospects

    It remains to be seen if Xiaomi will eventually make an ultra-thin smartphone in the future. Apple on the other hand, is expected to launch a follow-up to the iPhone Air, and might even announce it this year.

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  • Futuristic City Builder Deal—85% Off on Steam, Loved by 70% Players

    Futuristic City Builder Deal—85% Off on Steam, Loved by 70% Players

    Key Takeaway

    – Anno 2205 blends city-building with space exploration, requiring lunar colonies for essential resources like helium-3.
    – It offers a strong visual experience and challenging gameplay, but reviews note a lack of random maps, no multiplayer, and optional battles.
    – The game was discounted to $5.99 with a time-limited deal ending May 29, 2026; afterward, the price reverts to $39.99.

    Overview and Release Details

    Available on Steam since November 3, 2015, Anno 2205 is a city builder in which you must build a better future for humanity. Developed by Blue Byte and published by Ubisoft, it is currently available for $5.99. But be careful, because this offer ends on May 29, 2026, and after that date, its price will return to $39.99.

    Resource Challenges and Space Expansion

    To create a better world, you’ll need to build thriving cities with many buildings to meet your citizens’ needs. However, some resources essential to the development of your cities, such as helium-3, are no longer available on Earth, and you will have to go to the Moon to obtain them. This narrative twist pushes you toward space exploration, where lunar colonies become a core part of the progression, shaping how you plan and manage your urban networks.

    Gameplay Focus and Varied Environments

    As a result, you’ll need to venture into space and establish lunar colonies. This will allow you to improve your cities and secure a better future for humanity. Nevertheless, your experience will vary depending on the regions you choose. Indeed, each environment has its own advantages and disadvantages. The design pushes you to adapt strategies to the unique climates and resource flows in orbit, on the Moon, and back on Earth, creating a layered planning challenge.

    Reception and Critiques

    Anno 2205 received mixed reviews when it was released. Many players have pointed out several flaws, such as the absence of randomly generated maps. The gameplay is also quite basic compared to other games. In addition, there is no multiplayer mode, and battles are optional. These notes reflect user perspectives that emphasize strategic depth over flashy combat, with emphasis on city management and production chains.

    Strengths and Community Feedback

    But it also has many qualities, such as its graphics and its animations. Many players enjoy the story, and the game can also be challenging. As a result, it has 70% positive reviews on Steam based on 6,285 reviews. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 72 and a user score of 6.1. However, according to SteamDB, this price has already been reached several times over the past few months.

    Market Notes

    Disclaimer: This entry discusses price dynamics and opinions that can shift with retailer adjustments. 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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  • Windows 11 Taskbar Customizations Return from Windows 10 Release

    Windows 11 Taskbar Customizations Return from Windows 10 Release

    Key Takeaway

    – Taskbar can be moved to any screen edge (top, bottom, left, right) with adaptive icon alignment (centered or left/top depending on orientation).
    – A smaller taskbar option reduces height and icon size to save vertical space, with changes applying immediately.
    – System flyouts and Start/Search placement adjust to match the taskbar position (e.g., Start opens from the top if the bar is at the top).
    – Improved window handling on a vertical taskbar (Never combine with labels on so each window shows separately).

    Microsoft is bringing back a few taskbar customization options in Windows 11 Insider builds, restoring some of the flexibility that was removed when the OS first launched. The update mainly focuses on giving users more control over layout and making the taskbar feel more consistent across different display setups.

    New side placement and alignment options

    One of the biggest changes is simple but long requested: the taskbar can now be moved to any side of the screen — top, bottom, left, or right. Icon alignment also adapts depending on where the taskbar is placed: centered or left-aligned on horizontal layouts, and centered or top-aligned on vertical ones. The wording here shifts with the placement, and users will notice the alignment tempts to stay logical across orientations, which is a relief for those who juggle multiple monitors in varied orientations.

    Compact taskbar mode for limited spaces

    Microsoft is also introducing a smaller taskbar option aimed at setups where screen space is limited. Windows 11 originally made the taskbar taller to accommodate new states, features, and improved touch targets, but that extra height can feel unnecessary on compact displays. With the new setting enabled, users get a reduced taskbar height, smaller icons, and a bit more vertical workspace for apps. The change applies immediately without requiring a restart or sign-out, and it is currently rolling out in the Experimental channel via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.

    System flyouts adjust to taskbar position

    System flyouts like Start and Search are also being adjusted to match taskbar placement. So if the taskbar is moved to the top of the screen, the Start menu will open from there as well, instead of still appearing from the bottom. This consistency helps apearence and usability, especially when switching from one monitor to another with different orientations in a working session.

    Window handling improves with vertical taskbar

    Microsoft is also improving window handling when using a vertical taskbar. With “Never combine” enabled and labels turned on, each open app window is shown separately with its own label, which makes it easier to tell multiple windows apart at a glance. The changes are currently limited to Insider builds, but they clearly point toward a more flexible taskbar experience returning to Windows 11 after years of user requests.


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  • Steam Controller Works Without Steam Now

    Steam Controller Works Without Steam Now

    Key Takeaway

    – SDL cross-platform input support now enables full use of the Steam Controller outside Steam, reducing reliance on Steam Input.
    – While SDL coverage is broad, some titles (e.g., certain Game Pass games) may still require Steam Input or wrappers like SteamlessController.
    – Long-term potential remains limited by incomplete universal SDL support and the need to utilize Steam Input for full features (back buttons, touchpads, gyro) in many cases.

    As I looked forward to the 2026 Steam Controller, one notable drawback from post-launch reviews was the limited support outside the Steam client. Although expected for a device named Steam Controller, the absence of even basic XInput as a fallback is a real downside if you want to use the controller outside Steam games. While Steam Input can be routed to work with non-Steam games (like emulators such as Dolphin) by launching them through Steam, that workaround simply fails for common use cases like games bought through Xbox Game Pass or Microsoft Store.

    SDL brings cross platform relief

    Fortunately, the issue has now been fixed! Now, in a move akin to PlayStation 5’s DualSense, the Steam Controller is fully supported by the cross-platform Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) input library. This means that Steam Input can be bypassed entirely while still enabling full use of the Steam Controller’s inputs outside of Steam. There may be some limitations still requiring manual tools like SteamlessController (for instance, not all Game Pass titles will support SDL inputs) or routing through Steam Input, but SDL enjoys surprisingly broad platform support, especially for emulators and decomps/recomps.

    The path forward and remaining hurdles

    In the long run, progress still sits on the horizon. Without universal SDL support or the use of XInput wrappers like SteamlessController, Steam Controller remains limited to Steam games. Additionally, while SDL does recognize the back buttons, touchpads, and gyro functionality, fully utilizing any of those added features (which differentiate Steam Controller from rivals) still requires Steam Input.

    SDL support as a meaningful upgrade

    Even so, solid SDL support for the 2026 Steam Controller— or Steam Controller 2, or whatever name you prefer—goes a long way toward enhancing the Steam Controller as a product. If you are among many users who prefer not to use Steam Input for emulators, for example, the introduction of Steam Controller SDL support is a genuine boon for those workflows.

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  • GTA 6 Pre-Order Leak Doubts: Trailer 3 May Not Surface Until July

    GTA 6 Pre-Order Leak Doubts: Trailer 3 May Not Surface Until July

    Key Takeaway

    – Best Buy leak suggests GTA 6 pre-orders could open May 18, but multiple insiders doubt the timing and see a later window (summer) as more likely.
    – Tom Henderson cautions no solid evidence for a May 18 event; expects possible pre-orders or a trailer later, around July–August.
    – Take-Two earnings call on May 21 could bring an update, but may simply reiterate a future release window rather than immediate pre-order/trailer details.

    Excitement grew among Rockstar Games fans after a Best Buy affiliate email appeared. The message suggested that GTA 6 pre-orders will open on May 18th. However, Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming is among several skeptics who have questioned that timing.

    Varying viewpoints emerge from insiders

    Along with a co-panel, Henderson addressed the topic on a recent podcast. The journalist is generally viewed as reliable, even if his track record with Rockstar developments isn’t spotless. While doubting a GTA 6 release date delay, he expects as far as pre-orders or a third trailer, “we’re not going to get anything tangible until uh July, August.”

    Pre-orders doubt and timing considerations

    The insider verified that the Best Buy email was legitimate, but it could have been sent prematurely. Buyers may need to wait until later in the summer to reserve the game. Henderson is careful to note that his prediction isn’t based on any new information. Still, other prominent leakers haven’t seen signs that May 18th will be an eventful day.

    Industry chatter and leak responsiveness

    As mentioned in the podcast, billbil-kun frequently learns about retailers’ plans in advance. Unfortunately, when asked about the Best Buy leak, he said he had “Nothing interesting for now” to report. The trusted NateTheHate also hasn’t shared that pre-orders or that a new trailer is imminent.

    Forecasts ahead of earnings and marketing expectations

    Henderson believes that, ahead of the Take-Two Interactive earnings call on May 21st, gamers will hear an update. Still, the company may simply reaffirm the GTA 6 release date and ask them to stay tuned for more news. Even if pre-orders do begin, that wouldn’t guarantee a trailer premiere.

    Marketing timelines and CEO signals

    Some fans are pushing back on the idea that marketing wouldn’t start until July or later. On the subject, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has given mixed signals. Recently, he hinted that the game’s development was on track and advertising efforts would step up “soon.” Yet, he previously stated that the campaign would be short and high-impact.

    Promotional duration debate and stock impact

    Gamers are debating whether the title warrants a longer promotional period than 3-4 months. It’s a massively anticipated project, but as discussed on the podcast, GTA 6 leaks often serve as marketing. The Best Buy pre-order report alone led to a surge in the publisher’s stock.

    Insider Gaming podcast, billbil-kun X account

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  • Fenix LR50R V2.0: 1,800 Lumens, 925 Yards Throw, OLED Display

    Fenix LR50R V2.0: 1,800 Lumens, 925 Yards Throw, OLED Display

    Key Takeaway

    – Higher output and broader beam: 18,000 lumens with a wider beam (down from 1,040 yd range to 925 yd).
    – Long runtime with a substantial battery upgrade: up to 195 hours thanks to a 115Wh “battery stick” (replaceable, proprietary 46950 cell) that also acts as a power bank.
    – New OLED display and multi-color functionality: white main light (spot/flood) plus UV and red lights.
    – Airline travel considerations: battery capacity exceeds 100Wh, requiring special approval for air travel.
    – Practical notes: dual USB-C charging ports (18W and 45W, can be used simultaneously) and a detachable battery stick mounted in the grip section. Price around $370.

    Fenix Lighting has introduced the LR50R V2.0, and as the name hints, this new flashlight stands as the successor to the older LR50R. The upgrade list is mixed: some improvements are substantial while others carry drawbacks. Output has jumped from 12,000 to 18,000 lumens, yet range has shrunk from 1,040 to 925 yards, resulting in a beam that is broader to illuminate more of the surroundings.

    Design and power

    In a striking departure, the LR50R V2.0 employs a so-called battery stick—an integrated module housing the cell—claimed by Fenix to be a 46950 cylindrical cell. This stick can be removed from the lamp head along with the grip, making it a replaceable yet proprietary battery. The stick also doubles as a power bank, a feature not common on many flashlights. Charging happens via two USB-C ports, one delivering up to 18W (supporting Qualcomm Quick Charge and Power Delivery in 5, 9, and 12 volts) and the other up to 45W via USB PD (15V, 3A). Both ports can be used concurrently, a capability only a few power banks offer. Fenix states the battery reaches full charge in about three hours.

    Performance and usage

    Inside the package, alongside the main white LED capable of spot and flood configurations, there are also UV and red light options for varied tasks. The OLED display is a fresh addition, presenting multiple details in black and white. Runtimes have improved dramatically, with the battery capacity rising to an impressive 115Wh from the prior 58Wh, enabling the extended 195-hour runtime. Airlines typically require special approval for power setups over 100Wh, which applies here due to the enhanced capacity.

    Availability and note

    Officially, Fenix is marketing the LR50R V2.0 in the US for around $370, and it’s available through their official online store. The combination of a higher output, broader beam, longer runtimes, and the unique removable battery stick, along with the added display and extra light modes, marks a notable shift in the product line. Prospective buyers should weigh the benefits of the larger brightness against the reduced range and the proprietary nature of the power container.


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  • Casio Keyboard Business Declines Quietly

    Casio Keyboard Business Declines Quietly

    Key Takeaway

    – Casio’s sound/keyboard division posted a ¥3.4B loss (about $21M) and essentially flat revenue, signaling a structural profitability issue.
    – The company is cutting costs and restructuring (exit unprofitable markets, online-only in some regions, staff reductions) aiming to break even by FY2029 with a modest 2.1% operating margin on ¥24B revenue.
    – Recovery hinges on Privia line and app-connected experiences, but domestic demand remains weak; overall trend is a slow decline rather than a rebound.

    Casio has long been tied to many people’s first forays into music, from budget keyboards to school rooms around the world. In reading their latest earnings report, it feels a bit uneasy, like watching a familiar friend waver on a long-standing habit. The company’s sound segment, which covers keyboards and digital pianos, posted a loss of ¥3.4 billion (about $21 million) in the last fiscal year. It isn’t just a one-off blip; Casio now presents this as a structural problem, not a temporary one. Revenue for this division came in at ¥21 billion (~$132 million), remaining essentially flat from the prior year. There appears to be no clear route to profitability soon for the vast corporation in Japan.

    To address the issue, Casio’s plan is revealing in its tone. They’re retreating from markets that aren’t profitable and moving some regions to online-only sales. The company is also trimming staff in areas with lower revenue and looking to cut production costs. These moves read like survival measures. The target is to break even by fiscal year 2029, and even that is a modest aim: a 2.1% operating margin on ¥24 billion in revenue. After years of losses, Casio’s ambition seems to be simply stopping the bleed rather than a dramatic turnaround.

    On the product side, Casio is pinning hopes on the Privia digital piano line and new app-connected playing experiences. Whether these efforts can spark real demand in a market that has shrunk for them, including in their home market of Japan, remains uncertain. Taken together, this looks like a slow fade for a brand that once helped shape how a generation learned to play. Not a collapse, but not a strong comeback either. Yet.

    Casio Privia PX-S1100 could be seen as a symbol of their current pivot, though the overall market context remains tough for them.

     

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  • GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC Controller: Another Special Edition

    GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC Controller: Another Special Edition

    Key Takeaway

    – Latest ambassador-backed edition: GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC – Royal2 Edition, a collaboration with Halo World Champion and brand ambassador Royal2.
    – Cosmetic design: black with white star-sky specs, gold Royal2 signature on the right grip, crown on the charging dock; includes two extra D-Pads and accessories.
    – Specs and features (same as other G7 Pro 8K PC controllers): Mag-Res TMR sticks, 8000Hz polling rate (wired/wireless), dual-mode trigger stops, four remappable macro buttons, six-axis motion, audio jack, dual rumble motors, three-level turbo, 1200mAh battery.
    – Connectivity and compatibility: 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Type-C cable, cable retainer; PC-only compatibility.
    – Price and availability: pre-order for $89.99.

    GameSir is known for announcing special editions of its controllers that are made in partnership with its brand ambassadors. This year alone, it announced the Teganaria Lite MenaRD Edition and the Tarantula 8K PC – MenaRD Edition, both of which were made in partnership with MenaRD, its Dominican brand ambassador. In late April, it also released the G7 Pro 8K PC Champion Edition which is a partnership with XiaoHai, another of its brand ambassadors. The energy around these launches keeps fans excited and curious about what comes next.

    Edition lineup

    Now, the list has been joined by the launch of G7 Pro 8K PC – Royal2 Edition which is a collaboration with Royal2, a four-time Halo World Champion and GameSir global brand ambassador. The controller is just a cosmetically different version of the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC Aimlabs Edition, sharing the same core tech but with a distinct look. The Royal2 Edition is black with specs of white that mimic a star-filled sky, and the crown motif is spread across the charging dock, ABXY buttons, and signature ink on the grip. It is priced at $89.99.

    Royal2 Edition visuals

    Beyond looks, the Royal2 Edition carries the same impressive features as its sibling models. It sports second generation GameSir Mag-Res TMR sticks for precision, an 8000Hz polling rate for both wired and wireless modes, dual-mode trigger stops, four remappable macro buttons, and six-axis motion control for versatile input. An audio jack, dual asymmetric rumble motors, a three-level turbo function, and a 1200mAh battery add to its performance and endurance, making it a genuine high-end tool for serious players.

    Pricing, inclusions and compatibility

    The G7 Pro 8K PC – Royal2 Edition is available to pre-order for $89.99. It comes with two additional D-Pads, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a Type-C cable, and a cable retainer to keep things tidy during setup. This edition is compatible with PC only, which means gamers who use other platforms would need to consider compatibility needs ahead of purchase.

    • Two additional D-Pads
    • 2.4GHz wireless dongle
    • Type-C cable
    • Cable retainer

    GameSir continues to push product lines with ambassadors and limited edition collabs, showing how hardware can blend pride, performance, and personality into one package that feels personal for players and collectors alike. Every new drop brings a story about the ambassador partnership, the design choices, and the tested performance behind the scenes, which keeps the community talking and the company listening. GameSir

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  • Intel Core i9-14900KF hits 9.2GHz, world record CPU frequency

    Intel Core i9-14900KF hits 9.2GHz, world record CPU frequency

    Key Takeaway

    – New world record: 9.2 GHz single-core on Intel Core i9-14900KF, beating the 9.1 GHz mark from August 2025, achieved with extreme voltage and sub-zero liquid helium cooling.
    – Not sustainable for everyday use: frequencies are for validation runs lasting only seconds, with a single P-core enabled and no power limits.
    – Stock performance note: the 24-core 14900KF can boost to about 6 GHz on stock settings (all-core).
    – Historical context: AMD previously led frequency records with LN2/helium cooling (FX-8370 era); Intel reclaimed the crown with Raptor Lake, highlighting advances in silicon binning and extreme cooling.

    An Intel Core i9-14900KF has set a new benchmark for desktop CPU overclocking, reaching 9.2GHz and surpassing the previous 9.1GHz world record established in August 2025. The new record, apparently set a few weeks ago, relies on extreme voltage adjustments and sub-zero liquid helium cooling that are far outside the scope of everyday PC use. Before that, the Intel Core i9-13900K was the first consumer processor to cross the 9GHz mark.

    Record-breaking system:

    For years, AMD held the CPU frequency world record with heavily overclocked AMD FX-8370 and other FX-series chips dominating the rankings with liquid nitrogen and helium cooling. Intel only managed to reclaim the crown with its Raptor Lake processors. On stock settings, the 24-core 14900KF can boost to 6GHz.

    Technical notes and validation

    The achievement highlights how far modern silicon binning and extreme cooling techniques have progressed, although such frequencies are only sustainable for validation runs lasting seconds. The overclock was performed with just a single P-core enabled and power limits removed entirely to maximize single-core frequency potential. HWBot, CPU-Z Validator


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  • Porsche Cuts: 500 Jobs Axed, E-Bike Division Shut Down

    Porsche Cuts: 500 Jobs Axed, E-Bike Division Shut Down

    Key Takeaway

    – Porsche is closing three subsidiaries, cutting over 500 jobs, including winding down Porsche eBike Performance GmbH (about 350 roles in Ottobrunn and Zagreb); e-bikes will be built by Rotwild in Germany going forward.
    – The battery subsidiary Cellforce Group in Kirchentellinsfurt is permanently closed, eliminating about 50 positions.
    – Software unit Cetitec is shutting down, affecting around 60 jobs in Pforzheim and 30 in Croatia (≈90 total).
    – CEO Michael Leiters is streamlining to focus on manufacturing sports cars; Car IT will be dissolved and integrated into general vehicle development from July; executive board reduced from eight to seven divisions.
    – The restructuring is driven by weak demand, notably in China, and new US tariffs, reflected in a significant Q1 2026 result slump.

    Porsche is pushing a broad realignment of its business strategy, tightening its grip on several operations. The Stuttgart-based automaker is shutting down three subsidiaries, a move that will cost more than five hundred jobs. Central to these cuts is the end of its own e-bike venture. Porsche eBike Performance GmbH will be wound down completely, and the impact touches roughly 350 employees in Ottobrunn near Munich as well as staff in Zagreb, Croatia. The decision signals a tighter focus on core auto manufacturing.

    Strategic realignment underway

    Although bicycles bearing the Porsche logo will still be offered, their production will be handed over entirely to Rotwild, the German partner, moving forward. This marks a shift away from in-house engineering toward contract assembly, changing how the brand approaches its two-wheeled lineup and leaving uncertainty about future product development. Some fans might still see the Porsche crest on frames, but the work behind them will be done elsewhere henceforth.

    Divisions affected and rationale

    Beyond the e-bike division, two other companies are affected by the cuts. The battery unit Cellforce Group in Kirchentellinsfurt will close permanently, erasing around 50 positions. Battery production there had largely been halted last year, which adds context to the closure. Software firm Cetitec, specializing in data communication, is also being shuttered. This brings about roughly 60 job losses in Pforzheim and about 30 more in Croatia.

    Leadership and market implications

    CEO Michael Leiters is driving the streamline of the group for greater efficiency, refocusing strictly on manufacturing high-performance sports cars. Leiters described the cuts as an essential foundation for a successful realignment. With these steps, Porsche is reacting to a pronounced drop in its first quarter results for 2026. The balance sheet is weighed down by slumping demand in the critical Chinese market and by new tariffs from the United States. The restructure even touches the executive suite, with the Car IT department to be dissolved and folded into general vehicle development starting in July.

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