Author: GizNews

  • Google Pixel March 2026 Update Causes Boot Loop Issues

    Google Pixel March 2026 Update Causes Boot Loop Issues

    Key Takeaway

    1. The March 2026 Pixel update caused significant issues, including lockscreen, fingerprint sensor, and boot problems.
    2. Some devices are unable to progress past the Google logo or experience system data corruption.
    3. Google has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix; users are advised to avoid the update for now.

    Recent Problems with Pixel Devices After March 2026 Update

    Last month, a bunch of google Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 owners faced serious trouble after they install the latest March 2026 update. Many of them reported that their phones got stuck on the lockscreen and can’t move past it. The fingerprint sensor, which many rely on, also stop working for some folks. Google has said that they aware of these bug and are working hard on fixing it, but that’s not the end of the story.

    New Boot Loop Issue Emerges

    Now, there’s a new problem that pops up for the same group of users—and it’s apparently worse. Several Reddit users shared that their Pixel phones can’t even get past the initial Google logo during startup, and some are seeing an error message like “Cannot load Android system and data corrupt.” This issues seem to hit various Pixel models, even those that are five years old like the Pixel 6. This kind of problem is pretty frustrating for the people where rely on their phones daily.

    Workarounds and Google’s Response

    Some users found that they can enter safe mode on their device by pressing and holding both the volume up and down buttons while the Pixel logo is showing. But, for those unable to do this, a full repair may involve using ADB sideload, which isn’t simple for the average user. Google has officially acknowledged the problems on April 2nd and promised a fix soon. Until then, it’s recommended to avoid updating to March 2026 if you own a Pixel phone, to prevent further issues.

  • Portable Shooter Game for $1.99 on Steam – Perfect for On-the-Go Play

    Portable Shooter Game for $1.99 on Steam – Perfect for On-the-Go Play

    Key Takeaway

    1. Killing Floor is a long-standing survival shooter focused on wave-based combat against mutants, emphasizing co-op gameplay for up to six players.
    2. The game has a strong player base with positive reviews, despite its age and modest graphics, and is currently available at a significant discount.
    3. Success depends on teamwork and class balancing, with additional content available through DLC packs for enhanced gameplay.

    Legacy of Killing Floor in Survival Shooters

    Killing Floor, a true veterano of survival shooter games, has been around since the early days of gaming. It started as a custom mod for Unreal Tournament 2004 and then was great released as a standalone game in 2009. Even now, despite being old, it still has a crowd of dedicated players who log on every day, with around 70,000 reviews on Steam giving it a very positive rating of 94%.

    Gameplay and Core Mechanics

    The game play is fairly similar to Call of Duty’s zombie mode: you fight hordes of mutates called “Specimens” Zeds in wave after wave. Between each wave, players have the opportunity to buy weapons, bullets, and gear to prepare for the next onslaught. Before they know it, there’s usually a boss fight at the end of each session. The story is quite simple, set after failed military cloning experiments in England.

    Visuals and Content Offerings

    Graphically, Killing Floor is quite outdated, considering it’s over 15 years old. It’s not meant to be a visual marvel, but it still offers fun gameplay. To access all the content, you’ll likely need to purchase five DLC packs, ranging from $4 to $7 apiece, but currently each is discounted by 75%. So, if you are into expanding your game, now could be the best time to do so.

    Playing Alone or with Friends

    The biggest highlight of Killing Floor is really in cooperative multiplayer. Up to six people can team up and fight the Zed hordes, where working together with strategic class choices like Medic, Support, or Commando is critical. The game also works well played solo and is ideal if you want quick, fun shooting sessions without any heavy storylines—perfect for handheld devices, especially since it runs comfortably on the Steam Deck, with options to disable some settings such as Dynamic Lighting for better performance.


    Sources

  • Crimson Desert Tops Asia’s PS5 Charts in March 2026

    Crimson Desert Tops Asia’s PS5 Charts in March 2026

    Key Takeaway

    1. Crimson Desert was the top PS5 download in Southeast Asia for March, overtaking Resident Evil Requiem.
    2. Red Dead Redemption 2 remained the top PS4 download in Asia, with popular titles including Spider-Man and Assassin’s Creed Unity.
    3. Beat Saber led the PS VR2 charts, while The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin was the most-downloaded free-to-play game.
    4. March’s top downloads featured a mix of open-world, catalog, and free-to-play titles, indicating diverse consumer preferences.

    Latest PlayStation Download Charts Published by Sony

    Sony has recently announced its newest PlayStation Store download charts for Southeast Asia, which revealed some interesting trends. In the month of March, Crimson Desert led the PS5 downloads in the overall Asia ranking. The regional report states that Red Dead Redemption 2 was the favorite on PS4, Beat Saber was the top pick among PS VR2 players, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin was the most downloaded free to play game on PS5 and PS4 in Asia.

    Regional Trends & Chart Breakdown

    Published via PlayStation Blog on April 5, the update cover activities from March 2026 across Southeast Asia. The list, though regional, shown rankings are separate for US/Canada and Asia, instead of a dedicated Southeast Asia-only chart. In PS5’s top game, Crimson Desert scored the top spot, trailed by Resident Evil Requiem and EA Sports FC 26.

    • Crimson Desert (PS5) – Top
    • Resident Evil Requiem (PS5) – 2nd
    • EA Sports FC 26 (PS5) – 3rd

    This represents a shift from February, which saw Resident Evil Requiem in the lead on PS5. The new rankings show Crimson Desert moving ahead in March following its release, while Resident Evil Requiem still maintains a high position.

    Listings for PS4 and PS VR2

    On PS4, Red Dead Redemption 2 continues its reign at number one in Asia, with Marvel’s Spider-Man Game of the Year beside other big titles like Assassin’s Creed Unity and Watch Dogs 2 following behind. Among PS VR2 titles, Beat Saber was the most downloaded, with Horizon Call of the Mountain, Moss: Book II, and other VR titles rounding out the top 10 list.

    • Beat Saber (PS VR2) – 1st
    • Horizon Call of the Mountain (PS VR2) – 2nd
    • Moss: Book II (PS VR2) – 3rd

    Other VR titles such as Alien: Rogue Incursion VR, Hubris, and Angry Birds VR also featured in the rankings, reflecting the diversity in VR gaming preferences across Asia.

    Most Popular Free-to-Play Games

    In the free-to-play category, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin emerged at the top in March, with other titles like Where Winds Meet, Delta Force, eFootball, and Roblox following. The rest of the top 10 includes familiar names like PUBG: Battlegrounds, Asphalt Legends, and Genshin Impact.

    • The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin – 1st
    • Where Winds Meet (F2P) – 2nd
    • Delta Force (F2P) – 3rd

    Overall, March’s chart shows a interesting mix of large AAA releases, well-known catalogs, and popular free-to-play titles, highlighting diverse gaming preferences among asian gamers during that month.

    Sources
  • Tianlong-3 Maiden Flight Fails, a Setback for China’s SpaceX Rival

    Tianlong-3 Maiden Flight Fails, a Setback for China’s SpaceX Rival

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Tianlong-3 rocket’s maiden flight failed to place its payload into the intended orbit due to propulsion issues.
    2. The mission experienced an apparent engine explosion around two minutes after launch, causing deviation from the expected flight path.
    3. Despite the failure, the event is viewed as a technical setback, providing valuable data for future development.
    4. The program aims to develop reusable launch capabilities to compete in the commercial space industry, similar to SpaceX.
    5. This was only the second mission of the Tianlong series, with Tianlong-2 previously reaching orbit successfully.

    Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-3 Launch Ends in Disappointment

    Recently, there’s been some news about the Tianlong-3, a rocket from China, launching from the Jiuquan space center around lunchtime. It was aiming to reach a orbit that shadowed the sun, which is pretty tricky, but the mission didn’t quite go as planed. The launch teams said the rocket did lift off, but the payload never made it to its perfect orbit despite the success to leave the pad. No concrete details about what was in the payload till now.

    Technical Insights and Future Goals

    From a technical preview, the Tianlong-3 don’t just represent a regular rocket, but it’s like a stepping stone for Space Pioneer and China’s private space plans. The first section of the rocket boasts nine TH-12 engines powering it up, and the second stage runs on a singular, more advanced, vacuum-optimized TH-12 engine. Although this was not a reusable rocket, the developers are aiming reusability in future missions, trying to get China’s place in the competitive launch market that SpaceX dominates. Reuters mentions the overall aim is to boost China’s private spacecraft industry to a new level.

    What Went Wrong During the Launch?

    About two minutes after liftoff, a problem cropped up with the rocket’s engines. Some early pictures show what might have been an explosion near an engine, which is concerning, but no official conclusion has been shared yet. The reports also suggest that something was off either near the end of the first stage’s burn or during the switch to the second stage. With just one engine on the second stage, this part of the rocket is less resilient if things go wrong, making it more vulnerable to issues during flight.

    Lessons from the Setback

    Even though this maiden voyage of Tianlong-3 didn’t work out, it right now doesn’t mean the project is dead in the water. For new rockets, failures on first tries are quite common, and they normally help make future launches safer and better. The German outlet Golem pointed out that this setback is mainly a technical glitch which will give Space Pioneer important data to improve their designs. It’s only the second launch for the Tianlong rocket family, with the first, Tianlong-2, achieving orbit successfully in 2023, which was considered a great achievement for China’s private space companies.

    Sources
  • Steam Deal: Ancient City Builder Launches with 96% Positive Reviews and Discount

    Steam Deal: Ancient City Builder Launches with 96% Positive Reviews and Discount

    Key Takeaway

    1. Nova Roma is a city-building game set in an ancient Roman-themed environment, emphasizing water management, construction, and citizen needs.
    2. The game features a unique water and terraforming system, allowing players to control aqueducts, dams, and terrain to support growth and prevent flooding.
    3. Player feedback highlights engaging gameplay and atmospheric visuals, though some critics note missing quality-of-life features and complex logistics.
    4. Nova Roma is available on Steam with a discounted launch price of $23.99 until April 9, and is classified as “Playable” on Steam Deck.

    Development and Pricing Details

    Nova Roma was crafted by US based studio Lion Shield and made available in Early Access starting from March 26 with the support of publisher Hooded Horse. Normally, the game is priced around $30 on Steam, but there is an introductory offer with a 20% discount bringing the price down to $23.99. This discount is valid until April 9, making it a great deal for those interested in city building with a Roman theme.

    Core Gameplay and Unique Features

    In Nova Roma, players start with a handful of settlers aiming to establish a new Roman city far from the crumbling Roman Empire. The game builds upon traditional city-building mechanics combined with unique Roman elements, including laws and a divine influence system that impacts each gameplay session. It features a vibrant, stylized visual aesthetic that immerses players in its atmosphere, keeping the visuals clear and accessible, even on less powerful hardware.

    Construction and Management Elements

    The primary focus of Nova Roma revolves around constructing a detailed metropolis while efficiently managing a growing population. One of the standout features is the water and terrain modification system: players manage aqueducts, dams, and terrain adjustments to control water flow, supporting agriculture and urban expansion while preventing floods. Additionally, the game demands attention to various citizen needs like food, religion, education, entertainment, and also offers an optional defense mechanism to repel invaders.

    Player Reception and Feedback

    Within less than two weeks of its release, Nova Roma has amassed over 1,000 reviews on Steam, with an impressive 96% positive feedback. Players appreciate its captivating gameplay, charming visual style, and innovative water management system. However, some feedback points out the absence of certain quality-of-life features and some logistically cumbersome elements. The developers anticipate the Early Access phase will last about a year, providing ongoing updates and improvements. On the Steam Deck, the game is rated as “Playable.”

    Notes and Disclaimers

    Disclaimer: Price changes made by retailers are not the responsibility of this site. The discounted price or deal mentioned was current at the time of writing but may be limited by time or stock availability. Always check for the latest details before purchasing.


    Sources

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Snapdragon: Exynos 2600 Disadvantages

    Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Snapdragon: Exynos 2600 Disadvantages

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Snapdragon version of the Galaxy S26 outperforms the Exynos model in CPU and GPU benchmarks, as well as in battery life and gaming stability.
    2. Despite advanced 2 nm manufacturing, the Exynos 2600 exhibits higher power consumption and lower performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
    3. Samsung’s regional release patterns result in European customers receiving the less powerful Exynos variant, while other regions get the superior Snapdragon version.

    Samsung’s New Flagship Phones Still Show Regional Differences

    When samsung released the Galaxy S25 globally, it was equipped with a Snapdragon chip, leading some to think they might stick with this model. But, nope, they backtracked in a way, with the new Galaxy S26 ($899) and Galaxy S26+ showing different chips depending on the region. Europeans are getting the Exynos 2600, while most other places, especially USA and China, are receiving the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. That’s kinda confusing for buyers.

    Performance Gap Between Exynos and Snapdragon

    Even though the Exynos processor is built using the advanced 2 nm process tech, it just doesn’t seem to perform as expected. In a battery test, the US version of Galaxy S26 lasted about three hours longer, ending at 09:26 hours. That means it consumes less power or uses it more efficiently, despite the is powering a more demanding chip. Geekbench results tell a different story, showing that the Exynos 2600 is slower compared to Snapdragon. The European version (Exynos) scores around 3,085 in single-core and 10,484 in multi-core, whereas the Snapdragon version hits 3,677 and 11,163 respectively, so the Snapdragon is notably faster—almost 20% in CPU performance.

    Gaming and Graphics Performance

    In terms of graphics, the differences are just as clear. A popular YouTube channel, Techmo, tested the phones and found that even the AMD Radeon-based GPU in the Exynos struggles against Qualcomm’s fastest chip. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon leads by about 9% with a score of 7,786 in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme. The Snapdragon also made a big difference in AnTuTu v11 benchmarks, being over 20% ahead. When it comes to gaming, the Snapdragon model not only keeps a steadier frame rate but also runs cooler by 1.3°C, despite similar power draw. So, overall the European Galaxy S26 doesn’t stack up quite as well as its counterparts elsewhere, and it looks like Samsung might be delivering a lesser experience for European consumers again this time around.

  • Intel’s Nova Lake Brings IPC Gains, Could Beat Zen 6 in 2023

    Intel’s Nova Lake Brings IPC Gains, Could Beat Zen 6 in 2023

    Key Takeaway

    1. Next-gen Intel Core Ultra and AMD Zen 6 CPUs are delayed until 2027, but are expected to feature more cores, higher clock speeds, and IPC improvements.
    2. Intel Nova Lake CPUs may outperform AMD Zen 6 in IPC uplift, while AMD may have faster clock speeds.
    3. Intel’s upcoming chips could potentially surpass AMD in all categories, including gaming and multi-threaded workloads, with possible improvements in cache sizes and architectural design.

    Upcoming CPU Releases from Intel and AMD

    The latest rumors and leaks about the upcoming Intel Nova Lake and AMD Zen 6 processors have significantly delayed the official launches to 2027. These new chips are expected to boast more cores, faster clock speeds, and considerable IPC improvements, which might result in massive boosts in performance compared to the current CPUs.

    Performance Expectations and Comparisons

    According to leaker HXL (@9550Pro) on social media, the Intel Nova Lake CPUs could potentially surpass AMD Zen 6 in terms of IPC improvements from one generation to the next, specifically citing the IPC uplift of the Coyote Cove P-cores. Meanwhile, HXL suggests that AMD Zen 6 might sport higher clock speeds than Intel Nova Lake, creating an interesting flip in who holds the performance crown. It’s noteworthy that this is a change from the previous generation, where Intel’s 14th-gen processors were pushing such insane clock speeds as 6 GHz right out of the box.

    Specs and Potential Market Impact

    With up to 52 cores and higher clocks, Intel’s Nova Lake Core Ultra 400 desktop CPUs might outshine AMD in all categories, especially with better IPC uplift. Rumors also hint at some chips having large Last Level Cache (bLLC), which could diminish AMD’s gaming edge with their X3D series. Additionally, Intel’s recent architectural improvements seen in Arrow Lake Refresh Core Ultra 200S Plus processors have led to notable performance increases over the original Core Ultra 200 Arrow Lake chips, hinting that such upgrades could be applied to Nova Lake as well.

    Future of high-end desktop computing

    In conclusion, it’s not unlikely that Intel’s Nova Lake lineup will dominate many areas, from gaming single-core workloads to heavily threaded applications. Some industry insiders, like SiliconFly, have even proclaimed that Zen 6 is already ready, but Nova Lake CPUs might quickly catch up to Apple’s M5 chips in single-core performance and outperform them in multi-core tasks.

  • ZTE FreeScreen F10 Smart 5G Display on Wheels with 9500mAh Battery

    ZTE FreeScreen F10 Smart 5G Display on Wheels with 9500mAh Battery

    Key Takeaway

    1. The ZTE FreeScreen F10 is a portable 27-inch smart display with 1080p resolution, 10-point touch, and 85% color gamut.
    2. It features mobile connectivity options including 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0, with various ports such as HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, and a SIM slot.
    3. The device boasts an 8MP privacy shutter camera, built-in speakers with a subwoofer, and a sizable 9,500mAh battery offering 8-12 hours of use.
    4. It is equipped with a wheeled base, weighs 18kg (6kg without the base), and is priced around $436 after subsidies.

    ZTE’s New Portable Smart Display Launch

    ZTE recently introduced its latest gadget, the FreeScreen F10, which builds on the portable smart display idea just like LG’s StanbyME and the StanbyME 2. Unlike LG’s model that lacks a rotating screen or a wheel base, ZTE’s device comes with a wheels base that makes it easier to move around. This new device has some features that make it stand out, especially for users wanting more connectivity options and multimedia capabilities.

    Display and Design

    The F10 sports a 27-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1080p, and it has a brightness of 300 nits, meaning it should perform well indoors. It features a 100Hz refresh rate, perfect for smooth scrolling and videos, along with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display supports 10-point touch, which makes it suitable for interactive use, and an 85% color gamut promises vibrant images. The screen can rotate 90°, has thin bezels on each side, but the top and bottom bezels are slightly thicker, providing a balanced look.

    Hardware and Connectivity

    This device runs on a Unisoc T8300 processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM for multitasking, and includes 128GB of storage space. Such specifications ensure decent performance for streaming, browsing, or video calls. Connectivity options include 5G for high-speed mobile internet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. An 8MP camera with a privacy shutter is embedded, making video calls more private and clearer for users.

    Speakers and Ports

    To enhance audio experience, ZTE equipped the F10 with two 5W speakers and a 20W subwoofer, aiming for balanced sound quality. In terms of ports, it features a SIM slot, a Type-C port, a full-size USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI 2.0 port, offering extensive connectivity options for external devices. Unlike some competitors, ZTE claims a long battery life thanks to its 9,500mAh capacity, projecting usage times between 8 and 12 hours, a significant upgrade over the LG StanbyME 2’s 4 hours.

    Dimensions and Price

    The F10 stands tall at 158.4cm from top to base and weighs about 18kg, but it drops to 6kg when the base is removed. The official retail price is set at CNY 3499 (approximately $508/€440), but thanks to a government subsidy, the price drops to CNY 2999, which is roughly $436/€377. This pricing makes it an attractive portable display for those looking for good features at a reasonable cost.

    Sources
  • RedMagic Announces Launch Date for New Gaming Tablet with Global Release

    RedMagic Announces Launch Date for New Gaming Tablet with Global Release

    Key Takeaway

    1. The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is scheduled for launch in April or next month, with a global release expected later, possibly around June or July.
    2. The tablet will feature an OLED display with an ultra-high refresh rate, a sophisticated cooling system with PC-grade materials, and a new user interface.
    3. The device is anticipated to have a price increase due to higher component costs, with the global variant potentially launching under a different name.

    RedMagic set to launch their newest gaming tablet soon

    RedMagic is getting ready to introduce their latest gaming tablet, which is gonna be the successor to last year’s RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro. The top boss in the company, Jiang Chao, has hinted that the tablet will be available either this April or in the following month. This info was posted on Weibo, but he didn’t share the exact release date, so we just have to wait for the official word. Still, he assured fans that this new tablet will be worth the wait and won’t let them down.

    Global release and naming considerations

    He also mentioned that the new tablet, called the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, will be released globally, just like the last model. The previous version, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro, was sold outside China as the RedMagic Astra. Interestingly, the Astra version, which sports 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, was listed on Amazon Germany for €848. This means the 5 Pro might go by a different name once it’s available worldwide. The Astra came out in August 2025, about two months after the Chinese launch of the 3 Pro, so expect similar timing for the new one.

    Expected timeline and new features of the tablet

    Based on previous release patterns, if the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro hits the shelves in April or May, then the international version could follow around June or July. The rumor is, this new device will bring some exciting feature upgrades and improvements. For example, it might pack an OLED screen with an ultra-high refresh rate, which is perfect for gaming. Also, the cooling system is said to be super advanced, using PC-grade materials to help keep things cool during intense gaming sessions. Plus, there’s a mention of a new UI that might make the tablet easier and more fun to use.

    Price expectations and final thoughts

    Price-wise, no specific details are available yet, but it makes sense that the cost might go up because of the higher prices for components such as memory and storage. So, potential buyers should keep that in mind. Overall, this upcoming tablet appears to be packed with upgrades that gamers will surely be excited about, and its timely release is highly anticipated. Fans now just need to stay tuned for the official announcement and see what surprises RedMagic has in store for the gaming world.

    Sources
  • Samsung Raises Memory Prices by 30% Despite Weak DDR5 RAM Demand

    Samsung Raises Memory Prices by 30% Despite Weak DDR5 RAM Demand

    Key Takeaway

    1. Samsung and other memory manufacturers are signing higher-priced, long-term contracts due to sustained AI demand, limiting the likelihood of significant DDR5 price reductions.
    2. The memory shortage, driven by AI data center expansion, has affected consumer RAM markets, although recent prices have shown signs of moderation in some regions.
    3. Despite a recent decline in DDR5 RAM prices, industry experts believe this is a short-term fluctuation, with long-term contract demand remaining strong.

    Some DDR5 RAM options are slightly less expensive than they were in previous months. Even so, DRAM manufacturer Samsung is signing more lucrative contracts with high-volume buyers. According to Korean ETNews, the agreements are for memory prices 30% higher than the prior quarter.

    Memory Prices and Industry Trends

    As the memory shortage intensified, Samsung had already begun charging 100% more for the components in Q1 2026. While the rising costs are cooling, the company doesn’t anticipate a dramatic reversal. ETNews spoke to one industry source who said, “We do not see any signs of price improvement or decline around AI demand at present.”

    Impact of AI and Market Dynamics

    Expanding AI data centers triggered the memory shortage, which soon affected the retail market. Many servers operate using high-bandwidth memory (HBM), leading factories to produce less of the DRAM that consumers rely on. Regardless, DDR5 prices have shown recent signs of moderating.

    Regional Price Fluctuations

    A TrendForce report highlighted how some modules have become more attainable in the U.S. and Europe. That includes popular SKUs in the Corsair Vengeance lineup available on Amazon. Ironically, in China, components are selling at levels as much as 30% below those seen earlier in 2026. There are even accounts of scalpers who had accumulated large supplies panicking.

    Demand and Future Outlook

    With many buyers unable to build new PCs, demand has faded. Still, analysts believe that the decline in memory prices will prove to be a short-term fluctuation. The latest contracts signed between Samsung and its clients reflect confidence in the AI boom’s longevity.

    Industry Perspectives and Future Pricing

    According to another ETNews source, “demand for high-performance DRAM and HBM has not changed.” In addition, “The long-term contract demand and competition to secure DRAMs are also increasing.” As a result, DDR5 RAM for laptops or consoles is unlikely to become more affordable. Meanwhile, smartphone owners will find fewer tempting upgrade offers.

    Other Suppliers & Market Expectations

    Samsung is not the only supplier capitalizing on the AI-driven crisis. The Korean report confirms that Micron and SK Hynix expect to raise contract prices in the second quarter.

    ETNews (Korean), David Bailey X account

    Sources