Author: GizNews

  • Samsung Discontinues Original TriFold, Launches Galaxy Z TriFold 2

    Samsung Discontinues Original TriFold, Launches Galaxy Z TriFold 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is ceasing production of the Galaxy Z TriFold due to high manufacturing costs and low profitability.
    2. The company is reportedly developing a second-generation TriFold that aims to be lighter and slimmer, with a potential release around mid-2027.
    3. A new sliding phone model is also in development, expected to have a display size of about 7 inches and be sleeker than previous prototypes.
    4. The release of the sliding phone is anticipated by late 2024 or early 2028.
    5. Samsung’s COO has expressed uncertainty about the future of the Galaxy Z TriFold series, raising questions about the second generation’s viability.

    Recently, Samsung shared with Bloomberg that they will be stopping the production of the Galaxy Z TriFold, a high-end foldable phone that was introduced in December last year. While it’s not shocking that the phone had a short sales run, what’s intriguing is that a new report has emerged about Samsung working on its successor. The company is reportedly developing two new models—a second-generation TriFold and a different variant that slides.

    Details on the New Models

    This info comes from a well-known leaker, yeux1122, on the Naver blog. The leaker suggests that the Wide model is set to be launched this year, while Samsung is also working on two additional smartphones. Regarding the Galaxy Z TriFold 2nd generation, the hinge is still being designed to help make the phone thinner. It is mentioned that the upcoming TriFold will be lighter and slimmer than the current version, yet still thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (available on Amazon). This foldable might hit the market around mid-2027, according to the leak.

    Production Concerns

    This news is particularly notable because it appears Samsung has halted the Galaxy Z TriFold’s production due to its high manufacturing costs and low profitability. The device was intended to showcase the company’s capabilities rather than to be a mainstream product. Samsung’s Chief Operating Officer, Won-Joon Choi, has indicated that the company is uncertain about pursuing a second generation. Whether the Galaxy Z TriFold 2 actually comes to fruition remains uncertain.

    The Sliding Phone Prototype

    Regarding the other model in the works, Samsung is reportedly in the process of creating a sliding phone. A similar device was showcased at MWC, but that version was a manual slider and somewhat bulky. The leak indicates that the new model will also be a manual slider but will be sleeker than the one presented at MWC. It is said to expand to a display size of about 7 inches. Samsung is anticipated to reveal this device by late next year or early 2028.

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  • Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5: Tablet to Gaming Handheld Accessory

    Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5: Tablet to Gaming Handheld Accessory

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion G9 2026 features an upgraded eight-way d-pad and an ABXY button layout inspired by modern Xbox controllers.
    2. It includes 12 micro switches rated for 5 million cycles and maintains the asymmetric joystick design similar to Xbox Series S|X controllers.
    3. The controller is equipped with Hall effect joysticks and triggers, has a polling rate of 250 Hz, and offers dual rumble motors and RGB lighting.
    4. Officially compatible only with the Legion Y700 Gen 5, the controller is expected to also work with the Legion Tab Gen 5.
    5. The pricing for the Legion G9 2026 is set at CNY 499 (approximately $73) in China, with global availability yet to be confirmed.

    Lenovo has given its G9 controller accessory a refresh for 2026. Just to remind you, the company launched the original Legion G9 last year alongside the Legion G9 Pro. While there’s no new version of the Legion G9 Pro yet, the Legion G9 2026 improves on both controllers and keeps the ability to turn the Legion Tab Gen 5 and Legion Y700 Gen 5 into makeshift gaming handhelds.

    New Features and Design

    For example, Lenovo has swapped last year’s four-way d-pad for an eight-way one inspired by the modern Xbox controllers. In line with this, the Legion G9 2026 comes with an ABXY button layout. The new controller is outfitted with 12 micro switches that are rated for 5 million cycles, including four located on the back of the accessory.

    Similarities to Xbox Controllers

    The Legion G9 2026 maintains the same asymmetric joystick design as Xbox Series S|X controllers (currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon). Lenovo claims that these Hall effect joysticks have a polling rate of 250 Hz, with a lifespan of 5 million cycles. Additionally, the controller features Hall effect triggers, dual rumble motors, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and RGB lighting, all packed into a size of 322.3 x 135.5 x 53.8 mm.

    Compatibility and Pricing

    Officially, the Legion G9 2026 is only compatible with the Legion Y700 Gen 5 through the tablet’s side-mounted USB Type-C port. However, it is expected to work with the Legion Tab Gen 5 as well. Lenovo hasn’t confirmed if the Legion G9 2026 will be available worldwide. For context, the new controller is priced at CNY 499 (~$73) in China.

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  • Marathon Update 1.0.5: Cryo Archive, Downed Exfil, UI Tweaks

    Marathon Update 1.0.5: Cryo Archive, Downed Exfil, UI Tweaks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of Cryo Archive: Update 1.0.5 adds the Cryo Archive zone with exclusive implant perks and mods: Covert Recovery, Freeloader, Panic Response, Punishment, Testament, and Hurricane.

    2. Gameplay Enhancements: Players can activate exfil beacons while downed, and improvements have been made to camera shake, spectator camera timeout, and various Runner class issues.

    3. Contract and Event Improvements: Enhanced clarity in Contracts and Events, including better waypoint icons and fixes for completion blockers affecting certain contracts.

    4. User Interface and Quality of Life Updates: Significant improvements to UI, including better readability of prompts, new Codex challenges, and enhanced inventory management features.

    5. Technical and Weapon Adjustments: Fixes for crashes, weapon recoil adjustments, and changes to weapon mod management, along with audio improvements related to UESC spawn-in animations.

    Marathon update 1.0.5 introduces the fresh Cryo Archive zone, allows players to activate exfil beacons even when downed, and implements numerous changes across various areas like combat, contracts, UI, voice chat, stability, weapons, mods, and audio. Bungie has also linked several new loot items directly to the Cryo Archive, featuring implant perks and mods that can only be obtained there.

    Major Addition: Cryo Archive

    The standout feature of update 1.0.5 is the Cryo Archive, which Bungie confirms has been added to the game. This patch includes three random-rolled implant perks exclusive to implants looted from Cryo Archive: Covert Recovery, Freeloader, and Panic Response. Additionally, three mods exclusive to Cryo Archive have been introduced, named Punishment, Testament, and Hurricane.

    Gameplay and Combat Enhancements

    In the realm of gameplay, players can now activate exfil beacons while they are downed. Bungie has decreased camera shake during incoming melee and knife attacks, extended the post-run spectator camera timeout from 30 seconds to 120 seconds, and toned down the intensity of the Hacked status screen effect. They have also fixed various issues related to finishers, revive timer shaders, and ability activations that were getting out of sync with the server.

    Fixes specific to each Runner class and implant are scattered throughout. The Assassin’s Smoke Puck will now visually change based on the equipped shell style when using Shadow Dive. The Thief’s Pickpocket Drone can no longer loot players during the active exfil animation, and it now correctly updates its on-screen prompt to reflect changes in keybinds or controller mappings. Bungie has also resolved high-speed grapples identified as a network stability concern. Triage received a fix for Battery Overcharge being blocked when heat was near maximum, and Rook is now available at Runner Level 0 without any prior requirements. Two issues related to Graceful Landing V5 have been addressed too.

    Contract and Event Clarity

    The changes in Contracts and Events aim to improve clarity and progression logic. Bungie states that contract and activity waypoint icons now offer better visual clarity. Crews must now deliver both Coordinate Datapads to the cache location before loot is revealed. Additionally, some completion blockers affecting MIDA Order/Chaos 1/1, Traxus Return on Investment 3/5, and Traxus Liaison have been resolved. They also fixed a situation where the contract UI could become desynced among crew members during a run.

    Map-specific adjustments are also part of the update. In Perimeter, intercept dropships in South Relay should no longer clip through the environment, and Overflow tripwires should no longer float mid-air. DCON will now correctly show on the overhead map when required by contract. In Dire Marsh, Bungie fixed the issue of Lockdown-event dropships flying through player space in Algae Ponds, added crew-feed text for pinging Stabilization Device and Anomalous Matter, and addressed a Traxus Liaison issue causing the Commander to despawn. On Outpost, encounters that spawned on the roof of Flight Control will now engage players properly.

    User Interface and Quality of Life

    A significant portion of this update is dedicated to user interface and quality-of-life improvements. Bungie fixed the “Welcome to Tau Ceti” achievement, adjusted Armory tooltips to mainly display purchase costs, and introduced new Codex challenges for Ranked and Cryo Archive. The Codex section also received fixes for flickering inspection text, challenge wording, incorrect challenge tracking, a bug with Destroyer challenge completion, overflow item loss when claiming Seasonal Level rewards, and an odd “Compatible Weapons” string appearing on non-weapon items.

    Changes during runs and in the lobby are extensive as well. The Revive prompt’s readability has been enhanced, some waypoints will now fade while aiming down sights, and exfilling with a Temporal Fragment will yield variable rewards based on the seasonal Runner Level. The lobby now alerts players about overflow items, provides shortcuts to the Loadout menu, clarifies warnings regarding missing Health or Shield consumables, and rectifies an issue that prevented common items from showing up when selecting map regions.

    Social Layer Improvements

    In the UI and social aspects, activity icons pinged from the overhead map should now display waypoints more consistently. Premium Rewards Pass Voucher items will no longer appear in inventory, the Runner Level Up rewards screen should stop showing as blank, and the Runner Connections panel now includes a Ranked tab. Bungie has also fixed the scrolling issue in Runner Connections for players with large friend lists and corrected item rarity for Luxe Palace, Overdrive-TSL, and Cyber Red Runner Shells. Vault stack sizes for consumables, ammo, salvage, and grenades have been increased, and filter tabs for keys and backpacks have been added.

    Voice chat features are also included in the update. Bungie has added Crew Voice Push-To-Talk support for consoles and gamepads during runs, introduced a Tap push-to-talk option, and resolved several interruptions and inconsistencies in voice chat. Furthermore, the patch optimizes sticker and charm placement on a selection of weapons.

    Technical Fixes and Weapon Adjustments

    On the technical front, Bungie has fixed a crash issue related to opening the map in Perimeter and has added AMD Anti-Lag 2 Low Latency to Video Settings.

    Weapon and equipment adjustments include fixes for Ammo Crates placed too close to walls or terrain, Cardio Kick’s HUD icon behavior, Claymores that were not taking splash damage when attached to other objects, and knife cosmetics that would unequip after a failed exfil. Bungie has also resolved the V75 Scar’s Ram-Page Mag ricochet issue, reduced leftward recoil on the WSTR Combat Shotgun and Misriah 2442, and updated the WSTR’s interrupt timing, damage falloff, and aim assist behavior. They also fixed a Longshot gold-mod counter issue.

    Mod and Audio Changes

    The Mods section has also seen a lot of activity. Players can now directly drag and drop to remove weapon mods from their weapons. The Superior rarity string for Endless Runner was corrected. Opportunist now comes with a 3.5-second cooldown. Thermals now properly highlight invisible UESC combatants, ticks, and tick nests, while a generator tooltip was amended. Cloudfeather Chamber now correctly grants its Weight Reduction bonus, and suppressors no longer cause health-display scramble and 2D damage-indicator effects on victims.

    The Audio section is brief, but Bungie made two notable changes: UESC spawn-in animations will now play all associated audio, and the distance at which players can hear others in combat has been reduced.

    Kudos to Bungie for taking the community’s feedback seriously. A little personal aside, “The One About Cryo Archive” might be a reference to Friends, and as a fan of the show, I couldn’t help but see the resemblance.

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  • Court Supports Subnautica 2 Developers in Krafton Controversy

    Court Supports Subnautica 2 Developers in Krafton Controversy

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Delaware court reinstated the leadership of Unknown Worlds Entertainment amid a dispute with parent company Krafton regarding Subnautica 2 and a $250 million earnout agreement.
    2. The conflict began after Krafton acquired the studio in 2021 for $500 million, with accusations from founders that Krafton removed them to avoid paying the earnout.
    3. Recent court documents revealed that Krafton’s CEO explored ways to bypass the earnout, including consulting ChatGPT and forming an internal team named “Project X.”
    4. Krafton claimed their actions were due to project readiness and alleged mismanagement, while also stating the founders attempted to erase evidence.
    5. The court ruled Krafton violated key parts of the acquisition agreement, reinstating leadership and extending the earnout period into 2026-2027.

    A Delaware court has decided to bring back the leadership at Unknown Worlds Entertainment. This is a significant moment in the ongoing clash with parent company Krafton regarding Subnautica 2 and a $250 million earnout agreement.

    Background of the Case

    The dispute arose after Krafton acquired the studio in 2021 for $500 million, which included an extra payment linked to how well the sequel performs. In mid-2025, the founders accused Krafton of removing them and delaying the game’s release to avoid paying that bonus. “Krafton has disregarded its commitments just for profit,” the lawsuit claimed back then.

    New Developments

    Recent court documents provide more detail on these accusations. They reveal that CEO Changhan Kim looked into ways to sidestep the earnout, even consulting ChatGPT and creating an internal team dubbed “Project X.” This plan included options to renegotiate the payout or take over the studio completely. Some internal messages hinted that a takeover might be the “simpler” option.

    Earlier court filings also mentioned talks about lowering proposed payouts, along with internal warnings from Krafton about the legal dangers of dismissing the leadership.

    Krafton’s Position

    Krafton argued that the decision was based on project readiness and alleged mismanagement. The company also claimed that the founders tried to erase important evidence. Additionally, Krafton stated they had proposed extending the earnout period under new conditions.

    The court has now ruled that Krafton violated crucial parts of the acquisition agreement, ordering that the leadership be reinstated and extending the earnout period into 2026-2027.

    Subnautica 2 is still on track for a 2026 release, with both lawsuits continuing to unfold.

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  • OnePlus 15T Launch Date Announced for New Compact Flagship Phone

    OnePlus 15T Launch Date Announced for New Compact Flagship Phone

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date: The OnePlus 15T will be launched in China on March 24th at 19:00 local time, with potential for a different name in global markets.

    2. Display Size: The OnePlus 15T features a 6.32-inch display, smaller than the 6.78-inch display of the OnePlus 15, and supports a 165Hz refresh rate.

    3. Processor and Battery: It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and has a large 7,500mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities.

    4. Camera Features: The smartphone includes a periscope telephoto lens that provides 3.5x optical zoom.

    5. Pricing Uncertainty: It remains unclear if the OnePlus 15T will have a higher price than last year’s 13T, which was priced at 3,399 yuan (around $446).

    The OnePlus 15T is a sleek flagship smartphone, taking the place of last year’s OnePlus 13T. Earlier this month, the brand began to hint at important features of the device. Recently, OnePlus China has disclosed the details for the launch event.

    Launch Date Announced

    The launch event for the OnePlus 15T is set to occur in China on March 24th at 19:00 local time. Currently, there’s no official information regarding its availability in other countries. Last year’s 13T was released as the OnePlus 13s in some regions outside of China. Therefore, it’s possible that the OnePlus 15T could be known as the OnePlus 15s when it reaches global markets.

    Key Specifications Revealed

    Many aspects of the new phone have already been highlighted by OnePlus. The most significant change between the standard OnePlus 15 and the 15T is in the display size. The OnePlus 15 (currently priced at $899 on Amazon) features a 6.78-inch display, while the 15T comes with a more compact 6.32-inch screen. Importantly, it supports a 165Hz refresh rate and has 1.1mm symmetrical bezels.

    Performance and Battery Life

    In terms of performance, a Geekbench listing has verified that the OnePlus 15T is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The smartphone is equipped with a substantial 7,500mAh battery that supports 100W wired fast charging along with 50W wireless charging, and it weighs in at 194 grams.

    Additionally, the device includes a periscope telephoto lens that offers 3.5x optical zoom. It remains uncertain whether the 15T will have a price higher than the launch price of the 13T, which was 3,399 yuan (around $446), especially since OnePlus has recently raised prices on some of their devices in China.

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  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Challenges Gamers on DLSS 5 Misconceptions

    Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Challenges Gamers on DLSS 5 Misconceptions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gamers criticized Nvidia’s DLSS 5 for altering artistic styles, leading to a “yassified” and generic look in games.
    2. Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, stated that gamers’ concerns about DLSS 5 are “completely wrong” and emphasized the technology’s capabilities.
    3. DLSS 5 combines traditional rendering with generative AI, allowing developers to retain artistic control over their games.
    4. Huang clarified that DLSS 5 operates at the geometry level, not just applying a filter, making it different from traditional generative AI.
    5. The impact of DLSS 5 on game performance and visuals is still uncertain, with its introduction expected in fall 2026.

    Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, has responded to criticism from gamers regarding the company’s new DLSS 5 technology. Many players have expressed concerns that it changes artistic styles into a generic “yassified” appearance, causing characters in games like Resident Evil Requiem, Starfield, and Hogwarts Legacy to have “uncanny valley” faces. Huang firmly stated that gamers are “completely wrong” about DLSS 5.

    Gamers’ Concerns

    Just after Nvidia revealed DLSS 5 during its GTC 2026 event, players voiced their dissatisfaction. They argued that instead of enhancing visuals and eliminating artifacts, the technology alters the original artistic vision of games, giving them a shiny, photorealistic look. Many users felt that DLSS 5 made everything appear too similar.

    The reaction was particularly strong when players noticed changes in characters like Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft from Resident Evil Requiem. These characters looked notably different and more idealized compared to their original designs, with some likening the changes to trendy Instagram beauty filters or “AI slop.”

    Addressing the Backlash

    During a press Q&A session with Tom’s Hardware at GTC 2026, Huang addressed the negative feedback directly when asked about it by the publication’s editor-in-chief. He expressed that gamers’ concerns were misplaced, stating, “Well, first of all, they’re completely wrong.”

    Huang elaborated on the philosophy behind DLSS 5, explaining that the technology merges control over geometry and textures with generative AI. He emphasized that DLSS 5 doesn’t just apply a filter to the frames. Instead, it works at a detailed geometry level, integrating traditional rendering with AI to enhance lighting, textures, and details while allowing developers to maintain artistic control.

    A New Approach

    Huang clarified, “It’s not post-processing; it’s not post-processing at the frame level. It’s generative control at the geometry level. All of that is directly under the game developer’s control. This is very different from traditional generative AI; it’s content-controlled generative AI. That’s why we call it neural rendering.”

    Gamers are concerned that Nvidia’s DLSS 5 may negatively impact titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Resident Evil Requiem, as all these games are expected to receive updates for DLSS 5.

    Nvidia claims that DLSS 5 is its most significant milestone since ray tracing, with promises of hyper-realistic graphics without sacrificing performance. However, the actual effects on performance and visuals are yet to be determined. DLSS 5 is expected to be gradually introduced in fall 2026.

    In the end, the reaction to DLSS 5 may either fade away or intensify, depending on how developers adapt and incorporate it into their games. Gamers continue to express their concerns about what they see as a growing trend of “AI slop,” even as Nvidia’s GPUs remain scarce, driving up prices for high-end options.

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  • Death Stranding 2 PC Features Revealed Before Launch

    Death Stranding 2 PC Features Revealed Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date and System Requirements: Death Stranding 2 will launch on PC on March 19, with low system requirements suitable for devices like the Steam Deck.

    2. Enhanced Graphics Support: The game supports AI-driven image upscalers (DLSS, FSR, XeSS), uncapped frame rates, ray-traced reflections, and ambient occlusion, along with ultra-wide monitor compatibility.

    3. DualSense Controller Features: Players using a DualSense controller will experience adaptive triggers and spatial audio, enhancing the console feel on PC.

    4. Exclusive In-Game Rewards: Connecting PlayStation ID with Steam or Epic Games Store accounts grants players a porter suit skin, with additional bonuses for Deluxe Version purchasers.

    5. Creative Gameplay and Storyline: The game features innovative mechanics and a complex storyline, providing a richer experience, especially for those familiar with the first installment.

    Death Stranding 2 is ready to launch on PC on March 19. The game’s system requirements are not overly high, allowing it to operate on devices like the Steam Deck. Kojima Studios and PlayStation have also revealed some unique features for PC gamers in Death Stranding 2. For example, players who own a DualSense controller will experience the full console feel, with adaptive triggers and spatial audio included.

    Enhanced Graphics Support

    The game is compatible with major AI-driven image upscalers, including DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. This, paired with uncapped frame rates, should provide a more enhanced experience compared to the PlayStation 5. Furthermore, Death Stranding 2 features ray-traced reflections and ambient occlusion for improved graphic quality. Ultra-wide monitors with a 21:9 aspect ratio are also supported, and this feature will be available on PlayStation 5 consoles in the future.

    Exclusive In-Game Rewards

    Players who connect their PlayStation ID with their Steam or Epic Games Store accounts will receive a porter suit skin as an in-game bonus. Those who purchase the Deluxe Version will get access to three boost skeletons and a machine gun earlier in the game than in the standard version. You can now pre-order the game on Steam and the Epic Games Store at prices of $59.99 for the Standard edition and $69.99 for the Deluxe edition.

    In our review of Death Stranding 2, we highlighted the game’s creative gameplay mechanics that significantly enhance what the original Death Stranding offered. The storyline is intricate, filled with unexpected twists and turns, which is what fans expect from a Hideo Kojima title. While you can enjoy Death Stranding 2 as a standalone game, playing the first installment will provide a deeper understanding of the narrative.

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  • New Test Reveals Harmful DNA-Damaging Chemicals in Cosmetics & Food

    New Test Reveals Harmful DNA-Damaging Chemicals in Cosmetics & Food

    Key Takeaways

    1. Novel Testing Method: Researchers developed a new technique to detect harmful concealed chemicals in everyday items without prior knowledge of their structures.

    2. Low Detoxification Rates: The simulation of human metabolism revealed that the body’s ability to detoxify these harmful substances is unexpectedly low.

    3. Skin Exposure Risks: Harmful chemicals can easily enter the bloodstream through skin abrasions or bleeding gums, highlighting potential health risks.

    4. Efficiency in Laboratory Testing: The new method is five times faster than traditional assessments, reducing manual work and consumable costs by over 99%.

    5. Global Application: A cost-effective, open-source version of the testing system has been created for regulatory bodies and manufacturers to enhance consumer safety worldwide.

    Researchers at Justus Liebig University Giessen have unveiled a groundbreaking testing method that can detect concealed chemicals which might permanently harm human DNA and living cells. Conventional testing approaches often overlook these hazardous substances in complex mixtures, mainly due to solubility challenges or conflicting signals in the lab. To address this issue, the research group created a novel technique that separates individual compounds from everyday items such as teas, fragrances, and cosmetics without needing prior knowledge of their specific chemical structures.

    Human Metabolism Simulation

    Additionally, the team simulated the metabolism of the human liver to study how these chemicals are processed by the body. Their findings showed that the body’s natural detoxification of these substances is surprisingly low. Upon examining various common products, they found harmful compounds in inadequately regulated items like lipsticks, wound ointments, and nipple creams.

    Risks of Skin Exposure

    These results highlight the ease with which these harmful chemicals can penetrate natural protective barriers, entering the bloodstream through small skin abrasions or bleeding gums. The data also supports existing health warnings about red meat and backs recent European Union restrictions on smoke flavorings.

    Advancements in Laboratory Testing

    Apart from revealing hidden risks, this new testing method signifies a major advancement in lab efficiency. In comparison to older safety assessments, this innovative screening process is five times quicker, significantly reduces manual work, and lowers consumable expenses by over 99%. To assist regulatory bodies and manufacturers in enhancing consumer safety right away, the team has developed a cost-effective, open-source, and compact version of the testing system that can be used globally for routine quality checks and environmental water assessments.

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  • GMK NucBox K13: Faster CPU Performance Over GPU

    GMK NucBox K13: Faster CPU Performance Over GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GMK NucBox K13 is lightweight and offers strong performance with the Core Ultra 7 256V processor, excelling in multi-thread tasks.
    2. It outperforms similar machines in CPU-intensive tasks but has slower graphics performance compared to competitors.
    3. The NucBox K13 can be up to 25% slower in graphics performance than other PCs with the same Arc 140V GPU.
    4. Casual gaming is manageable on the NucBox K13, but it’s not suitable for demanding 3D games.
    5. Switching to Balanced mode in BIOS can improve performance by better allocating power between the CPU and integrated graphics.

    The GMK NucBox K13 has just hit the market, and it’s impressively light yet provides solid performance thanks to the Core Ultra 7 256V processor. When you stack it up against other machines that use the same CPU, the GMK seems to outpace them in multi-thread performance, albeit at the cost of a bit slower graphics performance.

    Performance Insights

    In the performance charts below, you can see how the NucBox K13 compares to six other PCs with the same Core Ultra 7 256V CPU. On average, the GMK system tends to lead in CPU-intensive tasks by a few percentage points, indicating good Turbo Boost sustainability. Interestingly, the Dell 14 Plus lags behind by as much as 20 percent when considering the heavier throttling it experiences compared to the GMK.

    Graphics Performance

    However, the NucBox K13 does have its drawbacks when it comes to integrated graphics performance. The 3DMark benchmarks reveal that this mini PC can be up to 25 percent slower than the average machine equipped with the same Arc 140V GPU. While it can handle casual gaming well, it might not be the ideal option for running the latest 3D games locally.

    To potentially improve performance, you can switch the mini PC to Balanced mode instead of Performance mode through the BIOS settings. This adjustment can help mitigate the performance gaps since Performance mode often allocates higher power limits to the CPU cores, which might come at the cost of lower power limits for the integrated graphics.

    Conclusion

    For further insights, be sure to check our complete review of the NucBox K13, which includes more benchmarks and comparisons with other mini PCs.

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  • YouTube Asks Viewers to Spot AI-Generated Content in Ratings

    YouTube Asks Viewers to Spot AI-Generated Content in Ratings

    Key Takeaways

    1. YouTube allows and encourages the use of generative AI in video creation but aims to combat “AI slop” through viewer feedback.
    2. A new rating system is being tested, asking viewers to evaluate the quality of AI-generated content.
    3. Creators can enhance their videos using AI tools, but low-quality uploads risk monetization penalties.
    4. YouTube’s checks for content quality via automated and human evaluations have proven insufficient, with many shorts being flagged as poor quality.
    5. Critics warn that the new system may inadvertently increase “AI slop” and allow the platform to train models that create misleading content.

    YouTube’s relationship with generative AI is quite complex. The platform permits certain videos made by machine learning and even encourages their usage. However, they have also pledged to tackle what they call “AI slop.” A new rating system has been introduced, urging viewers to identify this unwanted content.

    Viewer Engagement with AI Content

    VidIQ is one of the several social media accounts that have spotted pop-ups within the YouTube app. It straightforwardly inquires, “Does this feel like AI slop?” or asks if “low-quality AI” played a role. Responses can range from “Not at all” to “Extremely.” As of now, this new approach seems to be in a limited testing stage.

    Content Creation and AI Tools

    Creators are welcome to utilize generative AI tools to improve their videos without needing to record voice-overs, edit, or design graphics. However, an increasing number of uploads are being made with little human supervision. Even so, they might still be accepted unless they are classified as low-quality. If not, channel operators risk losing their ability to monetize.

    Standards and Oversight

    YouTube checks if a candidate fulfills basic requirements through both automated and human evaluations. However, both methods have shown to be insufficient. A recent study indicated that over 20% of YouTube shorts were poorly made, repetitive, or misleading. This might be the reason the company is incorporating a new feature to the standard like/dislike buttons.

    Potential Issues with Viewer Reliance

    Depending on viewers has its flaws, as some may not be able to recognize sophisticated deepfakes. There is also a subjective factor, where fans of a channel might hesitate to report a video.

    Criticism of the New System

    Some critics argue that the new rating system could actually increase the amount of AI slop instead of reducing it. If these changes are widely adopted, users will generate vast amounts of data. TukiFromKL suggests that the platform might be training its own models to create content that’s trickier to identify. With some outputs more convincing than others, it could learn how to effectively deceive viewers.

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