Author: GizNews

  • ModRetro M64: N64 Emulation Launch Date Announced

    ModRetro M64: N64 Emulation Launch Date Announced

    Key Takeaway

    – ModRetro M64 uses FPGA-based hardware for accurate retro gaming, not software emulation.
    – Ships July 28 at $229 retail, with a $30 early bird discount.
    – Launch lineup includes four titles; over 240 original game cartridges are compatible.
    – Features USB-C, microSD support, and four Nintendo 64-style controller ports.
    – ModRetro Trident Controller ($90) uses TMR joystick tech and Bluetooth for multi-device use.

    Exploring Retro Gaming Options

    There is several ways to approach retro gaming, ranging from using a virtually identical (though not uncontroversial) hardware architecture like the Plaion NeoGeo AES+ to complete software emulation using an inexpensive handheld gaming console and potentially copyrighted images. The ModRetro M64 definitely falls into the former category and, as is not uncommon for such devices, utilises FPGAs. This FPGA-based architecture is intended to provide accurate emulation.

    ModRetro M64 Release and Pricing Details

    We have previously reported on the ModRetro M64, and now the manufacturer has announced its release date. The console is slated to ship starting July 28 and the retail price is listed at $229, but there is also an early bird discount of $30. At launch, there will be four titles, namely Xeno Crisis, Buck Bumble, Extreme-G Turbo Fusion and Xibalba 64. In addition, over 240 titles should work without issue; original game cartridges can simply be inserted.

    Modern Features and Controller Details

    Modern features includes USB-C and microSD support. On the front, there is four controller ports familiar from the Nintendo 64. Speaking of controllers, the ModRetro Trident Controller will also launch on July 28 for a price of $90. This controller also combines a classic design with modern features, but utilises TMR technology for the joystick and can connect to devices other than the M64 via Bluetooth.

    ModRetro, Retro Dodo


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  • Xiaomi Launches Smart Smoke Detector with Multiple Sensors

    Key Takeaway

    – Optical, temperature, and humidity sensors with 3-level sensitivity adjustment to reduce false alarms
    – Works without smart home integration or Wi-Fi, with an alarm speaker and ring indicator
    – App notifications for fire/smoke detection, plus remote alarm silencing (via camera verification)
    – Up to 5-year battery life; priced at ~$22, currently China-only

    New Smoke Alarm From Xiaomi

    Xiaomi now has a new smoke detector on offer, the Xiaomi Smoke Detector 2, which not only features optical sensors, but also measures temperature and humidity. The smoke detector’s sensitivity can be adjusted in three levels, which can be useful for accounting for conditions in different rooms. For example, this may help prevent false alarms in a kitchen, while reacting immediately in bedrooms. The smoke detector notifies owners when it needs to be cleaned of dust, which is important for maintaining sensitivity.

    Functionality and Smart Features

    As expected, this is a smoke detector designed to function even without integration into a smart home system and also in the event of a complete failure of the Wi-Fi network. It features a ring indicator and a speaker that sounds an alarm accordingly. Moreover, owners can set up alerts in the app to be notified of a potential fire or smoke detection. In the worst-case scenario, you can at least rush home at the same time the fire department is alerted. The smoke detector can also be silenced remotely, though this is only recommended if you can definitively rule out a fire via security cameras, for example.

    Battery Life and Pricing

    The Xiaomi Smoke Detector 2 is advertised as having a battery life of up to 5 years. Currently, it is only available in China for the equivalent of around $22. Whether the device will also get an international launch remains unclear.

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  • Cooler Master Reimagines PC Cooling with Vintage Concept

    Cooler Master Reimagines PC Cooling with Vintage Concept

    Key Takeaway

    – Cooler Master’s MasterFlow accessory redirects hot GPU air out of the case, lowering CPU temps by up to 6°C.
    – It uses a blower-style fan to exhaust heat through the rear, countering modern pass-through GPU designs.
    – Designed for triple-fan GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti or higher, with limited length adjustment.
    – Still in development, with power connector (USB-C vs. 4-pin PWM) yet to be finalized.
    – Expected to launch within the year, initially appearing in Cooler Master’s pre-built systems.

    Computex has brought all kinds of tech innovations like RTX Spark-based laptops, AI glasses, displays, gaming handhelds, and more. Cooler Master was also present at the event, where it showed off something quite unique and interesting, aimed at PC gamers.

    Performance Improvements and Design

    Called the ‘MasterFlow,’ this GPU accessory claims up to 6 degrees Celsius lower CPU temperatures (via PC Gamer). It is essentially a metal shroud with a blower-style fan that is meant to exhaust the hot air out of the back of the case. Blower-style GPUs are now a thing of the past as most modern GPUs come with pass-through coolers, i.e., two or three fans at the front pulling in air and exhausting through the back of the GPU. What this does is push hot or warm air from the GPU towards the CPU.

    How It Functions

    With the MasterFlow accessory attached to the GPU, it would redirect all the hot air out of the case through the back, leading to a cooler CPU. It is a single-slot accessory that, according to Cooler Master (via GDM), works best with RTX 5070 Ti cards or higher. The position of the blower fan can be fine-tuned to align with a GPU’s exhaust vent, but there is not a lot of length adjustment available, so it is ideal for GPUs with triple fans.

    Power and Availability

    The MasterFlow is not a finished product yet, as Cooler Master is still finalizing whether to use a USB Type-C connector or a 4-pin PWN connector to power the fan. However, it is said to be released within the year and will appear in the company’s own pre-built systems, at least initially.

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  • PS5 price hike slashes UK sales as Xbox gains from exclusive game

    PS5 price hike slashes UK sales as Xbox gains from exclusive game

    Key Takeaway

    – PS5 sales dropped 50% in May due to a £90 price increase.
    – Xbox nearly matched PS5 sales, outsold by only 400 units in the UK.
    – Forza Horizon 6 drove a 12% monthly improvement for Xbox.
    – The Xbox Series X is now £70 cheaper than the standard PS5.
    – Microsoft may reconsider its cross-platform strategy amid the sales shift.

    UK Retail Data Shows PlayStation Sales Plummet

    May retail data in the UK confirms that PlayStation suffered a steep drop in console sales. The latest PS5 price increase contributed to a 50% decline compared to the prior month. Meanwhile, as Microsoft nearly catches Sony on the charts, Xbox fans are crediting an exclusive game for the turnaround.

    Christopher Dring Teases the Numbers

    Christopher Dring of The Game Business teased the numbers on social media. While the higher MSRP for PlayStation consoles took effect in early April, not all stores reacted immediately. Still, as buyers rushed to claim units, the more affordable existing supply ran out by May.

    Xbox Sales Resurgence a Surprise

    Many gamers find the resurgence in Xbox console sales the most newsworthy development. Dring noted that for the month, the PS5 “only outsold Xbox Series S/X by 400 units”. Thats particularly surprising, considering the system is often out of stock or not sold at some UK retailers.

    PS5 Price Hike Details

    On April 2nd, the PS5 price increase introduced a £90 rise for digital and disc versions, as well as the PS5 Pro. With the memory shortage wreaking havoc, the update came after an earlier upward adjustment in April 2025. The Xbox Series X 1TB with optical drive is now £70 cheaper than its standard PS5 rival.

    Exclusive Game Credited for Gains

    Even though Microsoft has implemented similar increases, its hardware now looks more tempting. However, in May, an Xbox exclusive game could be largely responsible for the manufacturer’s gains. Dring revealed that Forza Horizon 6 played a major role in the 12% monthly improvement.

    Forza Horizon 6 Debut

    Following its May 19th release date, the journalist previously disclosed a strong start for the open-world racer. In the UK, it debuted in 2nd place in physical sales behind LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. That may not seem impressive, but Microsoft’s first-party titles struggle in these rankings. Starfield was the last contender to crack the top 5 in 2023.

    Future Xbox Exclusives

    Some fans believe that more Xbox exclusives would further capitalize on the PS5 price increase. CEO Asha Sharma has hinted that the company was reconsidering its cross-platform approach. For now, Forza Horizon 6 is still expected to launch on PlayStation later in 2026.

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  • Lenovo Launches Affordable Laptop in Europe with 27-Hour Battery

    Lenovo Launches Affordable Laptop in Europe with 27-Hour Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – New IdeaPad Slim 3 16IPH11 starts at €1,009 with Core Ultra 5/7 processors
    – Offers optional 1200p OLED (100% DCI-P3) but dimmer at 300 nits vs. 400 nits IPS
    – Configurable with 60 Wh battery claiming 27.3 hours of 1080p video playback
    – Supports user-upgradeable RAM and dual M.2 2280 storage slots
    – Save £90/€100 by buying without an OS license

    New 16-Inch Laptop Hits European Shelves

    Lenovo have broadened their IdeaPad Slim range across Europe with a fresh 16-inch model. For context, the company released the IdeaPad Slim 5 16 Gen 11 in March with AMD Gorgon Point and Intel Panther Lake processors. Replacing Gen 10 models we reviewed in 2025 (curr. $799 on Amazon), these Gen 11 models now cost around £1,100 in the UK and €1,129-€1,300 in the Eurozone.

    Pricing and Core Specifications

    By contrast, the IdeaPad Slim 3 16IPH11 can be picked up for as little as €1,009 in the Eurozone. Currently, the 16-inch laptop starts with the Core Ultra 5 322, a 6-core processor that can be swapped for the 8-core Core Ultra 7 355 as needed. The IdeaPad Slim 3 16IPH11 ships with 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and a 50 Wh battery too, as well as Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a 1200p IPS display.

    Display Choices and Battery Life

    Alternatively, Lenovo sells a 1200p OLED panel with superior colour accuracy (100% DCI-P3). This panel maintains a 60 Hz refresh rate and is dimmer than its IPS counterpart at 300 nits vs. 400 nits. Moreover, the IdeaPad Slim 3 16IPH11 can be configured with a 60 Wh battery, which Lenovo claims will last 27.3 hours when playing 1080p local videos at 150 nits.

    Upgrade Options and Regional Offers

    Also, the laptop supports user-upgradeable RAM and has dual M.2 2280 slots like its smaller 14-inch sibling. At the time of writing, Lenovo is selling the same starting configuration for £949 in the UK, including VAT. However, one can save £90 and €100 if they are willing to obtain an operating system licence separately. Please see Lenovo’s website for more details.

    • Starting price: €1,009 (Eurozone) / £949 (UK, with VAT)
    • Processor options: Core Ultra 5 322 (6-core) or Core Ultra 7 355 (8-core)
    • Standard memory: 16 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
    • Battery: 50 Wh standard, 60 Wh option available
    • Display: 1200p IPS (400 nits) or 1200p OLED (300 nits, 100% DCI-P3)
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6
    • Design: Dual M.2 2280 slots, user-upgradeable RAM


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  • HP Launches 14-Inch Laptop: 8GB RAM, 300 Nit Display, $1,900+

    HP Launches 14-Inch Laptop: 8GB RAM, 300 Nit Display, $1,900+

    Key Takeaway

    – Starts at $1,917 with Ryzen 3 210, 8GB RAM
    – Uses same AMD Ryzen 200 processors as previous generation
    – Costs up to $3,757 with 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, 1200p display
    – Save $250 by selecting FreeDOS instead of Windows
    – Ships with 68 Wh battery and GaN charger

    A few months have passed since HP announced its ProBook 4 G2 line-up. The ProBook 4 G2 series may replace the ProBook 4 G1 generation (curr. $1,099 on Amazon). However, it does so while retaining the AMD Ryzen 200 processors found in its predecessor.

    Pricing and base configurations

    Nonetheless, the new ProBook 4 G2ah does not come cheap. As it stands, the 14-inch laptop starts at $1,917 with the Ryzen 3 210 and just 8 GB of RAM. Effectively a rebadged Ryzen 3 7440U or Ryzen 3 8440U, the Ryzen 3 210 contains a single Zen 4 core, three Zen 4c cores and a Radeon 740M iGPU.

    Processor options and performance

    Alternatively, the Ryzen 3 210 can be swapped for the Ryzen 5 220 at a $102 surcharge. Also, HP sells the ProBook 4 G2ah 14 with up to 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and 1 TB of storage. Selecting these options increases pricing further to $3,757, with which HP includes a 1200p, 300-nit and 60 Hz IPS display.

    Battery and availability

    All SKUs ship with a 68 Wh battery and a GaN charger. Please note that one can save $250 by selecting FreeDOS at checkout. HP has not confirmed when its new 14-inch laptop will reach other markets. More details can be found on its US website.


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  • Lenovo ThinkPad 14″ Global Launch: 120Hz OLED + Intel Panther Lake

    Lenovo ThinkPad 14″ Global Launch: 120Hz OLED + Intel Panther Lake

    Key Takeaway

    – ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 starts at $1,769 (US), CAD 2,557 (Canada), and AUD 2,477 (Australia).
    – Processor options: Core Ultra 5 325, Ultra 5 335 vPro, Ultra 7 355, Ultra 7 365 vPro.
    – RAM/storage: up to 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM, up to 1 TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 storage.
    – Display choices: three 1200p 60 Hz IPS panels or one 1800p OLED with 30-120 Hz VRR.
    – All models: 58 Wh battery, Wi-Fi 7; WWAN not available in North America.

    Current Pricing and Configurations

    So the ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 is currently starting at $1,769 in the US with a Core Ultra 5 325 processor and 16 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM. Meanwhile, the same configuration costs CAD 2,557 in Canada and AUD 2,477 in Australia, including a 9% discount. Additionally, the ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 can be configured with Core Ultra 5 335 vPro, Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra 7 365 vPro processors.

    Memory, Storage and Display Options

    Moreover, Lenovo offers the laptop with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB of M.2 2280 storage (PCIe 4.0). On top of that, the ThinkPad T14s Gen 7 comes in a choice of four display options, three of which are 1200p and 60 Hz IPS panels. Alternatively, Lenovo is selling an 1800p OLED panel with a 30-120 Hz variable refresh rate, 500-nit SDR brightness, and an anti-glare coating.

    Connectivity, Battery and Availability

    For some reason, WWAN options have not reached North America, though. Also it is worth noting that all SKUs ship with a 58 Wh battery and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The models feature an Intel Core Ultra series processor and the price does include a 9% discount in Australia. Please see Lenovo’s website and our launch article for more details.


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  • Acer Debuts Lightweight 16″ Laptop with 120Hz Display & 14-Hour Battery

    Acer Debuts Lightweight 16″ Laptop with 120Hz Display & 14-Hour Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – Acer has released new Aspire 16 models in Europe featuring AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 and Ryzen AI 7 345 processors (Krackan Point).
    – The Ryzen AI 5 330 has a significantly weaker iGPU (Radeon 820M) than the Ryzen AI 7 345 (Radeon 840M).
    – The Ryzen AI 7 345 model costs only €100 more than the Ryzen AI 5 330 in the Eurozone.
    – Both models feature 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, a 120 Hz 1200p IPS display, and weigh 1.55 kg.
    – Pricing starts at £999 in the UK and ranges from €1,049 to €1,119 in the Eurozone.

    New Acer Aspire 16 Models Quietly Released

    Acer has now released new versions of the Aspire 16 in Europe. In January 2026, the company claimed that it would be updating the Aspire 16 to AMD’s Ryzen AI 400 platform. Also, Acer announced Intel Panther Lake alternatives, full details of which we covered during CES 2026, but these are not yet avalible.

    Current Availble Configurations

    Currently, none of these new models are available. Instead, Acer has quietly released Krackan Point and Krackan Point 2 models featuring Zen 5 and Zen 5c CPU cores. Specifically, the Aspire 16 can be purchased with the Ryzen AI 5 330 or Ryzen AI 7 345 featuring 4 and 6 CPU cores, respectively. Priceing and spec varys by region.

    Processor and Graphics Performance

    Also, our benchmarks show that the Ryzen AI 5 330 contains a vastly inferior iGPU compared to the Radeon 840M inside the Ryzen AI 7 345. In fact, the Radeon 820M is outperformed by the Adreno X1-45 that underpins the older Snapdragon X X1P-26-100 based Aspire 16 (curr. $689 on Amazon). Nonetheless, only €100 separates the two processors in the Eurozone. It is a significant gap in graphical power.

    Pricing and Specifications

    At the time of writing, the new Aspire 16 starts at £999 in the UK, with 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 512 GB of PCIe Gen 4 storage and a 120 Hz IPS display that resolves at 1200p. Meanwhile, the same configuration costs between €1,049 and €1,119 in the Eurozone, with a further €100 charged for the Ryzen AI 7 345 model. For reference, both variants weigh 1.55 kg, measure 354.9 x 250.1 x 15.9 mm and are rated for up to 14.5 hours of battery life. Please see Acer’s website for more details.

    Further Info

    Acer France (1) (2), Acer Spain (1) (2) & Acer UK. These links provide additional details for local customers. Its recomended to check there for final prices and avalibility.


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  • HP Launches 13-Inch Laptop: 64GB RAM, 800 Nit Display, 4G

    HP Launches 13-Inch Laptop: 64GB RAM, 800 Nit Display, 4G

    Key Takeaway

    – EliteBook 8 Flip G2i 13 convertible now available globally
    – Entry-level Core Ultra 5 model is outperformed by the older generation
    – Higher-tier Panther Lake processors (e.g., Core Ultra 7 355, 356H, 366H) offer significant performance gains
    – Options include NFC, 5G, up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 storage, and a 62 Wh battery
    – Five 1200p 60 Hz IPS display choices, with some reaching 800 nits and 100% sRGB

    Global Launch of New Convertible Laptop

    HP is now selling a new 13-inch convertible laptop worldwide. For context, the company announced the EliteBook 8 G2 series over two months ago in many sizes, form factors and processor variants. Incidentally, the EliteBook 8 G2i 13 is already available to buy in multiple countries at this point.

    Comparisons with the Previous Model

    By contrast, HP’s new 13-inch convertible replaces the EliteBook 8 Flip G1i 13, as we reviewed in September 2025 featuring Intel’s Arrow Lake-U platform. According to our benchmarks, this SKU performs better than the EliteBook 8 Flip G2i 13’s entry-level model. While the Core Ultra 5 322 only contains 6 cores, HP also offers the convertible with some other Panther Lake processors available.

    Processor Options and UK Configurations

    For instance, the EliteBook 8 Flip G2i 13 starts with the Core Ultra 7 355 in Germany and the UK, which easily runs faster than the older Core Ultra 7 265U. Also, the UK has received Core Ultra 7 356H SKUs with 16 CPU cores and up to 64 GB of RAM memory. The moderately more powerful Core Ultra 7 366H is available in the US too, as are 24 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB RAM combos.

    Moreover, HP sells the EliteBook 8 Flip G2i 13 with optional NFC and 5G connectivity (MediaTek T700), up to 2 TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage and a 62 Wh battery across all SKUs they offer. Currently, the convertible can be purchased with a choice of five displays also. Although all are 1200p and 60 Hz IPS panels, some peak at 800 nits brightness with 100% sRGB colour space coverage. Pricing starts at $3,128 in the US, €2,539 in the Eurozone and £1,520 in the UK with different specifications depending on the model.


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  • Lenovo Launches Budget 14″ Laptop with OLED Display & Dual SSDs

    Lenovo Launches Budget 14″ Laptop with OLED Display & Dual SSDs

    Key Takeaway

    – Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IPH11 now available in Europe with Intel Core Ultra processors
    – Features a 400-nit OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage
    – Includes user-upgradeable RAM, two SSD slots, and a full-sized SD card reader
    – Battery options of 50 Wh or 60 Wh with claimed up to 21.9 hours of video playback
    – Pricing starts at £970 in the UK, €1,150–€1,389 in the Eurozone, and SGD 1,195 in Singapore

    New Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IPH11 Launches Across Europe

    Lenovo has released numerous IdeaPad Slim laptops in 2026. For instance, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Ultra arrived recently in multiple countries with Intel Lunar Lake processors in a sub-1.2 kg housing. Also, Lenovo sells the IdeaPad Slim 3 featuring a 17-inch display and Intel Wildcat Lake processors.

    14-Inch Model Now Available With OLED Display

    Now, the company has started selling a new 14-inch model across Europe. Specifically, Lenovo is offering the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IPH11, having already released the IdeaPad Slim 5 14IPH11 in May. While the IdeaPad Slim 3 contains a few downgrades on its IdeaPad Slim 5 sibling, the former can still be configured with a 400-nit OLED display boasting 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage.

    User-Upgradeable RAM and Dual SSD Slots Included

    Moreover, Lenovo includes a full-sized SD card reader rather than the microSD alternative found in many 14-inch laptops. On top of that, the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IPH11 includes user-upgradeable RAM and two SSD slots. The new 14-inch laptop can be configured with 50 Wh or 60 Wh batteries, which Lenovo claims will last 19.5 hours and 21.9 hours when playing 1080p local videos at 150 nits. These batteries are complemented by Intel’s Core Ultra 5 322 or Core Ultra 7 355 processors too, the latter of which we have already reviewed the latter in Dell’s new XPS 14 and Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7 Ultra Aura Edition (curr. $1,949 on Amazon).

    Pricing and Configuration Details

    IdeaPad Slim 3 14IPH11 pricing starts at £970 in the UK, including VAT. Meanwhile, the 14-inch laptop costs €1,150-€1,389 in the Eurozone and SGD 1,195 in Singapore. While, the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IPH11 starts with the Core Ultra 5 322 and 16 GB of RAM in all countries, Lenovo includes a 256 GB SSD and a 50 Wh battery by default in some markets and a 512 GB SSD with a 60 Wh battery in others. Please see Lenovo’s website for more details.


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