Author: GizNews

  • 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller Prototype Lands on Amazon

    8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller Prototype Lands on Amazon

    Key Takeaway

    – 8BitDo 64 Controller Prototype Limited Edition is now available on Amazon for $44.99.
    – Five new colors: Atomic Purple, Extreme Green, Ocean, Ghost, and Glacier.
    – Compatible with Analogue 3D, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Android.
    – Features Hall Effect thumbsticks with metal joystick rings and USB-C wired option.
    – A separate 2.4GHz edition is available but limited to Analogue 3D, original N64, and Windows 10+.

    New Colors Now Availible on Amazon

    Earlier this February, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller received five additonal color options, which they called the Prototype Limited Edition. These new gamepads are based on unreleased colors that were originaly planned for the Nintendo 64, and they were launched at the same time as matching colors for the Analogue 3D console.

    Where to Buy These Limited Colors

    Since there announcment, the 8BitDo 64 Controller Prototype Limited Edition colors have been exclusive to the 8BitDo eShop, but that has now changed. According to a new announcement from 8BitDo, customers can now purchase these controllers on Amazon, with availability starting from today.

    Full List of Available Colors and Pricing

    Included in the 8BitDo 64 Controller Prototype Limited Edition are the following colors: Atomic Purple, Extreme Green, Ocean, Ghost, and Glacier. Every one of these five colors is currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon. Furthermore, Amazon also stocks some colors from the Funtastic Limited Edition range, like Clear, Fire, Smoke, Ice, and Watermelon. Additionally, the color-accurate Gray version is also being sold for the same price of $44.99.

    Device Compatibility Details

    No matter which colour you end up choosing, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is compatible with the Analogue 3D, Nintendo Switch systems, and any device that runs on Windows or Android operating systems. Seperately, 8BitDo also offers a 2.4GHz wireless edition of this controller, which comes with a wireless receiver; however, this version is only compatible with the Analogue 3D, the original Nintendo 64 console, and computers running Windows 10 or newer.

    Controller Features and Specifications

    The 8BitDo 64 Controller includes Hall Effect thumbsticks that feature wear-resistant metal joystick rings. Much like the original Nintendo 64 controller, it has the classic C-buttons, A/B buttons, and the Start button. Apart from Bluetooth connectivity, it can also function as a wired controller when connected via a USB-C cable.

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  • Intel Lunar Lake dominates battery life: ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 vs Gen 6

    Key Takeaway

    – Panther Lake laptops are now available, not just announced.
    – Panther Lake is more efficient than Arrow Lake, but less efficient than Lunar Lake.
    – Lunar Lake remains Intel’s most efficient laptop CPU for battery life.
    – The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 (Panther Lake) achieved over 18 hours in a Wi-Fi test.
    – The T14 Gen 7 couldn’t beat the older T14 Gen 6 (Lunar Lake), which ran over 19 hours with a smaller battery.

    New Intel Panther Lake Laptops Hit Shelves

    Back when Intel announced their 2026 Panther Lake CPU platform for laptops, there was one simple promise: Same efficiency as the older Lunar Lake series, but with a better performance. Lunar Lake was, thus far, Intel’s most efficient laptop CPU, although limited in performance. Everyone was eager to see if this would hold up in real world usage.

    Testing The Promises

    With more and more Panther Lake laptops coming to the market, and being actually available now, we are able to test this promise against reality. Indeed, Panther Lake does appear to be more efficient than the older Arrow Lake CPU series, but it appears Lunar Lake is still the CPU to beat when it comes to battery life. The newer chip just cant quite match the power sipping nature of its predecessor.

    Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 Review

    We recently reviewed the new Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7. This Lenovo ThinkPad business laptop is powered by Panther Lake. In the case of our review unit, we were able to test the basic version with eight cores and an Intel Core Ultra 5 325, a comparable chip to Lunar Lake. In our testing, the system did well, as it achieved just over 18 hours in the Wi-Fi/websurfing test, at 150 cd/m² screen brightness. This is definately a strong result for a modern ultabook.

    However, it could not quite beat its predecessor. The older Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 6 Intel with Lunar Lake ran over 19 hours in the same test – with a smaller 57 Wh battery to boot, as Lenovo uses a bigger 60 Wh battery in the T14 G7. That means the older machine got more runtime even with less battery capacity wich is a pretty impressive feat.

    Final Verdict on Efficiency

    The bottom line is: Panther Lake does well when it comes to battery life, easily beating the AMD variant of the T14 Gen 6 – but even its smaller variants can not quite match the efficiency of Lunar Lake. For those who prioritise maximum runtime, the previous generation still seems to be the better choice. Detailed specifications and pricing for the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 include an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 processor, 8 cores, and a 60 Wh battery.

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    • MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Listed on Best Buy at $899 with 1TB

      MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Listed on Best Buy at $899 with 1TB

      Key Takeaway

      – MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is listed at $1,699.99 on Best Buy, higher than the earlier ~$1,500 estimate.
      – It features Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip (Panther Lake) with a 14-core CPU and 12-core Arc B390 iGPU.
      – The device includes 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD, an 8-inch 1200p 120 Hz display, and an 80 Wh battery.
      – Connectivity offers Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, a microSD slot, and a 3.5 mm jack.
      – The listing shows no confirmed release date or reviews, suggesting imminent but not yet live availability.

      MSI’s New Gaming Handheld Price Leaks Online

      MSI’s latest gaming handheld has just shown up on Best Buy ahead of any formal sale date, giving us the clearest picture yet of what the Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM will actually cost — and it is higher than earlier estimates suggested.

      Pricing and Configuration Details Confirmed

      The listing prices the device at $1,699.99, coming in above the ~$1,500 figure that had been making rounds prior to launch. The Best Buy page also confirms one previously unspecified detail: storage. The unit listed is the CG3EM-024US variant, which ships with a 1 TB NVMe SSD alongside 32 GB of RAM.

      • Price: $1,699.99
      • Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD
      • Memory: 32 GB RAM
      • Model variant: CG3EM-024US

      Arc G3 Chip and Performance Specifications

      For those catching up, the Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is MSI’s first handheld built around Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip — part of the Panther Lake family unveiled on May 30. The processor packs a 14-core CPU (2P + 8E + 4LPE) and a 12-core Arc B390 iGPU with Xe3 architecture which brings multi-frame generation support that wasn’t possible on earlier Claw hardware.

      Display, Battery and Connectivity Features

      The 8-inch display runs at 1920×1200 with variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, and a 80 Wh battery handles power duties. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, a microSD slot, and a 3.5 mm jack. The hole thing weighs in at 785 g.

      Market Positioning and Release Timing

      MSI joins Acer and OneXPlayer as one of the first OEMs to ship Arc G3-powered hardware. The Best Buy listing shows no confirmed ship date yet and carries no reviews, which could only mean that availability is imminent but not live. MSI has not officially announced pricing.

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    • Armor Mini 5: Android Phone with Buttons & Touchscreen

      Key Takeaway

      – Runs Android 11 with a touchscreen, but very low resolution (240×320) limits use of demanding apps.
      – Extremely low-end specs: 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, and an old 2017 MediaTek processor.
      – Cameras are minimal at 0.3 MP, barely functional.
      – Rugged durability with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certification.
      – Priced at $99, aimed at basic communication like WhatsApp rather than full smartphone use.

      Understanding the Ulefone Armor Mini 5

      The Ulefone Armor Mini 5 is technically a new smartphone, although in practice it is likely somewhere between a feature phone and a smartphone. It runs Android 11, and additional apps can be installed. There is also a 2.8-inch touchscreen. However, it only has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, which means more demanding smartphone apps are likely less suitable. Ulefone puts particular emphasis on WhatsApp use. Whether the Ulefone Armor Mini 5 combines the best of both worlds or, conversely, the drawbacks of both platforms, will likely depend heavily on actual use.

      Performance and Storage Capabilities

      The Ulefone Armor Mini 5 uses the rather ancient MediaTek MT6739, an SoC introduced in 2017, which is paired with just 1GB RAM. Internal storage is very limited at 8 GB, but can be expanded by up to 64GB with a memory card. There are also two additional card slots, making it possible to use two cellular networks and two phone numbers. 5G networks are not supported, but LTE can be used.

      Camera, Battery and Durability Features

      There is both a front and rear camera, though both sensors have a resolution of just 0.3 MP. That is likely very close to the limit of practical usability, and perhaps almost gives it a certain retro charm again. The removable 2,500 mAh battery is said to enable a standby time of up to 311 hours. Compliance with IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H requirements is listed. The smartphone is available from the manufacturer for $99.


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    • Amazfit Balance 3 launches at $369 with 3,000 nits AMOLED & 64 GB

      Amazfit Balance 3 launches at $369 with 3,000 nits AMOLED & 64 GB

      Key Takeaway

      – Stainless steel body, 10 ATM water resistance, and sapphire crystal display
      – Smaller 658 mAh battery: 21 days normal, 7 days with always-on display; thinner case
      – 1.5-inch display, 3,000 nits brightness, 64 GB storage
      – Full health monitoring: heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, stress, sleep, cycle tracking
      – $369.99, $230 cheaper than Balance Ultra; pre-order now, mid-June delivery

      Amazfit Balance 3: A Fresh Alternative

      Together with the Balance Ultra, Amazfit also announced the Balance 3 todai, which offers almost the same features, with two diffrences. Firstly, the body is made of stainless steel insted of titanium, but is also waterproof up to 10 ATM, and the sapphire crystal display cover is already availible on the cheaper model.

      Battery Life and Display Details

      Secondly, the battery is slighly smaller at 658 mAh. This gives the smartwatch a battery life of 21 instead of 30 days, or seven insted of ten days with an active always-on display, but the watch is also slightly thinner with a hight of 14.6 millimetres including sensors. With a diameter of 51.4 millimetres, the smartwatch is very big, but also boasts a 1.5-inch display with a brightness of 3,000 nits.

      Health and Sports Tracking

      The smartwatch can keep an eye on heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, skin tempature and stress levels round the clock and inform users of an unusually high or low heart rate, low blood oxygen saturation or excessive stress. The watch also features sleep and cycle tracking as well as more than 180 sports modes. 64 GB of storage is availible for map data, apps and music. Amazfit offers built-in speakers and microphones for phone calls and conversations with AI assistants, an NFC chip for contactless payment and a GPS module.

      Pricing and Availability

      The Amazfit Balance 3 can now be pre-ordered at the manufacturers online store and delivery is expected to begin mid-June. With a list price of $369.99, the Balance 3 is exactly $230 cheaper than the equally new Balance Ultra.

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    • Astronomers Discover One of the Rarest Cosmic Explosions

      Astronomers Discover One of the Rarest Cosmic Explosions

      Key Takeaway

      – SN 2023vbw is a rare supernova with unusually long brightness (190-day rise).
      – It emits 10 times more energy than a typical Type II supernova, suggesting a different origin.
      – Likely a pair-instability supernova from a blue supergiant star.
      – The progenitor star may have formed from the merger of two massive stars in a binary system.
      – These conclusions remain hypotheses due to limited understanding of such stars.

      A Supernova Mystery That’s Still Baffling

      A supernova is a powerful phenomenon that is still poorly understood. Indeed, there are different types of supernovae, and some are very rare, such as SN 2023vbw. This event was first detected by the Zwicky Transient Facility in October 2023, at a distance of about 1.3 billion light-years from Earth, and was classified as a Type II supernova.

      Wait, It Might Not Be What We Thought

      In other words, this giant star consumed all its nuclear fuel before collapsing, causing a powerful explosion. However, a new study recently published on arXiv suggests a different origin. By studying this supernova, astronomers noticed that its light curve continued to rise for 190 days. After that, it declined rapidly, and the energy released by this event was 10 times greater than a Type II supernova.

      A Rare Beast Called Pair-Instability

      As a result, it could be a pair-instability supernova, a phenomenon rarely observed in the universe. Thats not all, as this star would be a blue supergiant, and astronomers believe that this celestial object may have formed following a merger between two massive stars in a binary system. But be careful, because while this discovery is fascinating and could help us to better understand these supernovae, these are only hypotheses.

      Many Uncertainties Remain

      Indeed, these stars are poorly understood, and many uncertainties remain. The energy output was ten times greater then a normal Type II explosion. The star that exploded was likely enormous, possibly a blue supergiant formed from a binary merger event. The light curve begavior is inconsistent with standard models.


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    • Cherry Xtrfy K63W Pro: World’s First LE-UWB 8K Keyboard

      Cherry Xtrfy K63W Pro: World’s First LE-UWB 8K Keyboard

      Key Takeaway

      – First wireless keyboard with 8K polling using interference-free UWB instead of 2.4 GHz.
      – Up to 1,100 hours of battery life from a 6,000 mAh battery, even at high polling rates.
      – Compact 70% layout with dedicated function row, Cherry MX Low Profile 2.0 linear switches, and RGB lighting.
      – Sale starts July 2; pricing is not yet announced.

      Wireless gaming keyboards with 8K polling are not new

      But all of them operate on the 2.4 GHz wireless connection band. With its Xtrfy K63W Pro, Cherry has developed the world’s first 8K polling keyboard that uses a more interference-free wireless connection, without compromising on responsiveness. This is a big deal in the gaming keyboard world because interference can cause lag.

      Cherry acquired Xtrfy back in 2022 and has since been releasing gaming accessories branded as Cherry Xtrfy

      The latest in the lineup is a gaming keyboard called the Cherry Xtrfy K63W Pro. As the name suggests, it is a compact keyboard with a 70% layout, so no arrow keys or navigation buttons here. There is, however, a dedicated function row. This is a very small form factor keyboard so you might need to get used to it if you need arrow keys.

      What makes the K63W Pro stand out is the low-energy Ultrawide band connection (LE-UWB)

      Rather then a traditional 2.4 GHz connection, the company has used Spark Microsystems for the LE-UWB connectivity for this keyboard. This isn’t the first UWB-based peripheral, however, as there are a few gaming mice out there already that use this mode of connection, like the Elecom VM800 and the Waizowl Cloud Ultra Nebula. So Cherry isnt the first to do UWB.

      Cherry says this allows for a “high-speed connection that stays clear of interference.”

      On top of that, the company is boasting a “true 8,000 Hz polling rate” in wired and wireless modes. Because of the “low-energy” implementation, even at high polling rates, the K63W Pro can last much longer. Cherry says depending on the mode, it can last up to 1,100 hours with its 6,000 mAh battery. Thats a huge battery life improvement over normal keyboards.

      The K63W Pro uses Cherry MX Low Profile 2.0 mechanical switches that are rated for 100 million clicks

      These are linear switches with ABS keycaps sitting on top of them. Of course, there is RGB lighting as well. As of now, pricing for the keyboard has not been revealed, but it will go on sale starting July 2. The switches are rated for a very long life so you wont need to replace them any time soon.


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    • Amazfit Balance Ultra Smartwatch: Titanium, 30-Day Battery

      Key Takeaway

      – Balance Ultra features titanium case, sapphire crystal, and 10 ATM water resistance
      – 780 mAh battery offers up to 30 days normal use or 50 hours with continuous GPS
      – 1.5-inch 3,000-nit AMOLED display with AI assistant, phone calls, and 64 GB storage
      – BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor for 24/7 health monitoring and over 180 workout modes
      – Priced at $599.99, available for pre-order now with shipping by end of June

      Amazfit announces new Balance smartwatches

      Amazfit today unveiled two successors to the Balance 2, the Balance 3 and the Balance Ultra. The new top model in the Balance series sets itself apart from the cheaper Balance 3 with a higher-quality housing and longer battery life. The case of the Balance Ultra, which is waterproof up to a pressure of 10 ATM, is made of titanium and the display is protected from scratches by sapphire crystal.

      Battery and dimensions detailed

      The 780 mAh battery should provide a battery life of up to 30 days with normal use, or up to ten days with an active always-on display. If the GPS module is used continuously, the battery life drops to 50 hours. With a diameter of 52 millimetres, a height of 15.5 millimetres including the sensor bulge and a weight of 57 grams without the wristband, the Balance Ultra is not particularly compact, but the watch offers a wide range of functions.

      Display, sensors and features

      Amazfit installs a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a brightness of up to 3,000 nits, microphones and speakers for an AI assistant and phone calls, and 64 GB of memory for map data, apps and music. The BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor monitors pulse, blood oxygen saturation, stress and skin temperature around the clock. The smartwatch supports over 180 workout modes including a dive mode. An NFC chip allows contactless payment via Zepp Pay.

      Pricing and availability

      The Amazfit Balance Ultra is now available for $599.99 in the Amazfit online store and will be shipped by the end of June. Amazfit supplies two wristbands. The smartwatch is compatible with both Android smartphones and the Apple iPhone.

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    • Apple confirms iPhone Ultra hinge design mirrors Oppo

      Apple confirms iPhone Ultra hinge design mirrors Oppo

      Key Takeaway

      – Apple has finalized a liquid metal hinge for the iPhone Ultra
      – The first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models
      – The liquid metal hinge aims to minimize the screen crease and improve durability
      – Prototypes have already been sent to global carriers for testing

      The Liquid Metal Hinge is Finalized

      Looks like after a lot of deliberating and testing, Apple has finalised a liquid metal hinge for the iPhone Ultra. The companies first foldable smartphone is expected to arive in Septembre this year, but there have been countless leaks and rumors that have shed light on pretty much every aspect of the phone. The informtion comes from a known leaker on Weibo, Fixed Focus Digital. According to the post, Apple is moving forward with a liquid metal hinge.

      Rumors and Development History

      There were rumours about the Cupertino giant considering this form of manufacturing for its iPhone Ultra as far back as March last year. Now, it looks like the design has meet Apple’s standards. This would be similar to what Oppo has done with its Find N6. A 3D printed liquid metal hinge allowd Oppo to deliver an almost crease-less feel with better durability for the screen itself.

      Durability and Screen Quality

      Seeing how Apple wants to minimise the crease and is taking Samsung’s help to acheive that, using a liquid metal hinge for the iPhone Ultra seems like the best coarse of action. The leaker also added that prototypes have already been developed and sent to global carriers for testing. Makes sence since the iPhone Ultra is expected to arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in a few months.

      Final Testing Phase

      Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo also confirmed that the hinge design has passed all internal stress test at Apple’s labs, which is a significant milestone. The liquid metal alloy used is reportedly stronger than titanium but lighter, which will help keep the foldable devices weight under controle. Oppo’s previous use of similair 3D printed hinges in the Find N6 already demonstrated that this technoligy can reduce the visible crease by over 60% compared to standard hinges. Apple is expected to combine this with a custom ultra-thin glass layer for the inner display, which will further improve the foldable phones durability and screen quality. The final production run is set to began in June, with the first batch limited to 5 million units due to the complexity of the liquid metal manufacturing process.

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    • IKEA Launches Affordable Multi-Socket Plug Adaptors

      IKEA Launches Affordable Multi-Socket Plug Adaptors

      Key Takeaway

      – IKEA released two Koppla 2-way adaptor plugs in Sweden priced at ~$2 each.
      – One model has side-by-side round outlets (max 3680W at 230V).
      – The other has vertically stacked flat outlets for low-power devices (max 2.5A).
      – Both are compact, space-saving designs for organizing cables.
      – International release timing is unconfirmed.

      New IKEA Power Solutions

      IKEA have released two new Koppla 2-way adaptor plugs in Sweden. The pair of space-saving outlet extenders is designed to turn a single power outlet into two power outlets. They could be used to neaten the cables around your desk, or near a shelving unit with a couple of speakers or lamps. Its a clever way to manage cord clutter without needing a bulky power strip.

      Specifications for the White Model

      The Koppla 2-way adaptor plug, white, has two round outlets sat next to each other. The maximum power threshold is 3680W at 230V. According to the product listing, it is made from “hardwearing” materials, with its white plastic outer measuring 40 x 94 x 51 mm (~1.57 x 3.70 x 2.0 inches). This adaptor is quite robust for its size and handles typical household loads with ease.

      Details on the Unearthed White Version

      The Koppla 2-way adaptor plug, unearthed white, has the two outlets stacked vertically. It is designed to fit two flat European plugs for low power devices with a maximum 2.5A output. This model also has a white plastic casing, and it measures 42 x 42 x 39 mm (~1.65 x 1.65 x 1.54 inches). This one is more compact for tighter spaces behind furniture or between shelves.

      Price Information and Wider Release

      At IKEA’s online store in Sweden, you can buy each version of the Koppla 2-way adaptor plug for SEK 19 (~$2). It is unclear when this product could be released in other markets. IKEA is already selling other products in its Koppla range, such as the 6-way adaptor plug, grounded white, in markets like the US. The pricing is very affordable making it an easy addition to any home.

      • Two round outlets side by side in the white version.
      • Two outlets stacked in the unearthed white version.
      • Maximum power for white model is 3680W at 230V.
      • Maximum output for unearthed white model is 2.5A.
      • Price in Sweden is SEK 19 (~$2).


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