Author: GizNews

  • New MSI Raider 16 Max Apex mode adds power confusion

    Key Takeaway

    – MSI Center manages power profiles, including traditional Windows modes plus unique modes like Eco Silent and Extreme Performance.
    – A new “Apex” mode raises GPU TGP from 147W to 169W, offering ~7% graphics performance boost.
    – Apex mode is poorly communicated and easily overlooked in settings, making it hard for average users to discover.
    – Enable Apex mode for better gaming performance, but expect louder fan noise compared to Extreme Performance.

    Why MSI Center Software Matters for Your Laptop

    MSI laptops come pre-installed with the MSI Center software which is a centralized UI for monitoring system vitals, changeing between discrete and integrated graphics modes, updating drivers, finding system support, and changeing between different power profiles. The latter in particular is especially important as MSI integrates unique power profiles on top of the traditional Power Saver, Balanced, and Performance modes on Windows. This year, however, MSI has introduced yet another power profile mode on top of their existing ones for even more confusion.

    The Arrival of Apex Mode Amongst Older Options

    Previously, MSI Center would traditionally offer Eco Silent, Balanced, Extreme Performance, and Cooler Boost power profile modes. Now, a new one has joined the list called Apex. When compared to Extreme Performance mode, Apex mode raises the GPU TGP ceiling from 147 W to 169 W for an approximate 7 percent boost in graphics performance as shown by our Time Spy table and screenshots below. The problem, however, is that both the new mode and its effects are easy to miss and poorly comunicated to the user.

    Why This New Mode is Easy to Overlook

    Its not obvious that Apex mode is a step up from Extreme Performance mode while the small button to toggle it is so easily overlooked in the settings menu. The layperson or average gamer who may not be familiar with the MSI ecosystem would arguably have almost no way of knowing about the performance implications of “Apex” mode. This could lead to many users leaving performance on the table without ever realising that a simple click can unlock extra power.

    Our Recommendation for Gamers

    We recomend enabling Apex mode when gaming to get more out of your system and if you don’t mind the louder fan noise when compared to Extreme Performance mode. More performance comparisons and measurements can be found on our review of the Raider 16 Max HX.


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    • Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Motorsport Edition with Toyo Proxes Design

      Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Motorsport Edition with Toyo Proxes Design

      Key Takeaway

      – The Casio G-Shock DW5600TT25-1 x Toyo Tires features a tire tread-patterned design with a white dial and blue accents.
      – It includes exclusive details like engraved case back, printed logos, and a blue Proxes “R” logo in the LED backlight.
      – The watch has standard G-Shock durability: shock-resistant build, 200m water resistance, and 5-year battery life.
      – Launch price is $150 in the U.S., with sales starting June 14 at BAIT’s store and June 15 online.
      – It comes in custom packaging: a blue presentation box and a collectible metal tin styled like a wheel-and-tire setup.

      Exclusive Collab Watch Drops in June

      Casio just announced a new special-edition DW-5600 alongside Toyo Tires, a Japanese company well-known for high-performance rubber. Called the G-Shock DW5600TT25-1, this watch is hitting the U.S. market on June 14 at a price of $150.

      The DW5600TT25-1 gets its style from Toyo’s newest Proxes Sport R extreme-performance summer tyre, featuring a eye-catching white dial inside a black resin case and band that shows off a tread pattern. The contrasting blue band loop, plus Toyo Tires, Casio, and G-Shock stamps in matching blue, gives the watch a distinct motorsport flavor.

      Detailing and Hidden Surprise

      Extra custom touches are all over the design. The band has the Toyo Tires and Proxes logos painted in white, together with stylised “R” writing near the lower edge. Flip over the watch, and youll find these details carved into the case back on a pattern that looks like a tyre sidewall. There is also a cool easter egg: a blue Proxes “R” logo appears on the screen whenever the LED backlight turns on. Its a neat detail and one weve noticed on several other special G-Shocks before, like the Korea-only Gundam collab and the G-Shock x Challenger.

      Box and Specifications

      The watch comes in custom packaging, which includes a blue presentation box and a collectible black metal tin shaped like a wheel-and-tyre setup, complete with tread detailing.

      As for specs, the DW5600TT25-1 keeps everything that made the square G-Shock a fan favorite. It measures 48.9 x 42.8 x 13.4 mm, tips the scales at just 52 grams, and uses Casios special shock-resistant design with 200 meters of water resistance. Other highlights include a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, multi-function alarm, flash alerts, full auto-calendar going up to year 2099, and an LED backlight with afterglow. Battery life is rated at about five years from a CR2016 battery.

      Release Schedule and Retailers

      The Casio G-Shock DW5600TT25-1 x Toyo Tires will go on sale Sunday, June 14, at BAITs Diamond Bar store in California, with online orders starting Monday, June 15, at 12 PM PDT through BAITs special launch site. Casio will also sell the watch through its U.S. online shop, though the exact release time hasnt been confirmed yet. BAIT will also offer a limited-edition BAIT x Toyo Tires T-shirt during the launch event.

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    • Intel Unveils Project Firefly: Low-Cost Metal Laptops with Smartphone RAM

      Intel Unveils Project Firefly: Low-Cost Metal Laptops with Smartphone RAM

      Key Takeaway

      – Intel’s “Project Firefly” leverages the smartphone supply chain to create low-cost laptops.
      – Wildcat Lake processors (e.g., Core 5 320) use 2P+4E cores with a small but modern iGPU.
      – Cheap chips alone aren’t enough; Intel provides reference designs for fast, affordable manufacturing.
      – Reference laptops feature thin metal chassis (12.9mm), USB-C/USB-A/HDMI, and cost-reduced cooling.
      – Smartphone-origin memory and components are repurposed to further lower costs.

      We already reported in mid-May that Intel wants to utilize the infrastructure of the smartphone supply chain with “Project Firefly” to produce particularly affordable laptops based on the new Wildcat Lake processors, which are intended to compete with the Apple MacBook Neo ($589 on Amazon).

      Project Firefly’s Core Hardware

      In the video embedded below, Nish Neelalojanan, Senior Director of Client Products at Intel, explains some of the background to the project. According to him, Intel Wildcat Lake with chips such as the Intel Core 5 320 would be at the heart of the project, because with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, the chips should offer fast everyday performance, while the iGPU with two Xe3 cores is very small, but the modern GPU architecture should ensure that video streaming works flawlessly on all platforms.

      Why The Supply Chain Matterss

      Nish Neelalojanan emphasizes that a cheap processor alone is not enough to make good entry-level laptops. This is where Project Firefly comes into play. Intel has been working with smartphone factories in China to develop reference laptops that make it easier for laptop manufacturers to assemble the components selected by Intel and bring new laptops with Wildcat Lake to market quickly and cheaply. The already very mature smartphone supply chain should be able to produce these components relatively cheaply and supply them to the respective laptop manufacturers.

      Reference Design & Cost Saving Measures

      Around 19:30 minutes into the video, Intel shows one of these reference designs. Despite its low price, the 12.9 millimeter thin notebook offers a modern, colorful metal chassis and a practical port selection with two USB-C, USB-A and HDMI. To reduce costs, Intel has developed a new cooling system with a particularly thin copper heatpipe and even a new, cheaper cable to connect the ports to the mainboard. Wildcat Lake can be combined with memory chips that were originally intended for smartphones.

      Intel Technology (YouTube), via VideoCardz


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    • Hozo NeoSander Discounted for Father’s Day: Compact 3D Detail Sander

      Hozo NeoSander Discounted for Father’s Day: Compact 3D Detail Sander

      Key Takeaway

      – Hozo NeoSander is a compact reciprocating detail sander available at up to 20% off MSRP for Father’s Day.
      – Designed for precision work on small models, 3D prints, PCBs, and delicate materials.
      – Features up to 13,000 strokes per minute with 0.6–1.8 mm stroke lengths for controlled detail shaping.
      – Best for fine details in tight spaces, not for heavy-duty or fast material removal.
      – Available on Hozo’s site and Amazon, with limited-time pricing subject to change.

      Compact Crafting Tool Gets Father’s Day Discount

      The Hozo NeoSander, a compact reciprocating detail sander designed for 3D modeling and precision crafting, is now available at up to 20% off MSRP for Father’s Day. The cordless tool is built for hobbyists, makers, and model builders who need to sand, shape, and polish fine details that larger tools can’t reach. It features a lightweight body and offers up to 13,000 strokes per minute (SPM). The devices pricing originally ranged from $79.99 to $99.99, but now starts as low as around $63.99 depending on the kit chosen.

      Technical Specifications and Performance

      The cordless tool models larger reciprocating sanders used in home construction by vibrating its sanding head in a linear (back and forth) manner at up to 13,000 strokes per minute for controlled material removal. Its compact head design and 0.6 to 1.8 mm stroke lengths allow users to shape millimeter‑sized details with accuracy, making it ideal for intricate work on small models and components, says the company. The unit comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides about 90 minutes of runtime, and the included USB-C charging cable fully recharges it in 2 hours.

      Ideal Applications and Material Compatibility

      Because of this, the NeoSander is suited for use by 3D modeling and laser cutting enthusiasts, plastic model builders, computer PCB board prototypers, and other crafters to cut, shape, and polish plastics, woods, metals, and other materials where precision is essential. The interchangable heads include a flat head, a pointed head, and a curved head, allowing users to adjust to different angles and contours. It works great on PLA and resin prints for smoothing layer lines without distorting the model.

      Limitations and Comparisons

      Reciprocating sanders are always slower than rotary tools at removing material, and the small, interchangeable heads that the NeoSander uses are not designed for heavy-duty work. Still, there aren’t many tools available that match the NeoSander’s ability to reach and shape fine details in tight spaces. The motor generates less heat then traditional sanders, which helps prevent warping delicate plastic parts during extended use. It’s not recommended for removing large amounts of material from hardwoods or metal stock.

      Availability and Purchasing Information

      Buy the NeoSander on sale at Hozo for Father’s Day today. The tool is also available on Amazon. The sale is valid while supplies last, and customers should check for additional bundle options that include extra sanding heads or a carrying case. Pricing may vary slightly between retailers, so comparrision shopping is advised.

      • Up to 13,000 SPM with 0.6-1.8mm stroke length
      • Includes 3 interchangeable sanding heads
      • 90-minute battery life with USB-C charging
      • 20% off MSRP for Father’s Day promotion
      • Works on plastics, wood, metal, and PCB materials

      Disclaimer: The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

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    • Deal: 90% Off Action RPG Loved by 78% of Players on Steam

      Deal: 90% Off Action RPG Loved by 78% of Players on Steam

      Key Takeaway

      – 90% off on Steam until June 16, 2026 ($1.49 instead of $14.99)
      – Five-day in-game mission to forge your legend in a Mesopotamian-inspired world
      – Seven character classes with unique abilities, plus co-op for up to four players
      – Includes the Eternal Echoes expansion with new tribe, class, and boss
      – Generally positive reviews (78% positive), but can be repetitive and has some bugs/server issues

      Moon Hunters action RPG launched on March 10, 2016, via Steam platform

      Kitfox Games, a Canadian development studio, created this title. It is currently 90% discounted on Steam until June 16, 2026. Basicaly, during this sale you can purchase it for $1.49 instead of $14.99. The offer seems pretty decent for a game with this kind of content. Many users apreciate the chance to grab it at a low price point.

      World of Issaria draws from Mesopotamian inspiration

      In this realm, you must forge your own legend by battling multiple enemies. Your goal is to free the kingdom from a grave threat which looms over everything. However, the game gives you only five days to complete this whole mission. Each day counts, so you need to plan your moves wisely. The setting feels unique and offers a rich atmosphere for exploration.

      Choose between seven classes with distinct abilities

      For instance, the druid can shapeshift into different forms, while the witch unleashes powerful attacks against foes. Every action and decision you make has the potential to change the world around you. During the final boss fight, heroes from the past may lend you assistance, which adds a nice twist. This system encourages replayability to see all outcomes.

      If you want to vary your gameplay experience, you can play with up to four friends in co-op mode. The maps are randomly generated, so each session feels fresh. The Steam version also includes the Eternal Echoes expansion. This expansion adds a new snowy tribe, a seventh character class, a new gameplay system, and another boss to fight against. It is definately a good value.

      Steam reviews show 78% positive from 5,202 ratings

      Players love its graphics, gameplay features, and soundtrack. Each run lasts about an hour, which is convenient for short sessions. However, the game can become quite repetitive after a while. Some users encounter bugs that spoil their experience, and the servers can be unstable at times. According to SteamDB, the same low price was reached on December 14, 2020.

      Discounted price or deal mentioned here was available at time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions. Limited unit availability could affect purchase options. This item reflects the current offer but might change without notice. Steam handles all transactions directly without third-party involvement.


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    • Suunto Core 2 Multi-Year Battery Life Spotted Again

      Suunto Core 2 Multi-Year Battery Life Spotted Again

      Key Takeaway

      – Suunto Core 2 certification filings increasing, indicating an imminent launch.
      – It is likely a simple outdoor digital watch, not a full smartwatch (no notifications, apps, HR sensor, or fitness tracking).
      – Water-resistant to 100 meters and uses a CR3032 button battery for multi-year battery life.
      – Features include altimeter, barometer, compass, weather data, depth gauge, and sunrise/sunset times.
      – Supports Bluetooth Low Energy for smartphone connection.

      The Suunto Core 2 was already certified by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April, and now Gadgets & Wearables was also able to find a certification in Indonesia. The model number “OW245” matches the FCC certification. The Suunto Core 2 was certified as an “Outdoor Watch”, the watch is manufactured in China. Apart from that, this certification does not yet provide any details about the Suunto Core 2, but the increasing number of regional certifications indicates that the launch of the watch is getting closer.

      A Digital Watch With The Basics

      Like the Suunto Core ($199 on Amazon), the Suunto Core 2 is likely to be a rather simple smartwatch, or rather a smart digital watch. Although the first-generation Suunto Core has an altimeter, a barometer and a compass as well as access to weather data, storm warnings, a depth gauge for snorkeling and a display of the time at which the sun rises and sets, the watch does not have many classic smartwatch features. This is because the Suunto Core cannot display smartphone notifications or download apps, and the watch also lacks a heart rate sensor and fitness tracking.

      Battery and Water Resistance Details

      The FCC certification has already confirmed that the Suunto Core 2 is water-resistant up to 100 meters and can therefore also be worn for swimming. Instead of a rechargeable battery, the watch uses a CR3032 button battery which, with a capacity of 500 mAh, stores more than twice as much energy as the CR2032 in the previous model. As the Suunto Core has already achieved a battery life of one year, a battery life of several years is conceivable. The Suunto Core 2 supports Bluetooth Low Energy for connection to a smartphone. It is not yet known when the watch will be launched on the market.


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    • macOS 28 Update Breaks Many Apple Apps

      macOS 28 Update Breaks Many Apple Apps

      Key Takeaway

      – macOS 27 will end support for Intel Macs entirely.
      – macOS 28 will remove Rosetta 2, blocking all unoptimized Intel apps.
      – Many popular apps (e.g., VLC, GOG Galaxy, OpenEmu) still lack ARM versions.
      – Paid apps like Capture One may require buying a new license for ARM compatibility.
      – Use tools like Silicon now to check which installed apps will break on macOS 28.

      The era of Intel Macs is finally coming to a end soon. Because macOS 27 cannot be installed on any Mac that has an Intel processor instead of an ARM chip. However, there will also be restrictions for Intel software on modern Macs from next year. This is because macOS 28 will discontinue support for Rosetta 2, meaning that apps that have not been optimized for Apple ARM processors can no longer be opened. This marks a huge shift for users still clinging to old hardware.

      Warnings have been showing since macOS 26.4

      Since macOS 26.4, Macs have displayed a warning when an app is opened that will no longer work from macOS 28 onwards. While many apps have already been optimized for Apple’s ARM chips over the past six years, this is by no means the case for all apps. For example, the game launchers GOG Galaxy and Itch.io are still distributed as Intel apps. The same applies to OpenEmu, a popular app for playing retro games. These apps remain fully functional for now, but that compatibility won’t last forever.

      Popular tools still waiting for updates

      Popular tools such as the VLC media player or the SD Card Formatter, the official tool for formatting memory cards from the SD Card Association, have also not yet received a corresponding update. For paid apps such as Capture One, it may be necessary to purchase a license for a newer version in order to continue using the software after the update to macOS 28. Users should budget for these potential costs if they rely on professional creative software or hardware utilities.

      How to check your app compatibility before upgrade

      To check which of the apps installed on your Mac have not yet been optimized for ARM chips, free apps such as Silicon can be used. Before installing macOS 28 next year, it is advisable to check whether urgently needed apps will no longer work after the update. Taking this step early can prevent workflow disruptions and data loss. Apple continues to push the platform forward, leaving Intel-based workflows and legacy software behind for good.

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    • Vueroid Launches QHD Dash Cam with GPS & Plate Enhancement

      Vueroid Launches QHD Dash Cam with GPS & Plate Enhancement

      Key Takeaway

      – New Vueroid S1 QHD dash cam features Infinite Plate Capture (IPC) for enhanced license plate reading from HDR recordings.
      – Both front and rear cameras use Sony Starvis 2 sensors for clear 2,560 x 1,440 video at 30 fps in low light.
      – Includes 24-hour parking surveillance with ultra-low 1 mA power draw and auto-disable via geofencing.
      – Available in two-camera ($279.99) and three-camera ($309.99) models, with a $40 Amazon discount until June 15, 2026.

      Vueroid Expands Dash Cam Lineup

      Vueroid have added a new member to there existing dash cam lineup, the S1 QHD Infinite 2-Channel dash cam. This latest offering comes with Infinite Plate Capture (IPC) license plate enhancement, helping ensure that those involved in causing a crash can be tracked down from the HDR recordings. It features a built-in 2.3-inch LCD screen for easy viewing.

      Sensor and Camera Specifications

      Speaking of sensors, the S1 QHD comes with a front and rear camera. Both of them utilize Sony Starvis 2 sensors capable of clear low-light and nighttime recordings, according to the company. Both cameras capture 2,560 x 1,440 pixel videos at 30 fps through 160° wide-angle lenses. A three-camera variant is also offered with an interior camera for extra coverage.

      Advanced Features and Functionality

      Other features of the S1 QHD includes collision detection, time-lapse recording, and a built-in GPS for precise tracking. It also offers 24-hour parking surveillance, which uses just 1 mA of power when not recording. The dash cam can automatically disable parking surveillance when the car is parked within a safe, geofenced location, such as a secured garage.

      Pricing and Availability Information

      The S1 QHD dash cam is available from Vueroid for a MSRP of $279.99 for the two-camera model and $309.99 for the three-camera model. They are also available on Amazon with a $40 discount until June 15, 2026. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking high-quality dash cam recording capabilities.


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    • Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 38% Off: 192GB RAM, RTX GPU

      Key Takeaway

      – Maxed-out Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 discounted by 38% ($5,500 off)
      – Final price still $8,999 for 192GB RAM, 4TB SSD, RTX Pro 5000 24GB GPU
      – Features Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and tandem OLED (3200×2000, 120Hz, 1500 nits)
      – GPU limited to 105W TGP; 180W power supply can be overwhelmed at full load
      – Designed for niche professional users needing extreme RAM, VRAM, and processing power

      High-End Laptop Discounts Are Getting Rare

      Truly intriguing laptop deals are hard to come by these days, which is especially true for professional high-end machines with lots of memory, storage space and other powerful components including a dedicated graphics card with lots of VRAM. All these boxes are arguably checked by the Lenovo ThinkPad P16, which has now received a rather amusing discount.

      Specifics of the Price Cut

      More specifically, B&H Photo Video has discounted the maxed-out model variant of the ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 by $5,500 or 38 percent relative to the official list price. This applies to the model variant with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 192GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB SSD storage. Furthermore, this notebook is powered by an Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell GPU with 24GB VRAM and features the tandem OLED panel with 3200 x 2000 pixels, 120Hz and up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness in HDR mode.

      Still A Very Expensive Machine

      That might sound like a good deal, but considering that Lenovo’s MSRP stands at a whopping $14,499, buyers still have to shell out a staggering $8,999 for this admittedly very well-equipped 16-inch laptop. For reference, Lenovo itself is currently selling a similar configuration with 128GB DDR5 RAM for a couple hundred dollars more in its official online store.

      Designed For Professionals

      Putting the insane price aside, the ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 is obviously designed for professional users who are confident that they need this amount of RAM, VRAM and processing power. We thoroughly reviewed a less expensive version of this 16-inch laptop and called it a “local AI monster” that has become more portable compared to the predecessor and still offers a lot of performance.

      Performance And Power Limitations

      On negative side, the RTX GPU is limited to a TGP of 105 watts and the notebook ships with a 180-watt power supply, which can be overwhelmed when the device runs at full load. With all that said, this is a sinfully expensive machine for a very specific group of professional users who might be looking for a huge business expense deduction on next year’s tax return.

      Disclaimer On Pricing

      Disclaimer: Price changes carried out by retailers are not our responsibility. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

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    • Google Pixel Bootloop Bug Still Haunts Users Since March

      Google Pixel Bootloop Bug Still Haunts Users Since March

      Key Takeaway

      – Google Pixel 6 to 10 users face a boot loop/restart error since March.
      – The May update did not fix the issue for all affected devices.
      – Some phones cannot even boot into recovery mode to install updates.
      – Google is investigating but has no blanket fix; support must be contacted for case-specific steps.
      – Avoid installing Android 17 beta, as it may worsen the problem.

      It has been over two months since we first reported it, and since the March update was released, a growing number of Google Pixel 6 through to the Pixel 10 users have been complaining about an error causing the smartphone to restart repeatedly. These affected Google Pixels either only display the Google logo or the boot screen, or crash right after the pin code has been entered, which is a real pain for most people.

      May update was supposed to help

      The May update was intended to provide a fix, but unfortunately this did not work for everyone. An additional issue is that some affected smartphones can’t even boot into recovery mode, so there is no way to install the update in the first place. Over 800 comments from affected customers have now been published in the Google Issue Tracker, showing the scale of the problem.

      Google’s email response

      Google has now informed customers via email that the error has been under investigation since March. The company says they have compiled a guide showing the steps which can be taken to fix the problem under certain circumstances. Instead of publishing these instructions on a website, affected customers should contact Google support to recieve information on the solution, which seems like a weird choice.

      • The next steps depend on how exactly the error manifest itself on your smartphone
      • There is still no blanket solution for all affected devices
      • Anyone with this problem apparently has no option but to contact support

      Warning about Android 17 beta

      It is important not to install the beta version of Android 17, as according to several user reports this can lead to further problems and make things even worse. The whole situation remains frustrating for many users, who have been waiting for a proper fix for months.

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