Category: All News

  • ROG Zephyrus G14: Asus 14in gaming laptop in NA without RTX 5080

    ROG Zephyrus G14: Asus 14in gaming laptop in NA without RTX 5080

    Key Takeaway

    – GU405 (Intel Panther Lake) is now available in North America; GA403 (AMD) hasn’t shown up yet; US price for GU405 is $3,599.
    – No GeForce RTX 5080 variants listed in North America; UK pricing shows RTX 5080 at about 19% more than the RTX 5070 Ti-based version.
    – ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026) supports up to 2 TB of storage; exact pricing for higher-storage configurations is not disclosed.
    – Canada has its own SKU lineup and rollout notes, with GA403 still not observed in NA.

    Over a month has passed since Asus released the ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026) in Europe. Now available in places like the UK, this year’s ROG Zephyrus G14 can be purchased with AMD Gorgon Point or Intel Panther Lake processors. For reference, Asus distinguishes these with GA403 and GU405 model numbers, respectively.

    North American release

    Now, Asus has released the GU405 in North America. Currently, we cannot find any references to the GA403, which effectively replaces last year’s Ryzen 9 270 and GeForce RTX 5060-based model (curr. $1,859). For context, this model is Asus’ cheaper alternative to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370-based models we reviewed last year. As it stands, Asus is selling the following SKUs in Canada:

    Pricing snapshot

    Also, Asus has confirmed that the latter will reach the US for $3,599. The company clarifies that the ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026) should be available with up to 2 TB of storage too, although pricing remains unknown for now. Surprisingly, Asus has not yet listed any GeForce RTX 5080 variants in North America. For reference, the company charges 19% more for the GeForce RTX 5080 in the UK compared to a RTX 5070 Ti-backe version.


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  • Xiaomi 17 Max Official Reveal: Key Flagship Features

    Xiaomi 17 Max Official Reveal: Key Flagship Features

    Key Takeaway

    – 6.9-inch OLED display (similar to Xiaomi 17 Pro Max) with 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 3,500 nits peak brightness, and 2,160Hz PWM dimming.
    – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship chipset (same as other 17-series models).
    – 200MP main camera with Leica tuning and a periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
    – 8,000mAh battery, the largest in the Xiaomi 17 lineup.
    – May launch in China; global availability is unclear with hints of a wider release possible.

    The Xiaomi 17 Max is set to launch in May in China. Ahead of the launch, the company has confirmed some key details of the new flagship device. A standout feature is its large 6.9-inch screen, and the company says the display will be similar to the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max.

    Display and timing

    For context the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max uses an OLED panel supplied by TCL CSOT, it comes with a resolution of 1,200 x 2,608 pixels and supports a refresh rate of 120Hz. Other display features include HDR10+, Dolby Vision, a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, and high-frequency PWM dimming at 2,160Hz.

    Tech specs and context

    The Xiaomi 17 Max is confirmed to feature Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This is the same chipset that powers other models in the lineup, including the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

    Camera and battery details

    While the entire lineup uses a 50MP primary camera, the Xiaomi 17 Max will feature a 200MP main camera. It will also feature a periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and Leica tuning. Notably, the device packs the largest battery in the lineup with an 8,000mAh capacity. There is no official word on the global availability of the phone. However, a recent leak suggested that Xiaomi could introduce the smartphone in markets outside China. Xiaomi on Weibo


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  • TESS Maps Nearly 6,000 Exoplanets Across the Universe

    TESS Maps Nearly 6,000 Exoplanets Across the Universe

    Key Takeaway

    – TESS detects exoplanets by monitoring brightness changes of stars over roughly month-long sky observations.
    – A set of 96 observations (2018–2025) has yielded nearly 6,000 exoplanets, with about 700 confirmed (blue) and over 5,000 candidates (orange).
    – The mission has found a wide range of planets, from Mercury-sized to larger than Jupiter, including some in the habitable zone.
    – This work advances the search for life beyond Earth, though further studies are needed to confirm and understand these worlds.

    If life exists on Earth, no one know if it exists elsewhere in the universe. To answer this question, several missions have been launched over the years, like NASA’s TESS satellite, which recently released an image showing nearly 6,000 exoplanets.

    Mission scope

    This satellite has powerful instruments, and to detect these new worlds, it observes large regions of space for about a month, letting astronomers detect changes in the brightness of various stars.

    Observation cadence

    As a result, astronomers combined 96 observations made by this satellite between April 2018 and September 2025, allowing them to discover nearly 6,000 new worlds. Thus, in this image, the blue dots represent approximately 700 confirmed exoplanets. Each of these worlds is unique, and some even orbit two stars. As for the orange dots, they represent more than 5,000 potential exoplanets. In addition, the Milky Way is also visible at the center of this image.

    Attribution and numbers

    Therefore, the work of TESS is very important, as Rebekah Hounsell, a TESS associate project scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, notes.

    Expert perspective

    Over the last eight years, TESS has become a fire hose of exoplanet science. It has helped us find planets of all different sizes, from Mercury-like ones to those larger than Jupiter. Some of them are in the habitable zone, where liquid water might be possible on the surface, an important factor in our search for life beyond Earth.

    Impact and outlook

    Thus, the discovery of these new worlds could shed light on an important mystery. However, further studies will be needed to find answers.

    NASA Science

    Image source: NASA Hubble Space Telescope, Unsplash, NASA/MIT/TESS and Veselin Kostov (University of Maryland College Park)


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  • New Microsoft Xbox Controller Debuts in Two Colours

    New Microsoft Xbox Controller Debuts in Two Colours

    Key Takeaway

    – Microsoft is reportedly developing a non-traditional Xbox controller intended as a cloud-gaming companion, not primarily accessibility-focused.
    – It retains asymmetrical sticks and a concave D-pad, but uses short-throw triggers to shrink the controller’s size.
    – Leaked details point to a Realtek RTL8730E modem (Bluetooth 5.3, Wi‑Fi 6) and a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU at 1.2 GHz.
    – Pricing, availability, and color variants (black/white) are unknown, and there’s no confirmation on simultaneous releases.

    Tecnoblog has discovered that Microsoft is developing a new style of Xbox controller. In the last decade or so, all Xbox controllers have stuck to a familiar form factor. However, Microsoft have departed from that design in the past, as with the Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018 and the Xbox Adaptive Joystick a few years later, which was presented alongside the 8BitDo Lite SE (curr. $44).

    Design shift

    By the looks of things, the two controllers pictured below has not been designed with accessibility in mind. Instead, they are expected to serve as an Xbox Cloud gaming companion. To that end, the controller retains asymmetrical analog sticks and a concave d-pad. Also, it seems that Microsoft has adopted short-throw triggers to minimise the controller’s size.

    Tech specs teased

    Technoblog claims to have seen documentation showing a Realtek RTL8730E modem and a CPU with two ARM Cortex-A7 cores running at 1.2 GHz. Unfortunately, it has not published this document yet. Nonetheless, the Realtek RTL8730E offers Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Pricing and availability remain unknown at this stage. Likewise, the leak does not reveal what Microsoft intends to call the controller. Seemingly, the company plans to launch black and white variants. Whether these receive simultaneous releases is unclear at this stage, too.


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  • HP EliteBoard G1a Launches in North America; Global Rollout Soon

    HP EliteBoard G1a Launches in North America; Global Rollout Soon

    Key Takeaway

    – HP EliteBoard G1a keeps the Raspberry Pi 400/500 form factor but is significantly more powerful, broadening its PC-like capabilities.
    – After a limited March rollout, the G1a is now available in North America (Canada and the US); Europe launch date remains unconfirmed.
    – Pricing and SKUs vary: Canada CAD 2,609 (Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB); US retailers show roughly $1,534–$2,269 (Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340 or 7 Pro 360; 16–24 GB RAM; 256–512 GB storage); all include a 3-year warranty and Wolf Pro Security.
    – Key sale channels include HP’s US/Canada listings, B&H Photo Video, and Amazon.

    The EliteBoard G1a has taken a few months to come to market. To recap, HP presented its keyboard-cum-PC in January during CES 2026. While the EliteBoard G1a maintains the form factor of the Raspberry Pi 400 or Raspberry Pi 500, HP’s offering is considerably more powerfull than Raspberry Pi’s existing alternatives.

    Initially, the company claimed that it would begin selling the device in March. However, that was only the case in select markets. As we covered at the time, HP only listed the EliteBoard G1a in Hong Kong and Japan. That has now changed though, with the device’s release across North America.

    Market Availability

    Currently HP is selling the EliteBoard G1a in Canada for CAD 2,609 with an AMD Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340 chipset, 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. By contrast, the US has received seven SKUs with the following specifications:

    All these SKUs come with a 3-year warranty and Wolf Pro Security included. Moreover, B&H Photo Video is selling three SKUs, priced between $1,539 and $2,269 with the Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340 and Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360, respectively. Similarly, the EliteBoard G1a currently starts at $1,534 with the Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340, 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

    Pricing Snapshot

    Meanwhile, HP is yet to confirm when the EliteBoard G1a will reach other markets like Europe, despite showcasing the device across its German and UK websites. In the meantime, please see our detailed review for full details and impressions of HP’s unusual PC.

     


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  • Epic Games Store Reveals First May 2026 Free Mystery Games

    Epic Games Store Reveals First May 2026 Free Mystery Games

    Key Takeaway

    – Freebies: Sunderfolk (co-op turn-based RPG with ability cards) and Telltale Batman Shadows Edition (bundle of Batman: The Telltale Series + Batman: The Enemy Within with Shadows Mode and remastered visuals); free until May 21, 2026.
    – Sunderfolk highlights: tabletop-inspired, approachable rules, party-cohesion focus, supports local and online co-op; campaign is relatively short; Steam shows ~1,600 reviews with 94% positive.
    – Batman Shadows Edition highlights: adds noir Shadows Mode and remastered textures; includes two DLCs; content-rich package; Telltale Batman is narrative-driven with limited puzzles, Enemy Within has stronger villains and spicier combat but still limited variety.
    – Value and caveats: estimated retail value $79.95; deal subject to time restrictions and availability; price changes may occur.

    Epic Games Store has kicked off the May 2026 mystery free game giveaway event, and the first two freebies are now available to claim. These two were hidden under banners before, and the platform had previously shared hints, but almost all guesses were far from what has been revealed.

    May Freebies Spotlight

    Among the first two are Sunderfolk, a turn-based RPG built for co-operative play. Each of the players gets to control a character class, and they get to use ability cards in each turn. It has both local and online co-op modes, and it emphasizes party synergy.

    Sunderfolk Overview

    The clever tabletop principle adaptation of this Epic Games Store free game is well praised, and the rules are very approachable. However, the campaign is relatively short, and players often point out occasional balance issues. On Steam, it currently has over 1,600 reviews, of which 94% are positive, which is not a bad rating for a 2025 release.

    Reception & Steam Stats

    As for the second free game, it’s mostly a game collection: Telltale Batman Shadows Edition. It combines Batman: The Telltale Series and Batman: The Enemy Within into one package, and includes two DLCs as well. So, it goes without saying that there’s a good amount of content available.

    Shadows Edition Bundle

    This bundle also adds a new noir-style “Shadows Mode,” which gives the game a darker theme, and the remastered textures with hand-recolored visuals make it worth revisiting for those who have already finished the two games.

    Shadows Mode & Visuals

    Regarding the games themselves, Batman – The Telltale Series is known for its strong, character-driven narrative with accessible detective segments. However, the gameplay depth is limited, and it’s light on puzzles. Since its 2016 release, it has received over 7,600 reviews on Steam, with 86% of them being positive.

    Batman Telltale Series Details

    Batman: The Enemy Within – The Telltale Series, is darker and is praised for its stronger villain dynamics. The combat is also spicier than the first iteration, but the mechanical variety is still limited. It was released in 2017, and currently, it has over 4,200 reviews on Steam, with 94% of them being positive.

    Batman Enemy Within Details

    Value-wise, this giveaway is worth $79.95 if the retail value is considered. Epic Games Store will offer the two as free games until May 21, 2026. Check out the videos below to learn more about these two freebies.

     

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  • Razer Blade 18 (2026) 4K Display: Faster, Priced up to $6,999

    Razer Blade 18 (2026) 4K Display: Faster, Priced up to $6,999

    Key Takeaway

    – CPU upgrade: Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (+100 MHz) with a minor performance bump.
    – Display: 18″ IPS 16:10, 600 nits; options 3840×2400 at 240 Hz or 1920×1200 at 440 Hz; full DCI-P3.
    – GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU with 24 GB GDDR7, 175 W + 25 W Dynamic Boost.
    – Build, battery, and I/O: CNC-milled aluminum chassis (2.87 cm thick, 3.2 kg), three fans, 99 Wh battery, glass multi-touch trackpad; Thunderbolt 5/4, three USB-A (10 Gbps), 2.5 GbE, HDMI 2.1, SD reader.
    – Pricing and configurations: base model $3,999 (290HX, RTX 4070 Ti, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD); RTX 5080 upgrade +$500; top model $6,999 (RTX 5090, 128 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD).

    The Razer Blade 18 was last upgraded in February 2025. Today, Razer unveiled the Blade 18 (2026), which receives two main upgrades.

    Upgrades

    Firstly, Razer is replacing the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with 100 MHz higher clock speeds, which should result in a minor performance upgrade.

    Display and GPU

    Secondly, the display on the new model achieves a brightness of 600 nits instead of 500 nits. The 18-inch IPS panel in 16:10 format can be used either with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,400 pixels and a frame rate of 240 Hz, or with 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and 440 Hz. The DCI-P3 color space can be displayed in full. As usual, Razer combines the flagship processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU with 24 GB GDDR7 graphics memory and a TDP of 175 watts plus 25 watts Dynamic Boost.

    Hardware and Build

    Razer installs three fans, six speakers, a 99 Wh battery, a glass multi-touch trackpad and a keyboard with single-key RGB lighting.

    Chassis and Ports

    However, the very high performance takes its toll – the CNC-milled aluminum unibody housing is anything but compact with an overall thickness of 2.87 centimeters and a weight of 3.2 kilograms. Nevertheless, the chassis offers plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, three USB-A ports (10 Gbit/s), 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 and an SD card reader.

    Availability

    The Razer Blade 18 (2026) is now available from the Razer online store. The model with Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX, GeForce RTX 4070 Ti laptop GPU, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD costs $3,999, which is $500 more than the previous model with Core Ultra 9 275HX. The upgrade to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU costs $500. For the top model with GeForce RTX 5090, 128 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD, Razer charges $6,999.

     


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  • Cubot GT5 Sports Smartwatch with Offline Maps & Music – $96

    Cubot GT5 Sports Smartwatch with Offline Maps & Music – $96

    Key Takeaway

    – Budget-friendly Cubot GT5 at $96 offers extensive features, including offline maps and dual-band GNSS across five satellite systems for near smartphone-independent navigation with route deviation alerts.
    – 1.43″ AMOLED display, 5 ATM water resistance, electronic altimeter/barometer, and optical HR/HRV sensing (accuracy TBD pending real-world testing).
    – Internal storage is limited to 256 MB for music.
    – Battery life claims: up to 30 days in ultra-power-saving mode and about 12 days under typical use (real-world performance may vary).
    – Notable price-range rival: Amazfit Active 2.

    Cubot has just launched a new sports smartwatch, the Cubot GT5. Priced at $96, this makes it a relatively affordable wearable, especially given its advertised features. The inclusion of offline maps is not a given in this price range. Coupled with the GNSS module, which supports dual-band operation and five satellite navigation systems, this lets you navigate more or less without a smartphone. Users can also get notifications if they stray from a planned route. In practice, that means you could leaves your phone at home for short trips.

    Connectivity and Navigation

    The Cubot GT5 also features an electronic altimeter/barometer, warning you about rapid air-pressure changes and possible weather shifts. The GT5 sports a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, reportedly water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Music can be stored in the 256 MB of internal memory. The optical sensors are said to measure heart rate and heart rate variability; how well they work is unknown until tested in real life. The manufacturer claims up to 30 days in ultra-power-saving mode, 12 days under typical use. Those looking for a proven model in the same price range may consider the Amazfit Active 2 as an alternative.

    Display and Health Features

    All told, the GT5 packs many features into a budget smartwatch, but buyers should temper expectations. with offline maps and GNSS on board, it trades some polish for value. Cubot keeps the tips simple, but the real proof will come from your daily use.


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  • InfiMech MX 3D Printer with Eight Heads, Smart Error Detection

    InfiMech MX 3D Printer with Eight Heads, Smart Error Detection

    Key Takeaway

    – Eight print heads that can be swapped during printing, enabling multi-material/color builds without filament changes.
    – Smart calibration and monitoring: detects nozzle alignment discrepancies, prints stuck to head, stripping, prints on bed or fallen, and filament run-out.
    – Inductively heated hotend (coil-based) for faster heat-up.
    – Build volume up to 300 × 300 × 300 mm with an option for a heated chamber.
    – Kickstarter campaign with no price or launch date yet; updates available; mentions alternatives like Creality K2 Combo.

    3D printers with more than one print head are nothin’ new, but the InfiMech MX 3D, currently crowdfundin’ on Kickstarter, features eight print heads, far more than the 4-5 print heads of the average multi-head 3D printer. These can be changed during the printing process, eliminatin’ the need to cut filament when switchin’ between filament types or colors. Of course, such a 3D printer is only advantageous in terms of material consumption and printin’ time when printin’ with multiple colors or filaments. According to the manufacturer, any discrepancies between the individual print nozzles regarding the approach position and the actual extrusion point are detected.

    Smart Features

    Beyond just calibratin’ each nozzle, this beast has smart features. Y’see, it can spot when the model is stuck to the print head, halting bad prints from goin’ on. It also catches strippin’ and, say, prints that sit on the build plate or topple over. And it knows when the filament runs out.

    The hotend is heated inductively, not with a resistive heater, using a current-carrying coil, meant to speed things up. Thee InfiMech MX 3D will be sold in several model versions with a build volume of (up to) 300 x 300 x 300 millimeters and also with a heated chamber. No information on price or launch date is available, but interested supporters can sign up to receive updates. Those who don’t want to wait are encouraged to check out similar models elsewhere.


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  • Womier DUO87 Modular Mechanical Keyboard with Touchscreen for $99

    Womier DUO87 Modular Mechanical Keyboard with Touchscreen for $99

    Key Takeaway

    – Modular Womier DUO87 offers a touchscreen (optional numeric keypad) and a decorative figurine port.
    – Planned plugin store enables productivity features with customizable icons; touchscreen can operate independently of the keyboard.
    – Two pre-lubed mechanical switch options are available.
    – Crowdfunding price is $99, with typical risks of crowdfunding (potential changes or non-fulfillment).

    Keyboards that feature a screen or even a touchscreen are already broadly available, such as the Corsair Galleon 100 SD. Such keyboards can not only display user-specific information but also execute macros. In this context, the Womier DUO87 is a modular keyboard with both a touchscreen and a optionally mountable numeric keypad. Figurines can also be inserted into this modular port, but these are for aesthetic purposes only and offer no practical value.

    Design & Display

    According to the manufacturer, various plugins can be used, which can make operation beneficial in productive contexts such as word processing. The advantage of a touchscreen compared to macro keys is, of course, that users can see which functions they are activating, and the icons can be customized to their preferences. A corresponding plugin store is planned, so users won’t have to define the macros themselves. The touchscreen can also be used independently of the keyboard if desired.

    Software & Plugins

    This is a mechanical keyboard available with two different switches. Both come pre-lubricated, ensuring optimal responsiveness. As part of the crowdfunding campaign, the model is currently available for just $99. As always, crowdfunding campaigns harbour certain risks, including the eventuality that the final product may work differently than advertised or may not make it to market at all.

     

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