Category: All News

  • AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT: 16GB VRAM at an Affordable Price

    AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT: 16GB VRAM at an Affordable Price

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT has launched, featuring 8 GB and 16 GB options with GDDR6 VRAM.
    2. It includes 32 compute units, 32 hardware ray tracing accelerators, and 64 hardware AI accelerators for FSR 4.0.
    3. The RX 9060 XT boasts a boost clock speed of 3.13 GHz and a board power of up to 182 Watts.
    4. AMD claims the RX 9060 XT outperforms the RTX 5060 Ti by 6% on average at 1440p, even excelling in Cyberpunk 2077.
    5. The pricing is set at $299 for the 8 GB version and $349 for the 16 GB version, making it more affordable than the RTX 5060 Ti.


    After another rough launch from Nvidia, AMD steps in to save the day once more. The Radeon RX 9060 XT has finally been released, and like the RTX 5060 Ti, it comes in both 8 GB and 16 GB options. It will also continue using GDDR6 VRAM, similar to its other RDNA 4 associates.

    Specifications Overview

    In terms of specs, the RX 9060 XT packs 32 compute units (CUs), 32 hardware ray tracing accelerators, and 64 hardware AI accelerators for FSR 4.0. It boasts a boost clock speed of 3.13 GHz, with a total board power reaching up to 182 Watts. Naturally, OEM-overclocked versions will elevate these numbers even more.

    Performance Comparison

    AMD asserts that the RX 9060 XT can beat the RTX 5060 Ti by an average of 6% across 40 games at a resolution of 1440p. Interestingly, this RDNA 4 graphics card shows a small advantage in Cyberpunk 2077, a game that Nvidia has traditionally excelled in. This is a notable achievement, considering Nvidia usually held the upper hand in the past.

    Pricing Details

    The Radeon RX 9060 XT is priced at $299 for the 8 GB version and $349 for the 16 GB version. The latter option especially provides good value, as it is cheaper than the RTX 5060 Ti. However, the real challenge will be finding one at its suggested retail price when they become available on June 5.

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  • Helldivers 2: Players Want SEAF Soldiers to Stay in Game

    Helldivers 2: Players Want SEAF Soldiers to Stay in Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. The “Heart of Democracy” update on May 20th introduced new content, including a battlefield on Super Earth, squid-like enemies called Illuminate, and AI-driven SEAF soldiers.
    2. Player count for Helldivers 2 surged to a peak of 163,581, breaking its previous record of 150,169, indicating strong community reception of the update.
    3. A viral Reddit post is urging developers to allow players to keep the SEAF soldiers after the update, reflecting widespread player support.
    4. Community members are suggesting additional features, such as SEAF soldiers operating Fast Recon Vehicles (FRVs) and becoming a stratagem for players.
    5. Overall, the response to SEAF soldiers has been very positive, with many players hoping they become a permanent part of the game.


    After the Omens of Tyranny update in December 2024, Helldivers 2 got another significant update on May 20th. The “Heart of Democracy” update brought in fresh content, most notably the new battlefield set on Super Earth, the squid-like enemies called Illuminate, and the AI-driven SEAF soldiers.

    Player Count Soars

    Following the rollout of the update, the number of Helldivers 2 players surged, breaking its previous record of 150,169 players. As of now, the game has recorded a peak of 163,581 players in the last 24 hours, according to the Steam DB charts. These figures indicate that the Heart of Democracy update has been very well received by the gaming community. Fans particularly seem to enjoy the new AI SEAF soldiers.

    Community Buzz on Reddit

    A Reddit post named “AH, can we please keep them after the assault ends” has gained traction, urging Arrowhead Game Studios, the developers, to allow players to retain the SEAF soldiers. This post went viral on the Helldiver subreddit, resonating with many players who share the same feeling.

    Some community members speculate that the SEAF soldiers will stick around even after this update concludes. “There’s no way they’re gonna put this much effort into bringing them in just to remove them when we save super earth,” one user mentioned.

    Suggestions for Future Features

    A few users also proposed that it would be amazing if SEAF soldiers could operate FRVs (Fast Recon Vehicles). “Riding an FRV with a SEAF Squad would go so hard. Not enough space for the whole squad tho,” another user remarked. “An FRV filled with SEAF troops would be super cool, actually. Not sure how they’d handle the heavy MG, but that would be epic,” a different player added.

    Furthermore, some players think the SEAF squad could turn into a stratagem soon. “I adore them! They might be a bit clumsy and slow in reaction, but their personality is fantastic, capturing what made the Halo Marines so memorable. If they become a stratagem, I hope the cooldown is short, so we can use them frequently. They actually perform well when grouped up; they can tackle a horde of enemies on their own,” explained one user.

    In summary, the reaction from the community regarding the SEAF soldiers in Helldivers 2 is extremely positive. Players are expressing a strong wish for these characters to become a permanent aspect of the game.

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  • Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel: Explore a ‘Chicago Gone Wrong’ City

    Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel: Explore a ‘Chicago Gone Wrong’ City

    Key Takeaways

    1. CD Projekt RED is developing a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, titled Project Orion, building on the original game’s foundation.
    2. The new game’s setting is described as a ‘Chicago gone wrong’ atmosphere, suggesting a post-apocalyptic urban landscape.
    3. Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk universe, has shared insights about the sequel but is not heavily involved in its development.
    4. There are numerous job openings at CD Projekt RED for Project Orion, including roles focused on creating a more realistic and engaging NPC crowd system.
    5. Project Orion was announced in October of the previous year, following the original game’s successful recovery after a troubled launch.


    CD Projekt RED is currently engaged in the development of a follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077, known as Project Orion. The team is diligently expanding upon the groundwork established by the first game. While details about the sequel remain limited, some exciting new insights about the game’s setting have emerged from one of the consultants involved with Cyberpunk 2077. It has been revealed that the new game will portray a city that embodies a ‘Chicago gone wrong’ atmosphere.

    Insights from Mike Pondsmith

    During a discussion at the Digital Dragons 2025 event, Mike Pondsmith, who consulted on the original title and is the mind behind the Cyberpunk universe, disclosed that although he is not deeply engaged with the sequel, he has been in touch with various teams working on Project Orion. He described the game’s environment as having a ‘Chicago gone wrong’ essence, hinting at a potentially post-apocalyptic city inspired by Chicago.

    A New Urban Landscape

    This fresh cityscape will be an addition to Night City, though its size remains uncertain. Pondsmith mentioned that the new locale aligns well with the sequel, but he declined to provide any further information about it.

    Opportunities at CD Projekt RED

    There are numerous job vacancies available for roles related to Project Orion/Cyberpunk 2, and CD Projekt RED has seemingly filled several positions, including that of Lead Encounter Designer. The job description for this role highlighted the goal to “create the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date,” indicating that interactions with NPCs will be more engaging than what players experienced in the original game.

    Project Orion was unveiled in October of the previous year as the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. The first game, launched in December 2020, experienced a rocky start; however, due to the hard work and dedication of the developers, it made a remarkable comeback and now enjoys a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam.

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  • Epson Projectors Now Support Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

    Epson Projectors Now Support Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epson has integrated Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit into select projectors for 2025.
    2. Compatible projector models include the PowerLite EB-L6, EB-L7, EB-L8, EB-994F, EB-FH54, and EB-L690SU.
    3. These projectors feature WUXGA resolution and brightness levels up to 8,000 lumens.
    4. Apple AirPlay 2 allows wireless streaming from iPhones, iPads, or Macs to the projectors.
    5. Apple HomeKit enables users to manage projectors through the Apple Home app and Siri voice commands.


    Epson has revealed that it has integrated Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit into a number of its projectors for 2025. The company stated that this change “meets the increasing need for seamless streaming,” whether in offices, educational institutions, or personal spaces.

    Projector Models with New Features

    Epson claims that Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit come pre-installed on certain models. These include the PowerLite EB-L6, EB-L7, and EB-L8 series projectors, which were introduced at ISE 2025. These projectors are fixed-lens laser types, offering a WUXGA resolution and brightness levels of up to 8,000 lumens. Additionally, the EB-994F, EB-FH54, and EB-L690SU models provide more budget-friendly choices for business or educational purposes. You can find a complete list of compatible models below.

    Enhancing Connectivity

    Apple AirPlay 2 debuted in 2018, providing users with iPhones, iPads, or Macs the ability to wirelessly stream content to connected devices. This includes sharing video, audio, and photos from various applications or Safari. Apple HomeKit serves as the brand’s smart home platform, enabling the connection of different smart devices. Users will have the capability to manage these Epson projectors via the Apple Home app or by using Siri voice commands.

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  • OnePlus Ace 5 Extreme Edition Promo Video and Ace 5 Racing Launch Date

    OnePlus Ace 5 Extreme Edition Promo Video and Ace 5 Racing Launch Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus will launch the Ace 5 Extreme Edition and Ace 5 Racing Edition on May 27 at 14:30 China time (06:30 UTC).
    2. The new Ace 5 models will feature a ‘minimalist metal ring’ lens design with two rear-facing cameras and will come in three different finishes.
    3. The Ace 5 Extreme Edition is expected to be powered by the Dimensity 9400+, aiming to compete with the flagship OnePlus 13.
    4. The Ace 5 Racing Edition will utilize the Dimensity 9400e chipset, which is less powerful than the Extreme Edition.
    5. There is uncertainty about whether the new Ace 5 smartphones will be marketed under different names in other regions.


    OnePlus has revealed the date for its upcoming launch event, just a day after Evan Blass posted images of two unreleased Ace 5 smartphones. The company has confirmed that the devices Blass showed off will be the main highlight of the event, even though they also teased a new 100 W GaN charger beforehand.

    Event Details

    The launch event is set to begin at 14:30 China time on May 27, which translates to 06:30 UTC on the same day. According to the promotional video shared, OnePlus will unveil the Ace 5 Extreme Edition and Ace 5 Racing Edition. These will be the third and fourth additions to the Ace series, following the Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro. Additionally, the company mentioned that both models will be offered in three different finishes, each featuring a ‘minimalist metal ring’ lens design that holds two rear-facing cameras.

    Specifications and Competition

    The Ace 5 Extreme Edition is expected to launch next week, powered by the Dimensity 9400+, positioning it to rival the flagship OnePlus 13 (currently priced at $949 on Amazon). This device will be enhanced by MediaTek’s latest flagship chipset, including dedicated G1 eSports Wi-Fi and Lingxi touch responsive chips. On the other hand, the Ace 5 Racing Edition will use the slightly less robust Dimensity 9400e. However, it is still unclear if OnePlus has plans to market these new Ace 5 smartphones under different names in other regions.

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  • 2026 Lexus RZ: Tesla Charging, 300-Mile Range, Simulated Shifts

    2026 Lexus RZ: Tesla Charging, 300-Mile Range, Simulated Shifts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Lexus RZ SUV features a longer driving range, with the 350e trim offering up to 300 miles on a single charge.
    2. It introduces a new NACS charging plug, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and faster charging times.
    3. The RZ is available in three trims: 350e, 450e, and the new 550e F Sport, with varying power outputs and performance specs.
    4. The 550e F Sport has a stronger motor (402 hp) and a 76.96 kWh battery but has a reduced driving range of 225 miles.
    5. The North American version will not include the steer-by-wire system, which is available in the European model, but will feature Toyota’s M Mode for enhanced driving responsiveness.


    Lexus North America has announced the details of the 2026 Lexus RZ SUV, which sees several improvements. It boasts a longer driving range, a new NACS plug, a stronger motor, a quicker AC charger, and simulated gear shifts. However, it seems this updated model will not include steer-by-wire, a feature that is available in Europe.

    Trim Options and Performance

    The RZ will be available in three different trims: the 350e, 450e, and the new 550e F Sport. The 350e offers the best driving range at 300 miles, powered by a 74.69 kWh battery pack. Its FWD drivetrain will deliver 221 hp, which is about 10 percent more than the 2025 model, allowing it to reach 60 mph from a stop in 7.2 seconds.

    Power and Range Trade-offs

    The 450e shares the same battery but comes with an additional electric motor on the rear wheel. This setup offers 308 hp, enabling a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. However, this increased power means a reduced driving range, as it can only manage 260 miles on a full charge.

    Enhanced Features

    The new 550e F Sport features a slightly bigger 76.96 kWh battery and two motors that produce a total of 402 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds. Nonetheless, potential buyers might see the 225-mile driving range as a considerable trade-off.

    Lexus is also integrating Tesla’s NACS charging system into the 2026 RZ, enabling it to use widely available Superchargers. The SUV can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in under 30 minutes. All trims will feature 11 kW AC charging, which is an improvement from the previous 7 kW in the older models.

    Missing Features

    One notable absence in the North American specifications is the steer-by-wire system, which would have allowed the steering wheel or yoke to control the front wheels without a physical connection. This feature has been confirmed for the European variant.

    However, buyers of the 550e F Sport trim in North America can look forward to Toyota’s M Mode, a virtual gear shift setting that the manufacturer claims will enhance the sportiness and responsiveness of the electric vehicle.

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  • Hisense Launches Bright Laser TV Discovery X1 Series: 1,000 Nits

    Hisense Launches Bright Laser TV Discovery X1 Series: 1,000 Nits

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hisense launched two new Laser TVs in China: Discovery X1 and Discovery X1 Ultra.
    2. The Discovery X1 features a 92-inch and 100-inch option with 600 nits brightness and a 7.1.2-channel Harman Kardon audio system.
    3. The Discovery X1 Ultra offers 100-inch and 120-inch sizes, reaching up to 1,000 nits brightness and a 9.1.4-channel sound system.
    4. Pricing starts at CNY 21,999 ($3,051) for the Discovery X1 and CNY 49,999 ($6,935) for the Discovery X1 Ultra.
    5. Both models are available for pre-order on online platforms like JD.com and IT Home.


    Hisense has introduced two new models of Laser TVs in China: the Laser TV Discovery X1 and the Laser TV Discovery X1 Ultra. The Discovery X1 seems to be a tailored version of the L9Q TriChroma Laser projector made for this specific market. The original Hisense L9Q was first shown at CES 2025 and is now ready for pre-orders on the company’s online platform in the United States.

    Specifications of the Discovery X1

    The Hisense Laser TV Discovery X1 comes in two sizes: 92 inches and 100 inches. It features the MCL39 laser light source, which claims to provide brightness levels of up to 600 nits. For reference, the L9Q was announced to have a peak brightness of 5,000 ANSI lumens during its CES 2025 reveal. This 4K DLP projector is said to cover 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut and includes modes like IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode. Additionally, it boasts a built-in 7.1.2-channel Harman Kardon audio system that supports Dolby Atmos.

    Features of the Discovery X1 Ultra

    On the other hand, the Hisense Laser TV Discovery X1 Ultra is available in sizes of 100 inches and 120 inches. There are plans to launch larger 139-inch and 150-inch models in China this coming September. While it also uses the same laser light source, it is reported to reach brightness levels of up to 1,000 nits. Many features are shared with the standard Discovery X1, but it upgrades to a 9.1.4 channel sound system from Harman Kardon, also compatible with Dolby Atmos.

    Pricing details for Hisense’s Laser TV Discovery X1 begin at CNY 21,999 (around $3,051). In contrast, the Laser TV Discovery X1 Ultra starts at CNY 49,999 (approximately $6,935). In the United States, the Hisense L9Q Triple Laser 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector is listed at $5,999.99.

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  • Moto Watch Fit Priced at $199: Is It Worth the Cost?

    Moto Watch Fit Priced at $199: Is It Worth the Cost?

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Moto Watch Fit is priced at £89.99 in the UK, $199 in the US, and $249 in Canada, but lacks advanced features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
    2. The pricing in North America is considered high compared to competitors, raising concerns about customer attraction.
    3. Competing smartwatches include the Amazfit Active 2 at $99.99 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE at $167, which offer more features at lower prices.
    4. The Moto Watch Fit features a 1.9-inch AMOLED display, supports over 100 sports modes, and has a battery life of up to 16 days.
    5. Motorola plans to start selling the Moto Watch Fit on May 22 through its website, with future availability on Amazon and Best Buy.


    Last month, Motorola introduced the Moto Watch Fit as its latest smartwatch. The company announced that it will be priced at £89.99 in the UK, but information about prices in other areas was not provided. However, Motorola has since shared the pricing for the Moto Watch Fit in both the US and Canada.

    Pricing Details

    As reported by 9to5Google, the Moto Watch Fit will retail for $199 in the United States and $249 in Canada. This is quite expensive, especially since the Moto Watch Fit does not operate on WearOS, which would allow for Android apps, nor does it feature advanced health tracking options like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.

    Pricing Concerns

    It remains unclear why Motorola is setting such high prices for the Moto Watch Fit in North America. While the company might point to tariffs as a reason for the US pricing, this shouldn’t apply to Canada. At these price points, the Moto Watch Fit may struggle to attract customers, with many other options available that are much cheaper and offer similar or even superior features.

    Competitors in the Market

    The Moto Watch Fit is up against competitors like the Amazfit Active 2, which is available on Amazon for $99.99. This smartwatch features a 1.32-inch display that can reach up to 2,000 nits of brightness, supports over 160 sports modes, and boasts a battery life of up to 10 days.

    If you’re looking for a more complete smartwatch, you might consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, currently priced at $167 on Amazon. It includes ECG and blood pressure monitoring, along with various health-tracking capabilities. Additionally, since it runs on WearOS, users can access apps from the Play Store. An LTE version is also available.

    Motorola plans to start selling the Moto Watch Fit on May 22 via its website, with future availability on Amazon and Best Buy. The smartwatch features a 1.9-inch AMOLED display, Gorilla Glass 3, support for over 100 sports modes, built-in GNSS, heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, and an impressive battery life of up to 16 days.

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  • iPlay 70 Mini Pro: New 4G Mini Tablet with 90Hz Display

    iPlay 70 Mini Pro: New 4G Mini Tablet with 90Hz Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Alldocube launched the iPlay 70 Mini Ultra tablet, replacing the iPlay 60 Mini Pro, priced at $159.99.
    2. The new tablet features a Kompanio 900T chipset, improving performance with enhanced CPU and GPU capabilities.
    3. It has a 90 Hz display, which may lead to quicker battery drain, while maintaining a 6,050 mAh battery and 18 W charging.
    4. The iPlay 70 Mini Pro includes a 5 MP front camera, 13 MP rear camera, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of expandable storage.
    5. Currently available on AliExpress for about $150, it offers upgrades while retaining many features from its predecessor.


    Alldocube has launched a new compact tablet, the iPlay 70 Mini Ultra, at the beginning of last month. This new model is set to take over from the iPlay 60 Mini Pro (currently priced at $159.99 on Amazon). You can already find the iPlay 70 Mini Pro on AliExpress, and it brings some improvements over its predecessor, such as a better chipset and a quicker display.

    Enhanced Performance

    The company has replaced the MediaTek Helio G99 with a Kompanio 900T chipset. This means the iPlay 70 Mini Pro is equipped with two ARM Cortex-A78 CPU cores, six Cortex-A55 CPU cores, and a Mali-G68 GPU. Although the Kompanio 900T is also a 6 nm-class chipset like the Helio G99, it’s important to note that the efficiency of the iPlay 70 Mini Pro might not be significantly better than that of the previous version.

    Display and Battery Life

    Interestingly, the new tablet features a 90 Hz display, which may lead to quicker battery drain compared to the iPlay 60 Mini Pro. To clarify, the iPlay 70 Mini Pro still has a 6,050 mAh battery that supports 18 W charging, and it offers 4G and GPS connectivity. The display retains a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels on its 8.4-inch IPS screen.

    Camera and Storage Options

    Moreover, the iPlay 70 Mini Pro is equipped with a 5 MP front camera and a 13 MP rear camera, alongside 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of expandable storage. Right now, Alldocube is selling the tablet on AliExpress for about $150, available in a single color option. For more information, you can check Alldocube’s official website.

    In summary, while the iPlay 70 Mini Pro comes with several upgrades, including a faster display and improved camera specs, its battery life might be a concern due to the 90 Hz refresh rate. The tablet keeps many features of the earlier model, making it a worthy successor in the compact tablet market.

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  • Heavy Battery Drain on Google Pixel After May 2025 Update?

    Heavy Battery Drain on Google Pixel After May 2025 Update?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google rolled out May 2025 updates for Pixel smartphones, labeled BP1A.250505.005, with the Pixel 9a update as BD4A.250505.003 priced at $489 on Amazon.
    2. The updates addressed some bugs, but concerns arose about potential new bugs causing battery drain in supported Pixel devices.
    3. BP1A.250505.005 marks a point of no return for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 models.
    4. Battery life may temporarily decrease after updates due to gradual optimization of services.
    5. Google has not yet acknowledged complaints about battery issues following the updates.


    A few weeks have gone by since Google began rolling out its May 2025 updates for Pixel smartphones. To provide some background, these updates were delivered under the name BP1A.250505.005 mainly. However, the update for the Pixel 9a was released as BD4A.250505.003, which is currently priced at $489 on Amazon.

    Bug Fixes and Concerns

    Google officially mentioned that it had fixed a couple of bugs in both versions. They also highlighted that BP1A.250505.005 marks a point of no return for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 models. Yet, there are growing concerns that Google might have unintentionally included a bug or bugs that are causing significant battery drain in the Pixel devices that are still supported.

    Battery Life Issues

    It’s common for battery life to dip for a few hours or even days after a smartphone gets an update. This usually happens because the device is optimizing its services gradually rather than doing everything at once. While this approach might speed up update times, it can also lead to a decrease in performance. Although Google hasn’t yet acknowledged these complaints, we will make sure to update this article if they do.

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