Category: All News

  • Retroid Stops Production of New Handheld, Increases Prices on Others

    Retroid Stops Production of New Handheld, Increases Prices on Others

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid is temporarily halting production of the Pocket G2 due to fluctuations in memory pricing.
    2. The Pocket G2 is currently sold out on Retroid’s official website, but third-party sellers have increased prices significantly.
    3. The older Retroid Pocket 5 remains available at its original price of $199, with discounts on platforms like Amazon.
    4. Retroid plans to increase the price of the Pocket Classic from $129 to $149 starting March 20th.
    5. Fans are expressing concern about the future of Retroid devices following these announcements.

    Weeks after revealing that they are stopping the production of the 12GB RAM variant of the Retroid Pocket 6, the company has shared more troubling news.

    Pocket G2 Discontinued

    In a recent post on their social media accounts, Retroid announced that they will be temporarily halting the Pocket G2, a handheld device that was revealed in late October 2025 and started shipping that same month. The company stated that this choice is due to “fluctuations in memory pricing.”

    Following this news, the Retroid Pocket G2 has been marked as sold out on the official website. Nevertheless, third-party sellers on platforms like AliExpress are still offering the device, but they have increased the prices considerably. The original price of the device was $219, but it can now be found for as much as $260 through these sellers.

    Retroid Pocket 5 Still Available

    Interestingly, the older Retroid Pocket 5, which is nearly identical to the Pocket G2 except for its processor, will still be on sale. Thankfully, there hasn’t been any announcement about a price hike for the Pocket 5, so it will stay at $199. Currently, you can buy the Retroid Pocket 5 on Amazon for $209, which is 40% less than its original price of $249. Now would be a great time to get it.

    Unfortunately, the disappointing news doesn’t stop there. Retroid also mentioned that they need to increase the price of their vertical handheld, the Pocket Classic. This device, which is currently priced at $129, will see its cost rise to $149 starting on Friday, the 20th of March.

    Conclusion

    Retroid on X has been the platform for these announcements, leaving many fans concerned about the future of their favorite devices.

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  • Asteroid Samples Uncover Full DNA and RNA Building Blocks

    Asteroid Samples Uncover Full DNA and RNA Building Blocks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Life on Earth may have originated through chemical evolution or from organic molecules brought by asteroids and comets.
    2. Asteroid 162173 Ryugu is carbonaceous, containing carbon, water minerals, and organic substances essential for life.
    3. The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 collected samples from Ryugu, revealing the presence of uracil.
    4. Recent research found all nucleobases necessary for DNA and RNA in Ryugu and similar findings in asteroid 101955 Bennu.
    5. Discoveries suggest that fundamental materials for life could form in space, but do not confirm that life began there.

    One of the most intriguing questions in science is how life originated on our planet. Many experts believe that life emerged through a process known as chemical evolution. There are also theories suggesting that asteroids and comets might have brought essential organic molecules, like nucleobases, to Earth. This indicates that the basic components necessary for genetics could develop naturally beyond our planet.

    A Deep Dive into Ryugu

    162173 Ryugu is a type of asteroid known as carbonaceous, which is abundant in carbon, water-containing minerals, and organic substances. Its shape resembles a spinning top, and researchers think it was created from the remnants of a larger asteroid. To explore this fascinating asteroid, the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 was sent into space in 2014 to gather samples and bring them back to Earth. The analysis of these samples revealed the presence of uracil.

    Findings from New Research

    Recent research has expanded on these findings, identifying all nucleobases that are essential for DNA and RNA within the asteroid. Similar discoveries were made on another asteroid, 101955 Bennu, indicating that these molecules might be more common than previously thought. Another exciting finding was the detection of ammonia.

    This new information doesn’t necessarily imply that life began in outer space. Rather, it suggests that the fundamental materials for life could form in space.

    Nature Astronomy

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  • MacBook Neo Teardown: iFixit Rates Apple’s Most Repairable Laptop 6/10

    MacBook Neo Teardown: iFixit Rates Apple’s Most Repairable Laptop 6/10

    Key Takeaways

    1. Budget-Friendly Pricing: The MacBook Neo starts at $599, making it Apple’s most affordable laptop, appealing to casual users and students.

    2. High Repairability Score: iFixit awarded the MacBook Neo a repairability score of 6 out of 10, the best score Apple has achieved in over a decade.

    3. Easy Internal Access: The design allows for easy access to internal components, making repairs simpler, with modular USB-C ports and independently replaceable keyboards.

    4. Design Limitations: The laptop’s RAM and storage are soldered to the logic board, potentially hindering long-term competitiveness and making data recovery difficult if the board fails.

    5. Sound and Trackpad Trade-offs: The built-in speakers lack the quality of premium models, and the trackpad sacrifices advanced features for easier servicing.

    Apple has just unveiled its most budget-friendly laptop yet, the MacBook Neo, which runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same chip featured in the iPhone 16 Pro. For the first time in 14 years, repair services are praising Apple’s latest creation, declaring the MacBook Neo to be the most repairable MacBook to date. Starting at $599, the 13-inch MacBook Neo comes with 8 GB of memory and offers storage options of either 256 GB or 512 GB, making it a strong competitor against budget laptops for casual users and students.

    Repairability Score

    iFixit recently conducted a thorough teardown of the MacBook Neo, awarding it a repairability score of 6 out of 10, which is the best score Apple has achieved in over a decade. This time, Apple has moved away from the adhesive stretch-release battery swap, opting for a 36.5-watt-hour battery secured by 18 screws, significantly reducing the risk of damaging the lithium-ion cell during repairs.

    Easy Access Inside

    Despite the improvements, Apple still employs pentalobe screws on the bottom of the device. Once these screws are removed, the bottom shell of the MacBook Neo can be unclipped easily. The advantage of this design is that all internal components are well-organized and easy to access, including the battery, speakers, USB-C ports, trackpad, and display. The USB-C ports are modular, meaning if one breaks, users only need to replace that port instead of the entire logic board.

    Removing the antenna and hinge screws allows the display to come off without any hassle. For the first time, users can replace the keyboard independently without having to swap the complete top shell.

    Downsides of the Design

    However, the MacBook Neo has some drawbacks. To replace the keyboard, users must peel off a layer of adhesive tape and take out 41 screws, which contrasts sharply with many newer laptops like the Lenovo T14 Gen 7, which allows for tool-free keyboard replacement.

    The MacBook Neo features the same A18 Pro chip as the iPhone 16 Pro, which restricts RAM to 8 GB and storage to either 256 GB or 512 GB, both soldered to the logic board. This limitation might hinder the MacBook Neo’s competitiveness against Apple’s MacBook Air and other ultrabooks in the long run. Moreover, if the logic board fails, recovering data can be extremely difficult.

    Sound Quality and Trackpad

    Another trade-off is the quality of the built-in speakers. They are easily replaceable but lack the crispness and dynamic sound found in more premium MacBooks like the new 13-inch MacBook Air M5 or the 16-inch MacBook Pro M5.

    The trackpad on the MacBook Neo also sacrifices haptic Force Touch for more basic controls, which partly simplifies servicing the device.

    Parts Replacement Made Easier

    Lastly, Apple has simplified parts replacement with the Repair Assistant tool introduced last year. Users can easily swap out display panels, trackpads, batteries, or Touch ID modules without the laptop triggering warnings or locking them out of features.

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  • Astronomers Discover Ancient Star with Early Universe Clues

    Astronomers Discover Ancient Star with Early Universe Clues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The early universe was mostly hydrogen and helium, lacking heavy elements or metals.
    2. First stars formed hundreds of millions of years after the Big Bang, creating heavy elements through nuclear fusion.
    3. Supernova explosions from dying stars scattered heavy elements into space, enriching gas clouds for future star formation.
    4. PicII-503, a carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) star, has very low iron and high carbon levels, offering insights into early cosmic history.
    5. The discovery of PicII-503 helps scientists understand the chemical evolution of the universe and the processes behind second-generation star formation.

    After the Big Bang, the universe was primarily made up of hydrogen and helium. There were no heavy elements at that time, and the early universe lacked any sign of metals. A few hundred million years later, the first stars began to form, and nuclear fusion occurring in their cores created the initial heavy elements, including carbon, magnesium, and oxygen. When these stars eventually died, their supernova explosions scattered these elements throughout space. This mix of elements then combined with gas clouds, providing the building blocks for the next generation of stars.

    Early Stars and Their Legacy

    The stars that formed in the early stages of cosmic history had very low metallicity, acting like time capsules of the universe’s past. A star named PicII-503 was discovered in the dwarf galaxy Pictor II, and what sets it apart is its nearly absent iron content and significantly high levels of carbon. This characteristic makes PicII-503 one of the most chemically primitive stars ever identified.

    Discovering CEMP Stars

    This unique star, known as a carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) star, was found using the Dark Energy Camera attached to the Victor M. Blanco Telescope. Scientists believe that the original star which enriched the gas that led to the formation of PicII-503 experienced a low-energy supernova. This explosion caused the heavier elements to fall back into the remnants, allowing only the lighter elements to escape and eventually form a second-generation star. The discovery of PicII-503 provides a direct chemical record of early stars, enhancing our knowledge of how cosmic chemical evolution unfolded.

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  • Internet Reacts to Nvidia DLSS 5: Jawlines and Hyper-Realism

    Internet Reacts to Nvidia DLSS 5: Jawlines and Hyper-Realism

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mixed Reactions to DLSS 5: While some experts praise Nvidia’s DLSS 5 for its advanced technology, others criticize it as a form of “AI mess creator” and accuse it of unmarked marketing.

    2. Power Demand: The technology requires significant computing power, demonstrated by a demo that ran on two GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards costing nearly $3,849.

    3. Personal Preferences in Gaming Visuals: Gamers have differing opinions on visuals; some prefer hyper-realistic graphics, while others enjoy stylized art that reflects developers’ creativity.

    4. Potential Beyond 3D Games: YouTuber Cary Golomb suggests DLSS 5 could also transform 2D games, leading to unexpected and innovative visual changes.

    5. Impact on Art and Character Design: DLSS 5 may redefine artistic standards, making traditional art less relevant and favoring uniform beauty ideals in game character designs.

    While some people call Nvidia DLSS 5 an AI mess creator, Digital Foundry’s gaming experts actually commend the tech. This praise, however, has drawn harsh backlash in YouTube comments for “unmarked marketing.” The system demands a lot of power, as the demo ran on two GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards, which cost $3,849 on Amazon.

    Player Choices Matter

    Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference: some gamers might favor the hyper-realistic and detailed visuals of DLSS 5, while others might enjoy the stylized appearance of a game that showcases the developers’ creative vision. However, the online community has reacted humorously to the introduction of DLSS 5, showing the potential outcomes if the AI filter is allowed to run wild. For instance, Razer illustrated how its well-known mascot, Sneki Snek, could appear with DLSS 5 enabled.

    A New Era for Gaming

    Gaming YouTuber Cary Golomb envisions that DLSS 5 might not just be limited to 3D titles in the future; it could also revolutionize 2D games, transforming them into something almost unrecognizable.

    The Rise of AI Art

    Why bother with artists when you have DLSS? Nvidia’s AI could potentially turn even hand-drawn visuals into stunningly realistic graphics.

    What if Nvidia pushes the boundaries of realism too far? If it doesn’t resemble something filmed with a smartphone, DLSS 5 may not deem it realistic enough.

    Even Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, seems susceptible to the attractiveness standards set by his own AI through DLSS 5.

    Once traditional art becomes outdated, DLSS 5 will effortlessly adjust it to fit modern beauty ideals.

    After many games have introduced an arachnophobia mode that swaps out spiders for cuter creatures, DLSS 5 could finally give even the most frightening characters a fresh look.

    If Nvidia’s demo footage demonstrates anything, it’s that DLSS 5 favors wide jawlines—why should game characters have diverse facial structures?

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  • Free Alpha Nomos Steam Demo Features Rhythm-Driven Roguelite Combat

    Free Alpha Nomos Steam Demo Features Rhythm-Driven Roguelite Combat

    Key Takeaways

    1. A free demo for the roguelite game Alpha Nomos is now available on Steam, with a full release expected in Q3 2026.
    2. The game’s mechanics are rhythm-based, with combat, movement, and environmental reactions synced to the soundtrack.
    3. Players control Cello, a fighter in a puppet-like world filled with corrupted enemies, using music-themed weapons.
    4. The game draws inspiration from titles like Hi-Fi Rush, BPM: Bullets Per Minute, and Crypt of the NecroDancer, featuring an eerie visual style.
    5. The demo offers a preview of the progression system, various enemy types, and a branching power-up system that influences both soundtrack and combat skills.

    A free demo for Alpha Nomos, a roguelite game, is now live on Steam. This title is being developed by the indie studio RibCage Games, with a release scheduled for Q3 2026.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    The game revolves around a straightforward concept: everything happens to the beat. All crucial components, such as combat, movement, and reactions in the environment, are synced with the soundtrack.

    Players take on the role of Cello, a fighter who must navigate a puppet-like world that has been ravaged. It is populated with corrupted foes, and the weapons used against them are music-themed. This means players must keep to the rhythm, as missing it could lead to dire consequences.

    Inspirations and Visuals

    The mix of roguelite replayability and rhythm-based gameplay is inspired by popular titles like Hi-Fi Rush, BPM: Bullets Per Minute, and Crypt of the NecroDancer (which can be found on the Humble store). Visually, the game adopts a somewhat eerie aesthetic, featuring vague circuses, twisted toys, and changing environments.

    The free demo is more than just a brief glimpse; it’s designed to give a fuller taste of the game. According to the developers, it provides a clear preview of the progression system, allowing players to encounter various enemy types. Additionally, there is a branching power-up system, where upgrades affect both the soundtrack and the combat skills.

    Additional Content

    Along with the free demo on Steam, RibCage Games has also released a new gameplay trailer. This video, which you can watch below, showcases how music is not merely a background element but the very heart of the game.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2: Major Graphics Upgrade in New Boost Mode Videos

    Nintendo Switch 2: Major Graphics Upgrade in New Boost Mode Videos

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449 and has received a firmware update to version 22.0, introducing a new “Handheld Mode Boost” feature.
    2. The “Handheld Mode Boost” allows first-generation Nintendo Switch games to be played in TV mode while in handheld mode, enhancing gameplay experience.
    3. Improved graphics include significant resolution upgrades for games, such as Doom (576p) and Fire Emblem Warriors (1,080p), with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 now achieving 720p.
    4. Video comparisons from GVG and Nintendo Life show notable visual improvements, with some games looking better in boost mode than on the Switch 2.
    5. Other titles, like the Spyro Reignited Trilogy and No More Heroes 3, also benefit from enhanced graphics settings and improved clarity in visuals.

    The Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449 on Amazon, has recently been upgraded to firmware version 22.0. This new update introduces a feature known as “Handheld Mode Boost.” When this option is enabled in the system settings, games made for the first-generation Nintendo Switch that haven’t been updated for the Switch 2 can now be played in TV mode even when in handheld mode.

    Improved Graphics Enhancements

    Playing games in TV mode typically offers a higher resolution, which can greatly enhance the visual quality of some titles. For instance, Doom now operates at a resolution of 576p, an improvement from the previous 408p, delivering much more detail. Similarly, Fire Emblem Warriors can be enjoyed at 1,080p instead of 720p, or players can opt for 720p with an unlocked frame rate. One of the standout games benefiting from this update is Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which previously faced resolution drops to 368p but now achieves 720p in most areas.

    Video Comparisons Show Differences

    Videos from GVG and Nintendo Life illustrate the significant improvements in graphics. These comparisons reveal some interesting outcomes. For example, Xenoblade Chronicles X looks noticeably better when using the Switch 1 version with boost mode, compared to the Switch 2 version, even though the latter runs at 60 frames per second instead of 30.

    Other Games Benefit Too

    Not all titles simply enjoy a bump in resolution. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy benefits from enhanced graphics settings in boost mode, appearing much more vivid due to improved shadow details and thicker vegetation. No More Heroes 3 finally has a resolution that is good enough for players to identify objects in the background clearly.

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  • Asus TUF 2026 Gaming Laptops: OLED Displays & Core Ultra 9 CPU

    Asus TUF 2026 Gaming Laptops: OLED Displays & Core Ultra 9 CPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus TUF F16 FX608LMG/LPG features the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU, promising up to 8% improved gaming performance over the previous model.
    2. The FX608LMG/LPG variant includes a superior 16-inch OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage.
    3. The TUF A16 variant offers the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX CPU but lacks an OLED display, instead featuring a 16-inch IPS panel with a 300Hz refresh rate.
    4. The updated TUF A18 model can be equipped with the more powerful RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU.
    5. No official details on availability or pricing for the 2026 TUF gaming laptop lineup have been announced yet.

    Asus has officially announced the TUF lineup for 2026, and the standout feature of these new gaming laptops is the TUF F16 FX608LMG/LPG. This model can be equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, which is an Arrow Lake Refresh CPU that is said to provide up to 8% improved gaming performance compared to the 285HX.

    Alternative Model Options

    Another variant in the Asus TUF F16 series is the FX608JPR, which tops out at the Core i7 14650HX. Both versions can be configured with Nvidia’s RTX 5070, but the former has a significant display enhancement. The FX608LMG/LPG comes with a 16-inch OLED screen that boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage.

    Additional Features

    It’s important to mention that the same OLED display option is available on the updated A16 (FA608UP/UM/UH), which runs on the AMD Ryzen 7 260. This Hawk Point gaming laptop can also be configured with the RTX 5070, and Asus claims that the total graphics power can reach up to 115W with Dynamic Boost.

    More Powerful Choices

    There’s also a TUF A16 variant featuring the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, which is a more powerful CPU choice that can be paired with the RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. However, this option does not have an OLED display. Instead, the best display available is a 16-inch IPS panel offering a refresh rate of 300Hz and 100% DCI-P3 coverage.

    As for the more powerful TUF A18, it has also received an update, with the 2026 model capable of being outfitted with the RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU. For context, the highest GPU option in the 2025 model was the non-Ti RTX 5070 (like the 32 GB MSI Katana 15 HX with RTX 5070, currently priced at $1,599 on Amazon). There hasn’t been any official announcement regarding availability or pricing as of yet. Be sure to check the spec sheets below for more details on the updated TUF gaming laptop lineup.

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  • Oppo Takes Aim at Samsung During Find N6 Launch Event

    Oppo Takes Aim at Samsung During Find N6 Launch Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Find N6 features a nearly invisible crease, setting it apart from competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
    2. The Find N6 has been tested for durability with up to 600,000 folds, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated for 500,000 folds.
    3. Oppo’s unique design includes an enhanced hinge system and Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass for a smoother display.
    4. The Find N6 has a larger battery capacity of 6,000 mAh and supports 80W wired charging compared to Samsung’s 4,400 mAh.
    5. Oppo showcased their technology in a live-streamed event, highlighting the advantages over Samsung’s folding screen technology.

    Oppo has just introduced its new foldable phone, the Find N6, which promises a unique feature: a crease that is nearly invisible. This design is said to be more durable and smoother than similar models from other brands. To highlight this advantage, Oppo showcased the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (buy on Amazon) during the launch event, emphasizing the superiority of its folding screen technology over that of the well-known South Korean manufacturer.

    Demonstration of Durability

    At the event, Oppo presented a video comparing a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 in its original packaging next to a folded Find N6 (this occurred at the 40-minute mark). The Galaxy device was unboxed, the protective film removed, and it remained folded for one hour. Upon unfolding, it revealed a much more noticeable seam than it had when first taken out of the box. In contrast, when the Oppo Find N6 was unfolded, it showed no crease whatsoever.

    Innovative Technology

    To create this near-invisible crease, Oppo combines an enhanced hinge system with Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass. The Find N6 has been tested for up to 600,000 folds, ensuring the display stays smooth without any visible bends or creases even after extensive use. In comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated for 500,000 folds, but this is specifically for the folding mechanism and not for the screen, which can develop visible creasing after a mere hour of being folded.

    Battery Performance

    Additionally, the Find N6 is equipped with silicon carbon batteries that provide a capacity of 6,000 mAh, along with support for 80W wired charging. On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers a smaller capacity of 4,400 mAh, while the now discontinued Galaxy Z TriFold had a 5,600 mAh battery. Samsung is expected to enhance their future offerings, with rumors of a silicon carbon battery in their upcoming models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

    Oppo streamed the event live on Weibo.

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  • New Wanbo Vali 1 Pro Google TV Projector Now Available in the US

    New Wanbo Vali 1 Pro Google TV Projector Now Available in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Wanbo Vali 1 Pro projector features a 1080p resolution, supporting 4K and HDR10 content with a contrast ratio of 3,000:1.

    2. It can project images up to 260 inches and includes technologies like MEMC motion smoothing, automatic focus, keystone correction, and screen fitting tools.

    3. The projector runs on the Google TV interface, allowing streaming from popular apps like Netflix and YouTube, and supports wireless content sharing via Google Cast.

    4. It includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and built-in speakers with Dolby Audio for enhanced sound quality.

    5. The promotional price for the Vali 1 Pro is $259.99, down from $329.99, with a launch in Europe expected at €279.

    Wanbo has launched the Vali 1 Pro projector in the United States. As implied by its name, it enhances the previous Vali 1 model, maintaining a similar design that includes an adjustable stand for different angles.

    Specifications and Features

    The Wanbo Vali 1 Pro boasts a resolution of 1080p, with features that support 4K and HDR10 content. It is capable of projecting images as large as 260 inches, with a contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and MEMC motion smoothing technology. The projector’s light source is reported to produce brightness up to 650 ISO lumens, making it more suitable for dimly lit rooms and smaller screens. Additionally, users can easily optimize the image using automatic focus, keystone correction, and screen fitting tools.

    User Interface and Connectivity

    The Vali 1 Pro comes equipped with the Google TV interface, enabling users to stream their favorite shows and movies from popular apps like Netflix and YouTube. It also supports wireless content sharing through Google Cast and can be controlled using voice commands via Google Assistant. Moreover, it features dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, along with built-in speakers that support Dolby Audio for a better sound experience.

    You can purchase the Wanbo Vali 1 Pro projector on Amazon US for a promotional price of $259.99, down from the regular retail price of $329.99, thanks to a $70 discount coupon available on the page. This model is anticipated to launch in Europe soon with a price tag of €279.

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