Category: All News

  • New Indie City-Builder Colony Sim Tops Steam with 37K Reviews

    New Indie City-Builder Colony Sim Tops Steam with 37K Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Successful Launch: Timberborn reached over 25,000 concurrent players and 37,000 reviews, with 95% positive feedback, shortly after its official release on March 12, 2026.

    2. Early Access Journey: The game spent several years in Early Access before achieving remarkable success upon full launch, landing on Steam’s “New & Trending” and “Top Sellers” lists.

    3. Unique Gameplay: Players control beavers in a post-human world, focusing on city-building and survival, with physics-based water simulation and vertical design.

    4. Diverse Factions: Two beaver factions, the eco-friendly Folktails and the industrial Iron Teeth, offer distinct gameplay experiences and strategies.

    5. Exciting 1.0 Features: The update introduced automation features, including over 20 new logic buildings, enhancing gameplay with self-regulating systems and improved resource management.

    A new city-building game is making waves on Steam charts after its version 1.0 release. Timberborn has reached a peak of over 25,000 concurrent players and garnered more than 37,000 reviews, with 95% of those being positive.

    Early Access Success

    After spending several years in Early Access, Timberborn officially launched on March 12, 2026, and quickly achieved remarkable success. In just four days, the game accumulated a significant number of reviews, landing spots on Steam’s “New & Trending” and “Top Sellers” lists, which is impressive for an indie game.

    Unique Gameplay Experience

    Created by the small Polish team at Mechanistry, Timberborn allows players to take on the role of clever beavers tasked with restoring civilization in a world where humans have vanished due to environmental disasters. The main gameplay combines traditional city-building elements with a strong survival aspect. Players must construct intricate dams, aqueducts, and reservoirs to endure ongoing droughts and toxic floods, while also building towering lumberpunk cities on limited flat terrain and managing everything from food supplies to the health of the beavers.

    What makes Timberborn unique is its physics-based water simulation and vertical design. There are two different beaver factions, each providing a unique gameplay experience: the eco-friendly Folktails focus on family homes, efficient farms, and wind energy, while the more industrial Iron Teeth utilize breeding pods, hydroponics, steam engines, and contamination-resistant pipelines for a tighter, more mechanical approach.

    Exciting New Features

    The 1.0 update has introduced an attention-grabbing layer of automation, which has players buzzing with excitement. With more than 20 new logic buildings, including levers, depth and contamination sensors, relays, timers, counters, and even HTTP integration, players can now create self-regulating dams that automatically close during high tides, factories that stop production when resources are low, and much more.

    Timberborn is offering a 20% discount at launch, bringing the price down to $27.99. With support for mods, an official Discord community, and ongoing post-launch updates promised, this colony simulation game looks poised to have a long and successful future.

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  • Improv Actors Wanted for Paid Remote AI Training Jobs

    Improv Actors Wanted for Paid Remote AI Training Jobs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Paid Opportunity: Handshake AI offers remote, part-time jobs for performers at up to $74 per hour for a collaborative improv project with a leading AI company.

    2. Remote Flexibility: The position allows for flexible schedules and is designed to accommodate auditions, classes, or rehearsals.

    3. Creative Freedom: Performers will have the chance to improvise scenes and explore characters with a focus on spontaneity and collaboration.

    4. Unique Role: This job differs from traditional AI tasks, aiming to create natural, human-like interactions through performance rather than scripted activities.

    5. Eligibility for Students: Eligible F-1 students with CPT or OPT may qualify for the positions, although STEM OPT is not supported.

    Handshake AI is promoting a paid remote job for actors, improvisers, and other types of performers, offering up to $74 per hour for part-time work on what they call a collaborative improv project with “one of the leading AI companies.” The ad states that participants will be paired with other performers via video, receive light prompts or scenarios, and be asked to improvise in a natural way during unscripted sessions.

    Remote Flexibility

    The job is described as remote, part-time, and allows for flexible schedules. Handshake AI mentions that the project is designed to accommodate auditions, classes, or rehearsals, with pay averaging around $74 per hour, which varies depending on the project.

    Creative Freedom

    Performers will be improvising scenes, exploring characters, and responding spontaneously with a lot of creative freedom. The listing also mentions that workers will collaborate with others and utilize prompts, personality notes, and creative boundaries to form scenes and dialogue.

    Handshake is seeking individuals with backgrounds in improv, acting, theatre, sketch, or other performance-related fields. The qualifications section highlights the importance of “emotional awareness,” strong creative instincts, and consistency in maintaining a character’s voice and emotional logic throughout a scene or interaction.

    Unique Opportunity

    This role is distinct from more typical AI data-labeling or text-review positions. According to Handshake’s own description, the aim here is to create natural, human-like interactions through performance rather than just completing rigid, scripted tasks.

    The same page indicates that selection is limited to a small group chosen for their “disciplinary and research expertise” and states that the work is meant to push the boundaries of top large language models by completing tasks that will positively influence the next generation of AI models. The listing does not specify the company behind the project, only referring to “one of the leading AI companies.”

    Additionally, Handshake mentions that eligible F-1 students with CPT or OPT may be able to qualify for projects on Handshake AI, although STEM OPT is not supported.

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  • Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo Announce Smartphone Price Hike in China

    Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo Announce Smartphone Price Hike in China

    Key Takeaways

    1. Several Chinese smartphone makers, including Oppo and OnePlus, are increasing their device prices due to rising memory and semiconductor costs.
    2. Oppo’s K13 Turbo and K13 Turbo Pro have both seen a price increase of 500 yuan (~$72.50), with other models also experiencing smaller hikes.
    3. OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 have each increased by 500 yuan (~$72.50), with new starting prices of 4,499 yuan (~$652) and 3,099 yuan (~$449) respectively.
    4. Vivo and its sub-brand iQoo plan to raise prices on certain devices starting March 18 in China, with potential impacts on global markets.
    5. Upcoming flagship phones from OnePlus, iQoo, and Redmi featuring 2nm chipsets may start at around 5,000 yuan (~$725) based on prior leaks.

    Amid rising prices for memory and semiconductors, several Chinese smartphone makers have begun to increase their device prices. Both Oppo and its sub-brand OnePlus have made announcements regarding price hikes for different smartphones in China.

    Price Changes for Oppo Devices

    A table detailing the price changes was shared on Weibo. The Oppo K13 Turbo and K13 Turbo Pro have both increased in price by 500 yuan (~$72.50). The price for the Oppo K13x has gone up by as much as 400 yuan (~$58), while the K13s and K12s have each seen an increase of 200 yuan (~$29).

    OnePlus Prices Go Up

    On the other hand, the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 have each also experienced a price rise of 500 yuan (~$72.50), leading to new starting prices of 4,499 yuan (~$652) and 3,099 yuan (~$449) respectively. Additionally, the Ace 6T is now priced at 2,799 yuan (~$405), an increase from its original price of 2,599 yuan (~$376). The OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V have also been raised by 200 yuan (~$29).

    Price Increases from Vivo and iQoo

    Furthermore, Vivo along with its sub-brand iQoo has declared that they will be raising prices on certain devices beginning on March 18 in China. A prior leak indicated that upcoming flagship phones from OnePlus, iQoo, and Redmi featuring 2nm chipsets might start at around 5,000 yuan (~$725). These price adjustments in China could impact global markets as well, although there hasn’t been any announcement regarding global price hikes yet.

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  • Meta’s Crackdown Shuts Down 150,000 Scam-Center Accounts

    Meta’s Crackdown Shuts Down 150,000 Scam-Center Accounts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Meta removed over 150,000 accounts linked to criminal scam-center networks in Southeast Asia, marking a significant action against scams.
    2. The scam centers targeted individuals in the U.S., U.K., and Asia, involving various fraudulent activities like romance scams and investment fraud.
    3. This operation was a coordinated effort with law enforcement agencies, resulting in 21 arrests by the Royal Thai Police.
    4. Meta’s recent push is part of a larger anti-scam initiative, including new alerts and notifications to protect users on its platforms.
    5. In 2025, Meta removed over 159 million scam advertisements and 10.9 million accounts linked to scam centers, highlighting the ongoing issue of scams on social media.

    Meta has announced a significant international operation that resulted in the removal of over 150,000 accounts linked to criminal scam-center networks in Southeast Asia. This effort is described as one of their most substantial recent actions against scams. In a statement from March, Meta revealed that this enforcement surge was a collaborative effort involving its investigators, the Royal Thai Police, the FBI, the US Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, along with other law enforcement agencies.

    Targeting Global Scams

    The scam centers primarily focused on individuals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various countries in Asia and the Pacific region. Meta pointed out that these networks were connected to extensive fraudulent activities, such as romance scams, investment and cryptocurrency fraud, deceptive job offers, and impersonation schemes aimed at pushing victims to private messaging platforms to steal their money.

    Extensive Account Disabling

    According to Meta, based on information provided by law enforcement, the company disabled over 150,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts that were either involved in or supporting the scam-center networks. Additionally, the Royal Thai Police Anti-Cyber Scam Center arrested 21 individuals as part of this larger operation.

    Coordinated Efforts and Global Support

    This March action was described as the second joint disruption week since December 2025. Meta noted that the previous operation led to the removal of around 59,000 accounts linked to similar scam-center activities, indicating that this latest effort was much larger. The company emphasizes that the collaborative enforcement work with governments and other companies is becoming increasingly aggressive and well-coordinated.

    In this latest push, Meta also received support from agencies in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. This is significant, as scam-center networks based in countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar frequently operate cross-border, utilize trafficked labor, and target victims globally rather than just within one region.

    Ongoing Anti-Scam Initiatives

    Meta connected this enforcement action to a larger anti-scam initiative across its platforms. In a different post from March 2026, Meta stated that it had recently rolled out new alerts for suspicious friend requests on Facebook, enhanced scam notifications in Messenger, and warnings about device-linking on WhatsApp to make it more difficult for scammers to take over accounts or pressure users into risky actions.

    Shedding Light on the Problem

    Meta also used this announcement to underscore the breadth of the scam issue on its platforms. The company reported that it removed over 159 million scam advertisements in 2025 and took down 10.9 million Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to criminal scam centers throughout that year.

    According to Meta’s statistics, it is evident how pivotal major social media platforms remain in both the proliferation and disruption of scam-center fraud. The company is leveraging the takedown of 150,000 accounts to support the argument that coordinated action between platforms and law enforcement can significantly impact these networks, even as the overall battle against organized online scams continues.

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  • Nitecore Pocket 5: MagSafe Qi2 Power Bank with Built-in Strap

    Nitecore Pocket 5: MagSafe Qi2 Power Bank with Built-in Strap

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nitecore Pocket 5 power bank has a capacity of 5,000 mAh and offers 19.35 Wh, providing more energy than typical power banks.
    2. It features a magnetic attachment for charging with MagSafe and Qi2 compatible smartphones.
    3. The Pocket 5 measures 9 mm in thickness and weighs 125 g, making it slightly bulkier than competitors like Anker and Xiaomi.
    4. It includes an integrated USB-C cable for charging other devices at up to 22.5 watts and supports 18-watt recharging through its USB-C port.
    5. The power bank is IPX7 water-resistant, operates in temperatures from -10 to 35°C, and will be available in three colors: Cobalt Blue, Titanium Gray, and Alloy Orange.

    Nitecore has made a formal announcement regarding the Pocket 5 power bank. This device was previously showcased at the IWA event in Nuremberg, but a release date wasn’t specified at that time. Now, the 5,000 mAh power bank is fully revealed, featuring a magnetic attachment for charging with MagSafe and Qi2 compatible smartphones.

    Power Capacity and Performance

    As we anticipated from Nitecore, the battery is engineered to hold a bit more energy than typical 5,000 mAh power banks, boasting 19.35 Wh against the usual 18.50 Wh. It can provide 17 Wh of power at a draw of 2.4 A at 5 V. Nitecore stands out among manufacturers as one of the few that includes this rated power in their product details.

    Size and Weight Comparison

    With a thickness of 9 mm (0.35 in) and a weight of 125 g (4.4 oz), the Pocket 5 is slightly bulkier and heavier than Anker’s Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim). In contrast, Xiaomi’s latest magnetic power bank is noticeably slimmer, measuring around 6 mm (0.24 in).

    Additional Features

    Nevertheless, the Nitecore Pocket 5 comes with an integrated USB-C cable that allows it to charge other devices at a maximum of 22.5 watts. It supports 18-watt recharging through its built-in USB-C port. Interestingly, the USB-C cable can be looped into the port, creating a handle for easy carrying.

    Pass-through charging is an option here, made possible by the various I/O ports available. Nitecore also assures users of IPX7 water resistance and a broad operating temperature range of -10 to 35°C (14 to 95°F).

    The Pocket 5 will come in three colors: Cobalt Blue, Titanium Gray, and Alloy Orange. However, the pricing information is still not released yet.

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  • MacBook Neo Might Skip Touchscreen; Pro Gets Upgrade

    MacBook Neo Might Skip Touchscreen; Pro Gets Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MacBook Neo, introduced in March 2026, offers excellent value with strong build quality and performance, surpassing similar-priced laptops and iPads.
    2. For current MacBook Pro or Air owners, the MacBook Neo may not be appealing due to performance and feature differences.
    3. Apple has not decided on adding touchscreen capabilities to its Mac models, with the MacBook Pro being a possible exception by late 2026.
    4. The MacBook Air is unlikely to receive a touchscreen upgrade for another two years, despite being a suitable candidate.
    5. The pricing of the MacBook Neo ($599, $499 for education) was carefully considered, and adding a touch display would increase production costs.

    Apple introduced the affordable MacBook Neo in March 2026. Nevertheless, as per Gurman, the tech giant from Cupertino might bypass this new laptop when it comes to refreshing the MacBook lineup with touch capabilities.

    Value of MacBook Neo

    Gurman discussed the MacBook Neo in his well-known newsletter, Power On, recognizing the device’s strong value. He pointed out its excellent build quality, impressive performance, and overall power, emphasizing that it surpasses other laptops within the same price bracket. Additionally, he remarked that the MacBook Neo is “much better than a similarly priced iPad.” Still, Gurman noted that if you already have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, the MacBook Neo lacks appeal due to the notable differences in performance, screens, and various features.

    Touchscreen Uncertainty

    According to Gurman, Apple hasn’t yet determined if it will implement touchscreen capabilities on any of its Mac models. The MacBook Pro stands out as the only exception, as he mentioned it might receive a touchscreen by late 2026. On the other hand, the MacBook Air, which he thinks is a more suitable option for a touchscreen upgrade, wouldn’t see this enhancement for another two years.

    Pricing Strategy

    Gurman clarified that the $599 price tag ($499 for educational purchasers) for the MacBook Neo was set after a thorough evaluation of the device’s components. He cautioned that incorporating a touch display would only drive up production costs.

    Earlier, we mentioned that another Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, reversed his assertion that the upcoming MacBook Neo would feature touch functionality.

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  • OnePlus Phone Certification Leak Reveals Details Before Launch

    OnePlus Phone Certification Leak Reveals Details Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new OnePlus smartphone, model number “CPH2805,” is expected to be the global version of the Turbo 6 series and has received certification from India’s BIS regulatory authority.
    2. The phone may be branded as the OnePlus Nord 6 CE, but there is no official confirmation regarding its name yet.
    3. The Turbo 6 series includes two models: the standard Turbo 6 and the Turbo 6V, with the latter speculated to be the basis for the CPH2805.
    4. The Turbo 6V features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, 50MP rear camera, 16MP front camera, 9,000mAh battery, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
    5. Leaks suggest the OnePlus Nord 6 may launch in early April, but it is unclear if the Nord 6 CE will be released simultaneously.

    In December 2025, a new smartphone from OnePlus was leaked by FoneArena, identified by the model number “CPH2805.” This device is believed to be the global version of a OnePlus Turbo 6 series phone. Its recent certification by the BIS regulatory authority in India indicates that its launch might be approaching.

    Possible Launch Name

    There are speculations that it may be released as the OnePlus Nord 6 CE, but there has not been any official confirmation regarding the phone’s branding thus far.

    Details About the Turbo 6 Series

    For those who might not know, the OnePlus Turbo 6 series consists of two models: the standard Turbo 6 and the Turbo 6V. The Turbo 6 is expected to go global with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and could be introduced as the OnePlus Nord 6, based on previous information leaks.

    Therefore, the OnePlus “CPH2805” might actually be a renamed version of the Turbo 6V. To give you an idea, the Turbo 6V is a mid-range device that boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1.5K and a refresh rate of 144Hz.

    Performance and Specs

    It runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, which is around 7% faster than the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 found in the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (currently priced at $347 on Amazon). The Turbo 6V features a 50MP camera on the back, a 16MP camera for selfies, a massive 9,000mAh battery, and an optical fingerprint scanner that’s built into the display.

    Leaks suggest that the OnePlus Nord 6 may be launched in early April. However, it’s still uncertain if the Nord 6 CE will be released at the same time.

    @ZionsAnvin on X, FoneArena

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  • Redditor Gets $1000 AMD PC Build for Only $87 Due to Pricing Error

    Redditor Gets $1000 AMD PC Build for Only $87 Due to Pricing Error

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Reddit user scored a major deal on PC components due to a glitch in Newegg’s pricing tool, saving 91% on a build that typically costs over $1000.
    2. The lucky user, known as u/KTsoFresh, purchased an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, a Gigabyte B850M Eagle motherboard, and a Corsair 32GB DDR5-6000 memory kit for just $87.
    3. Other Reddit users also benefited from the same glitch, with some reducing their orders from around $800 to about $100.
    4. Newegg acknowledged the glitch with a playful response on Reddit, but the pricing error was quickly fixed and is no longer available.
    5. The Redditor’s build is incomplete, as they still need to acquire an SSD, a PC case, and a GPU.

    These days, finding a DDR5 memory module for under $100 is nearly impossible. However, one Reddit user hit the jackpot with a crazy 90% discount, scoring an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, a Gigabyte B850M Eagle motherboard, and a Corsair 32GB DDR5-6000 memory kit. Normally, this would set you back over $1000, but he got it all for just $87 due to a glitch in Newegg’s part-picking tool.

    The Lucky Redditor’s Tale

    The lucky Redditor, known as u/KTsoFresh, shared their experience on the r/pcmasterrace subreddit after using Newegg’s combo configuration tool. They stumbled upon a glitch that led to one of the most amazing accidental deals ever. To give you some context, the Redditor managed to save an impressive 91% on a basic build.

    While selecting parts on Newegg’s tool, they picked an AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor and a Gigabyte 850M motherboard. For the RAM, they opted for Corsair’s 32GB DDR5-6000 memory kit, and that’s when the glitch struck.

    Breakdown of the Newegg Glitch Deal

    The total price for the build should’ve been over $1000, but due to a pricing error, the final amount came down to $86.98, leading to a shocking savings of $926. Below is a summary of the components, their retail prices, and the final discounts:

    At first, the user was doubtful and thought the price would fix itself at checkout, but it didn’t change. They went ahead and bought the parts, waiting for a few days, half-expecting a cancellation or refund notice from Newegg.

    However, the order status changed from “accepted” to “packaged” and then “shipped.” They remained skeptical until the package finally arrived at their door. To their surprise, all the PC parts were exactly as ordered.

    Others Join the Fray

    Other Reddit users were also able to take advantage of the same glitch, with some reducing their orders from around $800 down to just $100. Unfortunately, this glitch on Newegg’s site was only available for a short time and has since been fixed.

    To add more intrigue, Newegg even chimed in on the Reddit thread with a simple wink emoji. However, the Redditor’s build isn’t quite finished yet; they still need to find an SSD, a PC case, and a GPU to complete the setup.

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  • Bethesda QA Tester Crashes Fallout 4 on Xbox One During Stress Test

    Bethesda QA Tester Crashes Fallout 4 on Xbox One During Stress Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. Colin McInerney transitioned from QA testing at Bethesda to founding Pedalboard Games and joining Strange Scaffold.
    2. His approach to QA evolved from basic checks to innovative stress-testing methods, particularly for Fallout 4.
    3. McInerney emphasized the irreplaceable role of human insight in QA, stating that AI cannot replicate unpredictable human behavior.
    4. He developed unique testing techniques, such as manipulating RAM and creating chaotic scenarios to induce crashes in Fallout 4.
    5. His testing led to significant findings, including four game crashes, which escalated to the attention of top executives at ZeniMax.

    Before starting Pedalboard Games and joining the indie studio Strange Scaffold, Colin McInerney had a background as a QA engineer at Bethesda Softworks during his college years. While he was a QA tester for Fallout 4, he decided to conduct a massive nuke test on the Xbox One, leading to four game crashes. Back in those days, any crashes would automatically generate reports that went straight to the top, reaching people like Robert Altman.

    QA Testing Evolution

    In a recent interview at GDC, McInerney spoke with GamesRadar+ about how his approach to QA testing shifted from basic publisher checks to more interactive work with the developers at Bethesda. He learned various techniques from the team and began to stress-test Fallout 4 in innovative ways that other QA engineers hadn’t thought of before.

    The Role of Human Insight

    When the discussion turned to generative AI in game design, McInerney quickly redirected the topic, emphasizing that humans are irreplaceable in the QA field. He pointed out that while AI can recognize patterns, individuals like him introduce unpredictable elements that no automated system could foresee.

    Testing Fallout 4

    During the interview, McInerney shared insights about his QA testing methods for Fallout 4. He recalled, “At one point, I thought ‘let’s play hot and cold with the RAM’ since we were using Xbox One. With its 8 GB of RAM, anything beyond that would cause a crash. So, I pulled up a RAM monitor and asked myself, ‘How can I make this break?’”

    He added, “That idea hit me; nobody else seemed to try that. It wasn’t part of standard testing like ‘How can I cause a memory leak in the game?’”

    To find the most chaotic way to crash Fallout 4, he explained, “I ended up using the console to give myself a billion experience points, which shot me up to level 247. I ran around with a special nuke launcher that fired two nukes and had an add-on that created ten more with each nuke. I was basically super-nuking the wasteland and discovered four crashes in just one morning.”

    That day, emails about the QA test crashes in Fallout 4 went out to everyone at ZeniMax, including Robert Altman.

    He chuckled about the whole experience and his unique approach to testing Fallout 4, concluding, “I am professionally foolish in ways that a machine couldn’t even begin to comprehend.”

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  • Apple M5 Max in MacBook Pro 16 is 15% Faster than 14

    Apple M5 Max in MacBook Pro 16 is 15% Faster than 14

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MacBook Pro 14 with the M5 Max shows inconsistent CPU and GPU performance, even in High Power mode, with no significant improvement over the M4 Max.
    2. Initial benchmarks of the MacBook Pro 16 with the M5 Max reveal an 18% performance advantage in CPU compared to both the 14-inch model and the M4 Max.
    3. The MacBook Pro 16 achieves improved performance in quiet Automatic mode, unlike the 14-inch model, where High Performance mode did not enhance single benchmark results.
    4. Graphics performance in the MacBook Pro 16 demonstrates a 12% improvement over the 14-inch model and a 21% lead over the older M4 Max, with stable performance under continuous workloads.
    5. The M5 Max appears to be a better fit for the larger MacBook Pro 16, showing notable performance differences compared to the MacBook Pro 14.

    During our examination of the MacBook Pro 14 featuring Apple’s latest high-performance SoC M5 Max, equipped with the ultra-fast 40-core GPU, we encountered problems with inconsistent CPU performance even while in High Power mode. Additionally, the graphics performance was also not reliable. Our CPU analysis revealed that the CPU performance was not significantly improved compared to the previous M4 Max. We believe that the M5 Max could show better performance in the larger MacBook Pro 16, and now we have a review unit of the MBP 16 with the M5 Max for testing.

    Initial Benchmarks Show Promising Results

    We have conducted some preliminary benchmarks, and the results indicate an improvement in both CPU and GPU performance. Unlike the 14-inch model, we have not detected any of the performance variations experienced previously.

    The Cinebench 2024 multi-core test reveals an 18% advantage for the M5 Max in the MacBook Pro 16 over both the M5 Max in the 14-inch model and the older M4 Max. Notably, the MBP 16 achieves this result even in Automatic mode, which operates much quieter. Although the High Performance mode does not enhance the performance during a single benchmark run, we still intend to investigate whether it influences sustained performance. In one benchmark run, the CPU cores drew 78/65 Watts, which is significantly higher than the MBP 14.

    Graphics Performance Improvements

    The graphics performance has also seen enhancements, as indicated by the current 3DMark Steel Nomad test showing a 12% advantage for the M5 Max in the MBP 16 compared to the M5 Max in the MBP 14, and a 21% lead over the older M4 Max in the MBP 16. We can confidently state that the GPU performance remains stable under continuous workloads, a stark contrast to the smaller model that exhibited declines of -7.4% in High Performance mode and -25% in Automatic mode.

    We will of course carry out more tests, but our initial benchmark findings suggest that the M5 Max is a much more suitable choice for the larger MacBook Pro 16, with a notable performance difference when compared to the MacBook Pro 14.

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