Category: All News

  • Acebeam K1 Hands-on: EDC Flashlight with Red/White & Optional Laser

    Key Takeaway

    – New K1 versions: white/red/green laser (standard) and red light + cyan laser (special edition)
    – Cyan laser special edition is dimmer than green, but offers a unique look; higher price
    – Red light replaces UV light, is much brighter, and otherwise no design or control changes
    – Removable USB-C battery, unscrew head to charge, no price increase expected
    – General availability late June; cyan special edition only via Acebeam’s website


    Compact Flashlight Gets a Revamp

    Acebeams compact K1 flashlight, equiped with a removible USB-C battery, is comming in a fresher version. At the companys base in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, we got a quick chance to check out both editions while heading back from Computex.

    New Light and Laser Options

    Until recently, we only new that the regular K1 would launch with white light, red light, and a green laser—we already reported on that from IWA in Germany. But now, Acebeam also revealed a special edition that comes with a cyan laser and a red light, which replaces the K1s UV light.

    Apart from the red light, nothing els changed about the design. In usage, the K1 with the red light worked just as expected. With its two brightness levels, the red light seems way brighter than the UV light, even when shined at a white sheet of paper.

    Cyan Laser vs Green Laser

    The cyan laser was interesting, giving us the first time to compare it side-to-side with the green laser. However, the Chinese model we saw uses a 3R laser class, while in Europe the weaker Class 1 version wil be send out. The cyan laser looks a bit dimmer than the green one, but its unusal look more than makes up for it.

    Laser pointers are usally either green or red, so the unusual cyan was pretty appealing. Still, the extra cost is quite steep. Nothing changed about the flashlights build or controls, and the process of unscrewing the head to charge the USB-C battery stays the same.

    Pricing and Availability

    According to Acebeam, pricing shouldnt change much. The K1 with white/UV/green laser normally costs around $55 on Amazon but is currently marked down to $40. The version with red light instead of UV light should cost about $64 when its out. Acebeam says that shoud be in a few weeks, near the end of June.

    The special edition with the cyan laser will also be available then, but theres a catch—it will only be sold through Acebeams own website. Thats the same deal as the previous model, which retails with UV light for around $90.


    Sources

    • Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Exclusivity May Be Temporary

      Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Exclusivity May Be Temporary

      Key Takeaway

      – Gears of War: E-Day announced as an Xbox exclusive, but reports suggest the exclusivity may be temporary.
      – A PEGI listing and UPC code indicate a PS5 version of the game exists.
      – Leaks mention a finished PS5 build sitting on a drive, potentially ready for future release.
      – Fans and analysts compare the situation to Starfield, expecting a delayed PS5 launch.
      – There is still uncertainty, as the PS5 listings may not guarantee a non-Xbox release.


      Xbox Showcase Gears of War Announcement

      The Xbox Games Showcase introduced Gears of War: E-Day as the next instalment in the series. During the showcase, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced that the game will be an Xbox exclusive. Reports have claimed that this was a last-minute decision, but now, new information suggests the exclusivity may only be temporary.

      New Evidence from PEGI and Leaks

      The information comes courtesy of billbil-kun via Dealabs, citing a listing on the PEGI website that shows PS5 as one of the platforms for Gears of War: E-Day. The leak notes that a UPC or Universal Product Code was assigned to the physical version of Gears of War: E-Day for the PS5. This suggests that the Xbox exclusivity may be temporary, similar to what happened with Starfield, and that E-Day could eventually land on the PS5.

      • UPC assigned to PS5 physical version
      • PEGI website lists PS5 as a platform
      • Comparable to Starfield’s temporary exclusivity

      Conflicting Reports and Playable Builds

      It was originally believed that the game would release on PC and PS5, along with Xbox, and the recent short-lived Walmart US listing suggested the same. However, following Sharma’s Games Showcase announcement, journalist Jeff Grubb shared there’s a finished version of the game for PlayStation consoles sitting on a drive, suggesting it may never see the light of day. With the PEGI listing, UPC, and a seemingly playable build of the game for PS5, it would definitely make it easier for Microsoft to release the game on PlayStation at some point in the future.

      Fan Sentiment and Future Possibilities

      Fans echo the same sentiment as a lot of comments on Grubb’s Bluesky post call out Starfield, and that making E-Day exclusive to Xbox is a bad decision. They believe Microsoft will release the game on PS5 at some point in the future to recoup the losses from making it an Xbox exclusive. That said, there’s still a possibility that these PS5 listings don’t mean anything anymore, and that the game may never make its way to PlayStation.


    • Apple unveils watchOS 27, drops support for 4 older Watch models

      Key Takeaway

      – watchOS 27 requires Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 2, or SE 3; Series 9 and older are excluded.
      – Siri AI based on Google Gemini can operate apps (e.g., route planning, adding photos).
      – AI predicts app selection for a smaller, smarter app list.
      – New features: revised Liquid Glass design, enhanced Workout Buddy, thumb-index finger tap gesture, Wallet QR codes, faster Music app.


      New Operating System Update Revealed at WWDC

      At WWDC today, Apple not only announced iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate, but also watchOS 27. While the smartwatch operating system was only mentioned in a few words at the press conference, Apple’s website shows what new features the Apple Watch will receive in the fall – and reveals a disappointment for users of slightly older Apple Watches.

      Disapointing Compatibility News for Owners

      While watchOS 26 could still be installed on all models back to the Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 27 requires at least an Apple Watch Series 10, an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or an Apple Watch SE 3. Even the just two and a half year old Apple Watch Series 9 will be left behind and will probably not receive any further feature updates. Anyone using a current model such as the Apple Watch Series 11 will mainly receive new AI features with the update.

      Siri Gets a Major Upgrade With AI Integration

      Apple is bringing Siri AI and the Siri app to the Apple Watch. This app is very reminiscent of standard AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and this is no coincidence, as the app is based on Google Gemini. Siri can also operate apps and, for example, plan a route in Apple Maps or add a photo to an album.

      Minor Innovations and Design Tweaks

      Apart from that, watchOS 27 only brings minor innovations. The app selection can use AI to guess which app is likely to be selected and thus display a smaller selection. The “Liquid Glass” design has been slightly revised. The Workout Buddy gets more motivational sayings based on additional data. A new tap gesture with thumb and index finger can open a widget, the Wallet app can display QR codes of any tickets and membership cards, and the music app starts faster.


      Sources

    • WWDC: Apple unveils new parental controls for kids

      WWDC: Apple unveils new parental controls for kids

      Key Takeaway

      – Apple introduces Child Accounts with parental controls for monitoring and limiting device use.
      – Parents can whitelist apps, websites, and contacts, and authorize new app requests from children.
      – Message and FaceTime filtering automatically blocks nudity, gore, and other harmful graphics.
      – Screen time for entertainment, gaming, and social media can be tracked and limited per day.
      – Apple provides usage time recommendations based on guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics.


      Parental Controls Unveiled by Apple

      Apple has detailed upcoming parental controlls for its products, allowing parents to monitor and controll device use, while protecting children from naughty and dangerous messaging. Any young person can be added to the new Child Account, which enables features such as age and site access restrictions, app access and usage, website whitelisting, contact whitelisting, and message filtering.

      App Management and Usage Limits

      Age-appropriate apps are recommended, but parents have ultimate say over what can be added to a child’s Apple device. Parents can remotely track the amount of time each app has been used, while limiting total use time per day. Entertainment, gaming, and social media use can be tracked and limited, too. Recommendations for total use times are provided by Apple, developed with third-party organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

      Request and Whitelist System

      Children can ask for authorization of new apps from their devices, and each request is reviewed by parents prior to authorization. The same whitelisting of apps prior to access also applies to websites and contacts, helping protect them from dangerous websites, child traffickers, and other unknown people. To further protect children from criminals and themselves, all messages and FaceTime communications can be automatically filtered for nudity, gore, and other undesirable graphics.

      Developer Access

      Apple developers gain access to these new features through a variety of safety APIs that can be utilized within apps. Apple WWDC, Apple Child Safety, Apple Developer


    • Apple unveils macOS 27 Golden Gate with AI-packed MacBook features

      Apple unveils macOS 27 Golden Gate with AI-packed MacBook features

      Key Takeaway

      – “Liquid Glass” design overhaul with adjustable transparency, new sidebar, colorful icons, and up to 30% faster app startup.
      – Siri AI chatbot replaces standard Siri, offering natural language answers, screen access, and app control.
      – AI-powered Safari can generate custom browser extensions from user prompts.
      – System-wide AI Writing Tools and Image Playground for generating/editing text and images.
      – Photo AI features include expanding images (AI-generated zoom-out) and “Spatial Reframing” to change perspective.


      Major macOS 27 Update Unveiled

      With macOS 27, Apple today unveiled the next major operating system update for the Mac. The system receives many of the new features that are also coming to the iPhone with iOS 27, starting with an optimized “Liquid Glass” design that allows users to adjust how transparent the “glass” actually looks in the system settings.

      Visual and Performance Tweeks

      The sidebar on macOS now has a sloping edge, app icons are more colorful and the corner radius of windows has been standardized. Thanks to these adjustments and improved app icons, Liquid Glass should look better than ever and apps should start up to 30 percent faster by preloading parts of the code into the RAM. AirDrop can transfer data up to 80 percent faster after the update.

      AI Highlights and Siri Replacement

      In addition to the performance and design optimizations, the new AI features are the highlight of macOS 27 Golden Gate. The biggest innovation is Siri AI, Apple’s brand new AI chatbot, which replaces Siri as the voice assistant. Siri can either be used in the new Siri app or accessed directly via Spotlight.

      Siri AI gives answers in natural language, similar to ChatGPT. A special feature is that Siri AI can access the screen and open apps so that, for example, questions about a text or image can be answered on the screen or apps can be controlled. Apple Intelligence also receives innovations in other areas of the operating system

      Home, Safari, and Writing Tools

      For example, the Home app can now recognize objects via HomeKit cameras so that users can be notified when a package is delivered. Apple’s Safari web browser in macOS 27 can not only group tabs using AI, but can even generate browser extensions based on a prompt, for example to be notified when a new article is published.

      Apple’s Writing Tools are now available system-wide to generate or rewrite texts. Image Playground can now generate images using artificial intelligence, either in a realistic style or based on a photo. Generated images can be further edited using prompts.

      New Photo Editing Capabilities

      Apple also introduces numerous AI features for editing captured photos. Photos can be expanded in macOS 27 and iOS 27 so that they can be “zoomed out”, so to speak, and the missing pixels are generated. A feature called “Spatial Reframing” can subsequently change the perspective of a photo, ultimately generating a completely new image.


      Sources

    • Lenovo ThinkPad 14″ Laptop Global Launch: 120 Hz VRR, Intel Panther Lake

      Lenovo ThinkPad 14″ Laptop Global Launch: 120 Hz VRR, Intel Panther Lake

      Key Takeaway

      – ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 upgrades to Intel Panther Lake processors (Gen 7 used Lunar Lake).
      – Entry-level CPU (Core Ultra 5 322) is slower than last gen’s Core Ultra 5 228V, but stronger options like Core Ultra 7 355 are available.
      – Supports up to 32 GB user-upgradeable RAM, dual SSD slots, and choice of 48 Wh or 64 Wh batteries.
      – Default display is 1200p/60 Hz/400 nits at 45% NTSC; optional upgrade to 1800p/120 Hz/500 nits with 100% sRGB.
      – Pricing starts at $1,399 in the US, £1,500 in the UK, and €1,419–€1,789 in the Eurozone.


      Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 Goes Global with Intel

      Lenovo has finally released the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 globally featuring Intel processors. For context, Lenovo launched Gen 7 models last year with Lunar Lake processors. Incidentally, these surpassed their AMD Hawk Point-based counterparts in several areas. By contrast, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 jumps to Intel’s newer Panther Lake platform.

      Processors, Memory and Storage Options

      Currently, the 14-inch laptop starts with the Core Ultra 5 322, a 6-core processor that trails the Core Ultra 5 228V in our ThinkPad E14 Gen 7 review unit. However, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 can be configured with the more powerful Core Ultra 5 325, Core Ultra 5 336H, Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra 7 356H. Moreover, 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB or 1 TB of storage is available, rather than the 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage that feature in entry-level SKUs.

      Please note that the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 supports user-upgradeable RAM and has two SSD slots. Also, the laptop can be configured with 48 Wh or 64 Wh batteries and plastic or aluminium base covers. All versions will ship in an Eclipse Black finish, though.

      Display Configurations and Pricing Details

      Setting that aside, Lenovo equips the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 with a 1200p and 60 Hz IPS display by default that peaks at 400 nits with 45% NTSC colour space coverage. Alternatively, Lenovo sells a 1800p IPS panel with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness and 100% sRGB colour space coverage.

      Regional Pricing Breakdown

      Pricing starts at £1,500 in the UK and €1,419-€1,789 in the Eurozone. Meanwhile, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 costs at least $1,399 in the US. Lenovo France, Germany, Ireland & UK

      • Core Ultra 5 322 processor (6-core)
      • Up to 32 GB user-upgradeable RAM
      • 512 GB or 1 TB storage options
      • 48 Wh or 64 Wh battery choices
      • 1200p 60 Hz or 1800p 120 Hz displays
      • Eclipse Black finish only


    • Ocarina of Time Remake More Likely Than 3D Mario: Leaker

      Ocarina of Time Remake More Likely Than 3D Mario: Leaker

      Key Takeaway

      – Ocarina of Time remake will likely be revealed at the June 9 Nintendo Direct.
      – No new 3D Mario game is expected to debut during this broadcast.
      – The Ocarina of Time remake is projected for a holiday 2026 release.
      – Duskbloods and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave are also expected to appear.


      Nintendo Direct Finally Gets a Date After All That Waiting

      After endless rumors, the Nintendo Direct will air on June 9th, at 10AM EDT/4PM CEST. An insider who previously shared the event’s timing has now predicted which Switch 2 games will appear. NateTheHate expects The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to be a focus. Unfortunately, a new 3D Mario title is unlikely to debut during the broadcast.

      Leaker’s Track Record and Ocarina Hype

      In March, NateTheHate controversially exposed Nintendo’s schedule for the remainder of 2026 into 2027. Some of those prognostications have already materialized, like the modernized Star Fox. Drawing the most attention, he also suggested that an Ocarina of Time remake could have a holiday 2026 release date. His latest podcast addressed when the classic Zelda adventure might reemerge. According to the leaker, the June Nintendo Direct is the “right time for them to reveal the game.” Even so, marketing for the latest console has become less predictable.

      Why This Remake Might Be Too Big to Skip

      Fans have seen more broadcasts devoted to a single Switch 2 game. Social media and the Today! app are now alternative ways to spread news. Nevertheless, NateTheHate thinks that as a potential console seller, the Ocarina of Time remake is too critical for a general Nintendo Direct to ignore. Otherwise, the company would be making an “error” and a “marketing mistake”. How the developers will reimagine the N64 Zelda title is a mystery. However, the insider anticipates that, along with Duskbloods and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, it will have enough airtime to answer some questions. Gamers desperate for a new 3D Mario instead are more likely to be disappointed.

      Bad News for Mario Fans According to the Insider

      Also in March, NateTheHate leaked that a long-awaited follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey was in the works. As far as a June 9th premiere, he dashed hopes by saying, “I don’t think we get a 3D Mario trailer at this Direct.” If his 2027 release date estimate is correct, Nintendo wouldn’t need to rush the next open-world experience. The insider also downplayed the chances of Mario Kart World DLC or a Mario Maker Switch 2 game surfacing.

      Sources
    • Apple iOS 27: Faster iPhones, Liquid Glass & Siri Upgrade

      Apple iOS 27: Faster iPhones, Liquid Glass & Siri Upgrade

      Key Takeaway

      – iOS 27 supports all iPhones from iPhone 11 to iPhone 17, with a revised CPU scheduler improving fluidity on older models.
      – Apps launch up to 30% faster due to RAM preloading, AirDrop is 80% faster, and iCloud photo uploads are accelerated.
      – New AI features include “Siri AI” with conversational ability, screen and app access, and a dedicated app for reviewing chats.
      – Enhanced parental controls allow blocking apps/websites/contacts and automatic blocking of violent content in Messages.
      – The camera app adds panoramic depth data for 3D viewing on Apple Vision Pro and a “Siri mode” for AI interactions.


      Together with macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple also unveiled iOS 27 today. The next major operating system update for Apple’s smartphones will be released for every iPhone that also runs iOS 26, meanin that the operating system is compatible with all models from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 17. Older smartphones should benefit particularly strongly from the new operating system, as Apple has revised the CPU scheduler, which should make the system feel more fluid.

      Performance and Speed Upgrades

      As important app data is preloaded into the RAM, apps should start up to 30 percent faster – and this also applies to third-party apps. AirDrop file transfers should be completed 80 percent faster, and uploading photos to iCloud should also be faster than ever before. Apple revises the “Liquid Glass” design introduced last year, and not only introduces revised app icons and extra-large home screen widgets, but above all a setting that allows users to choose how transparent Apple’s “glass” actually is.

      Revamped Search and Camera Tools

      The system-wide Spotlight search is designed to index the content of various file types more reliably and find this data more quickly. The camera app has been given the option to record panoramas with depth data so that they can be viewed in 3D with Apple Vision Pro. Another new feature is the ability to adjust the sound of AirPods to your own preferences using an equalizer.

      Parental Controls and Safety

      Improved parental control options make it possible to set which apps, websites and contacts children are allowed to use. If the child wants to use a new app or website, a parent can be asked for permission at the touch of a button. Violent photos or videos should be automatically blocked in Apple Messages.

      Advancements in Apple Intelligence

      As befits tech giants in 2027, Apple has also announced new AI features. Apple Intelligence will offer more features than ever before in iOS 27 and will be able to access both the screen content and the features of the currently open app to simplify interactions. Apple combines an improved Large Language Model that runs locally on the iPhone with Google Gemini, but still wants to protect users’ data.

      Introducing Siri AI

      The highlight of these new AI features is “Siri AI”, a fundamentally revised version of the voice assistant. Siri AI is more reminiscent of ChatGPT than older versions of Siri, as the assistant can hold conversations and has its own app in which previous conversations can be read up on. As Siri can access the screen content and apps, it can, for example, ask questions about a website or an open photo or enter a route in Google Maps. The camera app gets a “Siri mode” to use these features through the iPhone’s camera. Siri also has a much more natural voice on newer iPhones.


      Sources

    • Lenovo 17-Inch Laptop Gets Global Launch: 32GB RAM, Intel Wildcat Lake

      Lenovo 17-Inch Laptop Gets Global Launch: 32GB RAM, Intel Wildcat Lake

      Key Takeaway

      – Intel Wildcat Lake chips are powering new Windows laptops, many initially exclusive to China.
      – Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 (17-inch, 2.03 kg) has expanded to Europe from £799/€799.
      – Base model includes 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, and a Core 3 304 processor (5-core).
      – Configurable up to Core 7 350, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and 60 Wh battery (max £1,669).
      – All variants feature a 1080p, 300-nit IPS display with 72% NTSC color coverage.


      Windows OEMs Adopt Intel’s Wildcat Lake

      In recent weeks, various Windows OEMs have been putting Intel’s Wildcat Lake platform to use inside MacBook Neo competitors. As it stands, many of these are exclusive to China, such as the HP StarBook Plus 14 that debuted in late May. The same is the case with Lenovo, which updated its Lecoo Air range in May with multiple Wildcat Lake-powered options.

      Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 Launch

      Additionally, the company created the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11, a 2.03 kg laptop that is now available in more countries. Previously, Lenovo sold the laptop in East Asia and Southeast Asia. However, the company has now expanded availability to Europe with £799 and €799 starting prices.

      Currently, these prices include 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and the Core 3 304, a 5-core processor that should perform about as well as quad-core Zen 4 processors like the Ryzen 3 210. Lenovo offers the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 with the more powerful Core 5 315, Core 5 320 and Core 7 350, though. Also, 16 GB or 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM is available from the factory, as is 512 GB or 1 TB of M.2 2242 storage.

      Configuration and Display Details

      Moreover, Lenovo’s new 17-inch laptop can be configured with 50 Wh or 60 Wh batteries and in Cosmic Blue or Luna Grey finishes. All SKUs ship with a 300 nit and 60 Hz IPS display though, which resolves at 1,920 x 1,080 pixels with 72% NTSC colour space coverage. Please note that pricing rises to £1,669 for a fully configured unit with a Core 7 350 processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, a 60 Wh battery and other optional extras.

      • Core 3 304: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, £799/€799
      • Optional processors: Core 5 315, Core 5 320, Core 7 350
      • RAM options: 16GB or 32GB DDR5-5600
      • Storage options: 512GB or 1TB M.2 2242
      • Battery options: 50Wh or 60Wh
      • Colours: Cosmic Blue, Luna Grey
      • Display: 300 nit, 60 Hz, 1920×1080, 72% NTSC
      • Max price: £1,669 for fully configured unit


    • The Large Magellanic Cloud Warps Its Galactic Neighbor

      The Large Magellanic Cloud Warps Its Galactic Neighbor

      Key Takeaway

      – The Large Magellanic Cloud distorts the Small Magellanic Cloud through gravitational pull.
      – Infrared observation by the Vista telescope over 11 years enabled detailed study of stellar motions.
      – Stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud’s center move away at 17 km/s due to this gravitational force.
      – The Small Magellanic Cloud was likely more compact in the past than its current shape.


      The Large Magellanic Cloud is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, located about 163,000 light-years away. Although it is frequently observed by astronomers, a new study has revealed its effect on the Small Magellanic Cloud.

      Observations with the Vista Telescope

      This dwarf galaxy, located 200,000 light-years from Earth, was observed during eleven years with the Vista telescope (Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy) in Chile. According to astronomers, this celestial object is distorted not only by the Milky Way but also by the Large Magellanic Cloud. The infared vision of this telescope was key for seeing through interstellar dust, allowing researchers to study the motion of stars within the Small Magellanic Cloud.

      Researchers Reaction to the Results

      Thus, it was thanks to the infrared vision of this telescope that this observation was possible. Researchers were able to see through interstellar dust and study the motion of stars within the Small Magellanic Cloud, providing interesting results, as Florian Niederhofer explains in a statement: “When I saw the results for the first time, I was amazed by the quality of the measured stellar motions. By combining observations that have been taken over a time baseline of more than a decade, we were able to map the internal kinematics of the Small Magellanic Cloud with a level of detail that is outstanding for observations from the ground.”

      Key Phenomenon and Speed Data

      While results had been revealed in previous years, this new study highlights a specific phenomenon. Indeed, the stars located at the heart of this dwarf galaxy are moving away from its center at a speed of 10.6 miles (17 kilometers) per second. This specific speed measurement is critical for understanding the gravitational dynamics between the two galaxies.

      Gravitational Pull and Past Structure

      Therefore, these results highlight the gravitational pull exerted by the Large Magellanic Cloud on its companion. And that’s not all, because according to astronomers, the Small Magellanic Cloud would have had a more compact structure in the past, very different from its current shape. The study provides evidence that the smaller galaxy once looked nothing like it does today.

      Astronomy & Astrophysics


      Sources