Category: All News

  • Banana Pi Unveils Feature-Packed Single-Board Computer

    Banana Pi Unveils Feature-Packed Single-Board Computer

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro features nine networking ports, including four Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and options for 10 Gbps connections.
    2. It runs on the MediaTek MT7988A processor with four Cortex A73 cores, clocking up to 1.8 GHz, and supports up to 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.
    3. Storage options include 8 GB of eMMC flash, expandable via microSD cards or M.2 SSDs, with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports for external devices.
    4. The board allows for WiFi module additions, including WiFi 7 compatibility, and has a SIM card slot for mobile network cards.
    5. The BPI-R4 Pro is suitable for cluster networks and robotics projects but is not recommended as a desktop PC replacement; pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

    Banana Pi has launched a new and very capable single-board computer called the Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro. This system stands out due to its impressive networking capabilities, featuring a total of nine ports, although some are combined and can’t all be used at the same time. There are four Ethernet ports that support a maximum transfer rate of 2.5 Gbps, along with both RJ45 and SFP connectors for connections up to 10 Gbps. It also allows for the addition of WiFi modules, including those compatible with WiFi 7, as well as mobile network cards. A SIM card slot is provided as well.

    Specifications Overview

    The BPI-R4 Pro runs on the MediaTek MT7988A, which includes four Cortex A73 cores that can reach clock speeds of up to 1.8 GHz. It can support up to 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is not bad at all. The eMMC flash storage is 8 GB, a feature that isn’t always standard. Users have the option to expand their storage using a microSD card or M.2 SSDs. For connecting external storage devices or peripherals, it has USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports available. However, it lacks an HDMI port, but this is easily fixed with a USB-to-HDMI adapter.

    Use Cases and Pricing

    The Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro can be utilized in various applications, such as cluster networks and robotics projects. However, it probably won’t serve well as a desktop PC replacement. Details regarding its price and availability have yet to be announced.

    Source:
    Link

    Banana Pi Unveils Feature-Packed Single-Board Computer
    Tags: , ,
  • Steam to End in May 2025: Discover New Free Games Now

    Steam to End in May 2025: Discover New Free Games Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The free game library on Steam continues to grow with new titles added regularly.
    2. Several new free games were highlighted by @SteamGamesPC on X in May 2025.
    3. Many of the newly released titles may have gone unnoticed by players.
    4. Pricing information is subject to change and may not be accurate over time.
    5. It’s a great opportunity to discover and enjoy new free games without spending money.

    The free game library on Steam keeps getting bigger. In May 2025, several new titles were noted by @SteamGamesPC on X. Yet, many of these titles went unnoticed, and some have just been found. Here’s what you need to know about these newly identified games that are completely free:

    Important Note on Pricing

    Notebookcheck cannot be held accountable for any changes in pricing made by retailers. The sale price or promotion mentioned in this article was accurate at the time of writing, but it might be subject to time limits or limited stock availability.

    Discovering New Titles

    The excitement around free games on Steam is palpable, with new additions frequently making their way into the collection. Recently, @SteamGamesPC on X brought several of these fresh titles to light, even though many slipped under the radar initially. This is an excellent time to explore what’s available without spending any money!

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Ugreen Launches Mini GaN Charger: 3 Ports, 45W Fast Charging

    Ugreen Launches Mini GaN Charger: 3 Ports, 45W Fast Charging

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ugreen has launched the “Ice Speed X524” charger in China, featuring a compact and portable design using proprietary Airpyra stacking technology.
    2. The charger offers 45 W fast charging capability, capable of charging an iPhone 16 from 0% to 60% in 30 minutes with a compatible cable.
    3. It includes three ports: two USB Type-C ports (up to 45 W each) and one USB Type-A port (max 22.5 W), with specific power outputs when multiple devices are connected.
    4. The charger features a ThermalGuard chip for safe charging by regulating temperature and achieves a 93% energy conversion rate.
    5. The launch price in China is CNY 79.90 (about $11), with no current information on global availability.

    Ugreen has launched a new charger in China called the “Ice Speed X524.” One of its standout features is its compact and portable design. The company claims to use its own Airpyra stacking technology, which allows the charger to be significantly smaller compared to others with similar charging speed ratings.

    Fast Charging Capabilities

    The new Ugreen GaN charger provides 45 W of fast charging. It’s said to charge the iPhone 16 from 0% to 60% in just 30 minutes (using a 60 W 1-foot Anker USB-C cable priced at $5.99 on Amazon). This charger is compatible with many charging standards, which means it can power various devices, including low-power earbuds and smartwatches.

    Port Configuration Details

    The Ugreen 45 W GaN charger is equipped with three ports. There are two USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port. The first two ports can each deliver up to 45 W, while the Type-A port can provide a maximum of 22.5 W.

    When all ports are connected to devices, USB-C1 will output a maximum of 30 W, while the other two ports will each provide 6 W of power. Ugreen emphasizes that the charger features its own ThermalGuard chip, ensuring safe charging even under heavy use by regulating the temperature effectively.

    Efficiency and Design

    The GaN chip featured in the charger is reported to achieve an energy conversion rate of 93%. Additional highlights include an attractive design and several protection features. The launch price in China is CNY 79.90, which translates to about $11. There’s no information yet on when it will be available globally, but Ugreen typically releases most of its products outside of China.

    Source:
    Link

    Ugreen Launches Mini GaN Charger: 3 Ports, 45W Fast Charging

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Xiaomi Watch S4 Launches New Compact 41mm Version

    Xiaomi Watch S4 Launches New Compact 41mm Version

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Watch S4 was launched in China in October 2024 and globally in March 2025, with only the Bluetooth model available outside China.
    2. A new variant, the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm, has received certification in China, indicating a more compact version of the original model.
    3. The new model has a different model number (M2502W1) compared to the standard S4 (M2425W1) and the anniversary edition (M2426W1).
    4. Specifications for the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm are not yet known, but it is expected to have a smaller screen and reduced battery capacity.
    5. The Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm is anticipated to launch alongside other products, including the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro 12.5 and a special edition of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

    The Xiaomi Watch S4 was first introduced in late October 2024 in China, followed by a global release in March 2025. Unlike the Chinese market, where both Bluetooth and eSIM versions are offered, only the Bluetooth model can be found outside of China. Recently, Xiaomi also revealed a 15th anniversary edition of this smartwatch, which features the Xring T1, the company’s first 4G smartwatch chip. However, it seems Xiaomi still has more surprises in store for smartwatch enthusiasts.

    New Variant on the Horizon

    A recent leak indicates that a new version of the Xiaomi Watch S4 is on the way. Digital Chat Station reported that a model called the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm has received certification in China.

    This new variant carries the model number M2502W1, while the standard S4 is labeled as ‘M2425W1’, the eSIM variant is ‘M2424W1’, and the 15th anniversary edition is ‘M2426W1’. From its name, one can infer that this model is a more compact version of the Xiaomi Watch S4. The original model, along with the anniversary edition, has a case size of 47.3mm, which may be too big for users with smaller wrists.

    Specifications Still Unknown

    Currently, there are no specifics available about the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm. It is expected to feature a smaller screen and a reduced battery capacity, likely leading to shorter battery life. Furthermore, it might come in different colors compared to its larger counterparts. However, it remains unclear if this model will also have an eSIM version that utilizes the innovative Xring T1 chip.

    The Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm (currently priced at €139.28 on Amazon.de) is anticipated to launch alongside the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro 12.5 and a special edition of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Lenovo’s New Compact AI PC Features High RAM Capacity

    Lenovo’s New Compact AI PC Features High RAM Capacity

    Key Takeaways

    1. LCFC has launched a mini-PC designed specifically for AI applications, measuring 247.5 x 188.4 x 96.5 mm.
    2. The device features an integrated AMD Radeon RX 8060S and a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU with 16 cores and support for 32 threads, achieving a total AI performance of 126 TOPS.
    3. It includes 128 GB of LPDDR5x memory and dual 2 TB M.2 2280 SSDs, utilizing a fast PCIe 4.0 interface for storage.
    4. Connectivity options comprise several USB ports, a COM port for industrial devices, an HDMI interface, and a DisplayPort.
    5. The mini-PC is priced at ¥13,989 (approximately $1,930) and currently available in China, with no information on international pricing or availability yet.

    LCFC, a company under Lenovo, has revealed a mini-PC tailored for AI uses. It’s important to mention that the term “mini-PC” is a bit broad in this context. While the device is definitely more compact compared to standard desktop computers, it measures 247.5 x 188.4 x 96.5 mm (9.7 x 7.4 x 3.8 in), and it isn’t as small as mini-PCs produced by Minisforum (which you can find on Amazon), for instance.

    Specifications Overview

    Instead of featuring a separate GPU, this model incorporates an integrated AMD Radeon RX 8060S, which is part of the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU. The processor, with its 16 cores, can manage up to 32 threads at the same time, thanks to simultaneous multithreading. Furthermore, it includes a built-in NPU that can deliver 50 TOPS, bringing the total AI performance to 126 TOPS when the NPU, CPU, and iGPU work together. The LCFC mini-PC comes with 128 GB of LPDDR5x memory and two M.2 2280 SSDs, each providing 2 TB of storage through a speedy PCIe 4.0 interface. For internet connectivity, the device supports both Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet.

    Connectivity and Ports

    This unit is equipped with several I/O ports, including one USB 3.2 Gen 2, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, and two USB 2.0 ports, which are perfect for devices that do not need high bandwidth, like input devices. It also seems to have a COM port for linking external devices in industrial environments. For video output, the mini-PC is outfitted with an HDMI interface and a DisplayPort. It recently launched in China, priced at ¥13,989 (approximately $1,930), although details about international pricing and availability have not been revealed yet.

    Conclusion

    With its unique specifications and design, this mini-PC from LCFC is aimed at the AI market. While it maintains a compact form, it still offers robust performance capabilities for various applications. The range of connectivity options and storage solutions makes it a valuable addition for those looking to integrate AI technology into their systems.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • New Multiplayer Farming Sim Launches on Steam with 3,000+ Positive Reviews

    New Multiplayer Farming Sim Launches on Steam with 3,000+ Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Official Launch: Farm Together 2 has launched on Steam for $23.39, with a 10% discount until June 6, 2024, after its early access phase.
    2. New Features: The game introduces terraforming, town building, enhanced automation, and improved farm customization options.
    3. Community Reception: It holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam with over 3,100 reviews, praised for its relaxing gameplay and visuals, but criticized for reduced NPC interactions and less dynamic elements compared to the original.
    4. Future Updates: Milkstone Studios plans to continue development with free content updates, seasonal expansions, and console versions expected by the end of 2025.
    5. Gameplay Style: Offers both solo and multiplayer co-op gameplay, focusing on a stress-free, progression-oriented farming simulation.

    Farm Together 2, the sequel to Milkstone Studios’ relaxing farming simulation game, has officially launched after its early access phase. It’s now available on Steam for $23.39, which includes a 10% discount until June 6. Initially released in May 2024 as an early access title, this sequel aimed to improve and expand on the elements from the original 2018 game, which gained a loyal following due to its easy-going, cooperative gameplay.

    New Features and Improvements

    Throughout the past year, the developers have steadily introduced updates that brought new features such as terraforming, town building, enhanced automation through a tractor system, and better options for farm customization. A significant new feature is the customizable “Town” area, which serves as a central hub for managing various farms, quests, and seasonal events. Players now have greater control over their farm layouts thanks to the new terraforming and decoration tools available.

    Community Feedback

    Currently, Farm Together 2 holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, backed by over 3,100 user reviews. Many players commend the game’s soothing pace, the joy of watching their farms grow over time, and its impressive graphics. However, not all critiques are favorable. Some returning gamers feel that the sequel has reduced certain aspects, like NPC interactions and animal behaviors, making it seem less “alive” compared to the original, even with the quality-of-life enhancements. There are also complaints about the absence of random events that made the first game feel more dynamic.

    Future Developments

    In response to player feedback, Milkstone Studios has assured the community that they will continue development with plans for free content updates and seasonal expansions. Additionally, console versions are planned, with releases for PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $499 on Amazon), Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch expected by the end of 2025.

    Farm Together 2 offers both solo and multiplayer co-op gameplay, making it perfect for those seeking a tranquil, progression-oriented simulation without the stress of strict time limits or complex mechanics. You can explore the game here.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad Getting Taptic Button Upgrade Soon

    Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad Getting Taptic Button Upgrade Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is exploring a future for iPhones with no physical buttons or ports, inspired by the unsuccessful Meizu Zero concept.
    2. The new button technology may feature pressure sensitivity, allowing for varied functions like muting with a long press.
    3. The buttons could also recognize swipes and taps, providing unique haptic feedback for different interactions.
    4. The Taptic Buttons concept might extend beyond iPhones to iPads and Apple Watches, indicating broader application.
    5. There is potential for these buttons to evolve into solid-state controls integrated into the device’s frame, moving towards a seamless design.

    Apple is allegedly working towards a future where its iPhones have no buttons or ports, resembling the Meizu Zero concept that didn’t succeed. In the meantime, the tech giant from Cupertino might be introducing a new type of physical button.

    Innovative Button Technology

    These buttons are said to be different from the mechanical ones found in the latest iPhone 16 models. Instead, they could react to various pressure levels, allowing a volume button to mute the phone with a long press, for instance.

    Moreover, the buttons could detect swipes and taps besides just presses, each with unique haptic feedback. This project, often referred to as “Project Bongo,” was thought to be shelved by Apple before the iPhone 15 series launched. However, a Weibo user named Setsuna Digital believes this information could be incorrect.

    Expansion of the Project

    Additionally, the Taptic Buttons concept might extend to upcoming iPads and Apple Watches alongside iPhones, suggesting a broader application than initially expected. One of these buttons could eventually take the place of features like the Action Button on the Apple Watch Ultra.

    In the long run, there’s a chance these Taptic controls could become solid-state and fully integrated into the device’s frame, which could bring Apple’s vision of a seamless iPhone closer to reality.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • MediaTek Dimensity 9400e vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Performance Test

    MediaTek Dimensity 9400e vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Performance Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400e targets high-performance sub-premium devices and is featured in models like the OnePlus Ace 5 Racing Edition and Realme GT 7.

    2. In benchmark tests, the Dimensity 9400e achieved a single-core score of 2,322 and a multi-core score of 7,777, outperforming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.

    3. The Dimensity 9400e excels in GPU performance, hitting 96 FPS on GFXBench’s Aztec 1440p test, surpassing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4’s 90 FPS.

    4. It demonstrates better power efficiency, delivering high performance while consuming less power than its competitors.

    5. Overall, the Dimensity 9400e shows significant advantages over the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, despite slightly lower benchmark results than MediaTek’s claims.

    MediaTek introduced the Dimensity 9400e last month, aimed at high-performance sub-premium devices. Since its release, this chip has been incorporated into models like the OnePlus Ace 5 Racing Edition, Realme GT 7, and Realme Neo7 Turbo, and it has also been assessed on the OnePlus phone.

    Benchmark Performance

    In tests conducted by Novice Evaluation, the Dimensity 9400e in the Ace 5 Racing Edition achieved a single-core score of 2,322 and a multi-core score of 7,777 on Geekbench 6. This gives it a slight edge over its main competitors—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (2,301/7,421) and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (2,229/7,303).

    Graphics and Power Efficiency

    The advantage extends into the GPU performance, where the Dimensity 9400e reaches 96 FPS on GFXBench’s Aztec 1440p test and scores 5,476 on 3DMark’s WildLife Extreme test. In contrast, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 can only hit 90 FPS on the GFXBench test and falls short on 3DMark with a score of 5,096. Notably, the Dimensity 9400e achieves this impressive performance by consuming less power than both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.

    Conclusion

    Although the benchmark results are a bit lower than what MediaTek advertised, the overall finding is still clear—the Dimensity 9400e outperforms the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with ease.

    Source:
    Link

    MediaTek Dimensity 9400e vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Performance TestMediaTek Dimensity 9400e vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Performance TestMediaTek Dimensity 9400e vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Performance TestMediaTek Dimensity 9400e vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Performance Test
    Tags: , ,
  • Asus ProArt P16 Laptop: Why Only RTX 5070 is a Mistake

    Asus ProArt P16 Laptop: Why Only RTX 5070 is a Mistake

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ProArt P16 is designed for creatives, featuring a black metal design and a touchscreen with stylus support, unlike its gaming counterpart, the ROG Zephyrus G16.
    2. It uses standard heat-pipe cooling, limiting GPU options to the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, which may hinder performance in demanding tasks.
    3. The laptop’s VRAM is limited, potentially impacting tasks like photo and video editing.
    4. The display has been upgraded to a 120 Hz OLED with a resolution of 2880 x 1800, but the brightness levels are lower than competitors, at 360 nits in SDR and 430 nits in HDR.
    5. Overall, while the ProArt P16 is a solid multimedia laptop, it could be more competitive with better display brightness and GPU options.

    The Asus ProArt P16 stands as the creative counterpart to the gaming laptop ROG Zephyrus G16. While the outer design is almost the same, the ProArt P16 does away with the illuminated lid, and it features black metal surfaces. The most significant distinction, however, lies within. Unlike the Zephyrus G16, which can be outfitted with advanced vapor chamber cooling for higher-end GPUs up to the RTX 5090 Laptop, the ProArt P16 relies on standard heat-pipe cooling. As a result, the most powerful GPU available is the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, which still boasts 8 GB of VRAM and offers a performance edge over the older RTX 4070 Laptop.

    Performance Drawbacks

    Along with the modest performance improvements, the limited VRAM can quickly become a hindrance, especially during photo or video editing tasks. It’s puzzling why Asus does not provide the ProArt with more powerful GPU choices, given that the cooling setup from the Zephyrus G16 is accessible. Switching to the Zephyrus G16 isn’t feasible for everyone, as the ProArt uniquely features a touchscreen that supports stylus input.

    Display Quality

    Next, let’s discuss the screen. The 2024 version came with a high-res 4K OLED display, but it was capped at just 60 Hz. Now, Asus has upgraded to a 120 Hz OLED, but the resolution is lower at 2880 x 1800. The display still shows a slightly grainy image when viewing bright content, likely due to the touch layer. Asus still provides precise color profiles for sRGB and P3, but the brightness leaves much to be desired. In SDR mode, we only recorded 360 nits and just 430 nits in HDR mode. Many competitors with OLED technology surpass this performance, not to mention those utilizing Mini-LED displays.

    Overall, the ProArt P16 remains a commendable multimedia laptop, yet Asus could have significantly improved its competitiveness with the MacBook Pro 16 by incorporating a brighter OLED display and a GPU with increased VRAM.

    Tags: , ,
  • Amazfit Launches Four New Wearables: Three Smartwatches This Month

    Amazfit Launches Four New Wearables: Three Smartwatches This Month

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zepp Health will launch four new wearables: Amazfit Balance 2, Balance XT, Active 2 Square, and Helio Strap.
    2. The devices will receive updates every 90 days, with security patches available until June 2028.
    3. FCC listings for all four gadgets suggest an international release is planned.
    4. The Amazfit Balance 2 is already available in China, while the Active 2 Square is an updated model.
    5. Pricing details for the new models have not yet been disclosed.

    Zepp Health is set to introduce four fresh wearables this month: the Amazfit Balance 2, Amazfit Balance XT, Amazfit Active 2 Square, and Amazfit Helio Strap. All these devices have appeared on a Zepp Health webpage and are expected to launch within this month. The wearables will receive updates every 90 days, and security patches will continue until June 2028. As noted by a user on Android-Hilfe, the FCC listings for all four gadgets are already accessible, indicating an international release is in the works. Additionally, the overview page for these devices also confirms PSTI compliance for the UK market. However, specific pricing details for each model remain undisclosed.

    Notable Features of the New Devices

    Previously, we mentioned the Amazfit Balance 2, which is already on the market in China, making it not completely new. The Amazfit Active 2 Square seems to be an updated version, likely taking a square or rectangular shape compared to the Amazfit Active 2. The specifics of the Amazfit Balance XT are somewhat uncertain; it may serve as a more rugged edition of the Amazfit Balance, which is already a reliable device. Lastly, the Amazfit Helio Strap is a fitness tracker featuring a concealed display, which we have previously discussed in another article.

    A Look Ahead

    With these upcoming releases, Zepp Health is expanding its wearable lineup significantly, catering to a variety of user preferences. Each device promises to bring unique features and improvements, although we await further information on their pricing and specifications. The excitement surrounding these new gadgets is palpable, and many tech enthusiasts are eager to see how they perform in the market.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,